Butler/Concierge Duties and Tipping

[NLH Arizona]

Count me among those who are skeptical about $10 pp per day being a typical or average tip. (I'm not doubting that those who use this figure are being honest, I'm doubting whether the number is representative of what the average passenger tips.)

I'm not sure if $10 a day per person is typical or even average, it is just a figure I came up with based on feedback from here. Some people said they tip $40 a week and some said $500. I personally feel that $10 is a good starting point for me, might not be for anyone else. If I were to get a butler that I thought was exceptional, I would add to that. If I were to get a butler that did not live up to my expectations, the butler would get less. Everyone should only tip what they feel is appropriate, based on the services they received and their personal finances.

 

And to be honest, since the cruise line doesn't give us a figure, no one knows what the average passenger tips nor should they know that figure or care what the figure is.

[marelind]

The reason I asked is because, if for example, one butler has 10 suites.....

if 2 people are in that suite for 1 week at $10.00 a day that would be $140.00 a week for that one stateroom with only 2 people in it. Times that by 10 sweets would be a tip of $1,400.00 he/she would make that week for 10 suites with only 2 people per suite.....and we know lots of times there are more than just 2 people so if there are 4 that would be $2,800.00 per week......plus whatever he actually makes from NCL. Times that by 4 weeks (some months have 5 weeks) and that would be what the Butler makes just in tips. Again, depending on how many people per suite and if everyone tipped $10.00 per person per day. We all know some tip less....but some also tip more. Just saying......

 

Harriet

 

My thoughts on this is that not everyone tips at this rate ($10pp/day) and some may not ever realize they need to tip butler and concierge. I am embarrassed to say that in my pre-CC days we were upsold to a suite on our first cruise, and I wasn't prepared for what a butler does or knowledgeable regarding appropriate tipping other than in a land based restaurant. We left nothing for the butler or concierge. :o So, you can't assume everyone is going to do the right thing.

 

We now use suites regularly and start at about $150/week for the butler and $70 for the concierge for the two of us and adjust down or up for our usage/extra requests and their responsiveness/initiative. We gave our sweet butler $300 for a 15 day cruise and she was speechless and then very, very appreciative, so I gathered it was at the high end of her tips.

[njhorseman]

I'm not sure if $10 a day per person is typical or even average, it is just a figure I came up with based on feedback from here. Some people said they tip $40 a week and some said $500. I personally feel that $10 is a good starting point for me, might not be for anyone else. If I were to get a butler that I thought was exceptional, I would add to that. If I were to get a butler that did not live up to my expectations, the butler would get less. Everyone should only tip what they feel is appropriate, based on the services they received and their personal finances.

 

And to be honest, since the cruise line doesn't give us a figure, no one knows what the average passenger tips nor should they know that figure or care what the figure is.

 

You cherry-picked my first paragraph and ignored the last, in which I say it's a personal thing...which means in the end we're not disagreeing. I'm merely relaying my personal experience and practices and you yours.

 

But I have to disagree your "nor should they know or care what the figure is". If you're asking for advice about typical tipping practices you do care and you want to know. Whenever someone asks this question we get the same $10 pp/pd answer from the same few people, and I'm not at all convinced that answer is even remotely in a realistic ballpark, particularly with regards to the concierge. The amount of income that would generate versus the services provided just don't add up in my mind, and that's why I've weighed in with a far lower number.

[PatJim]

Most cruisers do not have an unlimited income. We save and budget for trips. Here's how my DH and I do it. We work out the total trip cost before we book a cabin. We factor in staff gratuities ($12/day per person), trip insurance, an additional tip for the cabin steward, and about how much our on board and shore expenses will be. Only then do we look at cabin categories. If we want a suite, we also factor in $150 for our butler (a bit more than $10/day per person for a 7-day cruise) and $100 for our concierge. We also factor in some cash tips for Cagney wait staff who serve our breakfasts and lunches. If the total fits our travel budget, we book the suite. If it's a bit high, we book a mini-suite or balcony.

 

Once on board, if we have problems with either butler or concierge, we adjust the tip upward or downward, but we're already assured we have the money not to under tip. As other posters have said, tip amount is a personal choice, but as the butler and concierge do not get a share of the staff gratuities, we feel they deserve the tips we set aside for them. We wouldn't fee right undertipping just to afford the cost of a suite, and would rather save ahead of time in other areas of our budget (Starbucks coffees!), to make sure we can afford both the suite and the extra tips that come with it.

 

As other posters have mentioned, tip amounts are personal. We hope it is helpful sharing our approach.

[RJ2002]

Most cruisers do not have an unlimited income. We save and budget for trips. Here's how my DH and I do it. We work out the total trip cost before we book a cabin. We factor in staff gratuities ($12/day per person), trip insurance, an additional tip for the cabin steward, and about how much our on board and shore expenses will be. Only then do we look at cabin categories. If we want a suite, we also factor in $150 for our butler (a bit more than $10/day per person for a 7-day cruise) and $100 for our concierge. We also factor in some cash tips for Cagney wait staff who serve our breakfasts and lunches. If the total fits our travel budget, we book the suite. If it's a bit high, we book a mini-suite or balcony.

 

Once on board, if we have problems with either butler or concierge, we adjust the tip upward or downward, but we're already assured we have the money not to under tip. As other posters have said, tip amount is a personal choice, but as the butler and concierge do not get a share of the staff gratuities, we feel they deserve the tips we set aside for them. We wouldn't fee right undertipping just to afford the cost of a suite, and would rather save ahead of time in other areas of our budget (Starbucks coffees!), to make sure we can afford both the suite and the extra tips that come with it.

 

As other posters have mentioned, tip amounts are personal. We hope it is helpful sharing our approach.

 

Very well put.

 

On our recent 9 day Baltic cruise, we tipped the same amount you did. It worked out to less than $10/pp per day for the butler and a bit more than $5/pp per day for the concierge. I have seen these amounts suggested by more than just a few people.

[cabincop]

Lets see how this post goes, I seem to have problems with leaving my thoughts. Certain people run to moderators. I don't ever think about how much a butler will make if everyone tips them the same based o how many suites they have. I have been in suites only, for some 8years so I feel I have some insight. I know that I only concern myself with my butler and how he is to me, and tip accordingly. If everyone worried about how much the butler is getting in tips, how do you enjoy your vacation? Just go enjoy yourself and tip nicely if your butler does his job. Also I thought you room steward is in charge of your ice bucket not your butler.

[sunshine nana]

I would hope that NCL would realize that embarkation sets the tone for the cruise. Neither time in a suite did we have the concierge or her assistant escort us to our suite. The second time, we were not boarded until the mass boarding began. I felt that was because we were in a Romance Suite, not the Haven. The suite life needs to start with embarkation.

[NLH Arizona]

You cherry-picked my first paragraph and ignored the last, in which I say it's a personal thing...which means in the end we're not disagreeing. I'm merely relaying my personal experience and practices and you yours.

 

But I have to disagree your "nor should they know or care what the figure is". If you're asking for advice about typical tipping practices you do care and you want to know. Whenever someone asks this question we get the same $10 pp/pd answer from the same few people, and I'm not at all convinced that answer is even remotely in a realistic ballpark, particularly with regards to the concierge. The amount of income that would generate versus the services provided just don't add up in my mind, and that's why I've weighed in with a far lower number.

I don't give advice as to "this is what is expected or this is what you should do or this is or is not the normal or average". I will tell another poster what I do or am going to do, in the case of the butler tipping, since my November cruise will be my first in a suite.

 

If you disagree with $10 a day per person, then instead of conjecturing on whether $10 is the average (because no one on here knows what the real average is), why not say that you feel in your opinion that $10 is too much and you tip X. I've seen way more people that say they tip more than $10, then those that tip less and that is how I acheived the $10 base for me - some might think it is too high or some might think it is not enough, but it is something I'm comfortable. Also, you don't feel that the income generate versus the services add up to the $10 per day per person amount, which is fine, but it only your opinion. Everyone has a different idea as to what things are worth. In our daily lives, if we don't feel something is worth what is being charged for it, we just don't purchase it. The same goes for a cruise line's tips - if you don't feel the services you received are not worth X, you tip Y.

 

The coment I made that no one should know or care what others tip is exactly how I feel. I've seen to many nasty comments that if someone doesn't tip X, they are cheap, etc. We can only control what we do and what we feel is appropriate and others should be able to do the same without judgement. If someone asks advice, then people should tell them what they do, not tell them what to do. Again, this is all just my opinion.

Edited September 8, 2013 by NLH Arizona

[NLH Arizona]

I would hope that NCL would realize that embarkation sets the tone for the cruise. Neither time in a suite did we have the concierge or her assistant escort us to our suite. The second time, we were not boarded until the mass boarding began. I felt that was because we were in a Romance Suite, not the Haven. The suite life needs to start with embarkation.

I will be in a penthouse suite, my first time in a suite, and I certainly hope I don't have the same experience. If I do, you can trust that a lot of $$$'s will be deducted from my base amount for the concierge. I feel that if they offer a service to all in suites, then all passengers should get it.

 

Sorry you had a bad experience. I hope you brought the matter up to the powers that be, so that others wouldn't experience the same from those concierges.

[RJ2002]

I would hope that NCL would realize that embarkation sets the tone for the cruise. Neither time in a suite did we have the concierge or her assistant escort us to our suite. The second time, we were not boarded until the mass boarding began. I felt that was because we were in a Romance Suite, not the Haven. The suite life needs to start with embarkation.

 

We have only been in a suite once, but at the time we boarded, the cabins were not ready yet on our deck, so we were not escorted to our suite either. We were escorted from the special suite check-in area at the dock up to the Star Bar, where we were introduced to the Concierge. We were also invited to dine at Cagney's for lunch - which is just across from the Star Bar. (This was on the Star, BTW).

 

edit: I suppose we could have asked to be escorted to the suite after our lunch, but we just went there on our own

Edited September 8, 2013 by RJ2002

[time2cruise1]

I will be in a penthouse suite, my first time in a suite, and I certainly hope I don't have the same experience. If I do, you can trust that a lot of $$$'s will be deducted from my base amount for the concierge. I feel that if they offer a service to all in suites, then all passengers should get it.

 

Sorry you had a bad experience. I hope you brought the matter up to the powers that be, so that others wouldn't experience the same from those concierges.

 

Keep in mind perhaps 150 passengers boarding into suites and one concierge. The concierge will remain in the VIP boarding are to provide sail and sign cards to those penthouse passengers that continue to arrive after initial boarding. Generally the limited number of butlers will escort passengers in groups to Cagney's since most cabins will not be ready until after you board. If an escort to your penthouse is important let the concierge know in the VIP waiting area. They are not mind readers even if some seem to be.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - Jim

[sjbdtz]

I'm cheap.

 

But I usually budget $150 for the trip, regardless of whether I'm solo or there are 2 of us.

 

And I split that in some proportion between the butler & concierge depending on what services I/we were rendered.

 

We're usually super-simple, not requiring much at all... if we had some grand plans on a particular trip, or if we were really monopolizing their time for whatever reason, I'd increase my budget accordingly.

 

 

Hope that helps.

 

 

Stephen

 

.

[Fishbait17]

I would hope that NCL would realize that embarkation sets the tone for the cruise. Neither time in a suite did we have the concierge or her assistant escort us to our suite. The second time, we were not boarded until the mass boarding began. I felt that was because we were in a Romance Suite, not the Haven. The suite life needs to start with embarkation.

 

For what it's worth, of all my suite embarkations (from Romance suites to Haven to Garden Villa), the only time the concierge asst ever escorted us was when we were in the Garden Villa, and never the concierge, so that's pretty typical and what I expect. A few times our butler escorted us, or someone else's butler, and often it's just a suite group boarding - sometimes with an escort, sometimes not. Sometimes we are simply escorted onto the ship, sometimes all the way to the Star Bar or Cagney's, or the Haven, and once in a while to the suite. I never really have had the expectation that anyone would escort us directly to the suite, so I suppose I've never been disappointed :). All ships seem to board a bit differently, and even the same ship with different concierges or even the same concierge who has extra duties that particular week. The only time I have ever been disappointed with a boarding was for the Breakaway, and I think that's simply because it was just a mass cattle-call for the suites, and very impersonal and confusing - there was no concierge staff even in the suites waiting area (and no snacks or drinks) and when someone finally arrived, they simply announced that we would board "in order" and then just sent us all onward (too many suites on that ship).

 

Robin

Edited September 8, 2013 by Fishbait17

[rvsullivan]

These threads are always interesting. They seem to follow a consistent format.

Someone always wants to know how many suites are involved so they can calculate how much the butlers and concierge make. That then becomes a conversation about that is too much so we shouldn't tip as much or at all. The concierges in NYC at major hotels make six figures plus, nobody stiffs them because they make to much. We feel they do an outstanding job for us on every cruise and we tip appropriately. They may make more money than we do, I don't know or care.

 

We have never been escorted to our suite on boarding, they are not ready at 1130 or 12 so we get escorted to Cagney's. For someone that did not like the service on one occasion by an assistant Concierge, how did that equate to no tip for either him/her and the concierge?

 

We figure our suites cost at least $575 or more per day, a $30 per day tip for the butler and concierge is about 5%. We tip about 20% in most restaurants we go to and certainly receive better service on NCL in a suite that we do at Texas Roadhouse.

 

Some do not want to tip for the outstanding service received in an NCL suite, if the service is bad enough to warrant withholding the tip, I would be talking to the Hotel Director on the first day to get it fixed. If not, we feel they deserve every penny they get. Most have worked as room stewards or something similar for many years to work up to the positions they hold.

 

Climbing down from the soap box now and turning this over to the next in line.:D

[kcwingwalker]

These threads are always interesting. They seem to follow a consistent format.

Someone always wants to know how many suites are involved so they can calculate how much the butlers and concierge make. That then becomes a conversation about that is too much so we shouldn't tip as much or at all. The concierges in NYC at major hotels make six figures plus, nobody stiffs them because they make to much. We feel they do an outstanding job for us on every cruise and we tip appropriately. They may make more money than we do, I don't know or care.

 

We have never been escorted to our suite on boarding, they are not ready at 1130 or 12 so we get escorted to Cagney's. For someone that did not like the service on one occasion by an assistant Concierge, how did that equate to no tip for either him/her and the concierge?

 

We figure our suites cost at least $575 or more per day, a $30 per day tip for the butler and concierge is about 5%. We tip about 20% in most restaurants we go to and certainly receive better service on NCL in a suite that we do at Texas Roadhouse.

 

Some do not want to tip for the outstanding service received in an NCL suite, if the service is bad enough to warrant withholding the tip, I would be talking to the Hotel Director on the first day to get it fixed. If not, we feel they deserve every penny they get. Most have worked as room stewards or something similar for many years to work up to the positions they hold.

 

Climbing down from the soap box now and turning this over to the next in line.:D

 

Well said............Bravo!

[NLH Arizona]

Keep in mind perhaps 150 passengers boarding into suites and one concierge. The concierge will remain in the VIP boarding are to provide sail and sign cards to those penthouse passengers that continue to arrive after initial boarding. Generally the limited number of butlers will escort passengers in groups to Cagney's since most cabins will not be ready until after you board. If an escort to your penthouse is important let the concierge know in the VIP waiting area. They are not mind readers even if some seem to be.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - Jim

Yes, I know I will probably go to Cagney's for lunch as I will be arriving around noon and possibly in a group, I have no issue with that. But if I'm just told to go without an escort, that is when $$'s will be deducted for a service not received. I would never expect anyone to read my mind, I have no problem voicing what I need or want.

[halos]

Someone always wants to know how many suites are involved so they can calculate how much the butlers and concierge make. That then becomes a conversation about that is too much so we shouldn't tip as much or at all.

 

I know! This bothers the HECK out of me...seriously...Number Crunchers.:mad:

Tipping someone should not be about how much you think they make, and what you think a person in that job should gross every sailing. That is just beyond awful. I think from what I have read on these boards over the years is that people who number crunch are usually people who are ticked as all get out that a 'person of service' might actually make more money than they do.

:rolleyes:

 

 

We, for the most part tip well for no other reasons other than we appreciate and value great service and we are blessed to be in a situation where we can tip well, so we do.

BUT our one suite experience was a bit disappointing. To be honest, we felt our cabin steward did far more for us.

IF out butler had done butler-ish things then I'd have been happy to give him $20 per day but all he did was set up the coffee pot, explain how it worked and bring our little tray of hors'oeuvres every day. After the first day I never saw him.

To be fair, I didn't request much of him either. I had gone into that cruise thinking I would even ask to have my suitcases unpacked but wound up feeling awkward about that.

 

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, tipping the butler depends on how much you utilize him. Ours was tipped, but not near the rate that most here tip. I think we gave him $75 for a 7 night cruise....and for what he did, I feel that was enough.

 

I loved having the larger cabin and breakfast and lunch @ Cagney's, but our suite experience left us feeling like we'd likely just stick with a balcony in the future. It just wasn't worth it to us. Not to say I'd never have a suite again, it's just that it wasn't a case of 'Now I've been in a suite and I can never book anything less'. We just didn't utilize the butler enough OR weren't in the cabin enough to make it worth the added cost.

Edited September 8, 2013 by halos

[hpecorari]

I know! This bothers the HECK out of me...seriously...Number Crunchers.:mad:

Tipping someone should not be about how much you think they make, and what you think a person in that job should gross every sailing. That is just beyond awful. I think from what I have read on these boards over the years is that people who number crunch are usually people who are ticked as all get out that a 'person of service' might actually make more money than they do.:rolleyes: quote]

 

Hmmmm, let me clarify since I did mention how much they 'might' be making.

 

I'm not "ticked as all get out that 'a person of service' might actually make more money than I do"

 

Why?

 

Because I know that they don't. :)

 

I spend/play more than the butler and concierge are paid and make in tips in a month's time at the casino on a one week cruise I'm on and I have NO problem tipping them or others what I feel they are worth in accordance to what services they or anyone provides for me.

 

I know you said "usually" but wanted to clarify, at least, for myself.

 

Harriet

[njhorseman]

I would hope that NCL would realize that embarkation sets the tone for the cruise. Neither time in a suite did we have the concierge or her assistant escort us to our suite. The second time, we were not boarded until the mass boarding began. I felt that was because we were in a Romance Suite, not the Haven. The suite life needs to start with embarkation.

 

We've always been escorted aboard when booked in a what used to be known as a "Romance Suite", but we've never been escorted to our cabin because the cabins weren't ready that early.

 

I have no idea why you haven't been escorted aboard, but IMO that's an exception, not the norm.

[puddles99]

We've always been escorted aboard when booked in a what used to be known as a "Romance Suite", but we've never been escorted to our cabin because the cabins weren't ready that early.

 

I have no idea why you haven't been escorted aboard, but IMO that's an exception, not the norm.

 

I would agree with this statement. We've been escorted aboard - and to lunch - each time we've sailed in a suite. However, we then choose to go explore the ship and wander to our cabin without an escort. I never really thought about it, to be honest!

[cabincop]

Yeah, I wasn't even gonna mention it as a percentage of my gambling budget lol... But boy, don't know if I could do a 28 day b2b, the casino budget would make hubby keel over lol... Kinda glad we don't have that kind of time off yet... :D

 

Robin

 

 

lol nice to se someone else who thinks like me. I always have to figure out my casino budget and sea days can really hurt lol

[cabincop]

These threads are always interesting. They seem to follow a consistent format.

Someone always wants to know how many suites are involved so they can calculate how much the butlers and concierge make. That then becomes a conversation about that is too much so we shouldn't tip as much or at all. The concierges in NYC at major hotels make six figures plus, nobody stiffs them because they make to much. We feel they do an outstanding job for us on every cruise and we tip appropriately. They may make more money than we do, I don't know or care.

 

We have never been escorted to our suite on boarding, they are not ready at 1130 or 12 so we get escorted to Cagney's. For someone that did not like the service on one occasion by an assistant Concierge, how did that equate to no tip for either him/her and the concierge?

 

We figure our suites cost at least $575 or more per day, a $30 per day tip for the butler and concierge is about 5%. We tip about 20% in most restaurants we go to and certainly receive better service on NCL in a suite that we do at Texas Roadhouse.

 

Some do not want to tip for the outstanding service received in an NCL suite, if the service is bad enough to warrant withholding the tip, I would be talking to the Hotel Director on the first day to get it fixed. If not, we feel they deserve every penny they get. Most have worked as room stewards or something similar for many years to work up to the positions they hold.

 

Climbing down from the soap box now and turning this over to the next in line.:D

 

thank you

[stormynow]

Since you don't feel my post gave any assistance, what assistance did your post above give?

 

I feel if someone gives $5 a week or $5,000 a week, it is their decision and if they are alright with it, that is all that matters.

 

To the OP, I also have the starting point of $10 per day per person and will add or subtract depending on service.

Like..

[hpecorari]

Yeah, I wasn't even gonna mention it as a percentage of my gambling budget lol... But boy, don't know if I could do a 28 day b2b, the casino budget would make hubby keel over lol... Kinda glad we don't have that kind of time off yet... :D

 

Robin

 

Yes, well, I'm going to have to visit gamblers annonomous while on board!

Harriet

[Ericktina]

These threads are always interesting. They seem to follow a consistent format.

Someone always wants to know how many suites are involved so they can calculate how much the butlers and concierge make. That then becomes a conversation about that is too much so we shouldn't tip as much or at all. The concierges in NYC at major hotels make six figures plus, nobody stiffs them because they make to much. We feel they do an outstanding job for us on every cruise and we tip appropriately. They may make more money than we do, I don't know or care.

 

 

This is my reply to Sullivan--it went in the wrong spot !! Sorry.

If you know many of the butlers--as is our privilege over the years--and you talk to them--it is amazing how many people leave them NOTHING-- even the very best butlers. They would laugh at the figures suggested for their annual salaries.. I read a thread on here once from six people staying in a Garden Villa. They RAVED about the service they got--took ALL their meals en suite (one of them was in a wheelchair--NCL provided a crew member to attend him whenever he left the cabin). They concluded a GLOWING review about the fantastic crew who served them by saying that they not only left NO tip-- they ALSO REMOVED THE DAILY SERVICE CHARGE because the suite was so expensive. If that were not bad enough--they then said how much they were looking forward to their (already booked) upcoming Garden Villa cruise on another ship.

 

We are with Sullivan on the soapbox !! End of reply

 

Back to rest of original original post...

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have never been escorted to our suite on boarding, they are not ready at 1130 or 12 so we get escorted to Cagney's. For someone that did not like the service on one occasion by an assistant Concierge, how did that equate to no tip for either him/her and the concierge?

 

We figure our suites cost at least $575 or more per day, a $30 per day tip for the butler and concierge is about 5%. We tip about 20% in most restaurants we go to and certainly receive better service on NCL in a suite that we do at Texas Roadhouse.

 

Some do not want to tip for the outstanding service received in an NCL suite, if the service is bad enough to warrant withholding the tip, I would be talking to the Hotel Director on the first day to get it fixed. If not, we feel they deserve every penny they get. Most have worked as room stewards or something similar for many years to work up to the positions they hold.

 

Climbing down from the soap box now and turning this over to the next in line.:D

Edited September 9, 2013 by Ericktina