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HappyInVan

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  1. Of course, Ruth. You're a veteran frequent cruiser. The OBC program works for you. What about the novice cruiser who has never purchased stock directly? They may be tempted by the enthusiasm on this forum. How can we lose? 😁 I would caution them (as an experienced finance guy) that the industry is in a weakened and vulnerable state. Our investors could lose it all during another back swan event in the next two years. That buying CCL is a gamble. Can they afford the loss?
  2. Things are more complicated than that! 😢 Someone with a finance education would tell you that there is capital risk whenever you buy any part of a company (equity, options, debt). Pax have bought CCL at $60. Anticipating that there would be a profit, while reaping dividends and OBC. How can you lose??? Well, turns out that they did. Is it safe to buy at $15, or could the price fall further? Could there be another black swan event? At this point, the industry is in a shaky position. I would not confuse the investment with the cruising decision. At $5, the conglomerate would be bought for its salvage value. Not for OBC. Here's what I'm interested in. Is there anyone who can offer insights into the life cycle of the industry? Floating resorts and smaller luxury ships appear to have strong market appeal. What about the large middle part? That's why someone in the industry might be able to offer guidance. Perhaps, they have heard or read something from the professionals. Do you have anything to offer us?
  3. The difference is that you got the courtesy of a warning. Anyway, I just don't understand why HAL is making a stop in Jamaica. Its gonna be the next Haiti. I would stay onboard and enjoy the sun.
  4. Enjoy your cruise! Its better than a bargain. πŸ˜€
  5. It should now be apparent that this is much ado about nothing. πŸ™„ The OP had exercised his legal right to withhold gratuity. His contract does not specify any limitations. So, he could exercise his right for any reason. Therefore, any objection is merely an opinion. Why does he have this right? To save employees a few dollars a day in income tax by shielding some of the income as gratuity! This is what employees signed onto. These are the rules. Sometimes, a pax exercises his right to withhold. This is how the game is played. Employees must understand that it is what it is. Instead of resentment, employer and employee should reflect on how to improve the customer experience. Do something positive! Some pax complain that they have to make up for the withheld gratuity. As I understand it, HAL has to top up the pool at some point. So, no loss to you. Of course, you can replace the OP's gratuity by donating your own money? πŸ‘ IMHO, everyone needs to have a clear perspective! Ultimately, it is HAL's problem because they own the system. 😴
  6. This discussion has solidified my decision. How much are you willing to pay for a roll of toilet paper? $1 or $20 or $50? I hope that you now have a better understanding of the relationship between employer, employee and customer. Things get difficult when the company messes up. It shows up on this forum. What's the price of CCL today?? BTW, I'm putting you on IGNORE for your own good. Enjoy your cruise!
  7. Respectfully, I would caution pax about tipping for the wrong reason. I used to hand money around in third world countries. Than, I realized that I was sending the wrong messages. Employees deserve dignity. They're paid to do a job. Let them do it. Tip culture can get out of hand. The last time I was in Mexico, the shuttle driver tried to fleece me. Drove pass my hotel. I had to shout at him to turn around. At the hotel, he had a predatory anticipation in his eyes. I gave him the standard tip. He quoted a sum far higher. He didn't get what he wanted. IMHO, MSC has the right policy. MSC makes it clear that you can withhold their service charge if staff performance is unsatisfactory. β€œHowever, should you wish to modify any of the daily Hotel Service Charge in the unlikely event that you do not receive satisfactory service, you may do so by contacting the Guest Relations Manager onboard.” https://www.msccruisesusa.com/manage-booking/before-you-go/service-charges No mention about a blacklist. In fact, tips are discouraged. The customer is always right!!!! Here's the professional part of the MSC system. They have designated the CR Manager as the mediator and arbitrator. Presumable, the CR manger will have the time to discuss the problem with the guest. Explain how things work. Apologize where that is needed. Escalate the problem when it is necessary. Of course, I would tip when the server demonstrates customer focus. Tip extra when the server goes beyond the call of duty. But not out of pity or fear.
  8. Not surprising after the way that some people piled on him! Frankly, I'm disappointed. This is an users forum. Sharing info, high five on the good experiences. Commiserating on the bad. Personally, I would give him a pat on the back, and tell him to try again. "Try to balance the negatives against the positives!" BTW, I agree with him about the forward verandas. I was on K in 4022 to Alaska. There was a huge amount of noise on some afternoons and in the evening. IMO, the worse offender was the synthetic balcony dividers. In high wind, those panels flapped like they were going to tear off. πŸ€• Not a problem on the older ships where the balcony dividers are solid metal.
  9. Quite so. No point jumping to conclusions. It might turn out that it makes no difference to the Asian staff because the tax rates are low for our stewards and sailors. πŸ™„
  10. Excellent! Thanks so much. Now, we have the facts. Looks like what any pax does, will have a negligible effect on crew compensation. Either withholding gratuity or adding to the pool. As I suspected, cash is king. I'll go that route to reward our service heroes. πŸ‘
  11. Yes, but what proportion of their income comes from this gratuity 'tax'? This is what's important. As I understand it, landside F&B servers derive a large share of their income from tips and service charge.
  12. Hi, Sorry. I have a YC booking. Is there a daily service charge or required gratuity imposed on YC pax? On HAL, there is a daily Gratuity of @$17/day PP that can be withdrawn by the pax.
  13. No No! Those folks lack management, business and operational experience. But, they have legitimate concerns. They just need to listen to the people who know what they are doin! πŸ˜‰
  14. This individual was insubordinate. Normally, I wouldn't react to the mistakes made by a new recruit. But, this was an older man. I presume that he was one of the substandard workers left behind on HAL. He certainly stood at attention as I walked by. He was not my steward on that trip. No, I suspect that all the mass lines are pretty much the same. But, HAL is the only mass line that I am familiar with. IMHO, the so-called gratuity should be replaced by a wage increase throughout the industry. With guests tipping only for extra services. However, I wonder if the luxury lines compensate their hotel staff better. Certainly, the luxury ships have a more professional clientele and expect a higher standard from their crew.
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