Need information about repostioning c...

Author Message   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 1818 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 03:50 am:    I'm with you Cherry. I always disliked the last night being sure to have the right amount and all the envelopes. This way, it is added and if you wish, you can just had someone a little something extra. I do like the idea of the phone card, may do that this year on our Texas to England cruise.   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 4629 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - 10:41 pm:    The reason Holland-America Line went to the system of billing passengers $X per day per person, and then distributing that as tips to the servitors, was that some passengers misunderstood the "tipping not required" rule. HAL still wanted us to tip (as proved by the printed suggested guidelines for room steward, dining room steward, assistant dining room steward) but they did not REQUIRE it. They counted on people liking the service so much that they would WANT to tip. But many people thought otherwise and did not tip as expected. We always did tip, but it was Just One More Thing to make sure we brought the right amount of money in different denominations, and got envelopes before the last night, and labeled them, and counted out the cash, and remembered to take them to the dining room... I personally prefer the current system of billing the tips (instituted just maybe 3 few years ago?) that brings HAL in step with just about all other cruise lines, because it means the crew gets the money that was expected in the first place. People can still opt out but I think that is EXTREMELY rare.   Tom Jackson Advanced Member Username: Tombo Post Number: 258 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - 10:05 pm:    Doris - My wife and I have made four Holland cruises (Oosterdam twice) with the first in 2000. Each time we were given the "suggested amount" for each passenger to be handed out on the last night of the cruise. I just assumed it has always been that way as it was on other cruise lines. According to Frommer's the daily tipping rate is between $8-$12 per person with the most cruise lines suggesting $10-$12 per day is the norm. More or less depending on your level of service.   Doris Noblet Senior Member Username: Dorknob Post Number: 755 Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - 08:23 pm:    In reference to tipping on Holland America cruises, either I'm older than most of you or else have been cruising longer (first cruise was in 1975), but at one time Holland America had a "no tipping" policy. We always tipped, but it wasn't expected. Crew pay must have been better in those days!   Tom Jackson Advanced Member Username: Tombo Post Number: 257 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - 11:32 am:    Lee - Give me another month. Then watch out. We however do agree somewhat, kind of. And are saying pretty much the same thing, I think. I use the cruise ship suggested guidelines for tipping. If I get what I consider outstanding service, I like to go beyond the suggested amount by rewarding them for doing a great job. If the service is average or below, I tip less. I don't drink, so the bartender gets nothing. Most of the ship/hotel porters are salary. But I still give two bucks a bag for their help and glad it is them and not me lugging those bags. Why not gvie a little extra for folks who work strictly for tips. You give the hotel maid a couple of bucks and she is on salary. Same-same. The tips added to your bill (except bartender) is optional and I always declined that option. I think it is better to give the person money direct an is a little more personal. And as stated eariler, the other reason I do, I know the service people get the money and not the cruise line. And that is my thoughts. Run Lee, Run.   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 4622 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 10:53 pm:    Another thing we like about Holland-America (and its over-all culture of genuine service with a smile) is that we always see the head waiters/maitre d's working right along side the table stewards during meals--refilling glasses, helping to carry plates in and out, etc. On the cruises we've been on those guys are quick to pitch in and help wherever they see it's needed, without "pulling rank." Back before H-A went to the automatic $10/day pp charge for tips we always gave the headwaiter a little something at the end of the cruise because we did appreciate their dedication and helpful attitude. So you can see there is quite a variety of opinions on this whole topic!   Leland Senior Member Username: Leland Post Number: 3976 Registered: 05-2006 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 09:08 pm:    I hate to disagree with Tom J (who might be able to outrun and catch me now) but I think the $10/day that is automatically assessed is plenty. When I am in a hotel I usually leave $2/day as tip for the maid. On ship, we eat most of our meals in the buffet, maybe one meal every other day in the dining room. We don't use room service and we rarely use the bar. I think that remaining $8/day is plenty.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 943 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 09:03 pm:    Trish: The Ryanair fee sounds about right...of course you would be charged for a "priority boarding" fee (if you chose to get it (IMHO, it's worth the money)), a on-line processing fee, and a pick-up ticket at airport fee (assessed unless you are an EU resident). Still all that would be just a few Euros more...still a great bargain by US standards! You could get the exact cost by running the figures up to the point where you have to enter your credit card to get a "real" total. PS: Go head and book your checked baggage ajead of time...it will save you euros! Happy Travels, John   Mark Earl Bennett Sr. Member Username: Snulafecto Post Number: 10 Registered: 08-2008 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 08:48 pm:    Wow! Thank you all for such wonderful tips! You have NO idea how much this is helping us "first-timers"!!! We've looked at all the suggestions regarding driving from Rome to Paris and decided against doing so. Therefore have been looking at Ryan Air (which we've used before and understand is bare bones) but have a question that I cannot seem to find an answer to on their website. A late flight from Ciampino to Paris is listed at zero Euroes with taxes at 46 Eur. So it appears the total cost (other than checked baggage) is 46 Eur. Is this legit? Also, the flight goes into Beauvais and I'm not sure where that is in relation to transportation into Paris. Other flights on EasyJet (we've never used this) show flights into Orly, from which would seem easier to make our way into Paris. Any suggestions? Again, thanks to all for your help. PS--we'll hunt down some phone cards at the PX as that sounds like a really neat little gift. Had no idea the people who work on these ships make so little in wages. Trish   Kenneth E Cantrell Member Username: Kcantrell Post Number: 31 Registered: 06-2007 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 05:27 pm:    I usually bring a telephone card for my cabin steward and give it to him the first day. They have always seemed to really be grateful for this and I get excellent service for the rest of the cruise. Most wait and service staff call home when they get to get off the ship in some of the ports, so this gets used and saves them some $$$. I also never tip the Head waiter or Matri de, and if the waiter or helper is on the ball first couple nights I give a little extra up front.   Computerdoc Member Username: Jblunt Post Number: 7 Registered: 03-2007 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 05:11 pm:    I highly recommend the website cruisecritic.com. My wife and I went on our first cruise this last November to the Mediterranean, and found the website to be a wealth of information of all kinds. Click on the Boards link at the top for access to many message boards and forums. As for the specific topic of tipping, we tipped according to the cruise ship guidelines, and also gave a few dollars each time to the person who delivered room service to us.   Tom Jackson Advanced Member Username: Tombo Post Number: 256 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 03:49 pm:    Phyllis you are 100% correct. Having been on that end of service work while going to college, I know how little they make and I like to give a little extra. The wait staff and room stewards are the woker bees on a cruise ship. I very seldom give money to the head waiter. In most cases I never see him until it is envelope time at the end of the cruise. Sorry dude. As far as room service: I usually tip the room service folks a dollar or two each time they come to the room and let them know up front, that I like my food piping hot and not luke warm. I also tell them, I like extra bread and butter with my meals. So far I get what I asked for with a cheerful smile to boot and sometimes a little extra TLC like free glasses of wine when we dine in. It is pretty much the same for the room steward. If we need an extra lounger/chair or towels, a dollar or two goes a long ways and they are Johnny on the spot when it comes to honoring your requests. I also don't add my tips to my credit card. I want to make sure the money goes directly to the workers and not the cruise line for a job well done. It is always cash with a meaningful thank for the fine service. And that is my thoughts.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 1813 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 01:50 pm:    Tom, I stated in my last post, "If you want to add more you can, on the last day/night, you can give an envelope to who ever you want to tip more to." We most time give more to our room stewart and the wait staff. Any of the drink you pay for will have a 15 - 18% tip added when you get the bill. I know the folks on board work for tips, and if our service is good, we do tip the ones we feel should get more. I have never gone and said I wanted to tip less. The one that gets me is the head waiter, who you see the first night, and after that you will hardly see him. But he get a big part out of the dinning room staff money.   Garee Michael Harrison Intermediate Member Username: Gareemharrison Post Number: 86 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 12:45 pm:    We did it! We booked a balcony on the Oosterdam March 14-April 1st. We are so excited. We have been on 4 cruise 5-7 days but this will be our first long repositioning cruise and we are making lots of plans. We are looking at the port excursions and a few folks have given advice about what to see and do. We are open to all suggestions. We love to eat...love to see new things and are pretty daring. Husband doesn't like "heights" but can be presuaded to try exciting things. We like dress up but also like casual eating so we will do both. We signed up for Open seating but I guess we can change our minds when we finish our paperwork with Holland American. I read where the Bennett's have signed up too. Anyone else? Thanks, Carol and Mike in Ocala   Tom Jackson Advanced Member Username: Tombo Post Number: 255 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 12:38 pm:    I going to disagree with with Phyllis and Cherry. I think tipping should be up to the individual and the service received. All service personnel work for tips only and room and board. Which is still not a whole lot of money. As most of you know, these people worked some really long hours for a minimum salary. Most of them work 7 days a week and up to 3-6 month without a day off. Why not give them a little extra? A dollar here or a dollar there. That's my thoughts.   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 4619 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 12:02 pm:    Cruise line tipping: As Phyllis wrote, just about every cruise line now charges $10 to $12 per person, per day, for tips. This money is shared out among all the worker-bees according to a formula developed by the ship's personnel. (Holland-America was one of the last to go to this system.) However, if you think you got poor service you can ask at the office to have the amount reduced. Therefore, do NOT tip anyone who brings room service food or drink to your cabin. Do not tip the bar personnel either, when you get a before-dinner cocktail or a nightcap. Don't worry--they'll get their fair share, and they truly do not expect anything from individuals during the cruise. But IF you think you are getting really great service, you can of course tip anyone some extra cash. Almost nobody does this (but I do know one couple who give their Room Steward some money--at the START of a long cruise, not at the end. They claim it does wonders [although the level of service on Holland-America is so good I am not sure how it could be improved])!   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 1812 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 03:47 am:    As Cherry said, no need to tip room service. Are you sure you are being charged $60 per day per person? This very high, and I would want to know what it was for. Most ships will add $10 pp/pd to your bill. If you want to add more you can, on the last day/night, you can give an envelope to who ever you want to tip more to. If you feel your service was not good, you can go to the pursers office and tell them you do think you want to tip the amount they say that person will get. If you just booked your trip, you should not have a fuel surcharge, so again, I would ask what the $60.00 is for. One thing I do is take along a couple of zip lock bags, the storage or small size. I will go by the buffet in the morning, before leaving the ship, put some dried fruit in a bowl, take it to our room, than put it in the bag as a snack for when we are off on a day trip. Also you might want to take along a small bottle something to use to wash out your personal things, some folks also shampoo for this. You can hang them in your bathroom to dry. If you booked a balcony, I have used two belts between the chairs as a cloths line, not in port, just at sea.   Mark Earl Bennett Sr. Member Username: Snulafecto Post Number: 7 Registered: 08-2008 Posted on Monday, January 19, 2009 - 12:22 am:    Phyllis and Cherry, Thank you SOoo much for your suggestions! I've ordered the book by Anne Vipond, look forward to receiving it and will, at trip's end probably leave it with our kids in Lille, France as they are hoping to take another cruise while stationed there. We've decided to drive to Charleston, park the truck and rent a car to FLL to arrive close by the day before sailing. Being jeans and sweat pants folks it looks like we may be forgoing the "formal" nights; thanks for the tips @ attire! A couple other questions tho...what is the protocol regarding tipping? If you order room service (something we have NEVER done) do you not tip the person? How are we billed for this? I know we have an account set up now that will bill our credit card for $60pp/day...is this the gratuity for service? In addition, we are now toying with the idea of renting a car and driving from Rome to Paris vs. Ryan Air. Have posted this question on the Off Topic area too so hope I'm not overstepping rules here. We've made four road trips to Alaska in the past 5 years so wonder if the drive from Rome to Paris would be as scenic or as easy.?? Also, any suggestions for rental car agencies?   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 4602 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 11:43 pm:    Phyllis obviously has the wardrobe thing down to a science! Your husband can 'get away with' any coat and tie for the 'formal' nights but he may feel a little better in a dark suit. We women can wear just about anything we like on those nights and claim it's "dressy." (I normally wear a silky top and dark slacks, like Phyllis.) You could consider boxing up and mailing any excess clothing home (mark it "used personal clothing: no commercial value" and it should sail through customs, but it may cost a fair amount to do so and take a long time to arrive). OR...as an alternative, don't take any fancy clothes with you and just don't GO to the dining room on "formal nights"! We've done that before. Instead you simply eat in the more casual restaurant (the "Lido" on Holland America), or get room service to deliver dinner to your stateroom. (No need to tip the room service waiter--they all share in the tips for which you are billed.) (If you are seated at a table with other folks, it's a kindness to tell them and the waiter beforehand any time that you know you won't be there the next evening--that way they don't delay their own dinners while waiting for you.) (If you booked so late that you are forced to take the late dinner seating [because many of HAL's clientele generally prefer the early seating], and you don't like to dalay eating that long--you can dine at the Lido or in your stateroom EVERY night. We've done that, too!) Personally I would fly (or drive a one-way rental car) to Fort Lauderdale the day BEFORE you are due to sail, and stay that night in one of the many hotels/motels in the area (see AAA book or call any of the national chains) that will give you a free ride the next day to the dock. This is to make sure you don't miss the sailing because of traffic or weather. HINT: When you check in tell them RIGHT THEN that you need a ride to the port the next day, and get your name put on their list, preferably with a scheduled departure time. Otherwise if you wait til the next day to ask, you may be delayed getting a lift because they will be shuttling guests from late morning to late afternoon. And as Phyllis points out, if you don't have to retrieve your personal vehicle from anywhere you are able to be much more flexible in your return space-a flights. Feel free to email me (click on my name to the left) if you have more questions. Holland America is our favorite cruise line, and we've actually been on the Oosterdam although not going trans-Atlantic.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 1803 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 09:45 pm:    I would do a one way car rental to the ship. Drop it off and most of the car companies will give you a ride to the cruise terminal. This way you can try for a hop back to Norfolk, Charleston or any place on this side of the pond, than do another one way car rental to get to you home. I would pack light, one bag each, we don't get to formal on formal night. My husband has in the past left his sport coat on board, as it was an older one and he didn't want it anymore. I like to take a black dress & a pair of black slacks, some different tops to go with them and that is my dress for evening meals. For day, just some slacks a few tops and good walking shoes. Try to stick with just a couple basic colors and than you can inter change them. If you have some things you want to get rid of this is the perfect time, just leave them on the ship and you will have room in your bag if you do any shopping. I have a book I like to take with me it is called Mediterranean By Cruise Ship, by Anne Vipond. It will give you good info on the ports.   Mark Earl Bennett Sr. New member Username: Snulafecto Post Number: 5 Registered: 08-2008 Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009 - 09:09 pm:    We just booked a balcony cabin on the March 14th sailing of the Oosterdam. After 31+ years of active duty, Hubby has been on many "cruises", but this is our first one for pleasure. Now the challenge is figuring out the best way to get to the port. We live very near Camp Lejeune, NC so not sure whether to drive to Charleston AFB, drop the truck in long term parking and rent a car to get to FLL. This plan would be with the hope of catching a return hop from Spangdahlem or Ramstein back to Charleston. We're planning to take Ryan Air from Rome to Paris to meet kids stationed in France. Does anyone have any tips on a reasonable place to stay near FLL? Or for that matter any tips for first time cruisers? Thank you, Trish   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 921 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 04:41 pm:    Carol: Have used Vacationstogo.com and have had great service/price. One other option is to talk to the folks at USAA and see if they match the price and service...last time I checked they were the same price as V-T-G.com but also have outstanding service. Happy Travels, John   Garee Michael Harrison Intermediate Member Username: Gareemharrison Post Number: 84 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 12:15 pm:    We are pending on the cruise. Is either discounts company better....VacationToGo or Cruise Con? The price is about the same but VacationsToGo seems to be more aggressive in their response to questions. He did tell us that all the OceanView left were obsturted view which I was glad to find out. We were leaning towards balcony because we just like it better. The USAA insurance seems good and we will go with that too. We so appreciate those who have gone before us taking the time to give good tips and things to do or at least consider. We will probably take the CruiseConnection to Ft. Lauderdale because it is right to the ship and we would have to go to a rental car agency and hope to be taken to the ship. Anyone out there planning on March 14-April 1st. We will fly back from Naples around the 8th of April. We probably will go to Souda Bay and then back thru Naples the next day. Thanks everyone!!!! Carol in Ocala   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 1795 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2009 - 01:40 pm:    Carol, I just got the insurance for our one in April and it was $60.00 each from USAA. Different phone number, call 877 771 1189. It is based on what you paid/pay for the trip, you age and how long the trip is. Have fun.   Garee Michael Harrison Intermediate Member Username: Gareemharrison Post Number: 79 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2009 - 01:15 pm:    Thanks everyone, we received some great tips and I think at this point we have more reasons to go on this trip March 14-April 1 than not. Who have you dealt with concerning cruise insurance? At our ages, one never knows what can happen over-night. We have never taken it out because our trips were round trip to ports here in Florida. With all the logistics involved with this trip, we are thinking it might be a good idea to take out trip (cruise) insurance. I have heard many folks say deal with someone besides the cruise line for insurance. Any thoughts. CruiseConnection.com has a daily trip from Ocala to Port Everglades and we think this will probably be the way we go. The drawback is...6am departure. What the heck we are awake at 4:30am most days, why not dress and go. Thanks for giving us this information. All of you are great! Carol in Ocala   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 1790 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Friday, January 09, 2009 - 05:11 pm:    Carol, we had done two crossing and getting ready for our third. I like them, the sea days are what you make of them. We leave from Galveston, since we are in Texas to start. If you check with Hertz, I would think you can do the one way, and have them take you to the ship, that is how it did work in Galveston. We have taken one week trips fro Ft. L, and yes we used a bus from the ship to get there, but we were in the Tampa area. It stopped at several ships before getting to our ship, so I think it is not one line, but a service offered, in the past, by the lines. I'm with Doris on this I do like Holland American very much. The only down side I can see is they are a bit more formal, and if you are space A'ing back you will have more to carry back. We have in the past had the balcony and enjoyed it while in port and on sunny days at sea. Have fun and enjoy.   PR Senior Member Username: Pretzlaff Post Number: 968 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Friday, January 09, 2009 - 02:25 pm:    bus service: http://www.connect2cruise.com/   roger johnson Intermediate Member Username: Rwjohn6 Post Number: 83 Registered: 05-2008 Posted on Friday, January 09, 2009 - 10:27 am:    I have rented a car many times in Lake Wales and droped off at Ft Lauderdale for cruises. I just booked on for repositioning cruise in April for $58.   Lester Green Member Username: Rtgreen5 Post Number: 21 Registered: 03-2007 Posted on Friday, January 09, 2009 - 03:47 am:    Carol and Mike: Having gone to graduate school at the U of F in Gainesville, I know that you can rent a car in Ocala and drop it off in Ft. Lauderdale. Also, there is a train that travels down the coast towards Miami with intermitant stops. I know that there is a stop at Starke as we used it and I believe that trains may go through Ocala. If not, you can always take a bus South if either of these options don't work out. The easiest way may be to park your car on Base at Jacksonville and make your way South by rental car, train or bus as I have indicated, as Lauderdale is only about 300 miles from Jacksonville. On your return leg, if you fly into this Navy base, you'll be ready to return home. If you think that there is cruise transportation to Lauderdale from North Florida, call Holland American (800-391-6258) or the port at Fort Lauderdale to inquire about what is available.   Garee Michael Harrison Intermediate Member Username: Gareemharrison Post Number: 78 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2009 - 08:41 pm:    We have always had a balcony but since it is March 15-April 1st, we thought it a bit too cold across the Atlantic. We may reconsider because we will be in the Med for 6-7 days and believe that would be great seeing the ports. Somewhere, I saw someone taking a transportation service and wondered if it went to Ft. Lauderdale from any place here in Florida. Does anyone know of such? Carol   Doris Noblet Senior Member Username: Dorknob Post Number: 754 Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2009 - 07:05 pm:    Carol and Mike, you'll find that on a repositioning cruise you usually spend a lot of days at sea, especialy from Europe to the States. I personally prefer this to leaving the ship in foreign ports to sightsee. If you don't mind spending some extra money, the balcony is the most enjoyable cabin -- you can enjoy breakfast there and take afternoon naps while enjoying the sea air. Holland America is my favorite cruise line, also. Re your question about travel from Ocala to Ft. Lauderdale, I'm afraid I don't have any answers. We usually fly Southwest from BWI to Ft. L.   Garee Michael Harrison Intermediate Member Username: Gareemharrison Post Number: 77 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Thursday, January 08, 2009 - 05:59 pm:    For our 50th Anniversary. we are considering a repostioning cruise from Ft. Lauderdale on Mar 14th on Holland American Oosterdam. We live in Ocala, FL. Our plan would be to depart from Ft. Lauderdale (not driving our vehicle) but we wondered if anyone has any experience in one-way travel to Ft. Lauderdale. I know there are car rentals and also cruise transportation. We would like to hear your ideas. When the ship gets to Rome, our daughter would pick us up (they live in Naples) and we plan on returning on the Pat. Express to Norfolk and then to Jax and then home. We have gone on many 5-7 day cruises but never anything like this. Any ideas? Carol and Mike in Ocala