Room service and to go food

[LMaxwell]

Sorry if this one has been asked, answered or explained, but does the $7.95 supposed to include the "tip" that some of us would normally give to the person who delivers room service?

 

I, for one, will no longer be giving a tip whether it's the "complimentary" morning room service or if I absolutely have to order it at $7.95 a shot. I also suspect that the poor over-worked cabin person will not get that extra $$ that some might give over and above the normal gratuity. I think NCL knows this, but doesn't care about their employees, either, because they will be getting more money!

Don't know for sure but when I read a charge that is called a fee I assume it is for company revenue

[NCLStarHawaii2003]

Just a reminder that FDR is not making these changes, however, he is probably approving them. The changes are proposed by the President of NCL. This is probably part of a plan to reduce costs in some areas while increasing costs in others (like food quality, etc.) The result will no doubt be a better cruise line.

 

 

 

Obviously, the over-ordering of room service has been an issue for some time and is costing NCL money. So, if you had a choice, what would you choose:

 

 

 

1. Leave the new policy in place.

 

2. Raise fares by 3-5% to cover costs and go back to unlimited room service.

 

3. Have the opportunity to purchase a package that permits unlimited room service.

 

 

 

Keep in mind that things that cost NCL extra $$$ is going to be passed on to passengers. That is the way all cruise lines work (based on what I have read).

 

 

Travelcat2- are you FDR in disguise? It doesn't really matter whether it is the people who surround him, or the guy himself. FDR is clearly the Joe Biden of NCL( thinks he is cool but can't keep his mouth shut - refuses to think before he speaks) so now I will just refer to the supposedly top of the crop at NCL as the "current regime " who by the way " let go" the PR Person responsible for you to " cruise like a Norwegian". IMO, not as smart as they may like to think they are.

[Travelcat2]

Travelcat2- are you FDR in disguise? It doesn't really matter whether it is the people who surround him, or the guy himself. FDR is clearly the Joe Biden of NCL( thinks he is cool but can't keep his mouth shut - refuses to think before he speaks) so now I will just refer to the supposedly top of the crop at NCL as the "current regime " who by the way " let go" the PR Person responsible for you to " cruise like a Norwegian". IMO, not as smart as they may like to think they are.

 

Your comment did make me smile:) Regent cruisers went through changes after Regent was purchased 7 years ago. FDR was CEO. It took a long time to realize that he did have the best interest of Regent at heart (and, I still disagree with him regarding an issue or two). I ask questions because NCL cannot continue losing money in certain areas (assuming that excessive room service orders was causing problems and costing increasingly more money).

 

It is easy to complain and threaten (I was good at it when changes first occurred on Regent) but it does not help the situation. Offering alternative solutions does not always work but it did one time on Regent (a policy was tweaked after it had gone into effect which helped long time customers cope with the change a little better). So, the bottom line for me is to think of other ways that NCL can still receive the money to cover their extra costs without impacting their customers quite as much. (I am against the taking food to the cabin - but do feel that limited room service should be available without cost). In any case - I'm just someone with experience trying to help. Hope I have not offended anyone.

[minnesotamamafish]

I have to say that since I paid for my complementary food in advance, I should have every right to eat it in my cabin. I may be disabled, ill, have unruly kids, be tired, in a rush, want to enjoy my balcony, or just want to be alone. I should not be limited to what is on a boring room service menu and be required to pay $7.95 each time. I already paid for that food and want to enjoy whatever is available that appeals to me at that moment, wherever I feel comfortable eating it.

 

The only "official" statement I've seen from the PR dept. said they "ASK" that people don't bring food to their cabins. Well, if you ask me to, my answer may be "No."

 

If they "ask" me to not leave the buffet or other restaurant with food, I will "ask" them to show me the RULE in writing for me to comply. With their current communications habits, constant changes, and convoluted wordings for things, I don't see that happening. I will be polite and may have to resort to evasion, but until it is absolutely forbidden it appears it is what I am left with.

 

I plan to order from eateries on the waterfront and buffet, wait for the server to go inside, and find a way to my cabin like a cat burglar. (Ridiculous, I know! :eek:) I will happily return my dirty dishes to the buffet to maintain a beautiful clean environment. I will pack zip locks, if necessary. I know they have the right to disembark me for any reason, so I will have to "appear" to comply.

 

There is time before my cruise for an actual policy (not request) to be clarified, printed on the website, and emailed to upcoming cruisers. I welcome them to. But in its absence, I will do what we were permitted to do two weeks, two months, and two decades ago. And that we are still "officially" permitted to do.

 

It is so seriously ridiculous that I'm even thinking this way! Am I the only one?:confused:

[laniriveira]

So, what about the plates etc the room service meals come on? Where do those dishes go? It kinda defeats the purpose of clean corridors!

[knight2096]

Travelcat2- are you FDR in disguise? It doesn't really matter whether it is the people who surround him, or the guy himself. FDR is clearly the Joe Biden of NCL( thinks he is cool but can't keep his mouth shut - refuses to think before he speaks) so now I will just refer to the supposedly top of the crop at NCL as the "current regime " who by the way " let go" the PR Person responsible for you to " cruise like a Norwegian". IMO, not as smart as they may like to think they are.

 

Great post!

[karoo]

I would go with #4 - now might be a good time to expand my horizons and try other cruise lines. The reason I choose NCL is because I always knew what to expect and grew comfortable in the fact that there was consistency regardless of the ship. I even booked the Getaway because I knew staff that that progressed to the new ship. I was a little afraid to venture beyond the brand; but since NCL has decided to become something that I can't count on for consistency , I have a golden opportunity to try something new for my 30th wedding anniversary next year. Thanks NCL for broadening my horizons.

 

 

Like - I'm with you!

[sparks1093]

Just a reminder that FDR is not making these changes, however, he is probably approving them. The changes are proposed by the President of NCL. This is probably part of a plan to reduce costs in some areas while increasing costs in others (like food quality, etc.) The result will no doubt be a better cruise line.

 

Obviously, the over-ordering of room service has been an issue for some time and is costing NCL money. So, if you had a choice, what would you choose:

 

1. Leave the new policy in place.

2. Raise fares by 3-5% to cover costs and go back to unlimited room service.

3. Have the opportunity to purchase a package that permits unlimited room service.

 

Keep in mind that things that cost NCL extra $$$ is going to be passed on to passengers. That is the way all cruise lines work (based on what I have read).

 

"Over ordering of room service is costing NCL money", seriously? The food on the room service menu was available for free in other venues and the staff that delivered the orders was compensated through the service charge. I don't see a lot of expense involved there. And it doesn't really matter where the new change came from, NCL is going in a direction many don't like.

[maywell]

"Over ordering of room service is costing NCL money", seriously? The food on the room service menu was available for free in other venues and the staff that delivered the orders was compensated through the service charge. I don't see a lot of expense involved there. And it doesn't really matter where the new change came from, NCL is going in a direction many don't like.

 

And now NCL is compensating those delivery people with the autotip that's on top of the $7.95 instead of the DSC- I guess NCL felt those passengers should been tip more 'out of pocket" with your line of reasoning and now they technically are.... (The opposite can also be true as well - NCL thought those delivery people were getting too much 'out-of-pocket' tips and wanted to control/limit that).

[sparks1093]

And now NCL is compensating those delivery people with the autotip that's on top of the $7.95 instead of the DSC- I guess NCL felt those passengers should been tip more 'out of pocket" with your line of reasoning and now they technically are.... (The opposite can also be true as well - NCL thought those delivery people were getting too much 'out-of-pocket' tips and wanted to control/limit that).

Many people did tip for room service but your post does not speak to any increased cost to NCL for providing room service. If i were to just order free items from the menu the server gets nothing extra unless i provide an additional tip, the 7.95 goes into NCL's pocket. Fact remains the 7.95 fee is a money grab pure and simple. NCL can make up all the reasons they want to after the fact to justify it but it doesn't change anything and there are some peoplevwho will buy it.

[LadySpoilt]

Many people did tip for room service but your post does not speak to any increased cost to NCL for providing room service. If i were to just order free items from the menu the server gets nothing extra unless i provide an additional tip, the 7.95 goes into NCL's pocket. Fact remains the 7.95 fee is a money grab pure and simple. NCL can make up all the reasons they want to after the fact to justify it but it doesn't change anything and there are some peoplevwho will buy it.

 

Its been my understanding that in the past often the crew volunteered during their off hours for room service duty. And that those tips were theirs (a way for them to make extra money).

 

Now with the 7.95 fee I see little extra money to be made, as I for one won't be tipping for this service. NCL is now responsible for the "tip".

[sparks1093]

Its been my understanding that in the past often the crew volunteered during their off hours for room service duty. And that those tips were theirs (a way for them to make extra money).

 

Now with the 7.95 fee I see little extra money to be made, as I for one won't be tipping for this service. NCL is now responsible for the "tip".

That has been my understanding also but i have also read conflicting reports (big surprise). In any event the cost for NCL to provide room service was very low.

[abe3]

Many people did tip for room service but your post does not speak to any increased cost to NCL for providing room service. If i were to just order free items from the menu the server gets nothing extra unless i provide an additional tip, the 7.95 goes into NCL's pocket. Fact remains the 7.95 fee is a money grab pure and simple. NCL can make up all the reasons they want to after the fact to justify it but it doesn't change anything and there are some peoplevwho will buy it.

 

 

Everything a business does is for a money grab otherwise they won't be in business. We are beating a dead horse with this topic and to think NCL does not care about its customers is crazy. Customers are their business and to make them happy as possible but like in every business you have to make certain decisions that will probably not make everyone happy but also they need to make money off us customers also.

[sparks1093]

Everything a business does is for a money grab otherwise they won't be in business. We are beating a dead horse with this topic and to think NCL does not care about its customers is crazy. Customers are their business and to make them happy as possible but like in every business you have to make certain decisions that will probably not make everyone happy but also they need to make money off us customers also.

Yes but this is driven by Del Rio's desire to get $4 or 5 more from each passenger and to move NCL up on the cruise line hierarchy. Charging a fee for what used to be free does not add value for the passenger. And no, I am not convinced that Del Rio cares all that much about the customer from the statements that I have read.

[harold369]

I enjoy reading all the different comments. There is one expressing their opinion to stop this thread- repeating comments. There are over 700 comments, maybe NCL will get the point. There are two issues, how many guests actually will use stateroom service ??? I have been on over 12 cruises with NCL, on the first day of cruise I am at GUEST SERVICES for information. Only on several cruises there was a sign stating NO UPGRADES which means the SHIP is FULL. That is supply versus demand. So NCL knows it has the upper hand in making new policies, if some guests cancel their cruise , there will be others who will book those vacancies. The new CEO has a vision not like the past CEO. We all have choices as guests, choose NCL or not. Guests are not happy paying for new service charge of $ 7.95 BUT will pay an EXTRA $1000 or more to switch to RCCL or PRINCESS. Go to YOUTUBE.com and there are VIDEOS explaining how to sneak drinks, booze onto the ship. I am sure there will be videos on sneaking food to ones cabin. Women have large purses to carrying food; be discreet. Just return plates to buffet or tip extra your stateroom attendant. I am with the guest who wrote that he gets a chuckle reading the comments. If you have questions, CALL DIRECTLY NCL for information. If thousands hound NCL over this issue MAYBE they might reconsider their decision; I would NOT hold my breath. HAPPY SAILING on which ever CRUISE LINE you sail....

[donsuej]

If we bring Tupperware and slip our omelet in it then it won't fall off in the elevators or stain the carpets!

[punkincc]

Just a reminder that FDR is not making these changes, however, he is probably approving them. The changes are proposed by the President of NCL. This is probably part of a plan to reduce costs in some areas while increasing costs in others (like food quality, etc.) The result will no doubt be a better cruise line.

 

Obviously, the over-ordering of room service has been an issue for some time and is costing NCL money. So, if you had a choice, what would you choose:

 

1. Leave the new policy in place.

2. Raise fares by 3-5% to cover costs and go back to unlimited room service.

3. Have the opportunity to purchase a package that permits unlimited room pservice.

 

Keep in mind that things that cost NCL extra $$$ is going to be passed on to passengers. That is the way all cruise lines work (based on what I have read).

 

You make a big assumption with nothing to back it up when you say that "Obviously, the over-ordering of room service has been an issue for some time and is costing NCL money".

 

Have you cruised with NCL? From my observations, and based on comments and reviews, it seems to me that the vast majority of NCL cruisers in tihe past took their meals out of the cabin unless certain circumstances dictated, like illness, injury, uncooperative child. Who would choose to order from that meager room service selection beyond maybe coffee in the early am and most probably don't even do that. Even the "upgraded" menu is pretty meager and does not even compare to the RS menu at a most hotels. So if what I say is true, then they were not delivering many meals. And, if some people ( probably a small percentage ) grabbed a burger to enjoy on their balcony, this was an expense to NCL how?

 

If you follow the comments made by Mr Del Rio from the beginning, it is obvious to me and many others where this string of fee increases and new fees is coming from. Room Service was simply something that a SERVICE FEE could be attached to, thereby adding to the total of the additionsl $54 per passenger he has set a goal for. We are a "captive audience" ripe for the picking, no? In no way was it to offset a major expense. I am going to eat food somewhere, after all. And their justifications are laughable. "Piles of plates and food waste littering the halls"? Not in my experience, and never saw that repeated here until it came out of the mouth of it's own CEO. Now it is repeated like it is a fact. Now NCL is not only the "Nickel and Dime" cruise line, it is also the "trashy" one, and NCL themselves are putting the word out there.

Edited May 15, 2015 by punkincc

[ColinIllinois]

Did you know that on the main page of threads that you can click on the total number of posts in that thread and it gives you a breakdown of how many times each person has posted in that thread? ;)

[abe3]

Yes but this is driven by Del Rio's desire to get $4 or 5 more from each passenger and to move NCL up on the cruise line hierarchy. Charging a fee for what used to be free does not add value for the passenger. And no, I am not convinced that Del Rio cares all that much about the customer from the statements that I have read.

 

 

Yep that's right. Del Rio is a CEO of a company and he is supposed to get as much profit as possible for his company based on his decisions. Complaining on Cruise Critic is not going to change his mind. The only way he will rethink his decision if profits fall because of his decision of charging room service fee for something that was never offered in the first place. You STILL get the room service for items that was free before. You are paying for an upgraded menu that was never offered before for room service. You have every right to criticize a CEO of a company on policies or changes you don't like but a CEO is hired to look after their business and profits. If you don't like it then go to another cruise line and I am sure they are going to take your money the same way as NCL does to make a profit for their cruise line.

 

Remember Sheehan came onboard people didn't like his decisions but he made a good product even better in my opinion. The jury is still out on Del Rio but I am sure he is going to do whatever he thinks is right not only for NCL but their customers also.

[hpecorari]

Did you know that on the main page of threads that you can click on the total number of posts in that thread and it gives you a breakdown of how many times each person has posted in that thread? ;)

 

Wow, I didn't know that! 31 times I posted out of 768 posts.

 

Okay, now this post makes it 32 times!

 

Harriet

[SAILPRO]

You make a big assumption with nothing to back it up when you say that "Obviously, the over-ordering of room service has been an issue for some time and is costing NCL money".

 

Have you cruised with NCL? From my observations, and based on comments and reviews, it seems to me that the vast majority of NCL cruisers in tihe past took their meals out of the cabin unless certain circumstances dictated, like illness, injury, uncooperative child. Who would choose to order from that meager room service selection beyond maybe coffee in the early am and most probably don't even do that. Even the "upgraded" menu is pretty meager and does not even compare to the RS menu at a most hotels. So if what I say is true, then they were not delivering many meals. And, if some people ( probably a small percentage ) grabbed a burger to enjoy on their balcony, this was an expense to NCL how?

 

If you follow the comments made by Mr Del Rio from the beginning, it is obvious to me and many others where this string of fee increases and new fees is coming from. Room Service was simply something that a SERVICE FEE could be attached to, thereby adding to the total of the additionsl $54 per passenger he has set a goal for. We are a "captive audience" ripe for the picking, no? In no way was it to offset a major expense. I am going to eat food somewhere, after all. And their justifications are laughable. "Piles of plates and food waste littering the halls"? Not in my experience, and never saw that repeated here until it came out of the mouth of it's own CEO. Now it is repeated like it is a fact. Now NCL is not only the "Nickel and Dime" cruise line, it is also the "trashy" one, and NCL themselves are putting the word out there.

 

Agreed 100%

[SAILPRO]

Yep that's right. Del Rio is a CEO of a company and he is supposed to get as much profit as possible for his company based on his decisions. Complaining on Cruise Critic is not going to change his mind. The only way he will rethink his decision if profits fall because of his decision of charging room service fee for something that was never offered in the first place. You STILL get the room service for items that was free before. You are paying for an upgraded menu that was never offered before for room service. You have every right to criticize a CEO of a company on policies or changes you don't like but a CEO is hired to look after their business and profits. If you don't like it then go to another cruise line and I am sure they are going to take your money the same way as NCL does to make a profit for their cruise line.

 

Remember Sheehan came onboard people didn't like his decisions but he made a good product even better in my opinion. The jury is still out on Del Rio but I am sure he is going to do whatever he thinks is right not only for NCL but their customers also.

 

 

Don't forget the shareholders (1st on the list)

 

 

Customers (last on the list) :D

[Cruise4Real]

Yep that's right. Del Rio is a CEO of a company and he is supposed to get as much profit as possible for his company based on his decisions. Complaining on Cruise Critic is not going to change his mind. The only way he will rethink his decision if profits fall because of his decision of charging room service fee for something that was never offered in the first place. You STILL get the room service for items that was free before. You are paying for an upgraded menu that was never offered before for room service. You have every right to criticize a CEO of a company on policies or changes you don't like but a CEO is hired to look after their business and profits. If you don't like it then go to another cruise line and I am sure they are going to take your money the same way as NCL does to make a profit for their cruise line.

 

Remember Sheehan came onboard people didn't like his decisions but he made a good product even better in my opinion. The jury is still out on Del Rio but I am sure he is going to do whatever he thinks is right not only for NCL but their customers also.

 

This is incorrect. The fee for continental breakfast items during the 4 morning hours has been rescinded, but new breakfast items that have been added "attract" the $7.95 "convenience fee." As well, ALL items ordered outside the 4 hour morning window attract the fee. These include some new items added recently, but also include many "old" items that had up to a month or two ago been completely free of any charges.

[maywell]

Punkincc- I didn't know chicken, beef, fish, and pasta dishes plus pancakes, omelettes, bacon and sausage were 'meager' offerings because those options were not on the old room service menu. Honestly, new menu is vast improvement if you don't like hamburgers, 2 sandwiches choices of before and tasteless chicken soup- that pretty much was the free room service menu.

 

Regarding seeing mounds of plates of unfinished food - it was mostly my next door neighbors but then again they were slobs to begin with and even the room stewards couldn't stand them because the room was much a mess when cleaning it (Remember, room stewards pop open multiple doors/cabins to do a mass cleaning) and there was food everywhere in that cabin and outside. Luckily, I sail in the offpeak in the Caribibean where I encounter just that one and not during the school breaks and summer where there more of the nastiness/ messiness. Time of year and/or what types of people are traveling plus the ship amenities affects what one sees - I notice when lots of kids (both college and under 18) travel there's alot of unhygienic things happening, even when its NOT the kids doing it!

[sparks1093]

Yep that's right. Del Rio is a CEO of a company and he is supposed to get as much profit as possible for his company based on his decisions. Complaining on Cruise Critic is not going to change his mind. The only way he will rethink his decision if profits fall because of his decision of charging room service fee for something that was never offered in the first place. You STILL get the room service for items that was free before. You are paying for an upgraded menu that was never offered before for room service. You have every right to criticize a CEO of a company on policies or changes you don't like but a CEO is hired to look after their business and profits. If you don't like it then go to another cruise line and I am sure they are going to take your money the same way as NCL does to make a profit for their cruise line.

 

Remember Sheehan came onboard people didn't like his decisions but he made a good product even better in my opinion. The jury is still out on Del Rio but I am sure he is going to do whatever he thinks is right not only for NCL but their customers also.

Yes that is true. I am saddended because of the direction he wants to take NCL. I greatly enjoyed the old NCL. I booked with another line for next year because NCL was $800 more and unfortunately i don't see that changing.