Quick question tipping using onboard account?

[goldmom]

We usually tip in cash, but on our next trip the adult kids are coming.  They don't normally carry cash.  I'm trying to keep my cruise lines straight and don't remember NCL's policy.

On NCL, can you put a staff tip (butler, room steward, concierge) on your onboard account?  I'm talking about a tip in addition to the daily service charge.  And if so, do you get some kind of slip to give the person so they know that an addition tip came from you?

Thanks for any info!

[valleyvillage]

Yes, we do this every time. You go to the front desk and they fill out a form and give you a copy to present to the staff. Works great. You will need the whole name of the individual. 

[goldmom]

Thanks so much.  Appreciate the info!

[complawyer]

its much safer (imo) to just give the cash to the specific individual.  just tell him/her, the tip is for the great service to your entire party

[goldmom]

2 minutes ago, complawyer said:

its much safer (imo) to just give the cash to the specific individual.  just tell him/her, the tip is for the great service to your entire party

Thank you, that is also an option.  Assuming of course that we all have the same butler.  We're in different cabins.  And besides, I may want to have the kids cough up some of the costs!  LOL!

[RocketMan275]

15 minutes ago, goldmom said:

Thank you, that is also an option.  Assuming of course that we all have the same butler.  We're in different cabins.  And besides, I may want to have the kids cough up some of the costs!  LOL!

Have them give  you the cash before you leave for the port.  Then tip as appropriate.  You can always give some of the cash back if appropriate.

[destar]

1 hour ago, goldmom said:

  And besides, I may want to have the kids cough up some of the costs!  LOL!

Hey!!, That's my kind of thinking.

[MotownVoice]

Great tip!
 

But it seems like if the front desk is asking for the full name of the crew member, then they must be getting the tip the moment it's put in to the computer, and the piece of paper you give him or her is strictly ceremonial.

Otherwise when the crew member went to cash in the slip, it would be as though he were saying, "I understand so and so gave me a tip", and the front desk saying, "Why yes.  Yes they did."

Which seems kind of superfluous.

Edited October 12, 2022 by MotownVoice

[Cruise5life]

It’s always a good idea to have cash on a cruise.    
I never carry cash.  But I always have a few hundred in small bills for tipping and then to take to ports as some places don’t accept credit cards.   
 

and good forbid something medically happens they want cash.   
there’s a thread on another section where someone was hurt and in the hospital and they would only take cash.     
 

moral of the story.   Never travel without cash.   

[cruiseny4life]

47 minutes ago, MotownVoice said:

Great tip!
 

But it seems like if the front desk is asking for the full name of the crew member, then they must be getting the tip the moment it's put in to the computer, and the piece of paper you give him or her is strictly ceremonial.

Otherwise when the crew member went to cash in the slip, it would be as though he were saying, "I understand so and so gave me a tip", and the front desk saying, "Why yes.  Yes they did."

Which seems kind of superfluous.

I think the slip of paper is for folks to provide crew so the crew can have a moment to gush and say oh thank you so much for giving me a tip. This will allow the tipper to feel better about themselves. I kind of doubt it's used to actually receive the tip. Though, hey if a slip gets lost and that's the system, NCL gets to keep the tip. Frankie boy just might do that!

[complawyer]

we always carry cash on board. tipping has been covered many times before. i am a firm believer in giving tips to anyone providing service. i start with the porters at the doc. we always tip waiters and bartenders, i give the steward $20 at the beginning ,another in the middle and a final $20 at the end, and additional dollars if he does anything extra for us.  i give the butler anywhere between 50-100 at the end, and the concierge 50-75.

 

we even give the workers in the buffet a few dollars if they bring us drinks from the bar, and dont forget a couple of bucks if the guy in the buffet makes you an omelet, makes the pasta dish for you or any type crepe. believe me, the degree of appreciation from those people is amazing

[graphicguy]

3 hours ago, complawyer said:

its much safer (imo) to just give the cash to the specific individual.  just tell him/her, the tip is for the great service to your entire party

Always get those little envelopes the dar before disembarkation to carry greenbacks.  Hand them out to the room steward.  But, I "tip as I go" to bartenders and wait staff who have taken good care of me.  Heck, if I get on a good run in the casino, I'll spread the wealth to the dealers and cashiers.

[tony s]

5 hours ago, goldmom said:

Thank you, that is also an option.  Assuming of course that we all have the same butler.  We're in different cabins.  And besides, I may want to have the kids cough up some of the costs!  LOL!

Good luck on that happening,lol

[complawyer]

if your cabins are close, more than likely you will have the same butler. dont forget the concierge, who can almost (not) always perform miracles. 

 

and for graphic guy, if you win a few hands consistently,  give the dealer a $5.00 chip, or bet it for him/her on your next hand

[dexddd]

Just did it last week.  Other than 15 minute wait in atrium very easy.  Key is to have full name.  Butler will give you card first day and steward's name showed on TV.

[graphicguy]

8 hours ago, complawyer said:

if your cabins are close, more than likely you will have the same butler. dont forget the concierge, who can almost (not) always perform miracles. 

 

and for graphic guy, if you win a few hands consistently,  give the dealer a $5.00 chip, or bet it for him/her on your next hand

I’ve played a chip for the dealer before, too.  I usually do that if I’m NOT WINNING.  I know the dealers can’t make a difference.  It weirdly gives me an alleged turning point with my luck.  Sometimes it works (in which case dealer is happy), sometimes it doesn’t (in which case we’re both unhappy). 😉