Drink gratuity

[Anonny]

When purchasing a drink onboard, a 15% gratuity is automatically added. I'm fine with this. Unless the bartender had done something special for me, I don't add anything.

Imagine my surprise when I got a printout of my onboard charges partway through the cruise and saw a 56¢ additional gratuity added to my "drink of the day"! The guest services CM would not remove it. It is not a huge amount and I was not going to spend time fighting it. But, what if the bartender regularly does this?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

When purchasing a drink onboard, a 15% gratuity is automatically added. I'm fine with this. Unless the bartender had done something special for me, I don't add anything.

Imagine my surprise when I got a printout of my onboard charges partway through the cruise and saw a 56¢ additional gratuity added to my "drink of the day"! The guest services CM would not remove it. It is not a huge amount and I was not going to spend time fighting it. But, what if the bartender regularly does this?

That would definitely rate a comment on the comment card, or a direct e-mail to DCL, if it happened to me. I don't understand why the Guest Services CM wouldn't remove the charge.

 

[Anonny]

I didn't think to get a comment card onboard.

If I follow up, I'd also mention how "connect at sea" was not satisfactory.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I didn't think do get a comment card onboard.

They usually place them in your room at the end of the cruise for you to fill out.

 

[Anonny]

Oh, yes! We rated our servers and stateroom attendant excellent, as requested.

In a very small space on the form, we wrote unhappy with Connect at Sea and bar gratuity. I'm not expecting a response.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Oh, yes! We rated our servers and stateroom attendant excellent, as requested.

In a very small space on the form, we wrote unhappy with Connect at Sea and bar gratuity. I'm not expecting a response.

I always take extra paper (or use the paper in the desk) for additional comments space. DCL does read all comment cards.

 

[DCLSailing]

I use the paper in the desk as well and have also requested from the front desk. I've even received letters/post cards back from Disney on multiple occasions following my (positive) feedback that was provided. They definitely appreciate all of the feedback in my experience.

 

[dsdeleon]

I had major issues with the pool bartenders on the Dream. They not only put addl gratuity but also added a whole other drink! I also used the comment card but it really made me mad. They don't explain the iPads at all so it's very easy to hand it back where they can still click in additional stuff.

 

[Sharon Harpa]

I didn't think do get a comment card onboard.

 

[MUN]

When purchasing a drink onboard, a 15% gratuity is automatically added. I'm fine with this. Unless the bartender had done something special for me, I don't add anything.

Imagine my surprise when I got a printout of my onboard charges partway through the cruise and saw a 56¢ additional gratuity added to my "drink of the day"! The guest services CM would not remove it. It is not a huge amount and I was not going to spend time fighting it. But, what if the bartender regularly does this?

Are you sure you didn't add the 56¢ extra gratutity? I would be very suprised if the bartender took it upon himself to add 56¢ to the tip line.

MUN

 

[amie416]

Is the drink of the day discounted? Seems like it could just be a billing adjustment if the drink is half price but the 15% gratuity is based on the full price of the drink.

 

[cruisehopeful]

You can write the total on your receipt when you sign it. That way, additional gratuity cannot be added. I do that everywhere, not just on cruises.

 

[Heard02]

We've had a 1.00 gratuity changed to a 10.00 gratuity before.....we had it removed.

 

[wcw57]

.56 times maybe 500 passengers? maybe. $280. Niiiiiice

 

[MUN]

.56 times maybe 500 passengers? maybe. $280. Niiiiiice

Seems like a good way to get fired.

 

[wcw57]

unless it's an "understood" practice among the bartenders/staff

 

[Anonny]

You can write the total on your receipt when you sign it. That way, additional gratuity cannot be added. I do that everywhere, not just on cruises.

This is what I should have done!

 

[Anonny]

Is the drink of the day discounted? Seems like it could just be a billing adjustment if the drink is half price but the 15% gratuity is based on the full price of the drink.

I have the guest folio printout in front of me.

Frozone - Liquor - $5.46 ( that's the drink of the day at $4.75 plus .71 for the 15% gratuity)
Next line
Frozone - additional gratuity- .54
This drink came from one off the wandering bar guys.

The next day, my drink of the day was $5.46 from Signals bar. No additional gratuity.


Weird!

 

[aidtrismommy]

I noticed this too while on the Dream in November. I didn't have the proof because I didn't save my receipts but I always got one drink of the day in a regular cup and I knew the price of them and also did not add additional gratuity. When I looked at my print out one day, I was charged more for a couple of the drinks. It wasn't a huge difference but it left me wondering. Next cruise I will save all my receipts and show them to guest services if there is an issue.

 

[amie416]

Hmmm... That's definitely something to watch out for.