Cruises, Cruise Deals & Cruise Holidays

Actually on NCL it is a SERVICE CHARGE not pre paid gratuties as it is with other lines, that is why it is contracted. However it seems due to the number of Brits on board Jade they are being reluctantly more flexible which they are not on their US ships - and why should they be. However we live in a global village, tips or service charges are common all over and particularly on cruise ships (and have been for a long time), at the very least you are obiliged to pay them, if you do not want to do so then simply sail with a line that includes them in the fare - Seabourn, Silversea etc. The fact is if you do not pay those sailing from the UK will end up paying more in fares as for instance the Australian market did in the 80s - the crew simply would not go there because they were not earning money and the cruise lines therefore paid them more leading to fares being increased. Bear in mind that when this happens you then have "on costs" which the line would then have to add on to the original amount thus making it even more expensive - for instance it might be $15 a day instead of the $12. Traditionally (even on UK ships) right through the 20th and now the 21st Century crew have rely on tips to earn a reasonable wage, we all know BEFORE we go that they are there so they should be paid. IF there is a service failure then take it up then and there and have it fixed - the cruise line really wants you to, but to refuse to pay the charges is unreasonable and reflects badly on the next Brits taking your place. IMHO

As one of the "Fellow Brits" i removed the tips as i was not happy with the service at all ( Tables not being cleared , ignored by bar staff , etc... see my review ) It is not contracted , just taken for your convieniance !! If everyone done this they might buck there ideas up and give everyone the service you were luckly given , but not all of us ......

$12 per day is not a lot of money over 3 days, but for, say, an 18 night cruise it is a considerable sum (can't be bothered with the maths). Why not just add it to the initial cost of the cruise and say 'tips included'. No argument then.

Sorry to make this comment but if you say you have been on the Jade before but this last cruise was the best. I would hate to think what the other cruises were like. May I suggest you try Princess Cruises and see what cruise entertainment is all about.