Butler and Concierge in Haven

[jlbentley3]

Does anyone have an idea what you tip these guys? I have no idea what would be considered high or low since there are no guidelines. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[VideoTech]

Does anyone have an idea what you tip these guys? I have no idea what would be considered high or low since there are no guidelines. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

There have been multiple threads about this but there really is no guideline. You tip what you think is deserved, based on the service they provided. Also consider how many people there are in your suite.

 

If it's any help, we (two adults) start at $10-15 per day for both the butler and the concierge, depending on the length of the cruise and whether or not we've asked for, and received, any unusually helpful service. Some people start much higher, others will suggest $10 per day PER PERSON in the suite.

 

I'd also suggest you consider tipping your cabin steward. Yes, they are in the service charge pool (the butler and concierge are not) but when you get right down to it, who really does the work of making sure your suite is the wonderful place it is? Your cabin steward. We always leave an additional tip for the cabin steward, along the same lines as that for the butler.

Edited January 30, 2012 by VideoTech

[Homecomforts]

When the wife and I were on the Pearl last year in Alaska, we had the "black Pearl Suite". We tipped our butler $250 after the 7 night cruise. He did a very good job, was always willing to do whatever for us. He also set up for a party we had in our suite, providing the deli meat and mixers. (we got 3 liters of booze for free for booking this suite).

[palmyrafan]

We stay in the Haven suites and we usually tip the Concierge $250 a 7 day cruise (husband and I). The concierge works very hard to ensure that we have a great cruise and besides the normal things they provide they have given us great advice on what to do in port, etc.

 

We took my parents to Alaska 2 years ago on the Pearl (both Haven suites, them on oneside us on the other) and we requested and received a great sendoff for them in their suite. Special cheese and deli tray, specific fruit, decorations, specific champagne, etc. and the Concierge went over and above what we thought my parents would get.

 

We usually tip the butler $150 and our room steward about $200.

 

I used to wait tables at some very nice restaurants and got used to being stiffed. So if we receive great service, we tip accordingly.

[Fine and Jim Dandy]

We just got from a B2B in a suite on the Star. We tipped the butler $300/week and concierge $150/week. Both did a fabulous job. The room steward was not so special so we only gave him $75/week. We also tip after every meal we eat in a restaurant and that varies from $5-20, depending on the location and meal.

 

Our tipping might be a bit on the low side for suite passengers, but we think it is fair.

[marelind]

I usually start at $10/person per day for the butler and $5/person per day for the concierge. From there I adjust up or down depending on how much I used them and how enthusiastic or much they take the initiative.

 

On our 7-day Pacific Coastal DH and I tipped the following for the two of us:

Room Butler - $125 (we used him very little and he didn't seem as outstanding as some other butlers we've had)

Concierge - $125 (We called on Anna Maria a lot to help us with wheelchair service for our family of 7, making reservations, etc. She went above and beyond.)

Steward - $30 (additional to DSC as she accommodates my late rising husband)

Courtyard Butler - $50 (he brought us lunch in the courtyard almost every day; often making multiple trips as people came and went)

Cagney's Maitre'd - $20 (he kept Cagney's open late on embarkation as we had been through a long embarkation and then gave us extra attention during the week)

 

This seems to be around the average for what I've seen on many discussions on CC.

[laxlove6]

What does a butler really do that a room steward doesn't? I get that the concierge makes dinner reservations and shows.

[marelind]

The steward cleans the room and fills the ice bucket. The butler handles the room service most of the time, keeps your coffee bar filled, brings the afternoon snack, and oversees the steward. Also, if you have any maintenance needed in the room he will see that it is handled. We had key cards that didn't work properly and he ran down to the reception desk to clear up the problem.

[iluvdoxies]

We just got from a B2B in a suite on the Star. We tipped the butler $300/week and concierge $150/week. Both did a fabulous job. The room steward was not so special so we only gave him $75/week. We also tip after every meal we eat in a restaurant and that varies from $5-20, depending on the location and meal.

 

Our tipping might be a bit on the low side for suite passengers, but we think it is fair.

 

wow 300 a week is high to me !

 

We usua;;y tip the butler 150 and concierge 50 - except for Belkeys --- she was an excellent con and we gave her more- on the Star we had a blah concierge Leigh, never saw her never talked toher - her tip was 0.00

[Miamitraveler007]

We tipped the butler $100 Concierge $100 and Concierge Assistant $50, also gave room stewart $50. We didnt have any in room parties, but the Concierge and his assistant did a good job.

[Nalagh]

I think that the matter of tipping figures are for services rendered. We tipped Very well on the Star, and not so well on the Gem. I had an injury on our last trip, and we called the butler so often that we felt he needed much more. Our concierge moved heaven an earth to make things happen as well, so we tipped the most we ever have. We had a very clean room the entire trip, so another very nice tip. We paid 15% of what our trip cost us in tips overall (not including the dsc).

[jame_g]

It depends on how much you use them.

 

We hardly use them at all and don't tip nearly as much as some here are suggesting. While I believe in tipping, personally I think many here are going overboard with what they've given as guidance, and that most don't tip nearly that much.

 

My suggestion for the butler is at least a couple bucks a day just for checking on your suite and bringing the treats, and then a few bucks for every special request that you have. For the concierge, a few bucks to start out with, and a few bucks for every request.

 

If we have a good butler or concierge that we use, we tip them accordingly. However, starting at $10-15 per person per day for both the butler and concierge when making no requests is too much.

 

The steward and Cagneys are already part of the DSC. If you make additional requests and have outstanding service, then tip them extra. We usually do, but again it depends on the service and the requests we make.

Edited June 6, 2012 by jame_g

[Richie2pies]

I usually have 2 meals in the suite and tip the butler $100-125. I never use the cocierge and still tip him $100 just for being available and getting me off the ship quick. I tip the room steward an extra $25-75 depending on how good they were.

[raylene5]

Ok, just curious...the suites are REALLY expensive!!! I'm curious as to why you guys choose to sail in a suite on lines like Carnival, NCL or RCCI when, for the same price, you can sail on a luxury line like Regent Seven Seas? We're far from being able to afford either so I'm really just curious what makes you choose NCL? :)

[Nalagh]

Ok, just curious...the suites are REALLY expensive!!! I'm curious as to why you guys choose to sail in a suite on lines like Carnival, NCL or RCCI when, for the same price, you can sail on a luxury line like Regent Seven Seas? We're far from being able to afford either so I'm really just curious what makes you choose NCL? :)

 

First, we always look for great deals, and use AMEX and Latitudes OBC offers. I do not like sailing non-freestyle. NCL really is the way for us to cruise. We do not bring suits, ball gowns, and we do not need or want a corsage delivered on dress up nights. NCL ships are fun, active and we love the SR's! We have been on others, but NCL makes us happy.

 

If we were to pay more for Regent or Crystal we would sail on smaller ships with less amenities, and pay more for smaller rooms and tiny balcoines. I want to play in the big casino, dress for dinner at cagney's then do jello shots at the white hot party. :)

[FLbeachbaby]

I don't know if areas like the Haven exist on the mentioned ships, but for the money it is amazing. I always talk to people in the concierge lounge or courtyard and everyone has a different reason for booking. Some were upsells, some liked the privacy, some wanted the butler service, some just liked the layout of those cabins. Personally, having been in the courtyard on the Gem and Jewel, and penthouse on the Sun, it just makes you feel like you are on a special vacation. It's quieter, no fighting for jacuzzis or chairs. You kind of feel like you have chartered your own yacht. So it's just however you like your experience to be. Nothing wrong with the cheapest cabin if all you do is sleep in it, nothing wrong with a splurge if you get away infrequently and want to be spoiled.

[raylene5]

Nothing wrong with the cheapest cabin if all you do is sleep in it, nothing wrong with a splurge if you get away infrequently and want to be spoiled.

 

I want to be clear...I definitely have no problem with someone spending $$ on vacation...I hope I didn't come off that way! I just wanted to know what drew people towards NCL vs. a luxury line if the prices were comparable. My friend and his girlfriend did a Regent cruise last year (Baltic, I believe) and I think it was somewhere along the lines of $25,000. From what I understand, all of the rooms on a line like Regent are large suites with concierge service. For me, the deal breaker on a line like that would be the dress code (I'm a jeans and tshirt kind of girl and I'm pretty uncomfortable in anything else) and the age of the cruisers (less family, more retirees).

 

Believe me, I hope to be in one of the Haven suites one of these days! :)

[cookmg40]

First, we always look for great deals, and use AMEX and Latitudes OBC offers. I do not like sailing non-freestyle. NCL really is the way for us to cruise. We do not bring suits, ball gowns, and we do not need or want a corsage delivered on dress up nights. NCL ships are fun, active and we love the SR's! We have been on others, but NCL makes us happy.

 

If we were to pay more for Regent or Crystal we would sail on smaller ships with less amenities, and pay more for smaller rooms and tiny balcoines. I want to play in the big casino, dress for dinner at cagney's then do jello shots at the white hot party. :)

 

Hi Cherie,

My sentiments exactly. We are thinking about trying for Bermuda again but want the Gem! How was the ship? Did you write a review?

Marilyn

[NayRN]

I want to be clear...I definitely have no problem with someone spending $$ on vacation...I hope I didn't come off that way! I just wanted to know what drew people towards NCL vs. a luxury line if the prices were comparable. My friend and his girlfriend did a Regent cruise last year (Baltic, I believe) and I think it was somewhere along the lines of $25,000. From what I understand, all of the rooms on a line like Regent are large suites with concierge service. For me, the deal breaker on a line like that would be the dress code (I'm a jeans and tshirt kind of girl and I'm pretty uncomfortable in anything else) and the age of the cruisers (less family, more retirees).

 

Believe me, I hope to be in one of the Haven suites one of these days! :)

 

$25,000 for a cruise?!:eek: Wish I could afford that! I typcally cruise once a year and, after my second cruise, only in a suite. I'm booked in a Haven OS on the Jewel in September and paid $6000 for two people - including airfair and pre/post hotels! The hotels were booked with NCL and they include transfers to the port (pre-cruise) and to the hotel (post-cruise). :)

[palmyrafan]

Does anyone have an idea what you tip these guys? I have no idea what would be considered high or low since there are no guidelines. Any suggestions would be appreciated.[/q

Edited June 6, 2012 by palmyrafan

[Nalagh]

Does anyone have an idea what you tip these guys? I have no idea what would be considered high or low since there are no guidelines. Any suggestions would be appreciated.[/q

 

Everyone is different. I can tell you what I do, but it will differ from person to person. For the butler I plan $ 10 a day per person. For the Concierge I do the same. Sometimes I give more, and other times I give less depending on service.

[Nalagh]

Hi Cherie,

My sentiments exactly. We are thinking about trying for Bermuda again but want the Gem! How was the ship? Did you write a review?

Marilyn

 

We had a great trip, maybe the best ever! The Star even haven-less was outstanding when it came to the butler and concierge! The service, food and overall experience was fantastic. We did miss you guys though!

 

The Gem is no longer going to Bermuda. Next year the Breakaway will go, but this year you have to choose the Dawn from Boston, or the Star from NYC.

 

Take care and have a great June trip!

 

Cherie

[mabones]

I want to know how you did that for only $6000 including air/hotel. BTW did you leave from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. I'll be leaving from Miami on the Epic next year and may go down the day b4.

[Nalagh]

I want to know how you did that for only $6000 including air/hotel. BTW did you leave from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. I'll be leaving from Miami on the Epic next year and may go down the day b4.

 

I could do all of that for less than $ 5,000 on the Epic in shoulder season.

 

Here is how;

 

I booked the Epic 10 months out with Amex $500 OBC and Latitudes $ 150 OBC and the Aft suite was $ 4100 total. Then, I booked early bird flights from Plattsburgh NY to Miami with taxes and fees with allegiant air for 124x4 = 496. Then I bid on a hotel in Miami for a 4 star for $175. Total $4,771.

 

Then I transfer the booking to a TA, and get another $300 OBC, so it is $950 of OBC, making the cruise in a suite and a haven cost the same as a balcony.:D

 

Try to book a mock cruise in shoulder season, and I am sure you can do it too!

Edited June 7, 2012 by Nalagh

[sverigecruiser]

Ok, just curious...the suites are REALLY expensive!!! I'm curious as to why you guys choose to sail in a suite on lines like Carnival, NCL or RCCI when, for the same price, you can sail on a luxury line like Regent Seven Seas? We're far from being able to afford either so I'm really just curious what makes you choose NCL? :)

 

We pay around $6000 for a week on the Epic and feel that we get more for our money that way than spending them on Regent. The Epic has many more restaurants, Blue Man Group, Slam Allan (hopefully!) and many other things the luxury lines can't offer. We don't need the extremely personal attention the luxury lines say they offer!