"Double Dip Delight" 09.27.2008 - Chapter 4!

[googles111]

Denise, I tried that code you sent for Budget (W81000) and it wasn't working. I did find 2 other ones if anybody wants them. They are through Costco so you have show your membership card. BCD# W852802 and coupon code # UUPZ011.

I got rental full size car for $23.72 before taxes. After taxes and a booster seat it was $41.03.

 

[nenner1]

Let me know if we are totally out of line.

We weren't planning on paying the FULL recommended tip for the dining room servers for Sarah. (not stiffing totally just not paying the full amount). I mean she is barely 4 months old. She can't even sit in a high chair, so they don't even have to "get" that for her. She does not eat any solids (though will just be starting rice cereal when we cruise, which I am bringing from home and will be preparing and feeding to her myself). I just don't see where she is really getting the service. Do the restaurant servers see an infant of that age as a true "person" they should receive a tip for???? Has anyone else ever taken babies that little, and if so how have you handled the dining room tips?

Of course we are giving the full amount for the stateroom host/hostess as they will be performing service that actually directly affects her (pack n play, diaper genie, etc.) In fact we will probably tip them MORE, lol!

Just curious if the general consensus agrees or if we should reconsider how we plan on doing that.

 

[FatCat]

Let me know if we are totally out of line.

We weren't planning on paying the FULL recommended tip for the dining room servers for Sarah. (not stiffing totally just not paying the full amount). I mean she is barely 4 months old. She can't even sit in a high chair, so they don't even have to "get" that for her. She does not eat any solids (though will just be starting rice cereal when we cruise, which I am bringing from home and will be preparing and feeding to her myself). I just don't see where she is really getting the service. Do the restaurant servers see an infant of that age as a true "person" they should receive a tip for???? Has anyone else ever taken babies that little, and if so how have you handled the dining room tips?

Of course we are giving the full amount for the stateroom host/hostess as they will be performing service that actually directly affects her (pack n play, diaper genie, etc.) In fact we will probably tip them MORE, lol!

Just curious if the general consensus agrees or if we should reconsider how we plan on doing that.

I do not think that your thought process is incorrect. Just keep in mind that your servers you will see all over the boat. You will see them at breakfast, lunch, counter service, dessert and other events. You may not get service from your assigned wait staff but you will receive service none the less. So the tip your waiters receives also encompasses the service that you will receive from all the servers as a whole for the other meal you eat.

 

[ntheory]

I am very into Detail. Mrs FatCat thought it was just a phase and I would grow out of it. (Along with other odd habits)

LOL! I'm detail oriented, too - as is dh. We get frustrated with those that aren't. It was just interesting to me that you know the menus at every place someone has mentioned! LOL!

Let me know if we are totally out of line.

We weren't planning on paying the FULL recommended tip for the dining room servers for Sarah. (not stiffing totally just not paying the full amount). I mean she is barely 4 months old. She can't even sit in a high chair, so they don't even have to "get" that for her. She does not eat any solids (though will just be starting rice cereal when we cruise, which I am bringing from home and will be preparing and feeding to her myself). I just don't see where she is really getting the service. Do the restaurant servers see an infant of that age as a true "person" they should receive a tip for???? Has anyone else ever taken babies that little, and if so how have you handled the dining room tips?

Of course we are giving the full amount for the stateroom host/hostess as they will be performing service that actually directly affects her (pack n play, diaper genie, etc.) In fact we will probably tip them MORE, lol!

Just curious if the general consensus agrees or if we should reconsider how we plan on doing that.

I will be interested in that, too, as my niece is taking a 9 month old. She will have to have a high chair, though. We weren't sure what needed to be done since she doesn't even pay for going on the trip.

 

[pfishgirl]

Let me know if we are totally out of line.

We weren't planning on paying the FULL recommended tip for the dining room servers for Sarah. (not stiffing totally just not paying the full amount). I mean she is barely 4 months old. She can't even sit in a high chair, so they don't even have to "get" that for her. She does not eat any solids (though will just be starting rice cereal when we cruise, which I am bringing from home and will be preparing and feeding to her myself). I just don't see where she is really getting the service. Do the restaurant servers see an infant of that age as a true "person" they should receive a tip for???? Has anyone else ever taken babies that little, and if so how have you handled the dining room tips?

Of course we are giving the full amount for the stateroom host/hostess as they will be performing service that actually directly affects her (pack n play, diaper genie, etc.) In fact we will probably tip them MORE, lol!

Just curious if the general consensus agrees or if we should reconsider how we plan on doing that.

The Tips cost are just there as a "guideline" and you should not feel obligated to tip a specific amount.. I agree with you, why add an extra tip for an infant whom won't be needing any dining assitances?

We also don't think the Head Server should get a tip when he/she doesn't do anything more then say Hello..

 

[FatCat]

The Tips cost are just there as a "guideline" and you should not feel obligated to tip a specific amount.. I agree with you, why add an extra tip for an infant whom won't be needing any dining assitances?

We also don't think the Head Server should get a tip when he/she doesn't do anything more then say Hello..

Our Head server actually did a lot and helped with special requests.

Outside of that the Head Server actually does a lot that is unseen.
They expedite the service behind the scenes.

 

[videoman]

Just received a call from Disney....

They were confirming my Palo & Spa reservations

It must be getting really close now

 

[videoman]

The Tips cost are just there as a "guideline" and you should not feel obligated to tip a specific amount.. I agree with you, why add an extra tip for an infant whom won't be needing any dining assitances?

We also don't think the Head Server should get a tip when he/she doesn't do anything more then say Hello..

I also have used the head server quite often...Like Fat Cat said they do alot of the behind the scene work...Need your time changed...table....celebrations...ect

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Work has gotten in the way of my DIS'ing today!

Welcome, Mary & Chad! As Drea (I think it was) mentioned, be sure to check out Post #1 and don't be shy to chit chat with us!

Yes, Shell......I have been a VERY good girl!!

Thanks for the cough! Tipping Guidelines are in Post #1. I also have more updates to the matrix that Nenner1 Jen created (which includes Character Breakfasts), however, I won't be able to post that until I get home to make it a jpg file. So if you're planning to print Post #1 and you haven't already, hold off another 4-6 hours please!

I wouldn't doubt if you guys come up with even more suggestions for Post #1, which is fine with me. Just keep in mind that I will not be updating it starting next Friday as I'll be dotting my I's and crossing my T's so I can head out NEXT SATURDAY!! (OMG that sounds weird!) So get those requests in ASAP!

I suspect we'll be pretty slow on here again this weekend as we're all in vacation release crunch time!

 

[pfishgirl]

Our Head server actually did a lot and helped with special requests.

Outside of that the Head Server actually does a lot that is unseen.
They expedite the service behind the scenes.

It is different if they actually DO something...
We have only not tipped the Head Server once, and that was because we couldn't find him..

 

[googles111]

Well, I started making a list last night of what I am going to pack...does that count? If I don't work tonight, I'm hoping to get my clothing together for at least during the day.

I want to start packing. I don't really have space to put my suitcase anywhere but my room. I can already hear Mike complainning about the suitcase in our floor in the room. Oh well, it's only 2 weeks right? HA..

I put in the request to my son's middle school principal (he is in 6th - this is a new school for him) and she got back to me last night and will excuse 2 of the 5.5 days he is missing. She also said "it shouldn't be a problem as long as he continues with good attendance otherwise." I'm not sure what that means but it sounds positive so....I'll take it! whew! Our school is closed 1.5 days while we're gone for the Jewish holiday and she is excusing 2 additional.

WHAT? They will only excuse 2 days. I would be so upset! I would go in there and make an appt. with the principal and say this is the only time your family can go on vacation and it's not like he is always taking days off from school. Luckily my kids principal sent in an okay. If she didn't I would have gone in there and told her my husband doesn't get "normal" vacation time like other people. We have to take it when we can since we can't go in the summer. Usually they don't want kids to take days off of school because they don't get paid for it.

 

[ntheory]

I suspect we'll be pretty slow on here again this weekend as we're all in vacation release crunch time!

I'll be around. I have some things to do for the trip this weekend, but my laptop can tag along. I'm working on shirts tomorrow.

 

[Buckeye Gal]

Here's a new-for-me rumor about a dry-dock enhancement.

 

[Selket]

WHAT? They will only excuse 2 days. I would be so upset! I would go in there and make an appt. with the principal and say this is the only time your family can go on vacation and it's not like he is always taking days off from school. Luckily my kids principal sent in an okay. If she didn't I would have gone in there and told her my husband doesn't get "normal" vacation time like other people. We have to take it when we can since we can't go in the summer. Usually they don't want kids to take days off of school because they don't get paid for it.

Well...I'll take what I can get. We are not so restricted with my husband's job - it is simply that the cruise is so darn expensive in the summer - I'd have a hard time justifying it to myself. I am hoping that the teachers will work with us so the issue of excused or unexcused isn't a problem. She said not to worry about it....so I'm not! LOL!

 

[LuvtheEars]

Am I the only one not planning on doing laundry?

I'm going to bring some detergent as a "Just in Case" thing. I'm not planning on doing laundry on the ship! For those who plan to do laundry, this will free up more machines for you!

I wear capris most nights. You'll be fine.

That's all I'm bringing for casual night dinners also.

Coming late to the online party...but will be seeing you all in a couple weeks.
Mary & Chad

Welcome! The more the merrier!

Anyone having problems with Gas Prices? We are having stations charging over $5.50 a gallon here in the Raleigh area. There are some stations with lines so bad that the police were called for crowd control. Doug was saying this all stems from IKE shutting down a large refinery for a couple of days. The Governor of NC has even stepped in to control the "Price Gouging(SP)" Is this happening anywhere else?

Tiffany

 

[nenner1]

Thanks for the cough! Tipping Guidelines are in Post #1. I also have more updates to the matrix that Nenner1 Jen created (which includes Character Breakfasts), however, I won't be able to post that until I get home to make it a jpg file. So if you're planning to print Post #1 and you haven't already, hold off another 4-6 hours please!

OH! You're a DOLL!
Thanks I thought about adding that stuff but I've just been soooo busy.
Don't ask me why I didn't put it there to begin with.



Thanks for everyone's $0.02 on the tipping.
I'm not stingy when it comes to that...I just wasn't sure about this situation.

Only 12 more nights of work for me. (Or is it 13?) Sounds like a lot to all of you probably...but I'm thrilled!!!

Still not done with my magnet designs but I'm starting printing and FE assembly this weekend. Plus going to organize "the Pile" and try to put together a final shopping and packing list. I *may* start steaming our formal clothes and some ironing. Maybe.

We aren't woried about anything currently in the Atlantic....except the wave that just came off Africa...I think that one will need an eye kept on it.

Happy Friday! (LOL Friday is tonight for me!)

 

[ntheory]

Anyone having problems with Gas Prices? We are having stations charging over $5.50 a gallon here in the Raleigh area. There are some stations with lines so bad that the police were called for crowd control. Doug was saying this all stems from IKE shutting down a large refinery for a couple of days. The Governor of NC has even stepped in to control the "Price Gouging(SP)" Is this happening anywhere else?

Tiffany

DH had to get gas on the way home from work. He couldn't even get into the gas station of choice and had to go somewhere else. Prices here are only $3.89 so far, but what a mess.

 

[anewmac]

We also don't think the Head Server should get a tip when he/she doesn't do anything more then say Hello..

I AGREE... now if they do something for ya great. I had issues with ours on our RCCL BOOZE CRUISE. Suffice to say he got nada from us! and a TIP/note in his tip envi

Work has gotten in the way of my DIS'ing today!
SAME HERE and its a friday whats up with that LOL

Thanks for the cough! Tipping Guidelines are in Post #1. I also have more updates to the matrix that Nenner1 Jen created (which includes Character Breakfasts), however, I won't be able to post that until I get home to make it a jpg file. So if you're planning to print Post #1 and you haven't already, hold off another 4-6 hours please!
DOH'

I wouldn't doubt if you guys come up with even more suggestions for Post #1, which is fine with me. Just keep in mind that I will not be updating it starting next Friday as I'll be dotting my I's and crossing my T's so I can head out NEXT SATURDAY!! (OMG that sounds weird!) So get those requests in ASAP!
WOOOHOOO!!!!!!

I suspect we'll be pretty slow on here again this weekend as we're all in vacation release crunch time!

Im going for a gals weekend friend of mine is in from Minnasota need to get my liver prepared for the cruise

It is different if they actually DO something...
We have only not tipped the Head Server once, and that was because we couldn't find him..

Weird ours was very friendly the last night lol saw him everywhere LOL

I want to start packing. I don't really have space to put my suitcase anywhere but my room. I can already hear Mike complainning about the suitcase in our floor in the room. Oh well, it's only 2 weeks right? HA..
HAHA I just moved ours from our closet (we have a big walkin) to our room have a big space on E's side... well did LOL) E said what the heck? then just went about his business I think he has learned not to question anything anymore.. just let me have my OCVP moments and carry on


WHAT? They will only excuse 2 days. I would be so upset! I would go in there and make an appt. with the principal and say this is the only time your family can go on vacation and it's not like he is always taking days off from school. Luckily my kids principal sent in an okay. If she didn't I would have gone in there and told her my husband doesn't get "normal" vacation time like other people. We have to take it when we can since we can't go in the summer. Usually they don't want kids to take days off of school because they don't get paid for it.

The boys absences arent excused either. they will still count as missed days just that their teachers are ok with them missing.. really what can they do NOT allow us to take them out LOL

Anyone having problems with Gas Prices? We are having stations charging over $5.50 a gallon here in the Raleigh area. There are some stations with lines so bad that the police were called for crowd control. Doug was saying this all stems from IKE shutting down a large refinery for a couple of days. The Governor of NC has even stepped in to control the "Price Gouging(SP)" Is this happening anywhere else?

Tiffany

I heard ours is going up also.. but were not THAT bad.. surprizing too since.. well we pay and arm and leg for everything in CALI lol. We were high in the summer... right now its $3.63 for the cheap stuff hear it may be going up aprox 15cents. Oh well guess that may be my last fill up before we leave YEAHHHH

 

[crissichef]

Denise, I tried that code you sent for Budget (W81000) and it wasn't working. I did find 2 other ones if anybody wants them. They are through Costco so you have show your membership card. BCD# W852802 and coupon code # UUPZ011.

I got rental full size car for $23.72 before taxes. After taxes and a booster seat it was $41.03.

Tonya, Try W810000 or W810001 and see if that is any cheaper. They were from Mousesavers.

Crissi

 

[Nette]

I don't know how you military wives/moms do it.

DH is in the Nat'l Guard and has been gone all week to "help" with the hurricane... yeah, our tax dollars at work are him sitting in a hotel room in Corpus Christi. I have to keep telling myself he's getting paid for his normal civil service job AND sitting in a hotel room and that means maybe we can afford an upgrade at the port (if there are any). I don't think I could manage otherwise.

He just got back a couple of weeks ago from his "two weeks in the summer". I'm not a great mom... I totally can't handle him being gone. I end up melting down every couple of days. I can't imagine what you must go through when your husband (or wife!) is gone for months on end.

I know how lucky I am that he's eligible for retirement now, and that if he sticks it out another year the retirement benefits go WAAY up, and that I will be glad for that when the time comes, but on days like today when everything is going wrong, I just want to scream. (Calgon take me away!)

At least the "big boat" (as we call it in our house) is only 2 weeks away! All three of us need a vacation desperately. (Though, I suspect my boss isn't thrilled as he thought we'd be WAY past this release before I left...)

Ok, rant over... thanks.