Do the cruise lines need to start having folks tip the staff daily ? Or maybe include tips in the price ? All "servicie providing" folks need our support. They work without a promised dime !

This article is not just about "service providing folks" on ships, but all folks in the "service industry".  

Though gratuities are optional whether you dine on a cruise ship or dine in a restaurant, most folks choose to leave tips (unless they’ve had truly bad service).  What about the folks who don't, even after receiving good service ?

Besides the pocketbook, what about these "service providing" folks feelings ?  A person not receiving a tip can only think they did a bad job, right ?  Though folks need and want money (tips) to survive like the rest of us, just them thinking that maybe they didn't provide good service, has to leave them feeling devastating !

Maybe the “lump sum” of the tips onboard a cruise ship is too much for folks to fathom !  Then I suggest to these folks, tip as you go.  This also means your cabin steward and the folks that wait on you up at the Lido (café).

I’ve heard folks express, "Well no one waiting on me in the Lido (café)".  Oh yes they did ! Whether it’s the person who served your plate, the person who cut you a piece of desert, or the person keeping the drink station or a table for you clean.  So please don’t say that !

Did you know the cruise lines only pay these folks $75 A MONTH (heard this long ago).  The rest is up to what the cruisers give !  I’m not suggesting you have to tip over the suggest amount !  But if folks don’t opt to pay the suggested amount, the cruise lines may have to choose to increase the cost of cruising.   Don't these folks too, deserve to feed their family back home ?  

It’s been expressed to me, that often, folks who have never worked for tips or who don’t work on commission only basis, do not realize what it’s like for folks who do.  If 10 folks sit at your table to eat/drink and do not tip or call you, how will you fee your family tonight ?  Or you work on commission only, and folks call you for your expertise, only to buy from someone they don't know !  

Stop and think about it.  These service industry people, whether on a cruise ship, or right here at home, wait on you without every knowing if you are going to leave that tip or buy that product !  These folks are GIVING TO YOU unconditionally !  But unconditionally shouldn't mean to anyone, the act of taking advantage of someone !

You've heard, "time is money" ?  Then using someone's time is worth a little monetary value.  Whether it's a tipping for them waiting on you or reaching to someone who survives on commission, for their expertise advice !  Call it what you may, but not showing gratitude is a form o stealing !  I say, if you don't want to tip, turn to a "Fast Food" joint, where they at least make minimum wage.  And if you're not going to buy your product from an expert, then buy online (and I'm anti online because that takes money from your city/your own pocket) !
 

I have been in restaurants or in stores and watched consumer/customers treat service folks awful !  Acting like it’s the service persons job to bend over backwards !  Well, guess what … You’ve not given them a dime, so how can any of us “expect so much” ?  I know I’ve personally chosen to take a better look at how I think about this.

Only once, I had a customer tell me, “I’m paying you…”.  Whoah ... I guess this person forgot my services are complimentary.  My customers do not pay anything to me, for servicing and managing their cruise.  Unlike most waiter or waitress positions, I’m actually fortunate, if I run across an un-greatful client/caller, I can say “Bye” !

Some folks must truly forget that many services out there are provided for folks services without a cost !  Look at banking and our tellers.  Yes, the teller is paid, but not the bank for providing the service.  Most all "Customer Service" is provided complimentary.  And like in our business, we don't charge an extra dime for access to our Customer Service, over the cost of the product !

The thought for the day is, remember our "service industry folks" !  Put on that happy smile and be overly appreciative … Upfront … FIRST … Even before them !  Continue to think of it as, "they are doing YOU a favor", whether it's providing a service or expertise ! Remember, you may need them again one day in the future and  why not have them remember the "good in you" !

 

 

 

At least for now, Carnival leaves Baltimore in November 2014. What does this mean to you ?

 

First we lose our one and only ship in Norfolk, which had been coming through each May and October.  Now we lose a ship sailing out of Baltimore.

What does this mean to you ?  To our economy ?  And why are the ships leaving/moving ?

Many folks, especially first time cruisers, love the idea of sailing from “close to home”.  It’s enticing to be able to jump in your car or onto Amtrak and quickly get to your exotic vacation, without having to begin in Fla. 

My “high” suggestion, is to take advantage in 2014, of Carnival still being in Baltimore !  Hopefully it will entice Carnival to come back in the near future.  #1, because it’s her last year, and #2, all the money in brings to the East Coast.

Like WBALTV said in their news report, “Officials said losing the Pride means losing the 200 jobs and the $45 million economic impact it generates each year”.  So many folks do not actually realize the money and jobs these ships bring to our region !  Once gone, many folks will be impacted with the change.

Many cruisers wondering why they are pulling out ?  The WBALTV news report states, “Carnival said the redeployment is all about more choices for travelers, but the port of Baltimore said it's all about money and saving tens of millions of dollars in fuel costs.  Also in a year-and-a-half, new EPA rules kick in on air pollution limits for cruise ships. When they're within 200 miles of the U.S. coast, they'll be required to burn a much cleaner, but also much more expensive, fuel”.

Higher fuel cost would mean more cost to the cruisers, so I can certainly see Carnival’s reasoning.  Higher cost doesn’t mean more money in Carnival’s pocket, it just means more money out of your pocket.  However, also, since 7 night cruises from the East Coast, can basically only mean ships can get as far as the Bahamas, it can be cold in the winter.  So it’s a great reason for the ship to move for the winter months.  But again, it means further travel for the cruiser !

I’ve selected a couple dates myself for my clients and their referrals (I just returned from the Carnival Pride; she exceeded my expectations). Along with Motorcoach transportation from Lynchburg (16 couples must travel; lower rate if 25 couples travel).  Travel the day prior, so no hotel needed.  If a person prefers to drive or take Amtrak, the cost for the Motorcoach will be removed.  Also includes $50 per cabin onboard credit when you refer a friend to join !  Prices below are inside/oceanview/balcony/suites.  If you see “call” it means it’s either sold out or I can’t reserve that space without the customers deposit.

March 30 to Apr 6  – 7N

Carn Pride, R/T Baltimore to Bahamas/Grand Turks
From $798(4B)/call/$988(8B)/call

May 25 to June 1 – 7N - Memorial Day Cruise

Carn Pride, R/T Baltimore to Port Canaveral/Bahamas
From $771(4B)/call/$911(8B)/call

 

A 3^rd change we will see, is with the supply and demand for cruises in Baltimore.  With Royal Caribbean being the only ship left, cruisers can expect higher cost.  So my next suggestion is, get your November 2014 – April 2015 cruises booked now, while rates are still looking good !  Before the price climb.  And FYI, Royal Caribbean is only booked in Baltimore till April 2015.  Will she leaving too ? 

Again, I’ve currently reserved 3 dates after Nov 2014.  Again, it includes the cost of Motorcoach transportation, traveling up the day of the cruise (no hotel needed).  As we get closer, these rates will climb.  If not, I will be watching them !

Dec 9 to 19 – 10N

RCI Granduer, R/T Baltimore to San Juan, St Thomas, St Martin – “only 4 dates for this itinerary, all year”
From $ 764(N)/$844(H)/$1454(D2)/call
 
Dec 19 to 27 – 8N – Christmas
RCI Grandeur, R/T Baltimore to Port Canaveral/Bahamas/Key West – “only 7 dates for this itinerary, all year”
From $949(N)/$1094(H)/$1634(D2)/call

Dec 27 to Jan 6, 2015 – 10N – New Years – some great rates here for NY’s !

RCI Grandeur, R/T Baltimore to West Caribbean/Labadee - – “only 5 dates  for this itinerary, all year”
From $1009(N)/$1144(H)/$1834/call

 

 

You can now see the reasoning being my madness of holding this space in Baltimore !  YOU DESERVE TO CRUISE FROM CLOSE TO HOME ! 
FYI, I only have 16 cabins on each sail date; with only 4 in each category of pricing above.  It’s first come first serve.  I’m hoping by reserving this space and providing motorcoach, that more folks will choose to take advantage of our Baltimore cruises.

(434/800) 237-3832

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Vivian M Webb, MCC  - Cruises Inc