DCL Picketers

[okwmember92]

Today, leaving the world, DH and I saw picketers standing on the corner of the major intersections at DD. They were longshoreman union men with signs complaining of the wages being paid by DCL even wearing DCL hats. Couldn't read the fine print on the sign but thought it was interesting. They were waving to people as you were stopped at the light.

Anyone else see any of them? and could give more insight as to why they are there?

 

[MarkRG]

Well, I can tell you we saw nothing like that near the port last weekend.

My only comment, the tip structure in place is the best answer; the people earn their money.

The only thing I'd like to see more of is people being honest and showing UP on that last day. I can't tell you how many empty tables there were. And I'm sure it was to purposely stiff their servers. They should shut down room service earlier and close topsiders for dinner that last night, just to get everyone in there.

 

[kajohn]

There was a thread a few months ago about disgruntled porters. That is probably the people the union is picketing about. The porters work for an independent company that DCL contracts with. From what I read, I don't believe they are unionized. When we sailed in February we got handed a flyer by someone as we entered the terminal area, by car. Of course we were too excited about seeing the ship and dropping our luggage to read it. I believe it had something about porters as well.

 

[trishy]

I don't think it's necessarily fair to assume all of those who don't show up to dinner on that last night is stiffing the waiters. On our first cruise, we tipped on Thursday because we ate at Palo Friday night. The kids ate with the club that night to be with their new friends that last evening. Empty tables do not equal stiffers. Maybe we'll have to go on Friday night this next cruise just so nobody thinks we stiffed anybody. I do think that no matter what the service, all staff should be tipped - there should be a minimum along with the "suggested".

 

[MarkRG]

I do understand that some do go to Palo's on the last night, but I'd say a lot more were missing than could have been eating at Palo's on that night. I should have made my sentence not read that absolute, sorry.

 

[trishy]

No problem... but if you think that then maybe others think that and so.... I know where I'll be on Friday night

 

[minniecarousel]

I think we ate at Palo's the last night and gave tip envelopes to the servers the next morning. Since you're supposed to eat in the restaraunt from the night before - it worked for us.

 

[Windermere]

We always tip Saturday morning at breakfast. Unless we know that one of our servers is leaving for vacation - then they get their envelope the night before.

 

[MarkRG]

The room was deserted for us Saturday morning. I think most everyone slept in. So far so that we were the only people on our server/asst server's station. And where I get the conclusion that someone stiffed them was it was a plain as written on their faces when they looked at the empty table next to ours, which was empty both friday night and saturday morning. I think they would hae loved to turn the whole table upside down.

 

[ZebraStripes]

Just another side to the tipping coin....on our four night, we did not go to dinner on the last night....ordered room service and sat on the veranda and we did not go to breakfast the next morning. However, we did go to the dining room before dinner on the last night and handed out tips.

 

[adisneynut]

That would be one way to prevent people from skipping out on the servers. These peole really work hard and it is a shame that some people don't tip. After all they can afford the cruise why not the tips? I know how irrate I would be if the shoe was on the other foot.

 

[4cruisin]

adisneynut,

I was just about to suggest that maybe DCL should just add the suggested tip amounts automatically to the passenger's account. Then, if someone wants to tip more, they can or if they have a problem with a particular server, they would have to go to guest services and change the amount and tell guest services what the problem was.

On our last cruise, our assistant server was not very good. He never made an effort or went out of his way for us. One night, my brother in law asked if he was going to serve us coffee and his answer was no. We laughed at first, then realized he was serious, we never got coffee that night. We were the late seating and I think he was tired and wanted to be done for the night. We never lingered, once we were finished, we left to head out for the clubs so it's not like we were holding him from finishing up for the night. Our server and head server really went out of their way to make up for our assistant's shortcomings. I think they knew he was not doing a good job, although we never said a word to anyone. We still tipped him the suggested amount because he did serve our basic needs and I know that they rely on that money. On the other hand, our head server and server were tipped well beyond the suggested amounts.

The cruise staff relies on tips and it is horrible to think that people would be so rude and mean spirited as to stiff them.

 

[Laura24]

Originally posted by 4cruisin
adisneynut,

The cruise staff relies on tips and it is horrible to think that people would be so rude and mean spirited as to stiff them.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You made me think of of our Feb. 8th Eastern cruise. Each night I noticed table 16 was completely set for a party of eight, second seating (LAP).Not a single person showed up a single night!! Our server was disappointed each and every night they didn't show and he would dutifully break down the settings after a 30 minute wait. That party missed out on excellent service and great humor. I felt terrible for Roland and Joseph. Wonderful team.

 

[jlp651]

I think that just charging the tips automatically is a GREAT idea!
I'm *hoping*and planning on getting great service...I'm even hoping to spend more than expected on tips...

HOWEVER, who and what are PORTERS?? Are they the guys that handle your luggage...I'm sorry but I am more than capable of carrying my own...and with today and security...I'm really not comfortable with someone else handling my bags...sorry...and I don't appreciate it when they just grab at your bags looking for the tip..know what I mean?

I hope this doesn't sounds rough...but just my thoughts...

 

[4cruisin]

jlp651,

On our last 2 trips on DCL, the porters were very visable and helpful and my dh requested help both times (I'm a BIG overpacker ) but I never saw any porters grab luggage without being requested to do so. I would not be happy either if I saw one of them take my luggage without being requested to do so. They really do work very hard to earn their tips and if people use them, I would hope that they would tip them generously.

Nancy

 

[kajohn]

I think most people who use the porters after the cruise tip, because they are requesting them to move their luggage, and they have the option of picking their luggage up themselves and transporting it to their car, limo etc.

However at the beginning of the cruise, there are many people who arrive by car, either rental or their own, limo service, taxi etc, and use the luggage drop off, where you pull up and they take your luggage out of the car, make sure it is taged, and then move it onto the ship and deliver it to the staterooms. Many people I have heard, assume that this is just part of the service, and part of checking in, and do not tip these people.

Unless a person only pack in carryons, or use DCL transfers, they must check their luggage at the curb, so they will encounter porters, who expect to be tipped, (you cannot bring large pieces of luggage into the terminal and check it in there like at the airport).

 

[mmouse37]

The porters are very helpful and courteous at DCL. We had two women help us with our luggage at the port last Saturday when we were dropped off. It was hot and they were working their tails off. We always tip the porters. There is no way anyone could bring their own large suitcases onboard because of the security measure and screeners at the entrance.

They work hard and should be tipped.

MJ

 

[inkkognito]

We tipped them on arrival, too, even though we unloaded at curbside. Since they help with the bags and are doing a hard job, we figure that they deserve a few bucks.
For returning, when people have them transport their luggage to the parking area across the street, I think they frequently tip based on the amount of bags rather than figuring in that long distance too. By walking that far and then having to return, they can service less people and thus get less tips. We give them a little more to make up for that.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[rae519]

Considering how helpful I find the porters to be, I certainly don't mind giving them a hefty tip!!

Rae

 

[jlp651]

What is the standard amount to tip porters?