Ncl Butler Tipping

[njkate]

Which is what I said, I tip based on services rendered. The $15pp/per day appears to be offended by that. My family of 4 will never tip a butler $420 for the week, that is so high it is insane.

I came here looking for guidance on tipping the butler protocol, we are 3 adults on a 9 day port intensive cruise so I doubt we will be using the butler much if at all, I almost choked at the 10-15$ pp per day, relieved to see I’m not alone in that thinking. If that poster wants to tip that much well then have at it I would have to run the butler ragged before that amount was given. As Arizona states it’s a personal choice

[Two Wheels Only]

I came here looking for guidance on tipping the butler protocol,

That was your first mistake. Nobody here can give you guidance on what you feel is appropriate.

 

 

As Arizona states it’s a personal choice

Exactly. What another person tips is their choice and what you tip is your choice. No need to ask anyone.

[Jana60]

That was your first mistake. Nobody here can give you guidance on what you feel is appropriate.

 

 

We had the same question when we stayed in the Haven. While it’s a personal decision how much or even whether you tip it is not uncommon to wonder how much is common. We all know what the common tip is for the local diner waitress. If you went into your local diner and gave the waitress only a 1% tip it would be an insult and the waitress would be wondering “what did I do wrong?”. On the other hand if you give the waitress a 50% tip she will think “wow they must’ve really liked me!” The tip you give does send a message to the person you’re tipping and it would probably be better to not tip at all rather than give a tip that is so low compared to the usual that it is actually an insult.

 

 

 

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[njkate]

We had the same question when we stayed in the Haven. While it’s a personal decision how much or even whether you tip it is not uncommon to wonder how much is common. We all know what the common tip is for the local diner waitress. If you went into your local diner and gave the waitress only a 1% tip it would be an insult and the waitress would be wondering “what did I do wrong?”. On the other hand if you give the waitress a 50% tip she will think “wow they must’ve really liked me!” The tip you give does send a message to the person you’re tipping and it would probably be better to not tip at all rather than give a tip that is so low compared to the usual that it is actually an insult.

 

 

 

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That's what I was looking for the happy medium. I'll just go with what I feel is appropriate depending on how much I use the butler.

[cruisin4familyfun]

Just off the Escape on Sunday. It was me, my hubby, dd (18) & ds (19) in a 2 Bedroom.

Conversation during the disembarkation briefing:

 

 

Hubby: Hi Jefferson (our butler), can I have our luggage tags.

Butler : Sir, “I don’t service your cabin”.

Hubby: You are Jefferson, correct? You better check your paperwork.

 

 

<Butler checks his clipboard>

 

 

Butler: Oh my gosh, I am so, so sorry.

 

 

Hmmm … how should I have tipped in this situation? lol.

 

 

IMO, personal service suffers when the Haven has too many suites and NCL doesn’t staff properly.

[styme123]

Just off the Escape on Sunday. It was me, my hubby, dd (18) & ds (19) in a 2 Bedroom.

Conversation during the disembarkation briefing:

 

 

Hubby: Hi Jefferson (our butler), can I have our luggage tags.

Butler : Sir, “I don’t service your cabin”.

Hubby: You are Jefferson, correct? You better check your paperwork.

 

 

<Butler checks his clipboard>

 

 

Butler: Oh my gosh, I am so, so sorry.

 

 

Hmmm … how should I have tipped in this situation? lol.

 

 

IMO, personal service suffers when the Haven has too many suites and NCL doesn’t staff properly.

I was on the same Escape sailing too :D. How was the Haven? noise wise and service?

[dexddd]

Just off the Escape on Sunday. It was me, my hubby, dd (18) & ds (19) in a 2 Bedroom.

Conversation during the disembarkation briefing:

 

 

Hubby: Hi Jefferson (our butler), can I have our luggage tags.

Butler : Sir, “I don’t service your cabin”.

Hubby: You are Jefferson, correct? You better check your paperwork.

 

 

<Butler checks his clipboard>

 

 

Butler: Oh my gosh, I am so, so sorry.

 

 

Hmmm … how should I have tipped in this situation? lol.

 

 

IMO, personal service suffers when the Haven has too many suites and NCL doesn’t staff properly.

 

We had Jefferson back in June and generally pretty good but had to be prompted a few times for things.

 

Where was your room?

 

And you are right, there seems to be too many rooms for the # of butlers they have. They should also have a feedback system/survey to aggregate who are good and who should move on.

[cruisin4familyfun]

@styme123 - The Haven felt very crowded on this sailing. This was our first time on the Escape, but we’ve sailed Haven on the Breakaway, Gem/Jade and nothing felt as tight as this Haven experience. This was also the first time we noticed “chair saving” in the Haven courtyard and outside sundeck. Additionally, there were plenty of 10-12 year olds enjoying the pools/hot tubs in the Haven, but once an adult stepped into either, the kids were mindful.

 

 

@dexdd - We were in 17110 (right outside the courtyard). We didn’t ask much of Jefferson, just for daily ice water and little sandwiches instead of the basic canapés. No problem getting both. Our paths never crossed and he didn’t go out of his way to make his presence known. I’m sure he is a nice fellow and I bet his priorities was on others who needed more attention. Doesn’t excuse him from not recognizing us, but in the end it hurt his bottom-line, not ours.

 

 

We have a great vacation though!

[NYnerdymom]

At the end of the day you have paid an expensive fee to be in the Haven, and all the services it offers, there is not expectation to tip, you do with your money what you please.

 

I have not cruised in a suite/haven before, but why doesn't the extra service fee (difference between service charge in regular rooms vs suites/haven) go directly to the bulters/concierge? What's the difference in fees for (is it really for the room size)? I am not being snarky and looking for a realistic answer so I know how much I want to tip. TY

[Hotspring]

I have not cruised in a suite/haven before, but why doesn't the extra service fee (difference between service charge in regular rooms vs suites/haven) go directly to the bulters/concierge? What's the difference in fees for (is it really for the room size)? I am not being snarky and looking for a realistic answer so I know how much I want to tip. TY

 

For the suites it likely because of the larger room size and additional places to clean, such as the bath tub rather than just a shower. However, for the Haven you are getting the larger and nicer room and furnishing, but you are getting a much friendlier and interactive staff. Eating in the Haven restaurant and using the Haven Bar are a far different experience than the bars and restaurants attended by the the steerage. They recognize you, anticipate your needs, meet your needs and wants, make you feel as special as you are, and offer special services such as extra towel animals for kids bed.

[phoenix1181]

How do you handle tipping the night butler? Would you tip him when he brings whatever you've requested like you would whoever brings room service?

 

Is the night butler the same person for the entire cruise or do they swap off?

[darlene62]

Because I wasn't sure (and still not sure) the few times I did use the services of the night butler I tipped him at the time of service. He was quick and delivered what we had wanted and extremely pleasant I wanted to make sure that he was appropriately tipped. For me it was the same night butler, but not sure if it is always the same.

[phoenix1181]

Because I wasn't sure (and still not sure) the few times I did use the services of the night butler I tipped him at the time of service. He was quick and delivered what we had wanted and extremely pleasant I wanted to make sure that he was appropriately tipped. For me it was the same night butler, but not sure if it is always the same.

 

Thanks! I think we'll do the same. We never used the night butler last year but, I expect we will this time around.

[BirdTravels]

I have not cruised in a suite/haven before, but why doesn't the extra service fee (difference between service charge in regular rooms vs suites/haven) go directly to the bulters/concierge? What's the difference in fees for (is it really for the room size)? I am not being snarky and looking for a realistic answer so I know how much I want to tip. TY

None of the DSC goes to the Butler or Concierge. Your room steward does get a portion of the DSC.

[havenfan]

PS Let me also add that the butler and concierge are NOT included in the DSC because they don't service all guests - but their SALARY is HIGHER to compensate for that.

Where did you get that information?

[havenfan]

Is the night butler the same person for the entire cruise or do they swap off?

The night butler should be the same for the entire cruise.

 

I was on the Pearl recently and there were five butlers. Four of them were assigned suites. The two that worked in the Haven had ten suites each (seven in the Haven, three on deck 11), mostly two bedrooms and, of course, a Garden Villa, nominally with 38 berths. The other two had 14 suites each, nominally with 32 berths. The fifth butler was the night butler for the cruise. I was told that the butlers rotated through the sections and the night butler obligation.

[havenfan]

I have not cruised in a suite/haven before, but why doesn't the extra service fee (difference between service charge in regular rooms vs suites/haven) go directly to the bulters/concierge? What's the difference in fees for (is it really for the room size)? I am not being snarky and looking for a realistic answer so I know how much I want to tip. TY

I believe the extra service charge reflects the additional work the room steward needs to do in the larger rooms with fancier bathrooms. It may also incorporate some "slack" to allow for more flexibility to clean the cabins when the guests are out.

 

I've been told that room stewards taking care of regular cabins are typically assigned 15-16 cabins each. They work in teams of two, so may have 30-32 cabins between them. I was on the Pearl recently and the room stewards taking care of the Haven had only 7 suites each. Each room steward had an assistant, so I think it was two people taking care of 7 cabins rather than the normal 30+. To be fair, the 7 cabins had 26 berths, 13.5 bathrooms, and the interior space of 33(!) balcony cabins.

Edited September 13, 2018 by havenfan

[havenfan]

At the end of the day you have paid an expensive fee to be in the Haven, and all the services it offers, there is not expectation to tip, you do with your money what you please.

The key word here is "expectation". The fact that you have already paid an expensive fee is irrelevant. It all depends on what the norms and business model are. You can pay $200/head for a meal in NYC and the norm and expectation is that you will still leave a further 15%+ for the "expected" service. You can pay €200/head for a meal in Paris and the norm and expectation is that the service is compris in the bill.

 

My belief is that NCL's being so prominent and explicit that the butlers and concierge do not participate in the DSC provides a hint as to what their norms and business model are.

[Trimone]

For the suites it likely because of the larger room size and additional places to clean, such as the bath tub rather than just a shower. However, for the Haven you are getting the larger and nicer room and furnishing, but you are getting a much friendlier and interactive staff. Eating in the Haven restaurant and using the Haven Bar are a far different experience than the bars and restaurants attended by the the steerage. They recognize you, anticipate your needs, meet your needs and wants, make you feel as special as you are, and offer special services such as extra towel animals for kids bed.

You are describing cruising about 10 years ago in general, and addressing none Haven cruisers as steerage I’m sorry but identifies you as a snob!!

[littlelulu01]

This cruise critic article was updated August, 2018. Gives a great overview of what is considered fair for the industry. $3-$5 pp pd seems the suggested amount for butler. Tipping more or less is personal preference but if you’re trying to gauge what a standard decent and acceptable cash tip is for exceptional service from various staff (above dsc), the article is of great value.

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=132

[RDH377]

My family of 7 will be in a GV in the next couple of months. No, we will not be tipping 10-15 per person per day (70 to 105 per day) to the butler or anyone else. While we expect to use the services of both the concierge and the butler, we will not be "running them ragged." What we will do is use them for the services we understand they are employed to provide. This includes food delivery to the suite (not course by course, more family style), escort to shows and on and off the ship, adjustments to reservations etc. I am budgeting, assume good solid service with a smile, between 250 and 300 for the butler, about half that for the concierge, and between 50 and 100 each over the length of the cruise for the room stewards, bartenders (above the included service charge) and any others who provide exemplary service. FYI, it is a 7 day cruise. To me, this is reasonable. Feel free to disagree. It is what my family and I are comfortable with. Have a nice day.

[emcelh]

This cruise critic article was updated August, 2018. Gives a great overview of what is considered fair for the industry. $3-$5 pp pd seems the suggested amount for butler. Tipping more or less is personal preference but if you’re trying to gauge what a standard decent and acceptable cash tip is for exceptional service from various staff (above dsc), the article is of great value.

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=132

Thank's for the link to the article. This is much more realistic and more in line with what we've done. Unless you're having meals delivered often and making many special requests, tipping $10 PP per day to someone doing nothing more than dropping off a plate of snacks and checking if you have coffee supplies is a bit over the top.

[pcakes122]

Where did you get that information?

My sister and brother-in-law both worked onboard NCL ships for many years.

[littlelulu01]

My family of 7 will be in a GV in the next couple of months. No, we will not be tipping 10-15 per person per day (70 to 105 per day) to the butler or anyone else. While we expect to use the services of both the concierge and the butler, we will not be "running them ragged." What we will do is use them for the services we understand they are employed to provide. This includes food delivery to the suite (not course by course, more family style), escort to shows and on and off the ship, adjustments to reservations etc. I am budgeting, assume good solid service with a smile, between 250 and 300 for the butler, about half that for the concierge, and between 50 and 100 each over the length of the cruise for the room stewards, bartenders (above the included service charge) and any others who provide exemplary service. FYI, it is a 7 day cruise. To me, this is reasonable. Feel free to disagree. It is what my family and I are comfortable with. Have a nice day.

 

Be prepared that With a garden villa you may find it’s a bit different than any other suite. When we sailed in the garden villa for two weeks we found that we didn’t use the ships other venues much. We felt comfortable with rewarding the exceptional gv services from the butler by tipping them considerably higher since we used him so much but it’s definitely a personal preference.

[DaisyGoldberg]

We've been doing the $10/pp thing for years now and have never been knocked over with extreme gratitude as if it was incredibly extravagant. We hand them an envelope, or leave it prominently in the room on the last night while we're out, and they open it later. We ask for virtually nothing. Maybe we're overtipping, but we consider it part of the vacation tab.

 

I should note that we're typically two people. The butler's duties for 2 people aren't significantly less than their duties for 4 people unless you run them ragged, so I think even the $10/day people don't typically mean x 4 people in the cabin. Though if you have little ones that are really making a lot of work, you probably should! My rationale is that even though I might not call on the person a lot, they're assigned to answer when I call, so $20 for that resource for the day isn't out of line as a gratuity when I regularly turn over $15 for someone who took an order, brought plates and drinks to the table and was in my life for maybe an hour. But YMMV.

 

We usually tip the steward the same as the butler, because he/she is doing the heaviest work. And the concierge the least because we interact even less with them.