15% on drinks

Why is their a surcharge on drinks even if I go to the bar and get them myself, I do not mind if the waiter brings them to me or I order via room service but consider it wrong to be charged otherwise.

[ousoonerfanintexas]

It is the way it is because they can. But if you go on Crystal they will only charge you for drinks that have alcohol in them.

OK I do have to agree the 15% added to a bar drink that you get at the bar yourself( no waiter) is kind of sucky, but, what can you do? It's a good think we aren't huge drinkers so it doesn't affect us the way it would some.

PS especially when all the bartender did was open a beer, not even mixing a drink!

[ousoonerfanintexas]

You do have an option don't go on a cruise or pay the "Big Bucks" to go on a luxury line.

If you go into a bar on land and order a drink, do you not tip the bartender?

Actually if I go to the bar and get a drink I usaully just leave " the change" . Most bartenders have a "change cup" near their station, and it is generally filled with coins. Of course bartenders get paid better then waitresses. On ships it seems we have to supplement ridiculusly low wages.

[BobBeaSea]

This 15% is a service charge and it is standard on mass market ships as well as most land based resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. All- Inclusive resorts have factored this charge into the cost of your booking. I tis also standard at some resorts in the U.S. and Canada.

Bob, It is not "standard" in Canada, it may occur in a very few places, but, it is NOT standard. In fact it would be considered very unusaul, and most likely in only a very upscale resort, but then , in the nicer places here the staff is paid respectalbly.

I am aware of the tipping on ships, don't bother preaching to the converted, I just don't happen to think it makes sense in all cases. ( the 15% for opening a beer is one of them, especially when it is not even served to you by a waiter) .

Oursoonerfan, yeah I've heard your harp before. This is a gripe board, we don't all have to agree with you do we? We all know about more expensive lines, and we are not even travel agents. Amazing.

[BobBeaSea]

pg, I said it was standard at SOME resorts in Canada, which it is. In no way did I say it was standard for the country as a whole. That said, this 15% "service charge" is creeping into our society more and more each day. Do I like it? Absolutely not. I'm in agreement with you on this issue.

[Dorothy]

But.....we are talking about 15% of a $2.95-$6.95 drink? Right? Tip being somewhere between 44 cents and $1.00? I *get* the gripe in principal, but in reality that 44 cents-$1.00 doesn't mean a lot to me.

dorothy

Dorothy, I agree, it isn't the money, I just pay and shut up, but really it would be nice if the gratuity was reduced for self serve bar service. I realize that would be hard to do, so this is a go nowhere gripe, just a vent I suppose.

[PeterV]

Actually it would be better if the drinks were priced with the gratuity included, instead of added on..

I always like how they say that they add the 15% gratuity for your convenience. I don't ever think I asked for that convenience.

Cheers,
Peter

[mabo]

Just have a goodtime, people worry about the smallest things. after a few drinks you will not even think about the gratuity

[Flower]

These 15% usually go to a pool and get distributed between the whole bar/wine stuff- including your tea-time server, deck steward, etc...usually are the main part of their earnings onboard( in addition to small salary). Just another way that the cruise lines use not to pay the servise personell itself.

[Flower]

Crystal guests are the BEST people to work with!