Concierge - What do they do? Do you tip them?

[LoveyHowell]

We have moved our next reservation from a balcony cabin to a GS category and with that comes access to the concierge onboard. What exactly can the concierge do? What is his or her role to concierge class guests? MUST we use the concierge? If I am booking specialty dining and need to pick up the phone anyways I'd just as soon rather deal with the restaurant; seems faster.

 

I asked the RC agent about tipping and other than the increased fee per person per day for the larger room and she told me concierge is a salary staff position and tips are not necessary unless we feel they did something special for us and we wanted to make the gesture towards them. Just trying to get an idea of what is something "special" a concierge might do or we might ask for and what may be an appropriate tip? I know we have access to the concierge lounge for cocktail hour and we plan to take care of our servers that deal with us directly already just as we would at any bar.

[Merion_Mom]

We have moved our next reservation from a balcony cabin to a GS category and with that comes access to the concierge onboard. What exactly can the concierge do? What is his or her role to concierge class guests? MUST we use the concierge? If I am booking specialty dining and need to pick up the phone anyways I'd just as soon rather deal with the restaurant; seems faster.

 

I asked the RC agent about tipping and other than the increased fee per person per day for the larger room and she told me concierge is a salary staff position and tips are not necessary unless we feel they did something special for us and we wanted to make the gesture towards them. Just trying to get an idea of what is something "special" a concierge might do or we might ask for and what may be an appropriate tip? I know we have access to the concierge lounge for cocktail hour and we plan to take care of our servers that deal with us directly already just as we would at any bar.

 

Many people want to know these things.

 

:)

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1933141

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2042401

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2008974

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2006502

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1968330

[LoveyHowell]

Thanks Marion Mom. I scanned through those links. Seems like the concierge can offer to make reservations/do things that take one phone call (if I am already making the phone call though...) and that people tip $0 to $50.

 

If the concierge is a broker for reservations I do not think I will their services. Seems a hassle more than a benefit. I was hoping they did something special but that does not appear to be the case, just dedicated guest services for people in a suite.

Edited July 22, 2014 by LoveyHowell

[PSCruiser]

A favorite discussion topic.

I don't think its all that tough to decide when and how much to tip. If you ask the concierge to perform a PERSONAL service for you, one that he isn't doing for everyone else with lounge access, then he should be compensated for the amount of time he spent taking care of your request. Only you can decide the amount, and it should make you comfortable that you compensated fairly.

I'm opposed to the opinion that some have on this topic - that the concierge should be tipped just for "being there" in the lounge. With this logic, shouldn't the Captain be tipped just for being on the bridge?

[LoveyHowell]

If you ask the concierge to perform a PERSONAL service for you, one that he isn't doing for everyone else with lounge access, then he should be compensated for the amount of time he spent taking care of your request. Only you can decide the amount, and it should make you comfortable that you compensated fairly.

 

I agree with that. What I am unclear of is what is within their realm and what is not? I am unclear as to what services the concierge can perform for me personally that they may not do for others or that I can not handle myself. If I need a reservation why would I pay the concierge? That's like a broker taking a fee for inserting themselves in to the middle of the deal.

 

If they have abilities beyond that I would love to hear what. That is what I am confused about. I don't know what to expect from them.

[SPacificbound]

We had a GS on our first cruise. The Concierge came by and introduced himself on the first day. The concierge called twice a day and left messages about coming to the C lounge etc. We had no interest in that. We booked the GS for the space, not for the concierge.

 

WE have a GS again next month and will likely not go to the C lounge, no interest.

 

If the Concierge does something above and beyond that you feel you want to tip him, then by all means do so. But not just because he is there.

[BekkaW]

The concierge can book you a cabana at RCL's private beaches

[Anzura]

We used the concierge a lot. We were in the lounge several times a day. I can't imagine why someone would not use the lounge. We avoided the WJ a lot because of the food and drink served in there. Our concierge made us reservations for dinner almost every night. Sometimes he had to work magic to get us in because we always waited till that day to make them because we never knew what our plans would be that day.

He also escorted us to the exit ahead of the line at ports.

He sent my mil a bottle of champagne because we complained that our lame travel agent didn't.

He invited us to a private champagne brunch. I'm sure all suite guest got this anyway.

He answered a lot of questions we bombard him with. He was always nice and friendly and chatted with us and was just nice to have around.

 

We loved the lounge, the concierge and the drink server :D

[Scotty G]

I agree with that. What I am unclear of is what is within their realm and what is not? I am unclear as to what services the concierge can perform for me personally that they may not do for others or that I can not handle myself. If I need a reservation why would I pay the concierge? That's like a broker taking a fee for inserting themselves in to the middle of the deal.

 

If they have abilities beyond that I would love to hear what. That is what I am confused about. I don't know what to expect from them.

 

The Concierge is a Guest Services person who based on skill and personality is assigned to care of the guests who are entitled to use the CL and DL.

 

They go beyond the Guest Services arena and additional duties include assisting with planning and booking excursions. They also assist the Hotel Director and Captain in managing special events for them including receptions for Suite Guests and planning for the Captain's Table. They do oversee scheduled activities in their respective CL/DL such as the Continental Breakfast and evening happy hour.

 

The Concierge position on a cruise ship is not a lot different from a Concierge in a high end hotel. If one uses their services then there is an expectation that they should receive a gratuity commensurate with the service provided. That is reflected in the fact that RCI pays them less than other Guest Service employees since they will receive gratuities from their guests.

 

The only way you can determine the Concierge's value is to experience it for yourself. I use their services infrequently but also use the CL and DL often during a cruise. I tip them accordingly. Bon Voyage!!!

Edited July 22, 2014 by Scotty G

[robandana]

Some of the things they can do for you is:

 

give you internet credit if the service is slow....always slow

print out your boarding passes the night before departure

offer you insight, transfer info and restaurant info of the ports you will be visiting

look after any and all issues you might have or come across during your cruise

help you with information and booking of shore excursions (he can print out the vouchers

book specialty restaurants with very short notice...always gets you in

book the spa for you, will usually have special suite deals...

help you plan a party in your suite

can try to arrange a meal at the Captains table on formal night (no guarantee but good chance)

can help you with any special needs you might have or need (pillows/food etc.)

will sent you and email before your cruise introducing themselves and asking if you require anything

 

Enjoy your suite! :D

Edited July 22, 2014 by robandana

[Lionesss]

Well yesterday was a first and I hope it means we will be off to a good start.

 

After sailing 4 times in a suite with RCI yesterday was the First time we were contacted before we sail from the Concierge.

It was a "form" e-mailing about our upcoming sailing.

It included a contact link for any questions...............as well as try to sell us spa and captain dinner reservations.

 

Even though............it was as I said a first, we were surprised and excited.

 

We do use the service for some bookings and concerns (something always happpens) and we do tip.

 

Cannot wait till Sunday............but we have to:D

 

Sea Ya

Edited July 22, 2014 by Lionesss

[Missus Makkem]

The Concierge is also an officer, if you tip them do you tip all the other officers that may help you?

I think not , they are doing their job and should be doing it well otherwise there will be another willing to step in and do it as well.

 

Tip by all means if you feel you have to , but it is not necessary or expected.

The bartenders in the lounge are another matter and we tip them well.

[marci22]

If the concierge is a broker for reservations I do not think I will their services. Seems a hassle more than a benefit. I was hoping they did something special but that does not appear to be the case, just dedicated guest services for people in a suite.

 

I make my own reservations as well, but one time I couldn't get one and the concierge was able to get it for me. Sometimes you don't want to deal with guest services; the concierge may be able to help you deal with your problem and save you time. A concierge can help you, but you might not always want or need his help.

 

Sometimes we utilize the concierge more than others, and we tip based on that. Some people will be at his desk all week, asking for things, complaining, etc. I hope those people are tipping him.

 

Last cruise the concierge escorted any CL passengers off the ship at debarkation. I thought this was a very worthwhile perk and we tipped him for doing it, although he did it for other lounge members as well.

Edited July 22, 2014 by marci22

[InsideCruiser]

Yes, you can avoid using the concierge.

 

He is there to make you feel special and important. Which of course you are, you booked a suite! :)

 

You don't have to go to the WJ for breakfast and you do not need to stand in line at guest services.

 

Are you planning to not use his services because you're not interested? Or because you do not want to tip?

[FLACRUISER99]

I don't think you will find your answer on CC you will have to figure that one out for yourself. Usually I tip the concierge to thank her/him not because I feel obligated.

[Big_G]

We only tip the concierge if he or she provides a service to us directly. Sometimes it's the suite, sometimes the Diamond, and sometimes it's both but sometimes it's neither if we don't use their services.

[travelgoddess1]

Once you get onboard, turn the question around. Look for reasons to tip the Concierge, and not for reasons NOT to tip. You may find yourself enjoying the specialty coffee machine on a regular basis, or snacking on the food that is available for several hours during the day. If you don't like standing in line, the Concierge is your go-to person for any onboard issues you have (other than those involving cash). If the Concierge offers priority escort to tenders, or any other service that you might end up using, take that into consideration, as well.

 

If you truly do not use the lounge or the Concierge services at all, then there is no reason to tip. Otherwise, I consider it customary. (Since we are always welcomed back by Concierges that we know, the tip is much appreciated.)

[dancinman66]

I usually tip the concierge as they make life alit easier

But is personal and up to you and what use you make of them

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[negc]

Once you get onboard, turn the question around. Look for reasons to tip the Concierge, and not for reasons NOT to tip. You may find yourself enjoying the specialty coffee machine on a regular basis, or snacking on the food that is available for several hours during the day. If you don't like standing in line, the Concierge is your go-to person for any onboard issues you have (other than those involving cash). If the Concierge offers priority escort to tenders, or any other service that you might end up using, take that into consideration, as well.

 

If you truly do not use the lounge or the Concierge services at all, then there is no reason to tip. Otherwise, I consider it customary. (Since we are always welcomed back by Concierges that we know, the tip is much appreciated.)

 

Like.:)

[LoveyHowell]

Are you planning to not use his services because you're not interested? Or because you do not want to tip?

 

Well, I was a bit unclear what the actual services provided ARE and if they are of any benefit to us or not. If I did not want to tip I would not have started a thread asking what is an appropriate tip / what services offered. I have no trouble tipping for personalized service. If the concierge does not do anything for us, I would not tip.

 

How long before the cruise should the concierge contact me?

[LoveyHowell]

Once you get onboard, turn the question around. Look for reasons to tip the Concierge, and not for reasons NOT to tip. You may find yourself enjoying the specialty coffee machine on a regular basis, or snacking on the food that is available for several hours during the day. If you don't like standing in line, the Concierge is your go-to person for any onboard issues you have (other than those involving cash). If the Concierge offers priority escort to tenders, or any other service that you might end up using, take that into consideration, as well.

 

If you truly do not use the lounge or the Concierge services at all, then there is no reason to tip. Otherwise, I consider it customary. (Since we are always welcomed back by Concierges that we know, the tip is much appreciated.)

 

I am not looking for reasons not to tip, just get a better understanding of the services provided. A baseline. Royal was telling me that the lounge access is included with the suite fare. Am I supposed to pay more each time I use amenities that I've paid significantly more to have access to?

 

Again, no issues tipping people for services provided, but using perks I paid for doesn't strike me as service by the concierge.

 

We plan to use the lounge, it was one of the big features of paying more for a suite. If we interact with the concierge we will tip, if we don't, we probably won't. I don't think we are high maintenance and won't need much if anything from them. If we do, that is an opportunity for a tip.

[LoveyHowell]

Some of the things they can do for you is:

 

give you internet credit if the service is slow....always slow

print out your boarding passes the night before departure

offer you insight, transfer info and restaurant info of the ports you will be visiting

look after any and all issues you might have or come across during your cruise

help you with information and booking of shore excursions (he can print out the vouchers

book specialty restaurants with very short notice...always gets you in

book the spa for you, will usually have special suite deals...

help you plan a party in your suite

can try to arrange a meal at the Captains table on formal night (no guarantee but good chance)

can help you with any special needs you might have or need (pillows/food etc.)

will sent you and email before your cruise introducing themselves and asking if you require anything

 

Enjoy your suite! :D

 

Thank you! Very helpful. Some of those things we will not need, but that is the sort of answer I needed. This way I know what is appropriate and what is not appropriate for the concierge. Bon Voyage!

[Clarea]

Well, I was a bit unclear what the actual services provided ARE and if they are of any benefit to us or not. If I did not want to tip I would not have started a thread asking what is an appropriate tip / what services offered. I have no trouble tipping for personalized service. If the concierge does not do anything for us, I would not tip.

 

How long before the cruise should the concierge contact me?

If the Concierge does contact you before the cruise, I'd expect to hear a week or so before the cruise. However. not all Concierges reach out to guests before the cruise.

[wolfganghowell]

A few more things we have experienced with concierge

 

Demagnetized cards - the concierge has run down and gotten me a new card. While I enjoy my coffee and relax, they are the ones standing in line and hassling with it.

 

Book a spa appointment - again, I don't have to stand in line! Or sit on the phone.

 

Arranged a bridge tour

 

If your airline participates, they take care of your airline luggage tags so when you put your luggage out the last night, the next time you see it is at home on the airport carousel!

[critterchick]

The Concierge is also an officer, if you tip them do you tip all the other officers that may help you?

I think not , they are doing their job and should be doing it well otherwise there will be another willing to step in and do it as well.

 

Tip by all means if you feel you have to , but it is not necessary or expected.

The bartenders in the lounge are another matter and we tip them well.

 

The difference between the Concierge and a Guest Services officer is that the Concierge does not make a full salary for his or her position - the RCI rep who advised OP that it's a fully salaried position was mistaken. I don't know what the salary difference is, nor is it any of my business, but it is my business to know which employees make part of their living on tips.

 

Having said that, we never know what is the "right" amount to tip, especially on ships with both a DL and CL (and we go to both, e.g. Rhapsody). I was told that the 2 Concierges on Allure share all tips equally, so we gave it all to the one who was there as we departed.

 

For drinks, we tip as we go, a buck a drink, to the bar server. If the Concierge is also serving drinks (which doesn't happen much any more), we don't tip him or her at the time. On the last night we will tip the Concierge something depending on what he or she has done for us during the cruise. For 7 nights it's never less than $10/day ($5pp) unless he or she has been useless - that hasn't happened in a long time, but it has happened in the past.