Pre-Tipping Concierge/Butler

[St Louis Cardinals]

Do you think I would get the best service if I tipped the Butler and Concierge a little bit every day…rather than waiting until the end of the cruise?? The sum of the small tips would equal what they would have received on the last day.

 

The only reason I came up with this cockamamie idea is because I thought just maybe some folks stiff these guys…maybe assuming they are part of the tip pool??

[Va. Plumber]

I am hoping your seemingly innocuous question doesn't spark the usual round of responses regarding the tipping issue. A lot of sound and fury signifying nothing.

 

I think the usual consensus on here is that one tip at the end is sufficient.

don't really think butler and concierge are expectig anything upfront.

Edited May 16, 2014 by Va. Plumber

[SissasMomE]

Do you think I would get the best service if I tipped the Butler and Concierge a little bit every day…rather than waiting until the end of the cruise?? The sum of the small tips would equal what they would have received on the last day.

 

The only reason I came up with this cockamamie idea is because I thought just maybe some folks stiff these guys…maybe assuming they are part of the tip pool??

 

It's completely up to you. We always do this with the room stewards, and, knowing my husband, money will be handed off to the butler several times throughout the week.

Edited May 16, 2014 by SissasMomE

[calex]

You might want to check this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2014261 - I asked a similar question and the responses were all over the place. For most of those that tip early, they see the advantage and continue to do it... some that did it, had a bad experience and no longer do it. And those that have never done it, see no value in it.

 

For me, I will leave an extra tip at the begining of the cruise when I share my modest expectations. Somehow, it makes me intrinsically feel better and puts me in a better place at the begining of my vacation.

[Traveller20074]

You might want to check this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2014261 - I asked a similar question and the responses were all over the place. For most of those that tip early, they see the advantage and continue to do it... some that did it, had a bad experience and no longer do it. And those that have never done it, see no value in it.

 

For me, I will leave an extra tip at the begining of the cruise when I share my modest expectations. Somehow, it makes me intrinsically feel better and puts me in a better place at the begining of my vacation.

 

 

I plan on doing the same. I love the looks on their faces when we tip them :)

Edited May 16, 2014 by Traveller20074

[travelerpair]

Agree with tipping on the first day or daily. The tread seems to be more about the cabin stewart than butlers ets. One time we did not tip on the first day and the butler service was not up to standard expected and we are not demanding. The butler and concierge is the main reason suites on NCL win. Cannot believe Princess went to a phone # to replace theirs. We get that and real people!

[St Louis Cardinals]

You might want to check this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2014261 - I asked a similar question and the responses were all over the place. For most of those that tip early, they see the advantage and continue to do it... some that did it, had a bad experience and no longer do it. And those that have never done it, see no value in it.

 

For me, I will leave an extra tip at the begining of the cruise when I share my modest expectations. Somehow, it makes me intrinsically feel better and puts me in a better place at the begining of my vacation.

 

Thanks. I read everything…and brushed off all the wrong opinions :D.

 

My NCL PCC told me all tips are covered automatically; "There is a $12/person per day charge on my cabin." Is that really a tip?…or is that their base pay and I am supposed to tip the steward and specialty restaurant servers on top of that? Then I learned the Concierge and Butler are not part of that 'pool'…that I need to tip them as well. Now I don't even understand the $12/person per day cabin charge...

[NLH Arizona]

I don't tip the butler or concierge upfront, only at the end of the cruise. But from what I can tell there is no difference in the service no matter which you do.

 

Here is NCL explanation of the DSC of $12 per day.

 

Why is there a service charge? The reason there's a fixed service charge is an important one: Our Crew (as are the crew from other lines) is encouraged to work together as a team. Staff members including restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and behind-the-scenes support staff are compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programs that your service charge supports. How much is the charge? Onboard Service Charges are additional. A charge of $12 per person per day will automatically be added to your onboard account. Are service charges across the board for all guests? All guests 3 years or older.

 

In other words it is for your cabin steward, the waiters, those behind the scenes that you don't see, etc.

[DMH15]

I am glad I did not tip the Butler in advance who got off on one of the port stops and did not get back on.

 

 

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[Demonyte]

I don't tip the butler or concierge upfront, only at the end of the cruise. But from what I can tell there is no difference in the service no matter which you do.

 

Exactly this. Even tipping upfront doesn't miraculously turn a bad butler to a good one. We have had both and don't believe that tipping would have helped in the case of bad ones. In most cases both concierge and butlers with NCL are top notch and eager to please even without any bribes.

[NH Cruisers]

I guess in a couple weeks, I will play it by ear. Maybe tip through out or maybe only the end. They will most certainly be tipped fairly either way.

[SissasMomE]

It's really a matter of personal preference. I can't imagine requesting something and not tipping ... but obviously, that's us.

[FireEater]

If you think you might burn through the cash on shore or at the casino, it might be a good idea to give before the end of the cruise.

[Demonyte]

If you think you might burn through the cash on shore or at the casino, it might be a good idea to give before the end of the cruise.

 

You can always get gratitude vouchers written to specific crew members against your onboard account too, just visit guest services and give them the name of crew member and amount.

[gizfish]

It is kind of tacky to tip a butler or concierge in that way. It may even be looked on as insulting.

[figgifumi]

It is kind of tacky to tip a butler or concierge in that way. It may even be looked on as insulting.

 

Which way? Before the end of the cruise or with vouchers? Was thinking about using some obc to their tips, do they not really get the $ or something?

[rvsullivan]

It is kind of tacky to tip a butler or concierge in that way. It may even be looked on as insulting.

 

And you base this statement on what? I don't understand how giving them money is tacky? Are you saying it is better to give them nothing?

[valleyvillage]

I was chatting with a group of friends about tipping. One insisted that too large a tip is an insult. So I surveyed the group. Five of us, four had, at some time worked for tips. Guess which ones thought a large tip was just fine and guess who thought it would be an insult!

[coolbluegreenseas]

I was chatting with a group of friends about tipping. One insisted that too large a tip is an insult. So I surveyed the group. Five of us, four had, at some time worked for tips. Guess which ones thought a large tip was just fine and guess who thought it would be an insult!

 

No one thinks a large tip is an insult.

[newcruisers2]

Never having had a butler or concierge, what is the customary tip for a week long cruise for each of them?:confused:

[Babyeddiedog]

No one thinks a large tip is an insult.

 

The Japanese and some other Asian countries do.

[NLH Arizona]

Never having had a butler or concierge, what is the customary tip for a week long cruise for each of them?:confused:

I don’t think there is a customary amount, it is at the discretion of the passenger. My starting point is $10 per day per person for the Butler and $5 per day per person for the Concierge. And then add or subtrack from that amount for great service or bad service.

[Madmaz]

This will be the first time I've booked a Haven Suite (going for spa suite on Epic). What sort of services does a butler provide that a cabin steward doesn't?

[gizfish]

And you base this statement on what? I don't understand how giving them money is tacky? Are you saying it is better to give them nothing?

 

Sorry for being confusing. I was saying the OP idea of tipping in advanced was tacky with relation to tipping these types of service professionals and that service professionals in these positions may be insulted if they are tipped before performing their jobs. I am totally in favor of tipping service professionals the appropriate amount at the appropriate time!

[Demonyte]

This will be the first time I've booked a Haven Suite (going for spa suite on Epic). What sort of services does a butler provide that a cabin steward doesn't?

 

Bultler handles your coffee machine maintenance, DVDs from ship's library, treats/snacks every afternoon and all room service orders.