Soda Pkg - tips NOT included

[AmysonHenry]

I recently read a thread on here where the OP was concerned about funny looks from the bartenders and the feeling that they were doing something wrong by not tipping when they ordered a soda from the soda package they had purchased. If I remember right, other posters reassured them that the tips were included in the soda package; therefore, they need not feel like they were stiffing the bartenders for a tip.

 

However, i just received my Welcome Aboard booklet from NCL and it states:

 

"Enjoy unlimited soda fountain visits each day. Adult and teen soda packages are $6.25 per person, per day (13 and older), and the children's package is $4 per person, per day (12 and under). Prices do not include 15% gratuity and applicable taxes..."

 

So, umm...are you guys tipping every time you get a soda? Because I never have on other cruiselines, always thinking the tips were already paid. I don't want to short anyone their tips but the price of having unlimited sodas on board is really getting up there now. What do you all think?

[Cruisinwiththekiddo]

The 6.25 and 4.00/day do not include the gratuities or taxes. Once you purchase, either through Bon Voyage gifts or onboard, you can expect to pay the 6.25 * # of days, and then the 15% gratuity and taxes on top of that.

You can also see this information on the NCL website under Bon Voyage gifts.

[che5904]

I've never ordered the soda package but I was under the impression that it was 6.25 pp / day + 15% gratuity paid at the time of purchase. So there should be no reason for funny looks since the gratuity was already charged at the time you purchase it.

[che5904]

The 6.25 and 4.00/day do not include the gratuities or taxes. Once you purchase, either through Bon Voyage gifts or onboard, you can expect to pay the 6.25 * # of days, and then the 15% gratuity and taxes on top of that.

You can also see this information on the NCL website under Bon Voyage gifts.

 

I think you can avoid any taxes by waiting until you are in international waters.

[AmysonHenry]

Ok thank you; this make sense that you would pay the gratuities and taxes when you buy the package. Now when I re-read the excerpt in the booklet I can see that is probably what it means. Thanks!

[Tralynn]

I recently read a thread on here where the OP was concerned about funny looks from the bartenders and the feeling that they were doing something wrong by not tipping when they ordered a soda from the soda package they had purchased. If I remember right, other posters reassured them that the tips were included in the soda package; therefore, they need not feel like they were stiffing the bartenders for a tip.

 

However, i just received my Welcome Aboard booklet from NCL and it states:

 

"Enjoy unlimited soda fountain visits each day. Adult and teen soda packages are $6.25 per person, per day (13 and older), and the children's package is $4 per person, per day (12 and under). Prices do not include 15% gratuity and applicable taxes..."

 

So, umm...are you guys tipping every time you get a soda? Because I never have on other cruiselines, always thinking the tips were already paid. I don't want to short anyone their tips but the price of having unlimited sodas on board is really getting up there now. What do you all think?

They are just telling you that tips are not included in that price, so you won't be surprised when you purchase the package and 15% is added. Tips are added at the time you purchase the package. It will be right there on your receipt.

[DISNEY1975]

I think you can avoid any taxes by waiting until you are in international waters.

 

:confused:

[jame_g]

While the ship is in port they are usually required to adhere to local laws and charge sales tax on purchases. Once the ship is in international waters, they don't have to charge sales tax. This is also why it's not the best idea to purchase the soda card ahead of time.

[Cruisebehindthescenes]

While the ship is in port they are usually required to adhere to local laws and charge sales tax on purchases. Once the ship is in international waters, they don't have to charge sales tax. This is also why it's not the best idea to purchase the soda card ahead of time.

 

Also why the duty free shops are closed in port.!

[sparks1093]

While the ship is in port they are usually required to adhere to local laws and charge sales tax on purchases. Once the ship is in international waters, they don't have to charge sales tax. This is also why it's not the best idea to purchase the soda card ahead of time.

 

You don't need to be in international waters, just outside the jursidiction of the city/state imposing the tax, which is not that far in most cases. (Or you can sail out of Florida which doesn't have a sales tax:)).

[ronn772]

(Or you can sail out of Florida which doesn't have a sales tax:)).

 

We do have a sales tax in Florida... at least 6% (could be more depending on the city/county that you are in).

[sparks1093]

We do have a sales tax in Florida... at least 6% (could be more depending on the city/county that you are in).

 

Oh, NCL never charged it so I figured there wasn't one. My bad and thanks for the correction!

[NMLady]

I recently read a thread on here where the OP was concerned about funny looks from the bartenders and the feeling that they were doing something wrong by not tipping when they ordered a soda from the soda package they had purchased. If I remember right, other posters reassured them that the tips were included in the soda package; therefore, they need not feel like they were stiffing the bartenders for a tip.

 

However, i just received my Welcome Aboard booklet from NCL and it states:

 

"Enjoy unlimited soda fountain visits each day. Adult and teen soda packages are $6.25 per person, per day (13 and older), and the children's package is $4 per person, per day (12 and under). Prices do not include 15% gratuity and applicable taxes..."

 

So, umm...are you guys tipping every time you get a soda? Because I never have on other cruiselines, always thinking the tips were already paid. I don't want to short anyone their tips but the price of having unlimited sodas on board is really getting up there now. What do you all think?

 

Even though the price quoted doesn't include the 15% gratuity, when you actually buy the soda card you ARE charged the gratuity.

 

Think of it as going to a store, seeing a price, and then paying more because the price didn't include the tax.

[keystoneboarder]

While the ship is in port they are usually required to adhere to local laws and charge sales tax on purchases. Once the ship is in international waters, they don't have to charge sales tax. This is also why it's not the best idea to purchase the soda card ahead of time.

 

Sorry Jame, but you are way off. International waters have nothing to do with charging tax The price for an 7 night adult soda package is $50.33 INCLUDING tax and gratuity regardless if you purchase it before or during your cruise. I get it every time.

 

Also, it doesn't matter if you buy the soda package on day 2 (like I did when we were in international waters) The price is the same as NCL doesn't pro-rate. If you want the soda package, buy it before or right when you get on board and the price will be the same for the entire week.

 

Finally, the duty free shops and casino are closed in port so people will go to shore to spend their money. Not because NCL doesn't want you to stay on board and spend money.

 

OP - the tip will be added to the price of the soda package and never worry about tipping for sodas again. The bartenders know you already paid it. Besides, if you don't have to ring up a receipt every time you get a soda, the only way to tip is to leave cash. Don't worry about it.

[sparks1093]

Finally, the duty free shops and casino are closed in port so people will go to shore to spend their money. Not because NCL doesn't want you to stay on board and spend money.

 

The duty free shop is closed until you hit international waters or they would have to charge Federal tax on cigarettes and alcohol (which you will pay if you exceed the allowance). The casino is closed in compliance with local laws and regulations.

[che5904]

Sorry Jame, but you are way off. International waters have nothing to do with charging tax The price for an 7 night adult soda package is $50.33 INCLUDING tax and gratuity regardless if you purchase it before or during your cruise. I get it every time.

 

Also, it doesn't matter if you buy the soda package on day 2 (like I did when we were in international waters) The price is the same as NCL doesn't pro-rate. If you want the soda package, buy it before or right when you get on board and the price will be the same for the entire week.

 

Finally, the duty free shops and casino are closed in port so people will go to shore to spend their money. Not because NCL doesn't want you to stay on board and spend money.

 

That's interesting, we were told by the Casino manager that they were not allowed to open because the port location did not legally allow them to open.

[DevCruise]

That's interesting, we were told by the Casino manager that they were not allowed to open because the port location did not legally allow them to open.

 

Because the port locations want you to get off the ship and spend money in the port.

[che5904]

Because the port locations want you to get off the ship and spend money in the port.

 

FYI I was responding to "While the ship is in port they are usually required to adhere to local laws ", which was corrected by "Sorry Jame, but you are way off." I actually responded that we were told it was to adhere to local laws. I wouldn't doubt local laws are put in place for people to spend money in port, but regardless to the reason it is still due to local laws.

[sparks1093]

Because the port locations want you to get off the ship and spend money in the port.

 

The local government gets their money from the port charges and probably don't care if you leave the ship or not. The merchants on the other hand...

[DevCruise]

The local government gets their money from the port charges and probably don't care if you leave the ship or not. The merchants on the other hand...

 

Where I live, the local merchants have a lot of pull with the city council and get all kinds of laws passed to their benefit. I'm sure it works the same in other tourist areas.

[sparks1093]

Where I live, the local merchants have a lot of pull with the city council and get all kinds of laws passed to their benefit. I'm sure it works the same in other tourist areas.

 

All depends, democracy doesn't exist everywhere.

[bonvoyagie]

This is really a chicken and egg thing - yes there are local laws that prohibit ships from operating casinos and duty free stores while in port. These laws were written by the local government - which is often made up of local businessmen - who look out for their own interests.

 

So actually both answers are correct :D