LauraBCruizer

On 10/23/2019 at 8:52 PM, grandgeezer said:

Some of us aren't cynics and believe most of what people tell us until proven otherwise. We dealt with these people several times a day, for two weeks, I think we were way past the random stranger stage. There was no amounts discussed. Do you know what the competitors pay? There are three answers, yes, no, I'd rather not talk about it. If they were to lie, like some posters believe in, they would say they are grossly underpaid looking for more, bigger tips. All they said was, over all they were paid competitively and treated fairly. A couple of them worked for MSC for over 20 years, if they weren't compensated appropriately, they would have left a long time ago.

I also indicated speaking with several different including "management" because I was curious how many different responses I would get - which I did of course.  I posed the question once again to a higher ranking management staff member who said they honestly couldn't tell me with certainty but promised to get a written breakdown by our Nov industry sailing in Nov.  As far as tipping before or after,  I have sent private messages to several of the Butlers on ships currently all over the world.  Many have been on US ships. The ones who I have  communicated with all messaged me back that while they never expect a gratuity,  they do appreciate anything that is given when their service dictates and therefore they do prefer getting it at the end of the trip because they know it's based on service they provide.  Most of the YC Butlers are considered "Proper Butlers" many of them coming from 5 & 6 Star resorts in Mauritius. So they are trained in certain protocol....   We too find great joy in tipping for great service and do so generously with the YC crew members!

On 10/13/2019 at 4:41 AM, Beamafar said:

Butlers in the YC certainly ARE included in the DSC!  I believe they may not be on other cruise 

I can only go by what I've been told & I personally just got off a 17 night YC sailing & was told by the Concierge, guest services in the main area of the ship & management pre cruise that Butlers were specifically not included.  I asked for a breakdown of the DSC by the Concierge and was told it was essentially for those we "dont see" who are behind the scenes.   This was less than a week ago.  This has been repeated to me multiple times and on multiple ships in YC over the years since we always want to make sure we are doing the right thing (because we too saw what's listed on the website).... My husband ONLY tips for outstanding service and he is usually chasing the different Butlers & servers in YC down to thank them properly... 

1 hour ago, phissy said:

Just noticed top line of page.

 

TIPS  MSC does not  recommend tipping individual members of staff.

interesting......

I've seen that and have discussed w/several of the management staff multiple times & while that is what many cruise lines have on their sites, I've also been told that the Butlers on MSC YC specifically are not included in the DSC (among others) and therefore are not prohibited from accepting gratuities if they provide exceptional service ... 

Just adding my 2 cents since I'll be disembarking from my 17 night Transatlantic sailing in Yacht Club in the morning.... You absolutely do not need to tip in advance in YC. I'm a veteran YC'r across many ships, several times since 2015.  While some are absolutely preferred for one reason or another, we've had amazing Butlers every time & every one has been eager to please at every turn on this incredible journey, it's hard to know who not to tip since so many of the Butlers and their junior staff & crew behind the key card access of the Yacht Club doors, make a huge impact on your overall experience.... Many whom I've come to know from ship to ship, take great pride in providing exemplary service & care so tipping at the end will not be an issue in Yacht Club no matter what ship or itinerary you're sailing,  promise!