NCL Suite Tipping Question

[Jericabenton]

My husband and are doing our first Alaska cruise on the Jewel next Saturday. :D This is our second time sailing with NCL but our first time in a Suite on any cruise line. I've spent hours reading threads about tipping protocol for suites but I still have a question for which I haven't been able to find an answer.

 

I've found great information about tipping the Butler/Concierge at the end of the cruise. However, I'm wondering if there are additional tipping "expectations" for these nice folks at the onset or throughout the duration of the cruise. I would love to not have to think about having cash handy at all times, but it seems weird to say to the Butler, "Hi! Nice to meet you! Yes, I'd love for you to unpack my luggage! That would be amazing!" and not have them expect a tip right then and there.

 

Another thing I'm really looking forward to is having room service breakfast on some mornings. Do we tip when it is delivered? Or does the Butler "trust" that we will be generous in our gratuities at the end of the cruise.

 

I have a knack for making simple situations very awkward and I'd love to avoid that on this once-in-a-lifetime vacation! :o

[DMH15]

We tip at the end. Some on here say if I they have tried to tip up front that the butler has waved no and said "at the end".

Edited May 11, 2016 by DMH15

[DMH15]

You will love the suite breakfast and lunch in Moderno on the Jewel. Great ship. Sailed on the Jewel twice. Aft PH last year. Lovely.

[NLH Arizona]

I always tip at the end. No need to tip for room service, just tip at the end.

[BirdTravels]

We sailed to Alaska on the Jewel last year in a forward facing suite. We spent hours every day on the balcony watching the whales and dolphin. And had our white table cloth breakfast room service on port days.

 

Tip: there are breakfast hang cards. Don't limit yourself to the check boxes. Order anything you want. We ordered 2 eggs over medium, filet steak medium, bacon, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, and a Diet Coke. Also ordered an egg white onmlet with spinach and tomatoes. Your butler Will serve it exactly when you want

 

Also have your butler bring a pile of deck blankets for glacier and whale watching to keep you warm and toasty.

[Boschmann]

I think the butlers and concierge have a lot more experience at this than you do, they can/will read you quickly. It almost makes me feel they have a hidden rating system for suite guests. All I can say is interact by your nature, don't expect miracles and give a fair tip at the end of your cruise. Tipping early for small tasks sets an uncomfortable precedent if you plan to tip at the end. I feel they can identify those that plan on minimum services and minimum tip and focus on those that utilize their services and are willing to tip accordingly. That philosophy has proven wrong with me having poor butlers and overwhelmed concierge staff on larger ships, but on the Jewel it should be okay.

[kdzkatz]

You say you will be on the Jewel next Saturday. Is that as in May 21st? We will be there and also in a suite. Beware being in a suite, it makes it very hard to go back. A non suite is still great but the suite life is amazing!

 

If you are on the May 21st cruise you are encouraged to come visit the roll call and also attend the Meet & Greet. I don't want to hijack the thread but the details for the Meet & Greet are on the Roll Call.

 

This will be our 8th cruise to Alaska in the last 9 years all on NCL. It will be our 5th time in a suite and we have always tipped at the end.

 

Something I have read that we have used is trying our best to give the butler a heads up that will plan to have a couple/few meals delivered during the cruise, they don't need to be served in courses, he/she can just drop off all the food at once.

 

We also ask for a bowl of M&M's and a bowl of gummy bears. We normally eat healthy but for one week out of the year we eat what we want, when we want and how much we want with no guilt whatsoever.

 

Welcome to the suite life! :D:D

[Always Cruising]

I think Bruno is the concierge on the Jewel - and he is just amazing! He goes out of his way to help his guests, and with great aplomb. Wishing I could be there, too.

[Jericabenton]

Thank you all for the terrific responses! This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. It's so nice going into a trip feeling relaxed and prepared!

 

 

 

If you are on the May 21st cruise you are encouraged to come visit the roll call and also attend the Meet & Greet. I don't want to hijack the thread but the details for the Meet & Greet are on the Roll Call.

 

Yes, we are on the May 21st sailing! I'll have to check out the role call! :)

[bbryan5]

To echo what others have already said, there is no need to tip the butler everytime he does something for you guys. It's not expected. Just take care of him at the end! ENJOY :D

Edited May 11, 2016 by bbryan5

[FraudBroad]

On our March cruise on the Star we were in suites for the first time. There were 6 of us total and we had three family suites. I, like you, was confused as to what to tip and what to even use the butler for. No worry, my kids were with me and they got the hang of the whole "we have a butler" thing in the first five minutes.

 

On the first evening we did in suite dining and I did tip our Butler $20. He did a lot of work including my dad asking for extra stuff that he didn't order in the first place but found out he wanted once someone else had it!

 

The kids used the butler much more than us adults did! They had breakfast in the suite every morning. The butler even got off in one port and found the peanut M&M's they wanted. They ordered something every evening along with a movie. I don't know how the poor guy had time to take care of anyone else!

 

In the end I tipped the butler more than I paid in the daily gratuities for the two cabins. He was simply the best and made our vacation one to remember for a lifetime. As well, our concierge, was just wonderful and helped us with absolutely everything we needed! He too earned a very generous tip!

 

Enjoy your trip...you will love the suite life!

[cruzsnooze]

I didn't ask anything of the butler or concierge and felt no need to tip them. They are part of what you paying 3 to 5 times extra for in a suite. If you use them you can tip them what you think it is worth to you, only you know, people on these boards get a little carried away with tipping IMHO, or so they say.

[watchdiva]

We tip at the end......currently on the 10 day Alaska cruise on the Pearl and our butlers (day and night) have been OUTSTANDING!!

 

 

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[LAnn]

Just to let you know, I felt the same way that you did -- call me unconventional but I actually did tip the butler during the cruise because my husband was asking for a lot of things. Far from waving it off, she was absolutely delighted. Throughout the cruise I would give her a tip and smile and thank her for all her hard work, and she didn't seem to mind at all!

 

I suspect there are people who just don't tip, and unless the butler is psychic, how could he/she possibly know what type of person you are if you don't let them know up front? I tipped her at the end, too, but it was a close thing because I was running around the evening before and didn't see her, and was only able to get it to her in the morning on the way out (I've heard you should not just leave it in the cabin.)

[DMH15]

I didn't ask anything of the butler or concierge and felt no need to tip them. They are part of what you paying 3 to 5 times extra for in a suite. If you use them you can tip them what you think it is worth to you, only you know, people on these boards get a little carried away with tipping IMHO, or so they say.

 

I disagree. IMHO, paying 3 to 5 times extra provides you "access" to a butler and concierge... but since they are not included in the DSC they do deserve a tip if they do ANYTHING for you... even what you consider "included" and not "extra". But hey, this is just my humble opinion. I enjoy getting a "little carried away with tipping". It means I had an awesome time.

[DMH15]

Just to let you know, I felt the same way that you did -- call me unconventional but I actually did tip the butler during the cruise because my husband was asking for a lot of things. Far from waving it off, she was absolutely delighted. Throughout the cruise I would give her a tip and smile and thank her for all her hard work, and she didn't seem to mind at all!

 

I suspect there are people who just don't tip, and unless the butler is psychic, how could he/she possibly know what type of person you are if you don't let them know up front? I tipped her at the end, too, but it was a close thing because I was running around the evening before and didn't see her, and was only able to get it to her in the morning on the way out (I've heard you should not just leave it in the cabin.)

 

It would not surprise me in the slightest that after the first cruise in a suite there might be internal notes linked to pax. Mine would say "tips very well", in spite of what some people on CC think, saying it's just hype.

[kdzkatz]

I didn't ask anything of the butler or concierge and felt no need to tip them. They are part of what you paying 3 to 5 times extra for in a suite. If you use them you can tip them what you think it is worth to you, only you know, people on these boards get a little carried away with tipping IMHO, or so they say.

 

OP don't listen to the CHEAP post quoted above! You don't have to break the bank for tipping but if the concierge and butler are available and pleasant they should get something. I know there are many opinions on tipping and here is what we do:

 

Concierge $50 & Butler $100 starting point and then adjust accordingly. They have to do something we view as a negative for us to take away from those starting points. If we end up not using the butler but use the concierge a bunch we would reverse those amounts as a starting point. With having done the Alaska itinerary regularly we seldom ask the concierge for much. That is not their fault and as long as they are available and friendly they will get at least our starting dollar amount. We have used the butler more and more each time we are in a suite and I believe that trend will continue for us.

 

Our first time in a suite (2 bedroom in the Haven on the Pearl) we did not use the butler a single time as we didn't know how to but he did bring snacks and was available. He still received a nice tip. The concierge was amazing and went way above and beyond. He got a much larger tip than we would normally consider.

 

We are not well off financially and this is our only vacation each year. We think our tip starting points are enough to show our appreciation but also not so much we can't pay the bills when we get home.

 

In the end do what you feel is right for your situation. :)

[cb at sea]

Tipping is done at the END of the cruise, on the last evening. You don't need to tip "upfront", or "per service"!

[Merriem]

I didn't ask anything of the butler or concierge and felt no need to tip them. They are part of what you paying 3 to 5 times extra for in a suite. If you use them you can tip them what you think it is worth to you, only you know, people on these boards get a little carried away with tipping IMHO, or so they say.

 

I totally agree with you.

[golfer1903]

Silly question first time on cruise and suite also.

Is the butler the same person that will clean your room like the guy that comes on a balcony room and cleans that is included in the ships tips portion. Or is there different guys for the room cleaning

Thanks

 

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[ColinIllinois]

Silly question first time on cruise and suite also.

Is the butler the same person that will clean your room like the guy that comes on a balcony room and cleans that is included in the ships tips portion. Or is there different guys for the room cleaning

Thanks

 

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Different people. Stewards are the ones who clean the rooms.

[golfer1903]

Thanks. So I will have stewards and Butler's and concierge in my room at given times

 

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[DMH15]

OP don't listen to the CHEAP post quoted above! You don't have to break the bank for tipping but if the concierge and butler are available and pleasant they should get something. I know there are many opinions on tipping and here is what we do:

 

 

 

Concierge $50 & Butler $100 starting point and then adjust accordingly. They have to do something we view as a negative for us to take away from those starting points. If we end up not using the butler but use the concierge a bunch we would reverse those amounts as a starting point. With having done the Alaska itinerary regularly we seldom ask the concierge for much. That is not their fault and as long as they are available and friendly they will get at least our starting dollar amount. We have used the butler more and more each time we are in a suite and I believe that trend will continue for us.

 

 

 

Our first time in a suite (2 bedroom in the Haven on the Pearl) we did not use the butler a single time as we didn't know how to but he did bring snacks and was available. He still received a nice tip. The concierge was amazing and went way above and beyond. He got a much larger tip than we would normally consider.

 

 

 

We are not well off financially and this is our only vacation each year. We think our tip starting points are enough to show our appreciation but also not so much we can't pay the bills when we get home.

 

 

 

In the end do what you feel is right for your situation. :)

 

 

Love your sentiments. Awesome.

[roger001]

Silly question first time on cruise and suite also.

Is the butler the same person that will clean your room like the guy that comes on a balcony room and cleans that is included in the ships tips portion. Or is there different guys for the room cleaning

Thanks

 

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You still have a separate room steward. And....here's a cut/paste from my previous post.

 

We just finished a Jewel SF suite cruise about a month ago. Roland was our butler and Joaquin was the concierge. Both were very nice persons, always ready to assist you if requested. However, we just didn't need their services very much. Roland tried his best to keep us supplied with afternoon snacks even when I assured him that we just couldn't eat any more food (we had the 7 night UDP, plus had platinum 2 nights of specialty dining, plus Modernos for breakfast and lunch if desired). He kept the coffee machine supplied with the coffee things. He would have done much more if we had just asked or let him. Joaquin met all suite guests in the suite boarding lounge and escorted us on board. We frequently saw him up in Modernos for the suite guest breakfast. And he escorted suite guests up to the Haven for a "cocktail" party. Once when tendering, while we were in no hurry, had platinum tender passes, he saw us in line. We assured him that we were in no hurry. However, he still insisted that he escort us over to the suite guest priority head of the line area. He would have loved to do more for us, but we just didn't need it. We were in no hurry debarking so didn't need him for that. We though they were both just great and typical wonderful NCL crew, liked them both very much. Reference tipping, you will see heated discussions, no correct answer, and monetary extremes in both directions. So for us, we felt that $100 for Roland and $75 for Joaquin was very appropriate. We also left a $50 for the room steward. Oh, I also tip the breakfast server in Modernos $5 each morning. But....all this is neither right or wrong. As I said, we have very little need for their services and leave a very neat cabin for the room steward to take care of. So just tip what you feel their services have been worth to you. You will not be wrong.

Edited May 11, 2016 by roger001

[Jericabenton]

OP here! :) This continues to be a fascinating and informative conversation! I'm a big fan of being able to offer monetary appreciation for pleasant service any time it is appropriate. I'm just not always 100% clear on what/when is appropriate. The comments here have been enormously helpful.

 

I have no interest in finding a loophole for getting out of leaving a generous tip! If I am excited about the fact that I can "afford" to spend thousands of dollars on a suite, I should be equally excited that I can "afford" to practice the social niceties that come with that privilege.

 

When I booked this stateroom, I understood that the Butler and Concierge services (even their mere availability) come with the expectation of a separate gratuity. If I weren't willing to play along, I'd have booked a balcony like I usually do. Luxury isn't cheap, but it sure is FUN!