Tip the concierge?

[tserface]

We have tipped the concierge in the past when they've helped us with things like excursions and future cruises and when they enhanced our experience through the lounge.

 

I actually asked about it a while ago and was told that "anyone not wearing a uniform or working on the Cruise Director's staff" will gratefully accept gratuities. We've had CD staff that we would have loved to tip and we usually give them a WOW card and mention them specifically on our surveys.

 

So... I think you should tip *anyone* you think deserves a little extra for going a little extra to make your trip extra special.

 

That said, I was also told the Concierge is not expecting tips so there's no stigma about not tipping. From what I understand they are better compensated than the wait staff.

 

Tom

[kearney]

On Oasis our guy was on his computer quite a bit. At on point I recall asking him for something and realized that while he was on the computer a lot, he was on their working on something for a passenger... eg looking for reservations etc. I realized that he was not surfing the internet or doing email, he was actually working. So keep that in mind... that they may actually be helping someone out. Hard to prove one way or the other... but thought I would mention that:)

[Royal2464]

On Oasis our guy was on his computer quite a bit. At on point I recall asking him for something and realized that while he was on the computer a lot, he was on their working on something for a passenger... eg looking for reservations etc. I realized that he was not surfing the internet or doing email, he was actually working. So keep that in mind... that they may actually be helping someone out. Hard to prove one way or the other... but thought I would mention that:)

 

Using the computer is part of their job, not a pass time as you point out. They receive numerous emails from guests on upcoming cruises asking questions and requesting assistance booking shows, etc. they also are addressing the needs of current guests. While they may have some "downtime" where they can send personal emails, etc. most of their computer time is guest related.

[Florida Fan]

I think the concierge also does a lot of indirect service. I often see a concierge checking/making the coffee in the lounge, overseeing appetizers in the evening, making sure the wait staff get around to all parts of the lounge, etc. Even if I don't speak to the concierge or ask for a special service, I tip if I've used the lounge.

[RoperDK]

We are in a Grand Suite on Oasis in a few months. We will tip the concierge according to service rendered. What about the wait staff at Coastal Kitchen? We usually tip extra when eating at pay restaurants. Since the Coastal Kitchen is complementary for suite guests, how do you tip for your meals? Do you receive a slip at the end of the meal or is it like the MDR where nothing is given to you? Also, we both have the drink package so we won't be getting any "free" drinks in the suite lounge. Do you still tip for every drink under those circumstances? When we have the drink package we only tip our favorite bartenders that go out of their way for us. We figure that the bartenders are already getting 18% for every drink and that is enough for standard service.

 

Thanks so much,

Dawn

[chandom]

We are in a Grand Suite on Oasis in a few months. We will tip the concierge according to service rendered. What about the wait staff at Coastal Kitchen? We usually tip extra when eating at pay restaurants. Since the Coastal Kitchen is complementary for suite guests, how do you tip for your meals? Do you receive a slip at the end of the meal or is it like the MDR where nothing is given to you? Also, we both have the drink package so we won't be getting any "free" drinks in the suite lounge. Do you still tip for every drink under those circumstances? When we have the drink package we only tip our favorite bartenders that go out of their way for us. We figure that the bartenders are already getting 18% for every drink and that is enough for standard service.

 

Thanks so much,

Dawn

On Allure at the end of dinner at Coastal Kitchen I got a receipt for the table.

 

The Suite Lounge bar also offers drinks that are not complimentary. From what I heard here. If they don't have the liquor of your choice, they can usally get it to have on hand.

Still on that subject, I treated that bar like I normally would when it came to tipping.

[dagunny]

There are concierges and then there are concierges. Fortunately, we have had all good ones. The first thing we do is establish a rapport with him/her. Some concierges will work tirelessly to satisfy their guests. They also watch over their flock of bartenders and buffet waiters. They also notice if you tip their staff. Generally, we tip the bartenders $5 a night or $10 if they come through with some better wines. On some ships we were on, once the bartenders found out what we liked, and the tips came in, instead of the nasty wine served at the C bar, nice bottles of Pinot Noir or Cab would appear, nightly. Same with mixers and booze. Items which are not on the little card you see. You like Grey Goose? Take care of them. Why? You treat them right and they treat you right. Be stingy and you get the hard gut stuff.

 

The concierge notices this. Next thing you know, you are on the Captain's table. The concierge might ask what excursions you are on and ask you to cancel one and take another because the tender will get you to a different place and avoid lines or bad reviews by other guests.

 

Maybe he will say - We've just had an opening at such and such a place - would you like to fill it?

 

Didn't get your precious block? See the concierge and it will appear in your room, even if the Loyalty Ambassador doesn't notice you've accumulated the points.

 

We've tipped generously for super accommodations. They can make or break a cruise for you. They also talk to other concierges on other ships so word gets around.

 

If you are in a suite, they will take you off the ship when you want to go, avoiding standing in lines. Same with getting on.

 

Back-to-backers - your experience on the later cruises will reflect your past performance on the previous ones.

 

We also tip the waiters in the suites breakfast $2-3 daily. They are also controlled by the concierge.

 

Folks, these guys and gals have next to nothing. If you can afford a cruise you can certainly afford to tip for great service.

 

We have had excess shipboard credit and bought watches and ship stores items for them. They also like unobtainium items to display on their desk. We had a custom sign made for one. "so-and-sos Happy Hour" She loved it. Chocolates - who doesn't love chocolate. magnets, pins, trinkets - It doesn't have to be cash.

 

On one cruise, the concierge bartenders were getting hassled from management for opening a couple minutes early - we brought them an alarm clock with the happy hour time alarm set. Have some fun with them.

 

One more item - order new bills from your bank before going on any international cruise. Especially Europe. Many places will not accept worn out or graffiti-ed bills. Order 2 days in advance and you get new crisp ones.

 

Whats in your wallet?

[boscobeans]

There are concierges and then there are concierges. Fortunately, we have had all good ones. The first thing we do is establish a rapport with him/her. Some concierges will work tirelessly to satisfy their guests. They also watch over their flock of bartenders and buffet waiters. They also notice if you tip their staff. Generally, we tip the bartenders $5 a night or $10 if they come through with some better wines. On some ships we were on, once the bartenders found out what we liked, and the tips came in, instead of the nasty wine served at the C bar, nice bottles of Pinot Noir or Cab would appear, nightly. Same with mixers and booze. Items which are not on the little card you see. You like Grey Goose? Take care of them. Why? You treat them right and they treat you right. Be stingy and you get the hard gut stuff.

 

The concierge notices this. Next thing you know, you are on the Captain's table. The concierge might ask what excursions you are on and ask you to cancel one and take another because the tender will get you to a different place and avoid lines or bad reviews by other guests.

 

Maybe he will say - We've just had an opening at such and such a place - would you like to fill it?

 

Didn't get your precious block? See the concierge and it will appear in your room, even if the Loyalty Ambassador doesn't notice you've accumulated the points.

 

We've tipped generously for super accommodations. They can make or break a cruise for you. They also talk to other concierges on other ships so word gets around.

 

If you are in a suite, they will take you off the ship when you want to go, avoiding standing in lines. Same with getting on.

 

Back-to-backers - your experience on the later cruises will reflect your past performance on the previous ones.

 

We also tip the waiters in the suites breakfast $2-3 daily. They are also controlled by the concierge.

 

Folks, these guys and gals have next to nothing. If you can afford a cruise you can certainly afford to tip for great service.

 

We have had excess shipboard credit and bought watches and ship stores items for them. They also like unobtainium items to display on their desk. We had a custom sign made for one. "so-and-sos Happy Hour" She loved it. Chocolates - who doesn't love chocolate. magnets, pins, trinkets - It doesn't have to be cash.

 

On one cruise, the concierge bartenders were getting hassled from management for opening a couple minutes early - we brought them an alarm clock with the happy hour time alarm set. Have some fun with them.

 

One more item - order new bills from your bank before going on any international cruise. Especially Europe. Many places will not accept worn out or graffiti-ed bills. Order 2 days in advance and you get new crisp ones.

 

Whats in your wallet?

 

So what you are saying is that aside from watches and unobtainium you DO tip the concierge, correct?

 

bosco

[dagunny]

So what you are saying is that aside from watches and unobtainium you DO tip the concierge, correct?

 

bosco

 

Yes - however what I was eluding to is it is not just the concierge. It includes his/her staff in the concierge lounge. They work as a team to meet your needs. It can be in the form of cash or non-cash items and either is appreciated. Also the level of interaction and length of cruise has a lot to do with the amount. Would I tip a concierge $100 for a 5 night cruise? No way. Probably $20. Nor would I tip $20 for a 16 night cruise. It would most likely be more because I used his/her services more.

 

It something you have to feel out. Talk to others at the happy hour and get their input as well. That is the sole reason we do RCCL - the concierge lounge. We value friendships forged there more so than the cruise itself. Without the host and staff, it would just be another bar.

[jules815]

On Allure at the end of dinner at Coastal Kitchen I got a receipt for the table.

 

The Suite Lounge bar also offers drinks that are not complimentary. From what I heard here. If they don't have the liquor of your choice, they can usally get it to have on hand.

Still on that subject, I treated that bar like I normally would when it came to tipping.

 

As of now, we have dinner reservations for every other night in CK on the Harmony crossing. Even though complimentary, having a slip to sign (as well as a reservation) makes it seem like a specialty restaurant. So if there's a slip, we should plan on tipping at the end of every meal there? We always tip extra in a specialty restaurant.

 

And from what another person has posted, do most tip every morning at breakfast? (In the past when we've had suite breakfast in Chops, I don't think we tipped every morning. Maybe midway and at the end, but we usually had the same server.) If people tip every morning at breakfast, we will too. Just want to have the correct amount of tip money figured out.

 

As far as the concierge, when they've helped us with something, like booking a cabana, etc., we've always tipped. And we always tip the attendants. I'm pretty self sufficient when it comes to booking specialty restaurants or spa appointments. We would like a bridge tour on our upcoming cruise though. So hopefully that's something they'll be able to work out for us.

[katiel53]

Also, we both have the drink package so we won't be getting any "free" drinks in the suite lounge. Do you still tip for every drink under those circumstances? When we have the drink package we only tip our favorite bartenders that go out of their way for us. We figure that the bartenders are already getting 18% for every drink and that is enough for standard service.

 

Thanks so much,

Dawn

 

I guess I am not understanding the drink package. If I pay $46 daily plus gratuity of 18% which equals $8.28 gratuity, and I drink 10 drinks a day (which I won't, but am using as an example) I am tipping only 82 cents per drink. That to me, isn't 18% of the drink price as there is no drink that I would have that would be about $4.50 other than soda. That's why I tip extra to the bartender. Is my reasoning wrong or is yours?

[suzyluvs2cruise]

There are concierges and then there are concierges. Fortunately, we have had all good ones. The first thing we do is establish a rapport with him/her. Some concierges will work tirelessly to satisfy their guests. They also watch over their flock of bartenders and buffet waiters. They also notice if you tip their staff. Generally, we tip the bartenders $5 a night or $10 if they come through with some better wines. On some ships we were on, once the bartenders found out what we liked, and the tips came in, instead of the nasty wine served at the C bar, nice bottles of Pinot Noir or Cab would appear, nightly. Same with mixers and booze. Items which are not on the little card you see. You like Grey Goose? Take care of them. Why? You treat them right and they treat you right. Be stingy and you get the hard gut stuff.

 

The concierge notices this. Next thing you know, you are on the Captain's table. The concierge might ask what excursions you are on and ask you to cancel one and take another because the tender will get you to a different place and avoid lines or bad reviews by other guests.

 

Maybe he will say - We've just had an opening at such and such a place - would you like to fill it?

 

Didn't get your precious block? See the concierge and it will appear in your room, even if the Loyalty Ambassador doesn't notice you've accumulated the points.

 

We've tipped generously for super accommodations. They can make or break a cruise for you. They also talk to other concierges on other ships so word gets around.

 

If you are in a suite, they will take you off the ship when you want to go, avoiding standing in lines. Same with getting on.

Back-to-backers - your experience on the later cruises will reflect your past performance on the previous ones.

 

We also tip the waiters in the suites breakfast $2-3 daily. They are also controlled by the concierge.

 

Folks, these guys and gals have next to nothing. If you can afford a cruise you can certainly afford to tip for great service.

 

We have had excess shipboard credit and bought watches and ship stores items for them. They also like unobtainium items to display on their desk. We had a custom sign made for one. "so-and-sos Happy Hour" She loved it. Chocolates - who doesn't love chocolate. magnets, pins, trinkets - It doesn't have to be cash.

 

On one cruise, the concierge bartenders were getting hassled from management for opening a couple minutes early - we brought them an alarm clock with the happy hour time alarm set. Have some fun with them.

 

One more item - order new bills from your bank before going on any international cruise. Especially Europe. Many places will not accept worn out or graffiti-ed bills. Order 2 days in advance and you get new crisp ones.

 

Whats in your wallet?

 

I know you were recently on Jewel for the TA and following cruises. Were the comments made above (in red) something you experienced on Jewel? We were onboard for the TA and MED cruises. We sat at the bar in the CL many nights and did not see any wines other than what was offered to everyone or Grey Goose Vodka. Diego is a wonderful Concierge and we always enjoy when he's in the lounge.

 

Curious about your statement that the wait staff in the Gold Card Breakfast is controlled by the Concierge? I'm told it's the CHOPS Manager or Maitre'd.

 

I'm aware that a Concierge will escort guests off the ship.....especially when tendering. On what ship did the Concierge bring guests back onboard (to avoid waiting in line)?

[Lionesss]

Just sailed two weeks ago and both the concierges were awesome and helped us a lot from reservations, to coordinating activities.

 

We were very pleased and tipped them both.

 

Sea Ya

[LA Law]

On our Mediterranean Brilliance cruise in June, we walked in to the CL and were told directly and in no uncertain terms that the Concierge (female and no longer there, I believe) was there for the suites guests only. We are D+ and walked over to the Diamond Club, where we were treated beautifully every night. Guess who got a great tip?

[chermilo]

I usually tip the Concierge $10 per week (I'm by myself). And tip more if they do more. One time the Concierge found out it was my birthday and he took me to a specialty restaurant and had a pastry chef make a cake just for me. Needless to say, he got a $100 tip that week!

 

For the bartenders, I give $1 per drink and at the end of the cruise, I always give them $5 or $10 the last night to each of them that waited on me. Sometimes it's just one person and other times could be 2 or 3 of them.

 

For the breakfast in Chops, I tip the waiters around $5 to $10 each per week. Sometimes I have anywhere from 3 to 5 that wait on me.

[Arzeena]

This wouldn't happen to be on the Allure would it?

 

What! he got transferred from the Liberty?!!!! or the Anthem??!!!

Edited August 22, 2016 by Arzeena

[Scotty G]

Is it typical / customary to tip the concierge?l.

 

By all means please do based on his/her service provided. :)

[RoperDK]

I guess I am not understanding the drink package. If I pay $46 daily plus gratuity of 18% which equals $8.28 gratuity, and I drink 10 drinks a day (which I won't, but am using as an example) I am tipping only 82 cents per drink. That to me, isn't 18% of the drink price as there is no drink that I would have that would be about $4.50 other than soda. That's why I tip extra to the bartender. Is my reasoning wrong or is yours?

 

katiel53, I definitely understand what you are saying. Try as I may, I cannot handle 10 drinks a day. lol. We usually end up at a favorite bar with a favorite bartender which we tip along the way. I was just wondering about the difference in the suite lounge and it seems the same as other areas. We will tip extra where we hang out and won't tip for a random drink in another area.

 

Thanks,

Dawn

[Cuizer2]

Is it typical / customary to tip the concierge?

 

Please no flare-ups of the Tipping Wars, I just want to make sure that a gratuity wouldn't be insulting for this individual.

 

If the concierge does something for you - yes.

[marci22]

On Allure at the end of dinner at Coastal Kitchen I got a receipt for the table.

 

As of now, we have dinner reservations for every other night in CK on the Harmony crossing. Even though complimentary, having a slip to sign (as well as a reservation) makes it seem like a specialty restaurant. So if there's a slip, we should plan on tipping at the end of every meal there? We always tip extra in a specialty restaurant.

 

Not sure if it is done differently on Anthem, but I specifically asked the HW if the servers were covered in the auto-gratuity tip pool and I was told, 'most definitely, yes'. I did not get anything to sign after our dinners.

 

I still gave our not-the-greatest waiter an additional tip of $60 for four nights, and he did not seem too happy. He was generally awkward with his service, would not give recommendations on what to order for fear of 'insulting the chef?' and referred to us as 'meat people' after we ordered the filet on the first night.

 

Our dinners at CK (Anthem) were very inconsistent, with inaccurate menu descriptions, messy plating, and a few bad selections. Kind of disappointing.

[John&LaLa]

So what you are saying is that aside from watches and unobtainium you DO tip the concierge, correct?

 

bosco

 

Do you get unobtainium in Jamaica? :eek:

[Doug S]

I have wanted to ask a similar question for quite a while, so I'll just piggy back on yours.

 

We had no "concierge" on Jewel, where nightly Diamond Events were held in the Vortex Lounge. Wait staff was great, and we tipped accordingly, but the Loyalty Ambassador, Maria L was there every night and was great. Crowds were very small and we chatted a lot, and she helped wherever she could. I was not sure how to handle that as she is, I guess, a ship's officer, and I did not want to be tacky or offend her. Kinda like slipping the captain a few bills if I see him around the ship and saying "Good driving".

 

Just wondering if I owe Maria a nice tip if I ever run into her again...

Edited August 25, 2016 by Doug S

[Cuizer2]

I have wanted to ask a similar question for quite a while, so I'll just piggy back on yours.

 

We had no "concierge" on Jewel, where nightly Diamond Events were held in the Vortex Lounge. Wait staff was great, and we tipped accordingly, but the Loyalty Ambassador, Maria L was there every night and was great. Crowds were very small and we chatted a lot, and she helped wherever she could. I was not sure how to handle that as she is, I guess, a ship's officer, and I did not want to be tacky or offend her. Kinda like slipping the captain a few bills if I see him around the ship and saying "Good driving".

 

Just wondering if I owe Maria a nice tip if I ever run into her again...

 

If you want to tip the driver, then tip the auto pilot.

[John&LaLa]

If you want to tip the driver, then tip the auto pilot.

 

I've tipped the Captain on Freedom twice. It went into a tip pool is my understanding.

[Cuizer2]

I've tipped the Captain on Freedom twice. It went into a tip pool is my understanding.

 

Which one is the tip pool? I keep looking in all the pools and I never find any tips. :(