Tipping Haven Butler

[cruise*enthusiast]

Can anyone tell me what the average amount is to tip the butler in our Haven suite?  I’d like to tip him on the first day for the entire week. 
 

TIA…..

[Coastalbreezes]

Some here will disagree with me but there is no need to tip on the first day, nor do butlers expect it. Tipping is subjective and a search through these boards will provide many threads (and opinions!) about tipping.

Personally I tip on service: Some butlers are amazing and others not so much. I've had butlers who went out of their way every day and others who pretty much ignored me. That is why I wait until the final day to tip.  I would suggest (and again others will disagree) a minimum of $10-$20/day per person. I've tipped high and low depending on service.

[NayRN]

@Coastalbreezes I agree! I’ve been ghosted by a butler (and let the concierge know) after meeting him on the first day. I always wait until the last night to make arrangements for the tip via guest services. I don’t ask for much and typically tip $10/day/person unless I’m sailing solo, then I just give a flat $100 for the week. And honestly, I’ve never used the butler for anything beyond the daily treats…..I’m OK with doing things for myself. 

[cruise*enthusiast]

7 minutes ago, Coastalbreezes said:

Some here will disagree with me but there is no need to tip on the first day, nor do butlers expect it. Tipping is subjective and a search through these boards will provide many threads (and opinions!) about tipping.

Personally I tip on service: Some butlers are amazing and others not so much. I've had butlers who went out of their way every day and others who pretty much ignored me. That is why I wait until the final day to tip.  I would suggest (and again others will disagree) a minimum of $10-$20/day per person. I've tipped high and low depending on service.

Thanks! That makes a lot of sense. I just figured, if I tipped him/her well at the beginning of the cruise, they would provide us with exemplary service, plus then I wouldn’t feel guilty making them go out of there way for a special request. 😁

 

I searched this forum for “tipping butler” but didn’t have any luck. Guess I’ll try “tips” or “tipping” and see if I can find anything that way. 

[cruise*enthusiast]

5 minutes ago, NayRN said:

@Coastalbreezes I agree! I’ve been ghosted by a butler (and let the concierge know) after meeting him on the first day. I always wait until the last night to make arrangements for the tip via guest services. I don’t ask for much and typically tip $10/day/person unless I’m sailing solo, then I just give a flat $100 for the week. And honestly, I’ve never used the butler for anything beyond the daily treats…..I’m OK with doing things for myself. 

I’m referring to special requests such as ordering room service from a restaurant instead of the room service menu, and anything else that I can’t do myself and have to request. Now that I was able to find some posts re it, looks like most people do wait and tip at the end. I may just try not being so co-dependent and remember that it’s their job to do certain things for guests and not feel guilty for asking. Lol

 

[Bob121]

This thread has some info on tipping strategies. Including pre-tipping part of the total tip. 
 

 

[LGW59]

3 hours ago, cruise*enthusiast said:

Thanks! That makes a lot of sense. I just figured, if I tipped him/her well at the beginning of the cruise, they would provide us with exemplary service, plus then I wouldn’t feel guilty making them go out of there way for a special request. 😁

 

I searched this forum for “tipping butler” but didn’t have any luck. Guess I’ll try “tips” or “tipping” and see if I can find anything that way. 

There are countless tipping threads on CC, for every line out there.  They often go down a very "spirited" road of disagreement, cultural norms, bribes etc.  IMO, tipping is a totally personal decision as far as the $$ amount to give him/her.  Do what makes you comfortable, seems fair and shows thanks for a job well done.

[gmbhardy]

4 hours ago, NayRN said:

@Coastalbreezes I agree! I’ve been ghosted by a butler (and let the concierge know) after meeting him on the first day. I always wait until the last night to make arrangements for the tip via guest services. I don’t ask for much and typically tip $10/day/person unless I’m sailing solo, then I just give a flat $100 for the week. And honestly, I’ve never used the butler for anything beyond the daily treats…..I’m OK with doing things for myself. 

That’s a pretty big tip to deliver snacks. By the way, the snacks are usually delivered by someone else.

[NayRN]

4 minutes ago, gmbhardy said:

That’s a pretty big tip to deliver snacks. By the way, the snacks are usually delivered by someone else.

I’ve been there when the butler is delivering the snacks….and tipping is up to the tipper.

[BirdTravels]

6 hours ago, cruise*enthusiast said:

Can anyone tell me what the average amount is to tip the butler in our Haven suite?  I’d like to tip him on the first day for the entire week. 
 

TIA…..

When people ask, I recommend $10-$15 per day per person in room for the Butler. $5-$10 per person per day for the room steward (who is part of the Daily Service Charge pool, but has to deal with your big suite), and $5-$10 per person per day to the Concierge. 

 

You tip at the end for the services you receive - my thoughts. And not a bribe to hope to get good service. 

Edited July 23, 2022 by BirdTravels

[1025cruise]

Well, now I feel cheap. Recently off the Pearl, in a regular (non-Haven) suite. I only tipped our butler $10. But, we didn't really utilize him beyond his basic services. We never ordered room service or anything. All he did was keep the ice full, the coffee stocked, and his other basic duties. Our steward, did get a $20.

[Sthrngary]

3 hours ago, Bob121 said:

This thread has some info on tipping strategies. Including pre-tipping part of the total tip. 
 

 

I am the Op-Ed on the Secrets of the NCL Haven Luxury Experience.  There are lots of controversial topic on a social media cruise board. Tipping, Preparation and kids are big ones. I have addressed Tipping a lot and no one agrees completely with anyone else point of view.  Here is a different tack that may allow the individual cruiser to make a good decision for themselves.

 

When considering Butler tipping, understand what makes the gratuity different for a Butler then other members of the crew.  Over the past ten years, the cruise companies started a policy to put your gratuities on your cabin account with the notion it would be easier for you.  The real reason was folks left the ship, did not tip waiters, room stewards, ect and the crew were becoming disengaged effecting overall guest satisfaction.  When the policy changed to include it into the cabin portfolio, the situation greatly improved.  

 

Now take the Cruise Butler into this situation.  Usually if you have a Butler on an NCL ship, you are in the Haven.  Even thought the automatic gratuities for the Haven are higher then all other cabins, those gratuities are not given to the Butler.  Many folks don't know that.  I used to ask Butlers to tell me what they like and did not like about their jobs.  The one thing that came up all the time was after a week of doing everything a guest wanted, going over the top, they did not receive a gratuity.  

 

The notion of a Disengaged crew member happened yet again just now with the Butler Staff.  We all can make comments on this and we would all be correct.  I personally had only one objective in mind.  Have the best possible cruise and do what ever pre-cruise preparation that could make the happen.  Control the things I could control.  That is when I started to write a butler letter with the things I was hoping for from their services.  In the letter I gave them their entire weeks gratuities.  From that first letter, my service from my butler on Mainstream Cruises has been much better and consistent.  

 

The amount given was based on the number of folks in the Suite.  I will not establish a dollar amount except to say, I am on vacation which only happens one week a year or so.  I am over generous because these men and women have been out of work for over two years.  

 

Now you do you.  My goal is to remind us all of the history on Gratuities on a Cruise Ship.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[Sthrngary]

5 minutes ago, 1025cruise said:

Well, now I feel cheap. Recently off the Pearl, in a regular (non-Haven) suite. I only tipped our butler $10. But, we didn't really utilize him beyond his basic services. We never ordered room service or anything. All he did was keep the ice full, the coffee stocked, and his other basic duties. Our steward, did get a $20.

Part of the issue was being extremely clear on what a Butler would and would not do for you.  When you are clear, it is up to you to make the requests that will enhance your cruising experience. The first butler I had, I was a bit shy and the service was almost non-existent.  My most recent butler was really good and made us feel like Rock Stars.  

 

You said you feel cheap now.  You should not.  In our American Culture, we tip based on service received.  Not great service, the tip is low.  That is the way Cruise Ships used to be years ago.  Now, the world has changed which is why my gratuities happen even before I receive the service.  Not right, just my way.  Seems to get me the results I was hoping for.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment.

[BirdTravels]

So, as a Haven guest, you normally ignore the room service menu. You are ordering from the Haven menu or specialty dining (for an additional cost). For breakfast, take the hang tag with check boxes and write what you want. Eggs over easy, egg white omelet, steak, bacon, ham, sausage, grilled tomato, mushrooms, breakfast potato, hasbrown, breads, fresh fruits, juices. All served on a white tablecloth. 

 

 

For snacks, if there is something specific above the default daily snack, your butler will handle that. We always have bowls of M&M (plain or peanut), gummy bears, and bar mix (which ends up in zip locks for the next day's shore excursion - yeah... I know that  you're not suppose to remove food from the ship). And pitchers of ice tea and water in the fridge.  

 

[MsMidge]

5 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

So, as a Haven guest, you normally ignore the room service menu. You are ordering from the Haven menu or specialty dining (for an additional cost). For breakfast, take the hang tag with check boxes and write what you want. Eggs over easy, egg white omelet, steak, bacon, ham, sausage, grilled tomato, mushrooms, breakfast potato, hasbrown, breads, fresh fruits, juices. All served on a white tablecloth. 

 

 

For snacks, if there is something specific above the default daily snack, your butler will handle that. We always have bowls of M&M (plain or peanut), gummy bears, and bar mix (which ends up in zip locks for the next day's shore excursion - yeah... I know that  you're not suppose to remove food from the ship). And pitchers of ice tea and water in the fridge.  

 

Snacks look a lot better than what we got, and the butler did absolutely nothing but say hello an drop of the afternoon snacks off a cart they pushed down the hallway.

[pcakes122]

As others have said, service and how much you utilize butler, Concierge and room steward services should drive how much you tip.

 

The bigger discussion is that many people who are in the Haven for the first time don't really know what their options are in terms of services - which is why guides like @Sthrngary's are a great resource.

 

In my opinion, the greatest benefit of the Haven and butler service is being able to design a personalized vacation.  Once you are aware of all of the services offered/available, you can pick and choose what works for you and then tip accordingly.

 

For example, folks talk alot about the daily snacks. Personally, the first thing I tell my butler is NO snacks (and that the casino or NCL/Captain may also want to send something but don't bring it.) I travel solo and am a very light, picky eater and all of those snacks would go to waste on me. On the other hand, others may enjoy tables stacked with snack & treats and that's great, too. I utilize the butler for packing and unpacking - many would say they'd never do that - also ok!  I eat most of my meals in my cabin -  but I only eat one full meal a day and it's usually midday (so no dinner.) Other folks may have their meals delivered but eat breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day. And so on with all the many other services offered -  it varies widely from person to person!

 

That is why it is very hard for anyone to give an "appropriate" tip amount (and what leads to all the debates lol).  My recommendation is that you read a guide like Gary's (and others) on this forum to learn ALL the possibilities, decide what services you want to use to design YOUR perfect vacation, discuss your preferences with your butler and then tip based on that.

 

Have a great cruise!

[cabincop]

11 hours ago, Coastalbreezes said:

Some here will disagree with me but there is no need to tip on the first day, nor do butlers expect it. Tipping is subjective and a search through these boards will provide many threads (and opinions!) about tipping.

Personally I tip on service: Some butlers are amazing and others not so much. I've had butlers who went out of their way every day and others who pretty much ignored me. That is why I wait until the final day to tip.  I would suggest (and again others will disagree) a minimum of $10-$20/day per person. I've tipped high and low depending on service.

I agree tip at end. Seems like a bribe to do it first day. I’ve loved every butler I’ve had. And the concierge have been great too

[cabincop]

5 hours ago, MsMidge said:

Snacks look a lot better than what we got, and the butler did absolutely nothing but say hello an drop of the afternoon snacks off a cart they pushed down the hallway.

Butlers can’t read minds so you need to have requests so they can make your cruise more enjoyable. In Europe my butler even told me what sights to see & best way to see them. Also I got pneumonia on a cruise & my butler was so sweet bringing me soup, crackers, ginger ale etc. she would check on my twice daily. 

[LGW59]

1 minute ago, cabincop said:

Butlers can’t read minds so you need to have requests so they can make your cruise more enjoyable. In Europe my butler even told me what sights to see & best way to see them. Also I got pneumonia on a cruise & my butler was so sweet bringing me soup, crackers, ginger ale etc. she would check on my twice daily. 

Agree communicating is key for both 

[BirdTravels]

5 hours ago, MsMidge said:

Snacks look a lot better than what we got, and the butler did absolutely nothing but say hello an drop of the afternoon snacks off a cart they pushed down the hallway.

Some plates are the default snack of the day. Some are our requests (can you say choco strawberries). We pay a lot for our butler (will be paying again in a couple of weeks), and we want to get what we want, when we want.

 

If we are at specialty dining and heading off to a show, we often have the night butler bring our desserts up to the stateroom for an after-show treat.

 

On early port days, we'll have our Haven breakfast brought to our stateroom,,,, not for a leisurely breakfast, but more so we can continue to get ready for our day ashore while eating (don't have time for a sit-down breakfast, but don't want to miss out on the lovely breakfast foods from the Haven Restaurant). 

[cabincop]

I have my night butler bring me chicken wings when I get back from casino after 0100😂😂

[pcakes122]

3 minutes ago, cabincop said:

Seems like a bribe to do it first day.

I agree. I also think it's a little degrading and insulting, as if people are implying that butlers are only motivated by money and need to see $$$ to be inspired or encouraged to do a good job. Most butlers I have met are proud of the work they do and seem primarily motivated by the desire to deliver a great experience to their guests. Also maybe it's my age/generation showing, but it also has a smarmy, condescending feel to me like "do a good job and there's more where that came from" (or in other words "I hold the power in this relationship".)  I always tip at the end (night before debarkation.)

[cabincop]

6 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

Some plates are the default snack of the day. Some are our requests (can you say choco strawberries). We pay a lot for our butler (will be paying again in a couple of weeks), and we want to get what we want, when we want.

 

If we are at specialty dining and heading off to a show, we often have the night butler bring our desserts up to the stateroom for an after-show treat.

 

On early port days, we'll have our Haven breakfast brought to our stateroom,,,, not for a leisurely breakfast, but more so we can continue to get ready for our day ashore while eating (don't have time for a sit-down breakfast, but don't want to miss out on the lovely breakfast foods from the Haven Restaurant). 

Same

[slavetoabunny]

Hubby and I went on a 7-day cruise and we tipped the butler $200 and $100 each to the concierge and room steward.

 

[mearsfansinboise]

We read everything that @Sthrngary put together and did all his recommendations, and we had a splendid Haven experience when we sailed the Bliss in March.  We gave him our letter on the first day, and I think it had $50-$60 in it, and then we tipped him more at the end - I think we did $300 for him and $200 for our steward.  Our butler did everything we asked and went above and beyond - (i.e. my daughter likes white rice and he had a bowl of hot white rice and a bottle of soy sauce on the snack table every afternoon) - and the rest of the snacks and requests, he took good care of us.  This was our first time in the Haven and I have never felt so pampered in my life.

There were some nights when our butler was off and we ordered food, we tipped that butler a few bucks. One time a little more when he brought us cans of cold soda that he had extra of and went and found something that I had wanted from a particular restaurant.