Tipping when staying in Haven suite

[AJHELLER]

On 1/30/2023 at 8:27 AM, pcakes122 said:

Just bear in mind that the "suggested" amount is the recommendation of one individual CC poster, not NCL or even a travel agent.

 

You should also factor in how often you utilize the services of each of these people and adjust accordingly (up or down.)

 

Also, for example, a butler services about 12 cabins. At $15 per person/per day with an average cabin occupancy of 3 people, for a 7-day cruise that would mean a single butler gets tipped $3,780 per week in addition to their salary. That is not happening.

 

So again, bear in mind that what you are reading here are just suggestions, not guidelines.

Actually it's $2,520

Not 3700 as you said above  but I understand what you mean.

[AJHELLER]

On 10/15/2023 at 10:47 PM, Pitzel said:

Really? We definitely have. Our first butler (Jennifer C., Dawn, 2014) was absolutely amazing and doted on our kiddo as if he was her own. When said kiddo had a meltdown at dinner and we decided to return back to our cabin, she swooped in and had all of our meals packed up and delivered them to our cabin along with some special items to help improve our kiddo's mood. She also did so many other things that made our trip amazing. She absolutely deserved a generous tip!

While not a butler, per se, we also received amazing service from our Genie while staying in Star Class on the Harmony of the Seas -- so much so that we were all in tears leaving the ship and having to say goodbye. Also a great trip, with a generous tip to match for fantastic service.

We have also had butlers that were "meh", though, and didn't deserve quite as much. That said, we have always tipped them *something* -- often in the ballpark of $10-20 per day.

 

[AJHELLER]

Please..is that 10$ -$20 per person a day or in total?? So 7 day cruise to the butler is 70$ pp or 140 for both total..confused

Also what did you do concierge and room guy?

Thank you

[PartyPlannerLady]

There is no common, usual, typical, suggested, acceptable, minimum, or required tip amount in the Haven or anywhere else.  What others tip is not relevant nor is it anyone's business.  The ONLY rule about tipping is to tip whoever you want, any amount you want, any time you want.  I have never seen anyone turn down money that is given to them.  Enjoy yoru crusie and stop worrying about what oterhs chose to do.

[Pitzel]

2 hours ago, AJHELLER said:

Please..is that 10$ -$20 per person a day or in total?? So 7 day cruise to the butler is 70$ pp or 140 for both total..confused

Also what did you do concierge and room guy?

Thank you

We always tip something to the Butler. In my example of $10-20 per day, that would equal out to a starting total tip of $70-140 for a week long cruise, which we might adjust up or down according to the experience that we received (I don't think we have ever tipped a butler/Genie less than $50 total, nor more than $350). We generally tip our room steward over and above the DSC, and we may or may not tip the concierge, depending on whether or not we actually use their services. Also, we almost always brink thank you cards and provide a personal note of thanks along with the tip.

If a crew member (waiter, bartender, room steward, butler, concierge, kids' club staff, etc.) goes out of their way to make us feel special and helps us to have a marvelous vacation, I will absolutely reward them in some way. That could be just by filling out a Vacation Hero card for them at the end of the cruise (which helps their career and comes with financial incentives) or it could mean $$$. For positions that are not allowed to accept tips, we still write a kind note of thanks and might reward them in some other way (like a big bag of candy to share amongst all of the kids' club staff).

[expectthebest]

Delivery driver just dropped off a package to my door while I was outside getting the mail. The driver had me sign for it then flipped his ipad over revealing a tip screen if your driver did a fantastic job.. tip started at $5 and went up by 5’s to $20

Ok.. changing gears.. 112 days from now we are in a windowless suite on joy R/T NYC to Bermuda.. some say not a real suite but the gratuities were $25/ pp pd I think it comes with a concierge.. I prepaid entire cruise and all gratuities.. I want my shipboard acct to say ‘0’ at end of cruise..I will bring a wallet full of $1..$5.. and $10’s and pass out during the cruise when the moment strikes me and I think to myself wow this person went above and beyond for me. I try not to hold myself to a hard number of per day.. per person.. bc if I connect with the room steward and only talk to concierge at the beginning meet and greet and then  they disappear for the entire cruise then it’s their loss.. we do always tip the wait staff at end of the meals in specialty and end of cruise in main dining..

 

[BirdTravels]

9 hours ago, AJHELLER said:

Please..is that 10$ -$20 per person a day or in total?? So 7 day cruise to the butler is 70$ pp or 140 for both total..confused

Also what did you do concierge and room guy?

Thank you

Tip what you feel comfortable with. Remember, both the butler and room steward service your room twice a day plus anything extra you request. 

 

Last 7-night cruise, we tipped our room steward $100 (and that is normal regardless of whether we are in the Haven or in steerage), our butler $200, the Concierge $150, the Haven Restaurant Maître D $100. And lots of smaller tips to others on the ship ($1/drink-$5 to bartenders, $1/drink to waiters). 

[Big Red 85]

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said:

Tip what you feel comfortable with. Remember, both the butler and room steward service your room twice a day plus anything extra you request. 

 

Last 7-night cruise, we tipped our room steward $100 (and that is normal regardless of whether we are in the Haven or in steerage), our butler $200, the Concierge $150, the Haven Restaurant Maître D $100. And lots of smaller tips to others on the ship ($1/drink-$5 to bartenders, $1/drink to waiters). 

That's somewhere north of $1205 in total gratuities, including what you mentioned above plus the normal $350 as well as the $305 drinks package tip.  Is service that good, that much value added?

[Fogfog]

6 hours ago, Big Red 85 said:

That's somewhere north of $1205 in total gratuities, including what you mentioned above plus the normal $350 as well as the $305 drinks package tip.  Is service that good, that much value added?

I have been thinking about this too

 

The required grats for Haven is $25 pp pd-- that's not really Tips-- it is a fee/tax to help with expenses of the cruiseline and we don't know how those are distributed. 100% on top of salaries? 

 

We have already paid the grats on the bev/bar/coffee package for those bar staff/servers

 

There is a difference between front of the house and back of the house. 

I cannot imagine a young man making rolls in the kitchen 24/7 is getting tipped-- He is salaried. Same for security and all of the people that make these sailings go.

 

The idea that the butler and concierge is fully excluded from sharing in the $25 a day pp is absurd. It may be correct, it is just wrong.  We've sent an inquiry to the pre-cruise concierge to get corp verification.  Certainly they should be paid commensurate with their job title/status. Presumably those that serve as butlers and concierge are trained and have an expertise in hospitality to have that coveted job. (at least that's the way it rolls at MSC-- they work their way up) 

 

We do tip well while in YC and will do the same with Haven.

Maybe part of the issue is people don't know to tip, or perhaps they couldn't really afford to sail and don't budget for the tips? We are already seeing some stark differences in MSC YC and NCL Haven and haven't gotten onboard yet 

 

[havoc315]

I’d never tell someone else what they should tip, but I’d encourage people to give the following considerations:

- Cruise lines specifically avoid American and European labor laws. Salaries are far below “minimum wage.” Butlers are literally working 24/7 for months at a time, grabbing a few hours of sleep in a cramped space below deck. Many have families they are away from — because the tips from cruises is prospectively far better in one than they can make in their home country. 
- You paid a significant amount for a suite. When ordering food in a restaurant, you’d tip 15-25%. So do consider how much you’re paying for the cruise, and how the butler and concierge staff are an integral part of your elevated suite experience. If you can afford $x for a suite, I think it’s perfectly reasonable to ask yourself to tip another 3%-10%.

-Do consider the size of your party and length of your cruise. A family of 5 on a 14-day cruise should tip significantly more than a couple on a 3-night cruise. 
-Do consider how much you’ve used their services— including the things done automatically such as bringing afternoon snacks, escorting you on and off the ship. Their generally being available and checking up on you is worth some consideration. 
 

Most of all, remember that the cruise is a luxury you purchased, a luxury that the butlers would never be able to afford for themselves. In global terms, compared to the staff serving you, you’re rich. They are working hours and wages that would be illegal in the US and Europe, to provide for your luxury. 

 

Edited February 8 by havoc315

[zqvol]

9 hours ago, Big Red 85 said:

That's somewhere north of $1205 in total gratuities, including what you mentioned above plus the normal $350 as well as the $305 drinks package tip.  Is service that good, that much value added?

If you are going to tip that much you need to be on a luxury line, not NCL

[Fogfog]

18 minutes ago, zqvol said:

If you are going to tip that much you need to be on a luxury line, not NCL

Good point

15 nights, 2 pp at $25 pp pd = $750 and "none" goes our butler?

the super prem + bev package charges high "gratuities" on that

And any specialty dining etc has grats o that

 

There are lines that are inclusive. And discourage any tipping

Perhaps NCL should consider that for Haven pax instead of piecing it together

Include the prem wifi, include the prem + bev, include "grats"  and be sure the butlers are included in that 

[havoc315]

1 hour ago, Fogfog said:

Good point

15 nights, 2 pp at $25 pp pd = $750 and "none" goes our butler?

the super prem + bev package charges high "gratuities" on that

And any specialty dining etc has grats o that

 

There are lines that are inclusive. And discourage any tipping

Perhaps NCL should consider that for Haven pax instead of piecing it together

Include the prem wifi, include the prem + bev, include "grats"  and be sure the butlers are included in that 

 

Let's think about how little or how much that $750 really is for 15 nights. Guest/crew ratio on NCL ships is about 2:1.

Let's assume about half the crew participates in the tip pool (room stewards, waiters, busboys, bartenders) --- Then it would be $1500 worth of tips per crew member, for 15 days, or $3,000 for a month. So even if a crew member was working 12 months straight, no days/weeks/months off, it's only $36,000 in tips.  That's NOT a lot. 

But let's remember, crew can't work for 12 months like they work for 15 days -- They don't get days off, they are generally working more than 8 hour days. 

So let's really look at it on a daily basis:

Assuming again, the 4:1 ratio -- 4 guests tipping per tip-receiving crew member:  That's $100 in tips per crew member that relies on tips. 

These are crew members making only $10 to $15 per active hour --  So maybe tips gets them up to $20 to $30 per hour.  Of course, the crew members are really giving up 24 hours per day -- sleeping in cramped quarters (they don't exactly get Verandah suites).  So even with tips, in that sense, these crew members are earning less than $10 per hour.

 

So yes, out of that $750 ---  That's not nearly enough to also include the butler and concierge.   

 

[havoc315]

11 hours ago, Big Red 85 said:

That's somewhere north of $1205 in total gratuities, including what you mentioned above plus the normal $350 as well as the $305 drinks package tip.  Is service that good, that much value added?

 

It's not about "value added" -- It's an understanding that tipping is the compensation model. When I go to a restaurant, I tip the waiter 20% for purely expected service.  It's the expectation for expected service. I'd tip more if they added additional value.

Without the room stewards, your cabin wouldn't get cleaned -- A clean room adds a LOT of value.

Without bartenders, you wouldn't be able to get a drink -- That adds a LOT of value.

Without waiters, you'd have to get all your food at the buffet  -- That adds a LOT of value.

 

So break it down -- He said $200 for the butler -- That's $29 per day -- That's not exactly a huge tip. Let's say the butler brought you afternoon snacks, escorted you off the ship to tender, brought your coffee in the morning, and held your seats in the theater in the evening -- Surely those things add $29 in value. 

 

 

[Fogfog]

@havoc315

I get your point

We understand about crew hiring/life on board/recruitment etc.

And we are generous to all those - butlers/stewards/bar/pool attendants etc...both with personal notes/cash and proper recs to mgrs about each one that really is amazing. Kindness and generousity are never wrong.

 

On your list for the math- exclude bartenders-- we are paying additional grats on the prem plus+ package-- so thats another line item. Yes they still get $

 

The issue is TIPS are supposed to be voluntary (not compulsory like they are on the bev package or fee'd in the dsc at $25 per day.  Its a game by NCL..which is why I suggest that NCL make Haven all inclusive (wifi/prem plus+ bev etc) so that it doesn't make pax feel nickeled -dimed. We are already paying a lot per SF for staterooms and that much high rate goes to more than carpet and paint on the walls. The Haven staff must get something of that in salaries.

 

The point made by another poster and lux lines is a good one

 

 

[AJHELLER]

2 hours ago, havoc315 said:

I’d never tell someone else what they should tip, but I’d encourage people to give the following considerations:

- Cruise lines specifically avoid American and European labor laws. Salaries are far below “minimum wage.” Butlers are literally working 24/7 for months at a time, grabbing a few hours of sleep in a cramped space below deck. Many have families they are away from — because the tips from cruises is prospectively far better in one than they can make in their home country. 
- You paid a significant amount for a suite. When ordering food in a restaurant, you’d tip 15-25%. So do consider how much you’re paying for the cruise, and how the butler and concierge staff are an integral part of your elevated suite experience. If you can afford $x for a suite, I think it’s perfectly reasonable to ask yourself to tip another 3%-10%.

-Do consider the size of your party and length of your cruise. A family of 5 on a 14-day cruise should tip significantly more than a couple on a 3-night cruise. 
-Do consider how much you’ve used their services— including the things done automatically such as bringing afternoon snacks, escorting you on and off the ship. Their generally being available and checking up on you is worth some consideration. 
 

Most of all, remember that the cruise is a luxury you purchased, a luxury that the butlers would never be able to afford for themselves. In global terms, compared to the staff serving you, you’re rich. They are working hours and wages that would be illegal in the US and Europe, to provide for your luxury. 

 

Actually we are far from rich! We saved 2 years for this cruise and celebrating adopting our little granddaughter who had a sad few years ! In the past  we always went basic..we splurged this time! So I just wanted to know what a decent tip was. 

Because one gets a suite don't assume they are rich..thank you

 

[havoc315]

Just now, AJHELLER said:

Actually we are far from rich! We saved 2 years for this cruise and celebrating adopting our little granddaughter who had a sad few years ! In the past  we always went basic..we splurged this time! So I just wanted to know what a decent tip was. 

Because one gets a suite don't assume they are rich..thank you

 

 

You are ultrarich by global standards, ultra-rich compared to the people who are serving you on the cruise ship.  Much of the crew comes from places where wages are $3 per hour or less --- The average global household income is $12,000 per year.   Some of the crew comes from countries where the average household income is under $2,000 per year. So yes, if you earn more than $12,000 per year: Then you're above-average. By global standards, if you can afford any real vacation, then you're rich.  

 

When considering the tips, that's an important consideration --  While most of us may not feel rich, that's a relative term. Every single person who booked a suite is ultra-rich under the standards of where most of the crew come from.  

About 30% of all cruise crew comes from the Philippines -- where the average wage is $330 per month, or $4,000 per year. 

So if the average wage is $4,000 per year -- Then what's rich to this crew member?  If $4,000 per year is middle class where they come from, then what's rich? 

 

 

[havoc315]

12 minutes ago, Fogfog said:

@havoc315

I get your point

We understand about crew hiring/life on board/recruitment etc.

And we are generous to all those - butlers/stewards/bar/pool attendants etc...both with personal notes/cash and proper recs to mgrs about each one that really is amazing. Kindness and generousity are never wrong.

 

On your list for the math- exclude bartenders-- we are paying additional grats on the prem plus+ package-- so thats another line item. Yes they still get $

 

The issue is TIPS are supposed to be voluntary (not compulsory like they are on the bev package or fee'd in the dsc at $25 per day.  Its a game by NCL..which is why I suggest that NCL make Haven all inclusive (wifi/prem plus+ bev etc) so that it doesn't make pax feel nickeled -dimed. We are already paying a lot per SF for staterooms and that much high rate goes to more than carpet and paint on the walls. The Haven staff must get something of that in salaries.

 

The point made by another poster and lux lines is a good one

 

 

 

Six or half-dozen, still the same:  The gratuities are not truly completely voluntary -- Technically they are, you can refuse to give them. But they are the compensation that is relied upon.

Sure, it might be better if they were just paid a real wage, and didn't rely on the tips.

But then customers wouldn't be happy when cruise fares spiked up by 20%.  

 

 

[Fogfog]

33 minutes ago, AJHELLER said:

Actually we are far from rich! We saved 2 years for this cruise and celebrating adopting our little granddaughter who had a sad few years ! In the past  we always went basic..we splurged this time! So I just wanted to know what a decent tip was. 

Because one gets a suite don't assume they are rich..thank you

 

What a lovely thing to celebrate together. I pray you have a joyous time and make wonderful memories. 

[AJHELLER]

22 minutes ago, havoc315 said:

 

You are ultrarich by global standards, ultra-rich compared to the people who are serving you on the cruise ship.  Much of the crew comes from places where wages are $3 per hour or less --- The average global household income is $12,000 per year.   Some of the crew comes from countries where the average household income is under $2,000 per year. So yes, if you earn more than $12,000 per year: Then you're above-average. By global standards, if you can afford any real vacation, then you're rich.  

 

When considering the tips, that's an important consideration --  While most of us may not feel rich, that's a relative term. Every single person who booked a suite is ultra-rich under the standards of where most of the crew come from.  

About 30% of all cruise crew comes from the Philippines -- where the average wage is $330 per month, or $4,000 per year. 

So if the average wage is $4,000 per year -- Then what's rich to this crew member?  If $4,000 per year is middle class where they come from, then what's rich? 

 

 

Sorry but I only asked what people tip the butler and concierge...because I had no clue and wanted to tip decently.  I for sure didn't want to start a debate or argue over such topic.

Thank you anyway

[AJHELLER]

Just now, Fogfog said:

What a lovely thing to celebrate together. I pray you have a joyous time and make wonderful memories. 

Thank you so very much! She is our everything and we love her more then the air we breathe. This is a very  special cruise... all for her.  

[havoc315]

27 minutes ago, AJHELLER said:

Sorry but I only asked what people tip the butler and concierge...because I had no clue and wanted to tip decently.  I for sure didn't want to start a debate or argue over such topic.

Thank you anyway

 

Sorry, I had no intent to argue or debate with you. And my discussion was more against those who treat it like, "I'm already paying so much for the cruise, why should I tack on even more?"

So in setting the number that you are comfortable with: Remember that these workers are drastically underpaid, come from places where American poverty looks pretty rich to them, and they are relying on tips as their compensation. 

[AJHELLER]

19 minutes ago, havoc315 said:

 

Sorry, I had no intent to argue or debate with you. And my discussion was more against those who treat it like, "I'm already paying so much for the cruise, why should I tack on even more?"

So in setting the number that you are comfortable with: Remember that these workers are drastically underpaid, come from places where American poverty looks pretty rich to them, and they are relying on tips as their compensation. 

Yes..I agree they work so very hard and truly are underpaid! 

You are right!!

It's sad how they work so hard.6-8 months straight,crazy hours and paid so little. I understand..thank you for sharing  this with me. 

[cruiseny4life]

3 hours ago, AJHELLER said:

Sorry but I only asked what people tip the butler and concierge...because I had no clue and wanted to tip decently.  I for sure didn't want to start a debate or argue over such topic.

Thank you anyway

Don't worry. I'm not saying havoc is arguing, but there are others who may chime in with less...ummm polite answers/responses. Just skim them and move on. No need to apologize! Enjoy your celebratory cruise. It sounds like you have a lot to be grateful for and the Haven is a wonderful splurge! I think many of us on these boards forget that the Haven is a splurge and not every day occurrence for many folks!

[AJHELLER]

1 minute ago, cruiseny4life said:

Don't worry. I'm not saying havoc is arguing, but there are others who may chime in with less...ummm polite answers/responses. Just skim them and move on. No need to apologize! Enjoy your celebratory cruise. It sounds like you have a lot to be grateful for and the Haven is a wonderful splurge! I think many of us on these boards forget that the Haven is a splurge and not every day occurrence for many folks!

Awe..thank you so much