Tipping the butler and concierge

[islandgirlejfan]

OK, so you are thinking it's going to be the same question that has been asked time and time again:eek::rolleyes:, but this one is a little different and I am not sure I have seen this one asked. Since NCL's service charge went up to $12, if you are staying in a suite have you or do you plan to adjust your tipping for that as well? I know there are many schools of thought how much should be given, but is it/will it affect what you leave for the butler and concierge?:confused:

 

I am wondering since our cruise is coming up and wondering what others are doing.

[CC Help Michell]

OK, so you are thinking it's going to be the same question that has been asked time and time again:eek::rolleyes:, but this one is a little different and I am not sure I have seen this one asked. Since NCL's service charge went up to $12, if you are staying in a suite have you or do you plan to adjust your tipping for that as well? I know there are many schools of thought how much should be given, but is it/will it affect what you leave for the butler and concierge?:confused:

 

I am wondering since our cruise is coming up and wondering what others are doing.

 

We left the daily service charge in place, and tipped the butler and concierge according to how much we used their services. No change.

[coconutpig]

I'd prefer to do one tip at the end for the butler and concierge services for the week - but will they expect tips at time of each service?

 

thx

[time2cruise1]

I'd prefer to do one tip at the end for the butler and concierge services for the week - but will they expect tips at time of each service?

 

thx

 

They will expect it at the end of the week but will be delighted to receive it anytime.

[jimd909]

What is the norm for tipping the butler and concierge on a 7-day cruise? I know if varies by how much they are used...I'm just looking for ballpark since I've never cruised with a butler or concierge.

[terrymtex01]

OK, so you are thinking it's going to be the same question that has been asked time and time again:eek::rolleyes:, but this one is a little different and I am not sure I have seen this one asked. Since NCL's service charge went up to $12, if you are staying in a suite have you or do you plan to adjust your tipping for that as well? I know there are many schools of thought how much should be given, but is it/will it affect what you leave for the butler and concierge?:confused:

 

I am wondering since our cruise is coming up and wondering what others are doing.

 

I think that is a great question that I bet a lot of people have not thought about before. I know I haven't. I can say though that I feel we will probably tip the same as we always have. We have always started with a set amont in mind per day and adjusted that based on how much we used their services, etc etc.

 

What is the norm for tipping the butler and concierge on a 7-day cruise? I know if varies by how much they are used...I'm just looking for ballpark since I've never cruised with a butler or concierge.

 

Generally we start out by budgeting $10.00 for the Bulter PPPD and $10.00 for the Concierge PPPD and then we adjust that based on how much we use their services, how well their service is delivered, so to speak, etc. We also, even though they are included in the DSC, tip the room stewards an additional $20.00 or so each at the end of the cruise because we find they always make our vacation just as special as the Butler and Concierge.

[Pickels]

OK, so you are thinking it's going to be the same question that has been asked time and time again:eek::rolleyes:, but this one is a little different and I am not sure I have seen this one asked. Since NCL's service charge went up to $12, if you are staying in a suite have you or do you plan to adjust your tipping for that as well? I know there are many schools of thought how much should be given, but is it/will it affect what you leave for the butler and concierge?:confused:

 

I am wondering since our cruise is coming up and wondering what others are doing.

 

Ah Come On! All this nickle and dime regarding tipping. If they do a lousy job, adjust your tip, maybe even down to zip. If they do a good job, tip them as you see fit. Done deal.

[LOWTYD]

Ah Come On! All this nickle and dime regarding tipping. If they do a lousy job, adjust your tip, maybe even down to zip. If they do a good job, tip them as you see fit. Done deal.

 

Based on your past experience. what have you tipped the butler / conceierge? Were they worth it or were you disappointed?

[glenellen1]

Brutally honest....

 

Concierge (Anshuman) did nothing for us except make one dinner reservation and get us an umbrella. Minimal tip.

 

Butler (Ravi) did everything. Checked on us twice a day. Very personable. Remembered everything about us. Maximum tip.

 

Stewards (Jami and Frederick). Had our schedule memorized after first day and always had our room made up by 9 am, turned down by 7 pm with towel animals! They got the best tip. Loved, loved, loved these two guys!

 

Wait Staff at Cagey's - we ate breakfast and lunch there every day (if you are in a suite USE THIS PERK. THE BEST!) Dinner 3 times. Big tip for our four waitstaff that were always at our disposal - Estella, Wendy, Garfield and Sergei.

 

Everyone else in the "pay" restaurants was so nice we always left a tip.

 

If you want to tip the waitstaff remember that most of the "regulars" get the last day off and will not be there if you want to tip them in person. For the Dawn NYC to Bermuda Cruise tip them on Saturday night!

 

Also please remember to fill out the S.T.Y.L.E. cards located at the Reception Desk for people you really want NCL to reward. The crew tells me they really work!

 

Gail

[Pickels]

Based on your past experience. what have you tipped the butler / conceierge? Were they worth it or were you disappointed?

 

We didn't use any of the butler's service so we didn't tip him. We didn't need any of his services. However, the concierge (Simone) provided such fantastic service, giving us an in depth briefing before we boarded, escorting us to our cabin, making reservations for all of our diners, first off at one of the ports, and first off at disembarkation plus she was so personable and provided us with many terrific points during our cruise that we tipped her well to the tune of $150. But that's just me, I'm a big tipper (if you deserve it). Some will say that's too high, other, too low, and still others, just right.

There was one cruise on RCI where we not only tipped our waiters but we tipped the waiters at the next table because they were so entertaining during our meals. Not only did they take care of their table but, they interacted with us.

[islandgirlejfan]

When I asked this question, I realize that the question of tipping can get many multiple answers. We have people within the group that have a fit with NCL selecting to put a service charge on the shipboard bill, that it went up to $12, and that the same fee applies to children. We also have the group that goes above and beyond.

 

When it comes to tipping the butler and concierge, the same thing applies and there really are no hard and fast rules for it. When I think about our cruise last October on the Sky, Mike and I tipped very well. The person who seemed most grateful was Elizabeth our room stewardess. Now don't get me wrong, everyone worked very hard and we were very happy with everything. I don't expect bowing down or my ring to be kissed :p when I hand someone a gratuity, but her thank you seemed very genuine, unlike those of the concierge and butler who I would say were much more subdued with their response....more like they knew it was coming and it was just an expectation.

 

They were all very appreciated by us and typically unless we get horrible service, we are very big tippers and I think we well cared for each and every one of them. I was just wondering if anyone was planning to change their tipping in light of the recent changes to the service charges.

[sunshine nana]

Our consierge did 0 for us. Did not escort us to our room or offer reserved seating or escort us to tenders. She got 0. Butler did nothing more than room service a few times. Tipped him as we would have whoever brought room service. Tipped the stewards extra. They were great. The waiters in Cagneys were ok. We felt the extra we paid for the suite took care of their wages.

[sspeechly]

I asked the then Hotel Director on the Sky (that we have known for a number of years) what is an appropiate tip for the butler and concierge. His suggestion was $5.00 per day for each.

 

Take it for what it is worth, but it is a start.

[Laoghaire]

Hello...On the NCL Sun last year, we tipped $5/pp per day for both the butler and concierge. Added a little more for Erika, our concierge, who was fantastic. We expect to do the same, come September on the NCL Pearl. Also tipped the room attendants extra.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Helen

[Pickels]

Our consierge did 0 for us. Did not escort us to our room or offer reserved seating or escort us to tenders. She got 0. Butler did nothing more than room service a few times. Tipped him as we would have whoever brought room service. Tipped the stewards extra. They were great. The waiters in Cagneys were ok. We felt the extra we paid for the suite took care of their wages.

 

That's the point I was making; if they don't do anything, or provide poor service or have an attitude; then, zippo! If they go out of their way or if they seem to really enjoy their job or, they work harder even though they know they're authomatically going to get that $12 bucks, they should get extra. IMHO.

[CC Help Michell]

That's the point I was making; if they don't do anything, or provide poor service or have an attitude; then, zippo! If they go out of their way or if they seem to really enjoy their job or, they work harder even though they know they're authomatically going to get that $12 bucks, they should get extra. IMHO.

 

The point of this thread was that the butler and concierge are not part of the daily service charge pool. They do not receive any portion of that money, so the OP wanted to know if anyone planned to adjust their butler/concierge tips (presumably downward) to make up for the fact that seven months ago NCL increased the daily service charge to $12.

[pcreek]

I like the $5. per day each for Butler & Concierge sounds about right...

Thought that was what all the extra $$ for suites was for - paying the Butler & Concierge ? We haven't enjoyed the suite life - yet, will do so on our Epic voyage.

 

We do always leave a little extra with the room stewards for good job done.

[jimd909]

So, most people tip the Butler and Concierge at the end and not each time they help you? I think I like that better.

[WinnieinWA]

So, most people tip the Butler and Concierge at the end and not each time they help you? I think I like that better.

 

We tipped our first butler on the 3rd day and said there's more to come and he insisted we do not tip him until the last day. So I now tip them the evening before disembarkation. :)

[DMH15]

The disembarkation morning can be hectic. Therefore I like to give all of my tips the day before. Someone on CC suggested thank you notes. On my last cruise I tried this and it worked great. Sealed the tip inside with person's name on the outside. Easy to hand out for me and had a nice personal touch.

[Duff Man]

OP, I do not think it will change our tipping of the butller and concierge, if it does it is only likely to raise it accordingly (cost of living!).

 

We also tip about $10 PPPD for each butler and concierge, although we feel we use both of them regularly.

 

I agree with a smaller tip if you don't use the service. What I don't understand are comments made that he/she "did nothing for us", which sounds like the service was poor. What does that mean? Did YOU use them? Did you ask anything of them? Did you make any requests and not get served? I think it's fine if you don't make any requests or don't make use of them and tip accordingly. I don't think it's fair if pax don't make use of the service and then make it sound like the service was bad. My 2 cents! :D

[mum and son]

The disembarkation morning can be hectic. Therefore I like to give all of my tips the day before. Someone on CC suggested thank you notes. On my last cruise I tried this and it worked great. Sealed the tip inside with person's name on the outside. Easy to hand out for me and had a nice personal touch.

 

When handing out the tips at the end of the cruise, do you just hand the cash or are there envelopes for use like on several other cruise lines? I like the idea of thank-you notes...I assume you brought the card/envelope/paper with you from home?

[Spoiled Suite Brats]

We asked for envelopes from the reception desk so that we could put the tips and a little note in with them. Next time I intend to bring thank you cards. I don't like just handing money as it seems tacky (not saying it is but just feels like it to me) and I like the more personal touch. Although I know the money is most important to them I think everyone likes a word or two of thanks to let them know they are appreciated.

[WinnieinWA]

OP, I do not think it will change our tipping of the butller and concierge, if it does it is only likely to raise it accordingly (cost of living!).

 

We also tip about $10 PPPD for each butler and concierge, although we feel we use both of them regularly.

 

I agree with a smaller tip if you don't use the service. What I don't understand are comments made that he/she "did nothing for us", which sounds like the service was poor. What does that mean? Did YOU use them? Did you ask anything of them? Did you make any requests and not get served? I think it's fine if you don't make any requests or don't make use of them and tip accordingly. I don't think it's fair if pax don't make use of the service and then make it sound like the service was bad. My 2 cents! :D

 

I agree!!! Thanks for making that point!!

 

At the very least the butler brings you hors de ouvres (sp) each night and replenishes your free soda's, water, etc. if you choose not to use them then that is your choice but please do not imply they do NOTHING for you. I use my butler for coffee in the mornings for 3-5 days on a 7 day cruise and at least one full breakfast in the suite. Mine has made sure my adult kids had sack lunches for their early morning fishing excursions in Alaska and has brought us hot cocoa to have while on deck in the cold and have brought us numerous CD movies.

 

Mine has also escorted us off the ship before the general cruisers for excursions and disembarkation. The 2 I have had the good fortune to have always told us to call them direct if we had any need of any sort.

 

When handing out the tips at the end of the cruise, do you just hand the cash or are there envelopes for use like on several other cruise lines? I like the idea of thank-you notes...I assume you brought the card/envelope/paper with you from home?

 

I always bring several small blank notecards to put the extra tips in and give it to the butler on the evening prior to disembarkation. I tip the concierge on our way off the ship. There will be at least one envelope and paper in your room in the notebook provided in case you forget note cards and you can get more from the front desk.

 

I also fill out the STYLE cards for every employee who goes above and beyond the call of duty. They get extra days off and perhaps a promotion based on those cards. Ask your room steward for lots of them and fill them out accordingly. The crew really appreciate that! :)

 

Enjoy your next cruise!

[DMH15]

Libby, this last cruise I packed my own small thank you cards. I really liked this method and will use it next time.