Tipping Haven Butler

[1025cruise]

That was my issue. I had no idea what I could request. We always went to the special dining for breakfast (otherwise we would have gone to MDR). We never bothered with room service. Felt it was just easier to go grab food ourselves.

[Trimone]

Personally the room steward got $20 and the butler $10.

I paid everything up front with the package, it’s not my fault the butler & concierge doesn’t get a share.

[Sthrngary]

3 minutes ago, Trimone said:

Personally the room steward got $20 and the butler $10.

I paid everything up front with the package, it’s not my fault the butler & concierge doesn’t get a share.

It is no ones fault.  This tread are just folks that like to cruise and want some input on proper tipping.  There will always be lively debate.  Again, no ones fault for the policies cruise lines put in place.  We just want to be aware of them and make our own decision as you did.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[CDR Benson]

On 7/23/2022 at 9:49 AM, LGW59 said:

IMO, tipping is a totally personal decision as far as the $$ amount to give him/her.  Do what makes you comfortable, seems fair and shows thanks for a job well done.

 

This is the answer to anyone with cruise*enthusiast's question.  The other posters, particularly Mr. Tilkin, have provided good, intelligent information which one may take into account.  For my part, for our upcoming cruise in September, I will provide our butler with our "Gary letter", along with half of the total tip I intend to provide.*  The implication, of course, is that the other half will depend on the level of service.  This, I feel, is a workable compromise between the cost-benefits of tipping in advance or of waiting until end of cruise.

 

I know some interpret tipping in advance as a bribe.  Perhaps, but I  have no motal objection to a bribe.  It's a tool in the toolbox, a reasonable measure to obtain four-star service.

 

_____________________

 

* As I mentioned on another thread, the initial first half of the tip is contingent on the butler presenting himself to us on the first day, as he is supposed to do.  (I understand the butlers are swamped with duties that first day, but he should still be able to present himslf to us, even if just for five minutes.)  If we don't see him that first day, I have an alternate "Gary letter" prepared, one with no tip or mention of one, to hand him whenever he does show up.

 

 

 

Edited July 24, 2022 by CDR Benson

[LGW59]

10 minutes ago, CDR Benson said:

 

This is the answer to anyone with cruise*enthusiast's question.  The other posters, particularly Mr. Tilkin, have provided good, intelligent information which one may take into account.  For my part, for our upcoming cruise in September, I will provide our butler with our "Gary letter", along with half of the total tip I intend to provide.*  The implication, of course, is that the other half will depend on the level of service.  This, I feel, is a workable compromise between the cost-benefits of tipping in advance or of waiting until end of cruise.

 

I know some interpret tipping in advance as a bribe.  Perhaps, but I  have no motal objection to a bribe.  It's a tool in the toolbox, a reasonable measure to obtain four-star service.

 

_____________________

 

* As I mentioned on another thread, the initial first half of the tip is contingent on the butler presenting himself to us on the first day, as he is supposed to do.  (I understand the butlers are swamped with duties that first day, but he should still be able to present himslf to us, even if just for five minutes.)  If we don't see him that first day, I have an alternate "Gary letter" prepared, one with no tip or mention of one, to hand him whenever he does show up.

 

 

 

So in addition to the advance tip, does your letter to the butler specifically say there is/could be more forthcoming?

[CDR Benson]

17 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

So in addition to the advance tip, does your letter to the butler specifically say there is/could be more forthcoming?

 

I don't have the letter right at hand, but I phrased the reference to the tip along the lines of "As a gesture of our expectation of a good working relationship, we've enclosed part of your well-deserved tip in advance."

[FLcruisergrl]

On 7/23/2022 at 11:31 AM, MsMidge said:

Snacks look a lot better than what we got, and the butler did absolutely nothing but say hello an drop of the afternoon snacks off a cart they pushed down the hallway.

But did you ask for other snacks? These items were most likely requested by the guest.

[Candy Apple 12]

1 hour ago, LGW59 said:

So in addition to the advance tip, does your letter to the butler specifically say there is/could be more forthcoming?

My butler letter stated, “Enclosed you will find an initial token of our appreciation. We are sure that you that you will exceed our expectations, and we will show our further appreciation at the end of this cruise.”

 

1 hour ago, CDR Benson said:

 

This is the answer to anyone with cruise*enthusiast's question.  The other posters, particularly Mr. Tilkin, have provided good, intelligent information which one may take into account.  For my part, for our upcoming cruise in September, I will provide our butler with our "Gary letter", along with half of the total tip I intend to provide.*  The implication, of course, is that the other half will depend on the level of service.  This, I feel, is a workable compromise between the cost-benefits of tipping in advance or of waiting until end of cruise.

 

I know some interpret tipping in advance as a bribe.  Perhaps, but I  have no motal objection to a bribe.  It's a tool in the toolbox, a reasonable measure to obtain four-star service.

 

_____________________

 

* As I mentioned on another thread, the initial first half of the tip is contingent on the butler presenting himself to us on the first day, as he is supposed to do.  (I understand the butlers are swamped with duties that first day, but he should still be able to present himslf to us, even if just for five minutes.)  If we don't see him that first day, I have an alternate "Gary letter" prepared, one with no tip or mention of one, to hand him whenever he does show up.

 

 

 

Thanks for the idea of an alternate letter. I never thought about the butler not showing up on the first day!
 

Edited July 24, 2022 by Candy Apple 12

[CDR Benson]

26 minutes ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

 

 

Thanks for the idea of an alternate letter. I never thought about the butler not showing up on the first day!
 

 

It's happened to some posters here, including Mr. Tilkin.  His response was to call the concierge and request the butler to make an appearance.  I understand his purpose:  he wanted to ensure that he got the most four-star experience possible and he was willing to initiate the butler's visit to do so.  I don't criticise; it's a valid approach, for a valid reason.

 

I disagree with it, for my wife and myself, anyway.  Presenting himself in our suite on that first day is an important part of his butler duties.  (Yes, I know he could be swamped with sailing-day tasks, but he could still stop by for five minutes, even if just to apologise and arrange a later time for a more thorough meeting.)  I shouldn't have to prompt my butler to do his job.  If he fails to show on the first day, it would make me uncertain of his concern for a professional working relationship.  That means withholding a tip until I see if he goes the extra mile in service to overcome his initial gaffe.  Hence, an alternate letter.

 

 

 

 

Edited July 24, 2022 by CDR Benson

[CDR Benson]

29 minutes ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

My butler letter stated, “Enclosed you will find an initial token of our appreciation. We are sure that you that you will exceed our expectations, and we will show our further appreciation at the end of this cruise.”

 

By the way, I like your phraseology here.  When I re-consult the draught of my letter, and re-read exactly how I wrote it, I may borrow your wording, instead.

 

 

[Candy Apple 12]

1 minute ago, CDR Benson said:

 

By the way, I like your phraseology here.  When I re-consult the draught of my letter, and re-read exactly how I wrote it, I may borrow your wording, instead.

 

 

Thank you! Feel free to plagiarize me. That’s what Cruise Critic friends are for!

[MsMidge]

2 hours ago, FLcruisergrl said:

But did you ask for other snacks? These items were most likely requested by the guest.

No, there was no snack menu or anything.  Looked to us like each cabin got the same thing off the cart,  anyway neither the conceirge of butler did anything for us.  the haven restaurant was okay, but they had the same menu every day, and a small abysmal buffet for breakfast.  Actually the main Buffett was better and had more of a selection.

[Harratine]

We typically tip the butler at the end except when they service exceeds what we consider “normal”. It is up to you. We have never had a butler that wasn’t engaged.  I find it helps if you help them by telling your wants early and confirming when it is going correct.  The feedback loop is critical as what I would want is not exactly what you want.  Talk with them and make their job easier, and you get superlative service.

[FLcruisergrl]

10 hours ago, MsMidge said:

No, there was no snack menu or anything.  Looked to us like each cabin got the same thing off the cart,  anyway neither the conceirge of butler did anything for us.  the haven restaurant was okay, but they had the same menu every day, and a small abysmal buffet for breakfast.  Actually the main Buffett was better and had more of a selection.

No, there’s no menu for snacks. There are the standard, daily snacks and you can ask for whatever else you want. The key is communicating. The butler can’t be faulted for you not communicating what you want. There is much more available than the small buffet for breakfast, which I would rather have over the mass produced slop in the main buffet any day.

[KateQ22003]

13 hours ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

My butler letter stated, “Enclosed you will find an initial token of our appreciation. We are sure that you that you will exceed our expectations, and we will show our further appreciation at the end of this cruise.”

 

Thanks for the idea of an alternate letter. I never thought about the butler not showing up on the first day!
 

We were on the Pearl on June 17th in a non-haven suite. We never met our butler until the second day. That has never happened on any other cruise we have been on; I was shocked. 

[KateQ22003]

On 7/23/2022 at 11:22 AM, BirdTravels said:

So, as a Haven guest, you normally ignore the room service menu. You are ordering from the Haven menu or specialty dining (for an additional cost). For breakfast, take the hang tag with check boxes and write what you want. Eggs over easy, egg white omelet, steak, bacon, ham, sausage, grilled tomato, mushrooms, breakfast potato, hasbrown, breads, fresh fruits, juices. All served on a white tablecloth. 

 

 

For snacks, if there is something specific above the default daily snack, your butler will handle that. We always have bowls of M&M (plain or peanut), gummy bears, and bar mix (which ends up in zip locks for the next day's shore excursion - yeah... I know that  you're not suppose to remove food from the ship). And pitchers of ice tea and water in the fridge.  

 

Clearly a big difference in a haven suite vs. a non-haven suite! We never saw a white tablecloth all week, and when asked to bring us some fruit and gummies for a snack we never got them.

[dexddd]

On 7/23/2022 at 9:51 AM, BirdTravels said:

When people ask, I recommend $10-$15 per day per person in room for the Butler. $5-$10 per person per day for the room steward (who is part of the Daily Service Charge pool, but has to deal with your big suite), and $5-$10 per person per day to the Concierge. 

 

You tip at the end for the services you receive - my thoughts. And not a bribe to hope to get good service. 

The bigger suites have bigger DSC.

[Trimone]

Remember the Butler and concierge are not exclusive to anyone.

On our last cruise whilst waiting for tender with concierge, a family of 9 were shouting requests in front of everyone, disagreeing with times between them, the situation was audible to everyone, I have never witnessed more demanding ill mannered people  

[CDR Benson]

15 hours ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

Thank you! Feel free to plagiarize me. That’s what Cruise Critic friends are for!

 

I looked at the draught of my butler letter this morning.  Your phraseology about the enclosed tip was better than mine.  But, in trying to put your words in my voice, the text wound up as not recognisable from what you wrote.  Bear in mind, however, that your words inspired my better re-write.

 

Here's how our "Gary letter" reads right now:

 

"We have been looking forward to meeting you.

 

"I am Commander Benson, a retired United States Naval officer, and my wife is Cheryl.  We have traveled in a suite before, on another cruise line, but this is our first experience with a butler.  We know that we aren't the only guests you have to look after and that you stay busy.  The good news is Mrs. Benson and I are low-maintenance. 

 

"We won't be throwing any parties in our suite, nor requesting any course-by-course meal service.  It's too late for our birthdays, and it's too early for our anniversary.  So, there's nothing to celebrate except the wonderful experience of sailing on board NORWEGIAN JOY.

 

"Here are the requests we do have:

 

(Here will be an itemised list, once we work out what we wish to request)

 

"We have done our homework on the services you provide.  But if we've missed something and ask for something outside of your duties, please don't hesitate to say so.  The same holds if ship's protocols prevent one of our requests.

 

"And that goes to your greatest value to us.  This is our first time on NORWEGIAN JOY, or sailing with NCL.  You are our subject matter expert.  Any advice or information you can provide is welcomed.  Feel free to offer the benefit of your experience, even if not asked.

 

"We know we can call you directly if we want something.  However, we do ask that you get in touch with us at least once a day, in person or by phone, just to check in.  A copy of our shore excursion schedule is attached.

 

"We respect the impeccable skill and experience you bring to your profession.  As a token of our confidence in your service, we've enclosed part of your well-deserved tip, in advance.

 

(NOTE:  the above paragraph will be omitted in the alternate letter, the one I will tender if our butler fails to present on the first day.)

 

"Mrs. Benson and I have been looking forward to this cruise for nearly two years and are excited to finally be on board.  We are in your capable hands."

 

(Signed)

Commander and Mrs. Benson

[cruiseny4life]

Here is my husband and I's approach to tipping, which changed dramatically from my expectations prior to boarding the ship:

 

Originally we planned to tip the butler more than the concierge as we didn't think we'd use the concierge much, if at all. We also didn't expect to tip anyone that was a part of the daily service charge (DSC), because, well...they already have their tips paid out in the DSC. We certainly didn't expect to tip the Haven Restaurant hostess!

 

So, we boarded the ship, had a most wonderful cruise, and partially utilized the butler like we thought we would (we did provide a version of @Sthrngary's butler letter. I edited it to reflect my husband and I's personality. Totaram, our butler, did seem very thankful for the letter and asked to keep it. 

 

By the end of the week, we had re-prioritized who would receive tips. Here's what we did, based on how we felt service was, who we connected with, and the service provided:

 

Hostess of the Haven Restaurant, Janet $25

Four servers (I think) in the Haven, $25, each

Room steward, $25....I feel badly about this one as I think he did deserve a bit more (if I see him in August, we're going to give him a bit more)

Butler, $50 (he was surprised to get a tip at all which seemed odd. We expected to use Totaram a lot more, but canceled the morning coffee/tea/pastry service, never had the afternoon tea we thought we'd have, and only used room service 1 time for a "I'm drunk pizza")

Concierge, $50 each, Omar and Ivan both assisted us a lot!

 

You'll notice our dollar amounts are not a lot. Certainly, we're not as wealthy as some Haven cruisers (we're not, not doing ok since we pay full freight for the Haven)...anyway, we felt the dollar amounts were fair (with that one exception). The only reason the servers and hostess received tips is that we truly connected with them. We had wonderful conversations in the dining room, learning about their family back at home, why they're working on a cruise ship. They truly made us feel like we were in an exclusive area - it wasn't the magic door, the interior, or even the food (incredible as it was), it was the people. And every one (well, except for one, but that's not for here), treated us incredibly well and deserve to be tipped. 

 

I share my experience, and dollar amounts, to give you an idea of what others do. I've seen a lot of posts where cruisers say they tip their butler $300/$700, etc. a week. They might and omgosh that's amazing!! But, this is my perspective and I hope it's helpful as you formulate your tipping strategy! 

[CDR Benson]

19 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Here is my husband and I's approach to tipping, which changed dramatically from my expectations prior to boarding the ship . . .

 

 But, this is my perspective and I hope it's helpful as you formulate your tipping strategy! 

 

Thank you so much for this post, ma'am.  It's most helpful for putting things in perspective.  It goes to the actual purpose of gratuities:  to reward those who made your experience more enjoyable.

 

Your stated amounts are also helpful.  As I've said elsewhere. I'm not John Beresford Tipton, either.  So, it's valuable to know your amounts were appreciated by their recipients.  It enables me to better gauge what I'll be bestowing.

 

Much obliged, ma'am!

 

 

Edited July 25, 2022 by CDR Benson

[graphicguy]

Just sailed the Haven Getaway a couple of weeks ago.  It was a solo (NCL had some nice solo rates). So, generally speaking, my tips were ½ of what they’d be if I were sailing with someone else.

 

Concierge?  Took care of everything.  Billing, specialty dining, entertainment, escorting me to the “HAVEN seats” at entertainment venues, internet issues, etc.  He received a tip….$50.  If a couple?  Would have been $100.

 

Room steward…..in addition to taking care of my room, she picked up and delivered laundry, took care of any special requests (changed pillow type, extra towels, etc), and did so with no disruption of my daily routine.  Saw here every day, sometimes several times per day.

 

Butler?  Saw him the first day.  Didn’t see him again until the last day, where he made an effort to be hanging around my Suite at least 4-5 times.  It was then he asked me if I needed/wanted anything.

 

Not saying this to belittle my Butler.  I am a seat of the pants guest, especially in the Haven.  I plan nothing and really don’t know what I want or need at any given time.  As such, I required nothing from the Butler, and am too lazy to make a list of something I may or may not want him/her to take care of.

 

So, the Butler may have been way more visible the last day of the cruise, but I didn’t use him for anything.  I didn’t tip him, because he really didn’t do anything for me.  The only other data point, the very first day, he was brining chocolate covered strawberries to the room.  I told him to take them away, as I didn’t eat them.  I also asked him to remove the NCL “champagne” from the room as I didn’t like it.  Chocolate strawberries made another appearance, and the champagne stayed in the ice bucket (turned into cold water bucket) for days, until I asked my steward to remove it.

 

So, even the menial requests I did make of my butler, weren’t followed.  Didn’t bother me.  Just not something I’d offer a tip for…just because I had a Butler.

 

 

[OZ.]

On 7/23/2022 at 5:37 PM, cabincop said:

I have my night butler bring me chicken wings when I get back from casino after 0100😂😂

They’re still up at that time? Do they ever sleep?

[cruiseny4life]

3 minutes ago, OZ. said:

They’re still up at that time? Do they ever sleep?

Thankfully they do sleep! There is a specific night butler that answers calls after a certain time. I'm not sure what time that is, but the individual butlers are not on-call every night - I was worried about this as well, especially since butler service isn't a health and safety concern. I was very relieved when I discovered there is a night butler that covers for all butlers during the wee hours of the night! 

[cabincop]

26 minutes ago, OZ. said:

They’re still up at that time? Do they ever sleep?

Yes there is a night butler. I tip them when they come because sometimes it’s not the same butler.