Thread: Service Charge

How easy is it to change the service charge amount? Can you just go to the desk and ask for an adjustment?

The only reason you can change the service charge is if management is not able to resolve an issue that you have with service.

If you have an issue you need to go the the reception desk and state your problem. They will work to resolve the problem. If they are not able to resolve the problem they will give you a form with which you will be allowed to adjust your service charges accordingly.

If it is a budgetary issue you can also prepay them prior to you cruise. That is a good way to keep you cruise budget under control.

If it is a matter of not wanting to pay them because you don't feel the need to tip because of cultural differences, I can't help except to say "When in Rome...".

Enjoy your cruise.

PE

The true voice of experience has spoken....listen to John because he knows all things NCL.

Originally Posted by Planersedge

The only reason you can change the service charge is if management is not able to resolve an issue that you have with service.

If you have an issue you need to go the the reception desk and state your problem. They will work to resolve the problem. If they are not able to resolve the problem they will give you a form with which you will be allowed to adjust your service charges accordingly.

If it is a budgetary issue you can also prepay them prior to you cruise. That is a good way to keep you cruise budget under control.

If it is a matter of not wanting to pay them because you don't feel the need to tip because of cultural differences, I can't help except to say "When in Rome...".

Enjoy your cruise.

PE

The only thing that I would add to this is that you can increase your service charge in this same manner or by giving additional money to the people who you choose. The service charges also go to the people behind the scenes helping to make you cruise enjoyable.

I have never felt the need to adjust my service charge down on any cruise ship. On the rare occasions that there is a problem or concern I make sure that I speak to someone and resolve it right away. I have frequently given more because the service and experience has been extra special!

Sounds like some intrepid lawyer or politician might grab hold of this one since it is a non-stated charge when you book the service. Wasn't there a big law suite two years ago when the fuel surcharges mysteriously appeared on people's bills at the last minute?

Originally Posted by nealberk

Sounds like some intrepid lawyer or politician might grab hold of this one since it is a non-stated charge when you book the service. Wasn't there a big law suite two years ago when the fuel surcharges mysteriously appeared on people's bills at the last minute?

That's right, you call them "auto extortion". We will agree to disagree on this topic.

PE

I am not sure we are disagreeing!

Well, you can't really say the charge is not known. This is from the NCL FAQs online and I'm sure it is also in their brochures. They make a distinction between tipping and the Service Charge.

What about Tipping?

Guests should not feel obliged to offer a gratuity for good service. However, all of our staff are encouraged to "go the extra mile," and so they are permitted to accept cash gratuities entirely at the discretion of our guests who wish to acknowledge particular staff members for exceptional or outstanding service. In other words, there is genuinely no need to tip but you should feel free to do so if you have a desire to acknowledge particular individuals.

Also, certain staff positions provide service on an individual basis to only some guests. We encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities. For example, for guests purchasing bar drinks the recommended gratuity is 15 percent. For guests purchasing spa treatments the recommended gratuity is 18 percent. Similarly, for guests using concierge and butler services, we recommend they consider offering a gratuity commensurate with services rendered.

What's the service charge?

Why is there a service charge?
The reason there's a fixed service charge is an important one: Our Crew (as are the crew from other lines) is encouraged to work together as a team. Staff members including restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and behind-the-scenes support staff are compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programs that your service charge supports.

How much is the charge?
Onboard Service Charges are additional. A charge of $12 per person per day will automatically be added to your onboard account.

Are service charges across the board for all guests?
All guests 3 years or older.

How do I prepay my service charges?
Contact your travel professional and request that it be added to your cruise reservation. If you have not made final payment this will be included in your final payment amount or if final payment has already been made we will require full payment at the time it is added.

At what point in the booking process can the prepaid charges be added?
They can be added at anytime up to 24 hours prior to sailing.

Why would I prepay my service charges?
The convenience of pre-paying the service charges allows you to plan your budget prior to your cruise giving you additional freedom while on board.

If I cancel my cruise are the service charges refundable?
Yes! The service charges are 100% refundable.

If there is a service issue can the service charges be adjusted on board?
Guest satisfaction is the highest priority at Norwegian Cruise Line. We have structured a guest satisfaction program designed to handle any concerns about service or on-board product quickly and efficiently. However, in the event a service issue should arise during your cruise please let our on-board reception desk staff know right away, so that we can address these in a timely manner. It is our goal to reach a satisfactory solution to any issue when it happens and make sure our guests can focus on enjoying their cruise. Should your concerns not be met with satisfaction you can adjust the charges.

Char, all I am saying is that if the fees are not included when you print your bill and offer to pay by credit card or whatever, then it is a "hidden" charge.

I am definitely being the devil's advocate here.

Originally Posted by nealberk

Char, all I am saying is that if the fees are not included when you print your bill and offer to pay by credit card or whatever, then it is a "hidden" charge.

I am definitely being the devil's advocate here.

Of course you are! That's your job! (I think it's in the fine print of your contract with CLF)