How much do you tip in the Haven?

[dpemd]

My understanding is that the butler and concierge do not participate in the gratuties program. Other than afternoon snacks from the butler, I don’t anticipate using either for anything else. How much should i tip for 4 people? TIA

[cruiseny4life]

Hey there!!

 

Oh boy, this question ad nauseum. But! I have a thread for you.

 

 

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, dpemd said:

My understanding is that the butler and concierge do not participate in the gratuties program. Other than afternoon snacks from the butler, I don’t anticipate using either for anything else. How much should i tip for 4 people? TIA

 

You "should" tip whatever you feel is appropriate. When someone asks, these are the guidelines I use when I am in the Haven. 

 

Room Steward: $5-$10 per person per days in cruise (they are in the daily service charge, but they are cleaning your extra large room at a much higher standard twice a day)

Butler: $10-$15 per person per days in cruise

Concierge: $5-$10 per person per days in cruise ($5 per person per day to assistant Concierge)

Bar Waiters and Bartenders: $1 per drink (inside and outside the Haven)

Restaurant Manager: As you see fit

[KeithJenner]

2 hours ago, dpemd said:

My understanding is that the butler and concierge do not participate in the gratuties program. Other than afternoon snacks from the butler, I don’t anticipate using either for anything else. How much should i tip for 4 people? TIA

You will get wildly differing amounts suggested, and it is up to you.

 

Don't feel pressured to overtip if you don't use their services though. If people are using the butler and concierge for lots of things then it is appropriate to give a decent tip. We are similar to you and don't request anything from the butler. We may use the concierge once or twice during a cruise, if we tender for example. We do tip them, but much less than others suggest.

 

We don't stay in the Haven, so probably have less interaction with the Concierge especially than you may have in the Haven area. That could affect things.

Edited March 10, 2023 by KeithJenner

[Peachypooh]

I usually tip $10pp per day to both the room steward and also  the butler.

This time they went above and beyond so I tipped a little more than that. 

I don't use the concierge for anything other than group priority

disembark so I gave her $50.

[dpemd]

$40 per day to the butler for afternoon snacks sounds a little steep. $20 per day to the concierge for nothing sounds crazy.

[Sailing12Away]

On 3/10/2023 at 7:30 PM, dpemd said:

$40 per day to the butler for afternoon snacks sounds a little steep. $20 per day to the concierge for nothing sounds crazy.

It depends on what you use them for. If you pre-book all your reservations on your own, don't utilize any of the priority embarkations, disembarkations, or 'skip the line' features when returning to the ship at ports of call, don't use them to resolve any issues with your onboard account, or questions, or recommendations for things to see/do off ship, or anything related to excursions - then yes, you could either skip the tip to the concierge completely or just do $20-50 total for your trip. Folks get hung up on the titles I think. For the concierge - just think of them as guest services, shore excursions, and the theatre reservation box office all rolled into one. If you don't ever have a need to go to any of those desks during your trip, and you don't take advantage of the skip the line perks, then tip based on what you actually used them for.

 

For the butler - again, 100% depends on what you ask of them. If you get several meals brought to your room to eat there during your trip - consider what each individual tip would have cost you for normal room service at a standard hotel. If your kids mention that they love rice krispies and they magically show up each morning for them to munch on without you even having to ask for them, to me that's a value add. If each day you get 2 pitchers of juice and snacks without having to muck through the buffet or stand in line at a bar for a quick bite or drink before your next meal, to me that's a value add.

 

If everyone in the room enjoys the same things and they bring a single tray of sandwiches daily, vs everyone having different preferences or dietary restrictions - that's obviously 2 different levels of service. If all you need is a refilling bowl of M&Ms and nothing else, that's different from special requests or asking for things 'off menu' that are harder to obtain.

 

The whole point is that the butler and concierge are NOT included in the daily service charge because each of us utilize those services differently, or not at all. So you tip based on your own personal use and experience. 

[Sydneyberlin]

Also very much depends where the cruise is sailing from and where the bulk of guests come from. US style tipping is pretty much unknown in the rest of the world, if not even considered rude (like in parts of Asia, for example).

I’m myself very much used to the tipping culture in North America and budget accordingly. But I know that most of my countrymen (whether it’s Aussies or European) are far less familiar and would never leave a single cent for a bartender if you’ve already paid gratuity as part of a drink package. I always carry a bundle of $1 notes which me for that purpose but pretty much only in the US. 

[MoCruiseFan]

On 3/10/2023 at 3:52 PM, dpemd said:

My understanding is that the butler and concierge do not participate in the gratuties program. Other than afternoon snacks from the butler, I don’t anticipate using either for anything else. How much should i tip for 4 people? TIA

Hi Tia, the ONLY correct answer to your question is to tip anyone you want to tip, any time you want to tip them, and give them any amount you want to give.  There is no recommended, suggested, normal, customary tip amount and what I and others tip is 100% irrelevant to your tipping decisions.  Enjoy your cruise and really enjoy the Haven!

 

[KateQ22003]

2 hours ago, MoCruiseFan said:

Hi Tia, the ONLY correct answer to your question is to tip anyone you want to tip, any time you want to tip them, and give them any amount you want to give.  There is no recommended, suggested, normal, customary tip amount and what I and others tip is 100% irrelevant to your tipping decisions.  Enjoy your cruise and really enjoy the Haven!

 

This is the perfect answer.

[BostonGal35]

IMO there is no standard guideline.   

 

we usually tip our Steward anywhere from $40-$50 for the week (usually giving half around the midpoint of the sail) assuming s/he is taking good care of us and keeping towels stocked, etc.   

 

The butler if we are in the haven is really dependent on how much we use them.  if we are having meals delivered, etc. we tip a decent amount $100+.  if they are just bringing the daily snacks then probably $25 for the week.      Our last cruise on breakaway we rarely saw the Butler which was odd given that it was overall the best haven experience we've had to date.  but the few things we requested we got so not seeing him wasnt really a big deal.

 

we rarely use the concierge as we book all shows and dinners prior to sail on our own, and maybe 50% of the time utilize the priority escort off the ship.    that said, if they do something specific for us we will usually tip at the time the favor/request is taken care of.   

 

we are usually generous with the Haven Bartenders as we spend alot of time in the haven bar and courtyard, and also tip the Valet who runs drinks.   that said, i often just get my own drinks at the bar as i like to chat with them and see who else is around in the lounge and i like to stretch my legs (and feel like im getting some exercise lol).

[pcakes122]

On 3/10/2023 at 5:46 PM, BirdTravels said:

 

You "should" tip whatever you feel is appropriate. When someone asks, these are the guidelines I use when I am in the Haven. 

 

Room Steward: $5-$10 per person per days in cruise (they are in the daily service charge, but they are cleaning your extra large room at a much higher standard twice a day)

Butler: $10-$15 per person per days in cruise

Concierge: $5-$10 per person per days in cruise ($5 per person per day to assistant Concierge)

Bar Waiters and Bartenders: $1 per drink (inside and outside the Haven)

Restaurant Manager: As you see fit

With all due respect, Bird (you frequently add alot of value to this forum and thank you for that), it makes me laugh every time you post this in response to ANY Haven tipping question. It is very misleading at minimum. First, the OP stated right up front that they don't anticipate using their butler very frequently. You, on the other hand, have posted dozens of pictures multiple times of more Haven food and treats than I've ever seen. (I am not sure how you eat all that without gaining weight because I think I gain five pounds every time I see your photos lol) You clearly use your butler ALOT. I use my butler alot, too (maybe even more than you), but that's why I don't post what I tip - because people are looking for an "average" and that's not me -- OR you.

 

I only call it out because I believe that you (as a seasoned poster who people look to for guidance) scare people away from the Haven with your tipping guidelines (especially people with kids), because by your standards a family of four could price themselves out of the Haven in excessive tips. Your guidelines are absolutely not the norm for folks who really don't take advantage of their butler (and overly generous even for some that do.)

[Sailing12Away]

51 minutes ago, pcakes122 said:

With all due respect, Bird (you frequently add alot of value to this forum and thank you for that), it makes me laugh every time you post this in response to ANY Haven tipping question. It is very misleading at minimum. First, the OP stated right up front that they don't anticipate using their butler very frequently. You, on the other hand, have posted dozens of pictures multiple times of more Haven food and treats than I've ever seen. (I am not sure how you eat all that without gaining weight because I think I gain five pounds every time I see your photos lol) You clearly use your butler ALOT. I use my butler alot, too (maybe even more than you), but that's why I don't post what I tip - because people are looking for an "average" and that's not me -- OR you.

 

I only call it out because I believe that you (as a seasoned poster who people look to for guidance) scare people away from the Haven with your tipping guidelines (especially people with kids), because by your standards a family of four could price themselves out of the Haven in excessive tips. Your guidelines are absolutely not the norm for folks who really don't take advantage of their butler (and overly generous even for some that do.)

Tipping in general requires common sense. Obviously a cabin of 4 adults with different likes and needs requires a different amount of service and attention than a family of 2 adults and 2 kids who only care about endless candy in the room. People say they don't plan on using either the butler or concierge - yet they don't actually know or understand what they even do many times. 

 

If the notion of 'per person/per day' scares people, then change it to a flat amount of 'per day' as the range Bird typically puts will cover a standard cabin of 2 - 4 people anyway - hence the range and not a flat mandated amount. 

 

Everyone gets into such a fluff when it comes to tipping for Haven services, yet I don't recall ever seeing a tipping thread related to the kids club... Honestly though, a cruise ship is not much different from a high end hotel. If you would tip a concierge at a hotel $2-10 for each service they provide to you, how is that any different from tipping the cruise ship concierge a total of $50-100 depending on the length of your cruise? 

 

Same thing with room service at a hotel, or even take out delivery through GrubHub.... if you're comfortable tipping those servers $2-10 per delivery, how is it any different just because you're on a cruise ship? 

 

For folks who get scared about tipping.... just tip as you go. For me, it's just easier to lump it together with a ballpark figure in my head, and add/remove as needed based on the actual level of service received and overall usage.

[pcakes122]

9 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

Tipping in general requires common sense. Obviously a cabin of 4 adults with different likes and needs requires a different amount of service and attention than a family of 2 adults and 2 kids who only care about endless candy in the room. People say they don't plan on using either the butler or concierge - yet they don't actually know or understand what they even do many times. 

 

If the notion of 'per person/per day' scares people, then change it to a flat amount of 'per day' as the range Bird typically puts will cover a standard cabin of 2 - 4 people anyway - hence the range and not a flat mandated amount. 

 

Everyone gets into such a fluff when it comes to tipping for Haven services, yet I don't recall ever seeing a tipping thread related to the kids club... Honestly though, a cruise ship is not much different from a high end hotel. If you would tip a concierge at a hotel $2-10 for each service they provide to you, how is that any different from tipping the cruise ship concierge a total of $50-100 depending on the length of your cruise? 

 

Same thing with room service at a hotel, or even take out delivery through GrubHub.... if you're comfortable tipping those servers $2-10 per delivery, how is it any different just because you're on a cruise ship? 

 

For folks who get scared about tipping.... just tip as you go. For me, it's just easier to lump it together with a ballpark figure in my head, and add/remove as needed based on the actual level of service received and overall usage.

So based on the "guidelines" an average family of 3 should expect to tip $840 just to butler/room steward/concierge(s) BEFORE restaurant and bar tips?

 

I don't believe that is the average tip that folks are leaving (just ask the staff), and I don't think people should be led to believe that is what is expected of them.

 

Personally, I tip ALOT more than the guidelines to my butler, but I utilize their services ALOT. That said, I wouldn't tell anybody that they are expected to tip what I tip.

[MoCruiseFan]

4 hours ago, pcakes122 said:

With all due respect, Bird (you frequently add alot of value to this forum and thank you for that), it makes me laugh every time you post this in response to ANY Haven tipping question. It is very misleading at minimum. First, the OP stated right up front that they don't anticipate using their butler very frequently. You, on the other hand, have posted dozens of pictures multiple times of more Haven food and treats than I've ever seen. (I am not sure how you eat all that without gaining weight because I think I gain five pounds every time I see your photos lol) You clearly use your butler ALOT. I use my butler alot, too (maybe even more than you), but that's why I don't post what I tip - because people are looking for an "average" and that's not me -- OR you.

 

I only call it out because I believe that you (as a seasoned poster who people look to for guidance) scare people away from the Haven with your tipping guidelines (especially people with kids), because by your standards a family of four could price themselves out of the Haven in excessive tips. Your guidelines are absolutely not the norm for folks who really don't take advantage of their butler (and overly generous even for some that do.)

I think he posts A LOT of misleaidn posts...

[dexddd]

9 hours ago, pcakes122 said:

With all due respect, Bird (you frequently add alot of value to this forum and thank you for that), it makes me laugh every time you post this in response to ANY Haven tipping question. It is very misleading at minimum. First, the OP stated right up front that they don't anticipate using their butler very frequently. You, on the other hand, have posted dozens of pictures multiple times of more Haven food and treats than I've ever seen. (I am not sure how you eat all that without gaining weight because I think I gain five pounds every time I see your photos lol) You clearly use your butler ALOT. I use my butler alot, too (maybe even more than you), but that's why I don't post what I tip - because people are looking for an "average" and that's not me -- OR you.

 

I only call it out because I believe that you (as a seasoned poster who people look to for guidance) scare people away from the Haven with your tipping guidelines (especially people with kids), because by your standards a family of four could price themselves out of the Haven in excessive tips. Your guidelines are absolutely not the norm for folks who really don't take advantage of their butler (and overly generous even for some that do.)

Thanks for calling this out.  We've stayed in OS or higher last 12 years and never have gotten, even with lists, the pictures of tables full of candy or drinks as posted by said poster.  Food, yes, close.  So to post those expectations is misleading.  Maybe the high tips due to all that work, but for a family of four, not that much in tip money.  With DSC already baking in higher amount for larger room.

 

For a new person here, it sets up expectations for something not likely to happen which only feels then like disappointing experience.

 

Maybe there is a secret loyalty level of cheerleader. 

Edited March 13, 2023 by dexddd

[Sailing12Away]

8 hours ago, pcakes122 said:

So based on the "guidelines" an average family of 3 should expect to tip $840 just to butler/room steward/concierge(s) BEFORE restaurant and bar tips?

Not sure how you do your math....

 

Just got off a 15 day trip this weekend. My tips (not to brag, influence, coerce, persuade, suggest, etc - just for realistic math):

 

Butler - 300

Concierge - 150

Steward - 100 (already covered in DSC, so this is extra by our choosing based on service)

Bartender - 200 (again, already covered, extra from our choosing)

Assistant bar staff - 50 (another extra and not necessary tip, based on our experience and use)

 

Grand total $800 for 15 days including 3 people who we didn't feel obligated or pressured to give anything at all. If we were on a standard 7 day trip it would have been half that. So not sure how you come up with your number that excludes the bar which tends to be our personal highest expense.

 

A friend on this trip with us chose to tip the restaurant staff extra because his wife had food allergies and they were attentive to her needs, but didn't give nearly the tip we did to bar staff as they didn't use it nearly as much as we did.

 

As it's been said ad nauseam, it's completely personal choice and will vary greatly by usage.

 

 

[pcakes122]

31 minutes ago, dexddd said:

For a new person here, it sets up expectations for something not likely to happen which only feels then like disappointing experience.

The new/potential Haven guest is, specifically, the reason I am even mentioning it.

 

Some folks (perhaps just reading but not posting) may look at these threads when they are considering putting in an upgrade bid. When they think of the amount of $$ they have to bid and then they see here they need to expect to pay $1K or more in tips, they may be discouraged from even bidding.

 

And, to your point about treats, I have had great butlers who have offered anything I'd like in treats (and the casino likes to send stuff, too) but even when traveling with family I have never seen tables filled edge to edge with candy and treats. That is NOT the norm (and I don't begrudge anyone who wants and enjoys having all those treats - but anyone ordering all that stuff and having it replenished is definitely not using their butler an "average" amount.) Again, everyone is welcome to enjoy themselves anyway they'd like and tip alll they want, but my issue is with puporting that to be the "typical" experience and "expected" gratuities.

 

 

[pcakes122]

1 minute ago, Sailing12Away said:

Not sure how you do your math....

 

Just got off a 15 day trip this weekend. My tips (not to brag, influence, coerce, persuade, suggest, etc - just for realistic math):

 

Butler - 300

Concierge - 150

Steward - 100 (already covered in DSC, so this is extra by our choosing based on service)

Bartender - 200 (again, already covered, extra from our choosing)

Assistant bar staff - 50 (another extra and not necessary tip, based on our experience and use)

 

Grand total $800 for 15 days including 3 people who we didn't feel obligated or pressured to give anything at all. If we were on a standard 7 day trip it would have been half that. So not sure how you come up with your number that excludes the bar which tends to be our personal highest expense.

 

A friend on this trip with us chose to tip the restaurant staff extra because his wife had food allergies and they were attentive to her needs, but didn't give nearly the tip we did to bar staff as they didn't use it nearly as much as we did.

 

As it's been said ad nauseam, it's completely personal choice and will vary greatly by usage.

 

 

For three people, according to the posted "guidelines" for a 15-day cruise, you seriously undertipped.

 

Butler = $15 pp/per day = $675

Room Steward = $10 pp/per day = $450

Concierge ($10) & Assistant Concierge ($5) = $15 pp/per day = $675

 

That's $1,800 in tips WITHOUT restaurant or bar. 

 

I actually think your tips were fine, but that's my point about these "guidelines." They are not realistic. (Although i'm sure the crew would love it! Imagine the butler getting that tip from all twelve rooms they service - $8,100 cash ($675 x 12) for 15 days is great!)

[latebloomer56]

Is there still a steward at the Haven pool on the Pearl? This ship is one with the small pool area no restaurant or bar. On the Gem hears back we had a steward in the pool area that made sure the coffee and small items in the morning and cold drinks and candy in the afternoon were available. He also came around with fruit kabobs in the afternoon. Others had him get them drinks at the bar but we never bothered with that. This person is somebody we would tip as well.

[cruiseny4life]

On 3/10/2023 at 5:46 PM, BirdTravels said:

You "should" tip whatever you feel is appropriate. When someone asks, these are the guidelines I use when I am in the Haven. 

I'm a little confused. I have never seen guidelines posted by Norwegian about what to tip. Sure, some posters might say the word "guidelines." As to the poster referenced, above, the Bird is just saying what their personal guidelines are. Not what you (or Mary or Joh or Skip) should tip. We all should tip what we tip, when we want to tip, how we want to tip (in greenbacks, of course). And, no one should make a judgment of others on this, even if the tipped amount is $0. 

 

I know...back to my group "scold" moniker! 

[pcakes122]

2 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I'm a little confused. I have never seen guidelines posted by Norwegian about what to tip. Sure, some posters might say the word "guidelines." As to the poster referenced, above, the Bird is just saying what their personal guidelines are. Not what you (or Mary or Joh or Skip) should tip.

I literally just saw these tipping guidelines quoted on a FB group this week in response to a question about Haven tipping. Even if the intention is not to state them as official guidelines, some people don't fully read the posts and just see the word "guidelines" and run with it (all over the internet lol.)

[cruiseny4life]

4 minutes ago, pcakes122 said:

I literally just saw these tipping guidelines quoted on a FB group this week in response to a question about Haven tipping. Even if the intention is not to state them as official guidelines, some people don't fully read the posts and just see the word "guidelines" and run with it (all over the internet lol.)

Haha! I love the ones that give $100 to each bartender at the District Brewhouse too! I believe 30% of what I read on Cruise Critic and -25% of what I read in those other places. 🙂 

[graphicguy]

Boy…these are always fun threads.

 

Can’t answer for anyone but myself other than to tell you not to be a curmudgeon  or “one of those people” when it comes to tipping.

 

It really depends on how much (or how little) you take advantage of the folks who help you in the Haven.

 

Personally, I use the Butler very little other than to tell them not to bring snacks every day.  Sometimes they honor my request, sometimes they don’t.  But, they refill my coffee every day, so that’s something.  $20-$25 for the week.

 

Concierge….they do almost EVERYTHING for me.  They book my SD, my entertainment, they escort me on the ship, to shows, they handle any billing snafus, they get me front row seats at Syd Norman’s, they book/cancel excursions, they take care of any internet woes I have, etc.  Main Concierge gets $100 for the week.  Asst concierge gets $50, if I use him/her a lot.

 

Haven bartenders…this is a tough one.  That’s mainly because I usually attach to one bartender who seems to know my drinks and my taste.  And, some bartenders will stay open past closing time if they see my and my compadres are still in the throws of revelry……..$50 to the head bartender (which probably does figure to be $1 per drink).  If the secondary bartender helps me a lot, they get $20.

 

Haven Restaurant….again, depends on what they do.  If they bring me any special meals off menu, if they find a table I always prefer (near the windows), I’ll give the manager and/or the wait person (which is tough if you never have the same table every day) $20/ea.

 

To me, the hardest working person in the Haven is the room steward.  If I’m solo, it’s $100 tip for the week.  If it’s 2 of us, $150 for the week.

 

If you’re a family of 5, and/or you’re messy, or you’re a person/family that wants the staff to do everything for you, all the time, and you’re the demanding type,  the tip should go up exponentially.

 

This all assumes a 7 nite cruise.

 

Again, just don’t be a horse’s posterior  when it comes to tipping, and you’ll be fine.

Edited March 13, 2023 by graphicguy

[BostonGal35]

20 hours ago, graphicguy said:

they get me front row seats at Syd Norman’s

 

hi, curious as to how this has worked?   do they reserve seats for you?  didnt know they could do this....