Method of payment for additional tips for butler/concierge?

[johnql]

Right, but if you don't give cash, how can you be 100% sure they really get the entire tip?

 

Yeah, that would be my concern as well with having it charged to my room. I want to know for sure they are getting it!

When you give a butler or concierge a tip via the service desk by requesting a chit, the tip goes directly into their accounts. You then give them a copy of the tip receipt along with your note of thanks. That way, they know that it was directed into their account and the exact amount. I am certain that they receive the entire tip.

[JMHAM1]

One thing regarding using OBC for tips that I need to get clarification on....It was my understanding that OBC's that originate from NCL cannot be used for the DSC but can be used for regular tips (including amts given to butlers, etc). OBC's that originate from other sources (TA's, etc) can be used for the DSC and anything else including tips.

 

Do I have that right?

[maja651]

When you give a butler or concierge a tip via the service desk by requesting a chit, the tip goes directly into their accounts. You then give them a copy of the tip receipt along with your note of thanks. That way, they know that it was directed into their account and the exact amount. I am certain that they receive the entire tip.

Well, if the consensus is that they do get 100% of the tip! then maybe I will change my thought process! I just want to do the right thing by the people we are tipping. Maybe, the best idea is to ask the people you are tipping? Has anyone actually asked their butler, concierge, etc.?

[lilli]

Can anyone clarify how many additional "haven" people need tipping?

[chloemonkey]

My personal opinion, tip in cash. All service personal prefer cash. As someone mentioned earlier, cash is king. Bring the thank you cards if you want to, but tip in cash. Btw, the concierge will have NCL envelopes to put tips in if you prefer to tip more discretely and forget or don't bring thank you cards.

 

In years past, I have always used cash enclosed in personally written thank you cards...BUT over the past 4 years or so, I have had numerous butlers and concierges tell me that to do it through the "system" is great and that they do indeed get full credit for those done on the onboard accounts.

 

Leaves me yet another $1000 or so to "donate" to the casino! But later this month on our next cruise, I will ask again...as I want to do what is best for those that have been so helpful and that work so hard in order for us to enjoy our vacations....

 

And you are right....I always go to the Purser's Desk to get those "discreet" envelopes that come in SO handy when I realize that I have NOT brought enough thank you cards along! I have found that there are lots of people that are not even aware of these! So good job getting the message out!

[chloemonkey]

Well, if the consensus is that they do get 100% of the tip! then maybe I will change my thought process! I just want to do the right thing by the people we are tipping. Maybe, the best idea is to ask the people you are tipping? Has anyone actually asked their butler, concierge, etc.?

 

As I posted in a later response....the 8 - 10 butlers and concierges that I have inquired of DO indicate that they are very pleased with the onboard process and do indeed receive it. And it may be that it is easier for them to manage this way as they do not have to figure out where the best place to "exchange" their currency is....or if it is done onboard the ship, we all know that this is not always the best exchange rate.......

 

Just happy to know that there are so many cruise passengers that want to do the right thing and tip those helpful NCL employees! We read so many posts of people trying to get OUT of the daily service charge, etc....

[Cruisin&Relaxin]

Ok --so how many people are there to tip?!?!

Butler, concierge, courtyard valet, courtyard attendant, haven steward, room steward??

 

Our cruise is in the Mediterranean and will be a 2 week trip--not wanting to travel with a large amount of US $$--we will be getting euros via atm. Is it appropriate to tip in euros as well?

 

Haven Steward and Room Steward are the same person.

[maja651]

As I posted in a later response....the 8 - 10 butlers and concierges that I have inquired of DO indicate that they are very pleased with the onboard process and do indeed receive it. And it may be that it is easier for them to manage this way as they do not have to figure out where the best place to "exchange" their currency is....or if it is done onboard the ship, we all know that this is not always the best exchange rate.......

 

Just happy to know that there are so many cruise passengers that want to do the right thing and tip those helpful NCL employees! We read so many posts of people trying to get OUT of the daily service charge, etc....

 

Thank you for your input! I am sold...going to tip using the system instead of cash. Saves us the hassle of bringing the cash, and if that is what the crew prefers, then it is a win win! :)

 

I agree with you about being happy about people wanting to tip! I believe strongly in tipping well for good service and glad other people do as well.

[younglegend]

I am not so sure the above statement is true, as least insofar as the cruise ship employees are concerned.

 

The daily service charge is probably credited to the employee's onboard account each cruise, and any extra trips from passengers can be as well, as has been discussed here. This saves the employees, who are from foreign countries and thousands of miles away from their homes (and possibly their banks as well, if they even have one), the hassle of having to deal with large amounts of cash.

 

I am not so sure the above statement is true, as least insofar as the cruise ship employees are concerned.

 

The daily service charge is probably credited to the employee's onboard account each cruise, and any extra trips from passengers can be as well, as has been discussed here. This saves the employees, who are from foreign countries and thousands of miles away from their homes (and possibly their banks as well, if they even have one), the hassle of having to deal with large amounts of cash.

 

Not to further propel another tipping thread, but this is incorrect. The DSC goes toward "employee incentive programs." That could mean anything from a party to prize giveaways to cash.

 

In addition, I spoke to several waiters on the Breakaway and they said that service charges on drinks and additional tips write-ins are not given to servers unless they meet sales targets/goals. The targets are shared amongst same level staff (Jr. Waiters, Waiters, etc.). They would much prefer cash!