Additional individual tips when on cabin with a butler.

[jacketwatch]

Next time we’re on the ship, I’ll ask about that. I never heard about gratuities being used for group parties, but this could be correct. 

Edited August 22 by jacketwatch
Addendum

[GALSews]

8 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Just because people are "cheap" and don't mind stiffing their housekeepers does not mean that they shouldn't tip. For the record, I travel 2-3 times a month and tip my housekeepers. 

I really wish that hotels paid their staff a liveable wage. As it is, hotels can pay less than minimum wage to their employees if tips bring the employee's pay to the minimum wage. 

 

As we often only stay one night at a hotel and almost never interact with the housekeeper other than to say hello if we see them and their cart, it bothers me to tip them for their services. (Note that we do, because we are aware that their pay starts below minimum wage.

 

I'd really prefer to just pay more for the room as I'm not getting any additional service and not feel obligated to tip. (By getting tips, do the hotels avoid having to pay into social security for the tipped amount?)

[erisajd]

I don't usually go into random restaurants and tip people who have not served me 😄  

 

So - when it comes to butler and concierge in suite /Haven accommodations - what have they done for you?  Our butler generally ensures we have coffee by 6a every day.  He might swap out pillows for us - a couple of times he has escorted us to a venue and gotten us seats where there were none available [Beatles shows] - other than that - we did not use him for anything - did not do pack and unpack - and generally were pretty easy customers.  Gave him $100 for a week cruise - 

 

The Haven concierge didn't do anything for us not specified as an NCL perk.  Even though a couple of times we asked about using our double $50 discount for an excursion - either sold out or same day and they could not even try [supposedly] - so - he got zip.  As I said, I don't wander into random places where servers did not provide service and drop money for a tip.  Cabin attendant is part of the tip pool but we always give him /her $50 day one and never want for anything the rest of the cruise.  

[McGarrett5oh]

11 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

The cabin steward has a minimum contract wage. They are paid part of that by the cruise line and part of that comes from the DSC. And your DSC covers all of the room stewards, all of the complimentary restaurant workers (waiters, busboys, dishwashers, cooks), forward facing and back of the house cruise staff.

@BirdTravelsQuestion:  So when we receive a complimentary "specialty" dining OBC, I believe there is a gratuity added to perk (depending on cruise line) either inclusive or a separate charge within the final fare.  Is that right and should one then believe that the wait staff at the "specialty" restaurant are covered?  Of course, for exceptional service, then one can add an additional tip.  Also drink packages typically show that there is a gratuity added (or paid separately), so should we believe our bartenders are tipped when on a drink package?

 

Another question from your earlier post regarding tipping housekeepers in hotels.   I'm curious to know how you go about that?  Not so much the amount but the vehicle.  When the hotel doesn't leave a tip envelope, do you leave cash on the desk or bed, do you put it in an envelope you supply?  I've always wondered if the tip really gets to the housekeeper and not picked up by a maintenance person.   TIA

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, McGarrett5oh said:

So when we receive a complimentary "specialty" dining OBC, I believe there is a gratuity added to perk (depending on cruise line) either inclusive or a separate charge within the final fare.  Is that right and should one then believe that the wait staff at the "specialty" restaurant are covered?

 

When accepting the promo (SDP or PBP), the 20% that you are charged (based on the cost of the package that you receive) covers the service charge and gratuity. You are not required to pay anything extra at the bar/restaurant unless you order something that is outside of the package limitations. 

 

Depending on where you are, you MIGHT get charged a tax on your items if the ship is docked/in the jurisdiction of the state. For example, ordering a drink while the ship is docked in Miami might cost you 8% of the drink. Your service charge/gratuity is already paid so a $10 drink in Miami will cost you 80 cents taken from your onboard account. The same drink in open waters will cost you nothing. If you don't have a package, the $10 drink in Miami will cost $10 + $2 + $.80 vs. $10 + $2 in open waters. 

 

1 hour ago, McGarrett5oh said:

Of course, for exceptional service, then one can add an additional tip.

 

Yes, that is always an option. 

 

1 hour ago, McGarrett5oh said:

Also drink packages typically show that there is a gratuity added (or paid separately), so should we believe our bartenders are tipped when on a drink package?

 

Where that 20% goes is between NCL and the NCL employee. You can't control where that 20% goes. You can't lower that 20% but you can always add some extra money, if you choose to do so. 

[complawyer]

so what can it hurt if you give the bartender an extra buck or 2?

 

[RocketMan275]

7 minutes ago, complawyer said:

so what can it hurt if you give the bartender an extra buck or 2?

 

We always do.  Improves the service.

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, complawyer said:

so what can it hurt if you give the bartender an extra buck or 2?

 

Nothing at all! In fact, I give the bartenders I establish a great relationship with a $20 or two at the end of the cruise. 

[complawyer]

among other denominations, i make sure i have sufficient singles for the bartender. it would never, and under any circumstances occur to me not to leave the bartender a tip.

 

however, unlike cruiseny, i dont seek out the same bartender or the same bar on a recurring basis.

by the way (if you are not as yet aware) the bus people in the buffet will also bring you drinks when requested. of course, it goes without saying TIP THEM!

[erisajd]

21 hours ago, complawyer said:

so what can it hurt if you give the bartender an extra buck or 2?

 

never does - almost every drink in the Haven bar I'm leaving the bartenders or server a buck or two - sometimes after 2-3 days my drink is being poured as I'm walking up - like my old favorite steakhouse I knew the bar tenders and they'd pour me when they saw me in the parking lot walking up . . . 

 

[complawyer]

under this same theory (argument) this is why i always tip extra (outside  of the DSC) 

i leave a tip after each meal, and to anyone that performs a personal service for me. 

 

IMHO, if a specialty restaurant is booked at a certain time, and the concierge gets me in, doesnt he deserve a little extra for his effort?

 

same/same with any maitre'd. if they get you in, a vegas handshake is appropriate.

 

in a few ncl ships, cagneys and moderno share the same kitchens. if im eating in cagney's, i ask the waiter to bring me some of  (to die for) moderno's pineapple. he also deserves a little extra.

 

the opinions expressed herein, are strictly my own, this is what i do on a cruise. since the dsc is tacked onto your total bill, many people feel that's sufficient.

 

i personally do not feel that way (again my personal feelings) and my wife and i sit down prior to sailing to figure out how much extra we will need in tips, and to who

sorry for the lengthy diatribe

 

 

[back2cruising1]

Count me in among people who tip hotel housekeepers. That is some hard, thankless work, and I like to leave a tip. I personally think it makes more sense to tip the person making my bed and cleaning my toilet than the person who dropped a plate of food off to my room. That being said, I still tip the person who delivers room service.

[graphicguy]

CONCIERGE-generally controls, books, and makes certain all my dinners, entertainment, excursions, billing and overall Haven experience goes on without a hitch.

 

-Book a restaurant that’s sold out?  Done!

-Take care of any billing snafu?  Done!

-Change my dining g reservations on my whim?  Done!

-Priority (dis)embarkation?  Done 

 

In short I turn over all my bookings, billing and on/off the ship plans to them.

 

$10/day/person (many times more as they are THAT good)

 

BUTLER-brings coffee refills and daily snacks.  That’s about all I use him/her for!

 

$50/week

 

HAVEN BARTENDER-$1/drink

HAVEN RESTAURANT WAITER-$5/dinner

CABIN STEWARD-$50/week/person

 

Non-Haven cabins don’t have the above so not included in their tip pool.  But, I also leave additional tip for my non-haven Cabin Steward.

[CILCIANRQTS]

On 8/22/2024 at 3:08 PM, cruiseny4life said:

Nothing at all! In fact, I give the bartenders I establish a great relationship with a $20 or two at the end of the cruise. 

Start the great relationship early!
IF you have a favorite go-to bar ( for me it’s Maltings for bourbon), tip the head bartender at that bar $20 on embarkation day. He/she and their staff will immediately recognize you as a “good guy” and be quick to pour your favorite drink. Tipping per drink reinforces the bond. After all, you paid $10k for the cruise, so you certainly can afford a few bucks for the crew.

This may come as a surprise to some, but they work for tips folks!🥃

[cruiseny4life]

On 8/23/2024 at 7:57 PM, CILCIANRQTS said:

Start the great relationship early!
IF you have a favorite go-to bar ( for me it’s Maltings for bourbon), tip the head bartender at that bar $20 on embarkation day. He/she and their staff will immediately recognize you as a “good guy” and be quick to pour your favorite drink. Tipping per drink reinforces the bond. After all, you paid $10k for the cruise, so you certainly can afford a few bucks for the crew.

This may come as a surprise to some, but they work for tips folks!🥃

I don't mind if others do exactly as you describe, and some of my great Cruise Critic friends do exactly as you mention! 

 

I prefer tip for service provided. On every cruise I've found a delightful server (or honestly, several). I don't promise them a tip at the end. I don't give them tips during the cruise. On the last day of the cruise, I seek them out, say thank you, and give them a tip for the entirety of this cruise. I've never had a bad server onboard, but I have found three to four that were exceptional and truly added to my cruise experience. 

 

That's just how I roll. Your method works great, I'm sure! It's just not the right one for me.

[CILCIANRQTS]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

I don't mind if others do exactly as you describe, and some of my great Cruise Critic friends do exactly as you mention! 

 

I prefer tip for service provided. On every cruise I've found a delightful server (or honestly, several). I don't promise them a tip at the end. I don't give them tips during the cruise. On the last day of the cruise, I seek them out, say thank you, and give them a tip for the entirety of this cruise. I've never had a bad server onboard, but I have found three to four that were exceptional and truly added to my cruise experience. 

 

That's just how I roll. Your method works great, I'm sure! It's just not the right one for me.

We also use the “find a good server” technique on crowded cruises, where the wait time at the bar was 15 minutes or more!
We tipped as we went, and she always rushed over when we sat down and took our order. She even got to know the names of all the spouses and asked about them if they weren’t present. Got to know her very well over the course of the cruise!

Agree, tipping is a very personal issue, but some still take issue with my approach. ✌️

 

[MoCruiseFan]

On 8/23/2024 at 5:30 PM, graphicguy said:

CONCIERGE-generally controls, books, and makes certain all my dinners, entertainment, excursions, billing and overall Haven experience goes on without a hitch.

Seeing that I take care of all of that myself within about 15 minutes pre-cruise, I find the concierge to be pretty much useless.

[graphicguy]

I do no pre-planning.  I tell the Concierge and s/he takes care of it.  Changes in dining plans, getting me a reservation at a sold out venue, billing issue?  All done by the Concierge.  My whims/plans change daily, sometimes hourly!  LOL!

Edited August 26 by graphicguy

[complawyer]

well, if you would allow the concierge to do all that for you, it would take the burden off your shoulders.

 

i am the complete opposite. on the 21st day prior, i check in, print my cruise docs and im done.

 

i am more than happy to allow the concierge to do all those things you mentioned once i get onboard.

 

our last cruise last april, the concierge came to our cabin, with a list of the restaurants, and he had us fill in the times/dates we wanted to dine.. viola! no problem!

 

after 30 ncl cruises, (1) only on rare occasions has a shore excursion i wanted ever been "sold out" (2) at most ports we hire a cab, show him the excursion description, negotiate a price and we're off. usually much, much cheaper.

 

also on our last cruise, the butler assigned to our cabin was a complete jerk. The concierge had him reassigned immediately.

 

finally,(this is important to me, maybe not to anyone else) the concierge has the ability to gather all his clients, and get us off the ship within 15 or 20 minutes. this avoids the long crowds, the long wait, and the clogged stairways, and elevators. if I advise him a day or 2 before final disembarkation, he has a cab or a shuttle waiting for us as soon as we get our luggage

[complawyer]

mocruisefan

 

in over 10 ncl cruises where i have been fortunate enough to sail in a suite or the haven, i have never encountered a concierge who wasnt at the top of his/her game. they go out of their way, and (imho) above and beyond the call of duty to make my cruise easier and much more enjoyable.

 

that you choose not to avail yourself of their services is totally on you.

no one is telling you not to do it yourself. i choose to do the hotel reservations, the air reservations, and transportation to/from the designated ports. once on board, i let the concierge take care of the rest. it just strikes me odd, that if you have their services, why not use them?

 again, if you choose not to use a concierge, that's your decision.  calling them "useless" is totally unnecessary, and insulting.

 

by the way, i notice you call yourself a cruise fan, however most of what i've read of your posts, seem to tilt to the negative

 

i may be completely mistaken about this, just saying

[Shellbelle28]

29 minutes ago, complawyer said:

in over 10 ncl cruises where i have been fortunate enough to sail in a suite or the haven, i have never encountered a concierge who wasnt at the top of his/her game. they go out of their way, and (imho) above and beyond the call of duty to make my cruise easier and much more enjoyable.

And I might add, most of them genuinely CARE! On one longer cruise on the Jewel, my husband and I had been consistently dining for lunch in Moderno. One day, we were tired and went to our suite, put the DND notice up, and spent a couple of hours snoozing. When we left the cabin later, we discovered a note on the door from the concierge asking if we were ok and if we needed anything. When we saw him later he again expressed that he'd been worried something was wrong. So he didn't "do" anything for us in that instance, but it was definitely elevated service! And I tipped accordingly at the end of the cruise. (The concierge was Carlos Ragasa, not sure where he is now or even still with NCL.)

 

Edited August 27 by Shellbelle28

[JimDee363636]

This is not really relevant to tipping butlers or concierge people, but with respect to tipping bartenders, waiters, and room stewards I suggest doing it early and often---but in modest amounts each time. Psychologists have long known that small-but-frequent rewards are valued more than large-but-infrequent ones. In other words, you're better off giving a bartender an extra dollar for each drink rather than waiting till the end of the cruise and giving him or her $40 or $50. And if you give that $40 or $50 at the very beginning, you'll certainly be remembered but if you fail to tip again you'll probably be resented ("That s.o.b.---I thought he was a big tipper) or at least misunderstood ("What did I do wrong this time?").

 

With room stewards, if i normally tip $100 for a cruise I'll give him or her $20 the first day, then the other $80 in increments a day or two apart. It reinforces the idea that you're someone who tips and that you have an ongoing appreciation for their good service.

 

All I can say is: it's always worked for me.

 

Jim

[Distinctive-Destinations]

I tipped my one-time Haven butler exactly $0. Why? Because I never asked him to do anything and I spent more time listening to him tell me that he didn’t get tipped than using him for anything whatsoever. Frankly I found it a bit much.

[Distinctive-Destinations]

On 8/23/2024 at 7:57 PM, CILCIANRQTS said:

Start the great relationship early!
IF you have a favorite go-to bar ( for me it’s Maltings for bourbon), tip the head bartender at that bar $20 on embarkation day. He/she and their staff will immediately recognize you as a “good guy” and be quick to pour your favorite drink. Tipping per drink reinforces the bond. After all, you paid $10k for the cruise, so you certainly can afford a few bucks for the crew.

This may come as a surprise to some, but they work for tips folks!🥃

They are taught to do that (tips or not) according to the hospitality officer that I sat next to while eating sushi and talked to for a half hour or so.

[graphicguy]

5 hours ago, Distinctive-Destinations said:

I tipped my one-time Haven butler exactly $0. Why? Because I never asked him to do anything and I spent more time listening to him tell me that he didn’t get tipped than using him for anything whatsoever. Frankly I found it a bit much.

Only happened once in all my Haven cruises, but on one cruise I never saw my Butler...not even the first day.  I knew he had been there as little canapés would show up in the room and the coffee had been refilled when needed.  Aside from that, I could have tripped over him and not known who he was.  It would be generous to say he spen less than a total of 5 minutes in my cabin the entire week.

 

Until.......the last day of the cruise, where he milled around my cabin, making sure he approached me when I went in and out of the cabin asking if I needed anything.

 

Don't know why that irked me, but it did. 

 

If you're going to only "hit me up" for a tip on the last day, tell me you're going to attend other cabins more than me.  I would respect that more.  At least I would know what to expect.