Five ways passengers are getting even with cruise lines

rogue · April 29, 2009

As much as I love steak, I wouldn't order it.

JoeyandDavid · April 29, 2009

As much as I love steak, I wouldn't order it.

I want to make them feel guilty for offering...

rogue · April 29, 2009

As much as I love steak, I wouldn't order it.

I want to make them feel guilty for offering...

I'm sure you can do that. They should feel guilty even if they were just considering to do it.

Peddler · April 29, 2009

I think what he is talking about as mandatory gratuities is that Carnival puts them on your sign and sail card automatically...it can be removed or adjusted as the pax sees fit...I think (IMO) that this was done due to so many skipping out with out leaving a grat.

I eat steak, no seafood, and if they start charging for steak then I guess I'll revert to hamburgers or chili dogs...I can see a charge in a specialty restaurant, but not in the main dinning room. RCI is talking that a bit too far (again IMO)

Later

Jim

DebbieandJerry · April 29, 2009

I agree with Howard's original statement about nothing in life is free and that the traveler certainly did not do his homework before embarking on his vacation.

I also agree with Debbie that the author most probably wanted to write a controversary article just to see how the readers would respond.

As for me, I will continue to cruise because I still believe that it is the best vacation for your money.

coloradocruisers · April 30, 2009

I think what he is talking about as mandatory gratuities is that Carnival puts them on your sign and sail card automatically...it can be removed or adjusted as the pax sees fit...I think (IMO) that this was done due to so many skipping out with out leaving a grat.
Jim

That's what I was thinking Jim, but it is misleading in the article. They're automatic, but not mandatory.

Longboysfan · April 30, 2009

At the same time, cruise lines have quietly imposed new fees in an apparent effort to raise onboard revenues. Perhaps the most aggressive to date has been Royal Caribbean, which recently added a $14.95 surcharge for passengers ordering a filet mignon in its main dining room and a $3.95 "late-night service charge" for onboard room service orders placed between midnight and 5 a.m.

I am very concerned about this to add a surcharge for food in the dining room is outrageous IMO and $14.95 at that..... I can see the late night surcharge..( less personal less overhead cost savings plus revenue) personally i would make it in effect after 1 AM ..

As to the ways passengers are getting even the author is full of it... IMO This guy wouldn't know a port hole from a bung hole

Yes. It is doubtful the author has ever cruised before. But he would know about being a bung hole. :rolleyes2:

TheSkipper · May 1, 2009

I agree the article is a "crock." I've never had a problem saying no on a cruise ship and if somthings costs more than I think it is worth, I don't buy it. What a concept. :biggrin:

Agree with Jim, all the way.

elfed · May 1, 2009

Thanks Debbie for the article. It's absolutely true of course. But what upsets me the most apart from drink prices, extra dining charges etc is the automatic tipping which is added to your bill before the ship sails !!! I am totally against this nonsense and on embarkation evening I go to the pursers desk and have these gratuities removed. More so now after reading a recent article about a passenger asking a lido deck waiter if he shared in these tips. The waiter told him no. None of the servers or waiters get anything in the way of a shared payout. It goes to the cruise line which is what I suspected all along.

I know if it wasn't for the amount of smoking permitted at All Inclusive resorts, we would probably take more vacations on land as they are more All inclusive than ships despite what others may think.

Regards,

James.

WilNic · May 11, 2009

I agree, this must have been the first cruise for a want it all for nothing passenger. As for the late night food service charge, I agree also. Have you ever seent he waste on the trays outside the cabins, because someone "got the munchies" and never aste the food anyway? Some just like to use the system and spoil it for others. No matter what, it is great to have options and cruising has to be the best deal out there! So get real, let the moths out of the wallet and enjoy.

P.S. At least on Carnival, you can change or even opt out of the gratuities. Don't forget, these people live on tips and are not paid as well as others people, that's why you don't see Americans staffing cruise ships. If you have ever seen an American staffed ship, you would not want to go back as the service/attitude is really poor.

Gotta get back to packing for Alaska Southbound the 20th - can't wait!

Read and post cruise reviews