Butler Service Question

So now I'm curious, what do you tip? We think we tip well, but I'd love to know what you tip based on what you said here.

$200 for butler, $50 concierge (rarely use them - only embarkation & debarkation) I don't generally give the steward anything additional - except if they have done something out of the ordinary. (I needed to have chairs swapped out once by the steward and tipped $20 on the spot.) I tip the same either on a 7-day, 10-day, 11-day, etc. I travel solo.

 

Many people post that they tip $20 PER PERSON, PER DAY. Well, while you can say that is generally what I tip, the REACTIONS of the butler, etc. when I tip them is indication to me that they don't see this level of tip often. And I DON'T think I am a big tipper - and I use the butler ALOT, as I've mentioned. I am a high-maintenance, PITA! :cool: LOL But I am nice about it. ;) So, the folks who say they are low maintenance, rarely bother their butler for fear of overworking him/her and tip $40 per day for a couple, well...I think they may be exaggerating "just a bit."

 

I am not saying that there aren't folks who tip much more than me - but I don't think it is as common as people on these boards say (and try to pressure "new" suite guests to think it is the MINIMUM they should consider!) Let's assume that a butler has average 15 guest cabins to care for (as noted by some) - and there are 70% couples and 30% solos. That's approximately 25 people. If people are truly tipping $20 per person, per day - the butler is making $500 a day in CASH TIPS? $3,500 on a 7-day cruise? $5,500 on an 11-day cruise? Do the math. :) And then find out where we apply for that job LOL

 

PS Occasionally, I do travel with a companion and (OMG the horror!) I tip EXACTLY the same. (My guests aren't PITAs like me.)

Edited November 20, 2017 by pcakes122

$200 for butler, $50 concierge (rarely use them - only embarkation & debarkation) I don't generally give the steward anything additional - except if they have done something out of the ordinary. (I needed to have chairs swapped out once by the steward and tipped $20 on the spot.) I tip the same either on a 7-day, 10-day, 11-day, etc. I travel solo.

 

Many people post that they tip $20 PER PERSON, PER DAY. Well, while you can say that is generally what I tip, the REACTIONS of the butler, etc. when I tip them is indication to me that they don't see this level of tip often. And I DON'T think I am a big tipper - and I use the butler ALOT, as I've mentioned. I am a high-maintenance, PITA! :cool: LOL But I am nice about it. ;) So, the folks who say they are low maintenance, rarely bother their butler for fear of overworking him/her and tip $40 per day for a couple, well...I think they may be exaggerating "just a bit."

 

I am not saying that there aren't folks who tip much more than me - but I don't think it is as common as people on these boards say (and try to pressure "new" suite guests to think it is the MINIMUM they should consider!) Let's assume that a butler has average 15 guest cabins to care for (as noted by some) - and there are 70% couples and 30% solos. That's approximately 25 people. If people are truly tipping $20 per person, per day - the butler is making $500 a day in CASH TIPS? $3,500 on a 7-day cruise? $5,500 on an 11-day cruise? Do the math. :) And then find out where we apply for that job LOL

 

PS Occasionally, I do travel with a companion and (OMG the horror!) I tip EXACTLY the same. (My guests aren't PITAs like me.)

I'm so glad you hear you say this. We were in a suite last cruise and tipped $200 and I was feeling like such a cheap skate. I'd say we used our butler minimally, but are always gracious and pleasant. We will be in a suite again this cruise and in order to be a "good tipper" we'd have to give them $720! 4 people for 9 nights. That's outrageous!

 

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$200 for butler, $50 concierge (rarely use them - only embarkation & debarkation) I don't generally give the steward anything additional - except if they have done something out of the ordinary. (I needed to have chairs swapped out once by the steward and tipped $20 on the spot.) I tip the same either on a 7-day, 10-day, 11-day, etc. I travel solo.

 

Many people post that they tip $20 PER PERSON, PER DAY. Well, while you can say that is generally what I tip, the REACTIONS of the butler, etc. when I tip them is indication to me that they don't see this level of tip often. And I DON'T think I am a big tipper - and I use the butler ALOT, as I've mentioned. I am a high-maintenance, PITA! :cool: LOL But I am nice about it. ;) So, the folks who say they are low maintenance, rarely bother their butler for fear of overworking him/her and tip $40 per day for a couple, well...I think they may be exaggerating "just a bit."

 

I am not saying that there aren't folks who tip much more than me - but I don't think it is as common as people on these boards say (and try to pressure "new" suite guests to think it is the MINIMUM they should consider!) Let's assume that a butler has average 15 guest cabins to care for (as noted by some) - and there are 70% couples and 30% solos. That's approximately 25 people. If people are truly tipping $20 per person, per day - the butler is making $500 a day in CASH TIPS? $3,500 on a 7-day cruise? $5,500 on an 11-day cruise? Do the math. :) And then find out where we apply for that job LOL

 

PS Occasionally, I do travel with a companion and (OMG the horror!) I tip EXACTLY the same. (My guests aren't PITAs like me.)

Wow, you accuse folks of exaggerating and not being honest about what they tip, I guess the same could be said about you or is it that everyone else but you exaggerates. I do agree with you on one thing, I don't think you are a big tipper.

 

I've gotten the same response when I tip that you do, as I would suspect every person who gives their Butler a tip, as they are appreciative of what they get, no matter what the amount is. On my last cruise, I had the same Butler as the cruise before and when he saw me, he rushed up and gave me a big hug and told me he was so happy to see me back. Now, was it because of the tip I gave him or because I'm very nice and respectful to him; I'm betting on being nice and respectful.

 

BTW, I've never read anyone pressuring anyone to tip a certain amount. When folks ask what they tip, folks post what they tip and the person can use the information or not and tip what they like.

Edited November 20, 2017 by NLH Arizona

BTW, I've never read anyone pressuring anyone to tip a certain amount. When folks ask what they tip, folks post what they tip and the person can use the information or not and tip what they like.

I have read MANY times on MULTIPLE threads that the "rule of thumb" for minimum tipping is $20 per person, per day. Usually in response to new suite guests looking for a "guideline." You are on every thread (usually looking for a debate :D) so I'm surprised you haven't seen that. I just don't agree that it is an appropriate "minimum". You can certainly disagree.

 

And you're right, I'm not a "big tipper" or a show-off. Or a know-it-all. ;)

I have read MANY times on MULTIPLE threads that the "rule of thumb" for minimum tipping is $20 per person, per day. Usually in response to new suite guests looking for a "guideline." You are on every thread (usually looking for a debate :D) so I'm surprised you haven't seen that. I just don't agree that it is an appropriate "minimum". You can certainly disagree.

 

And you're right, I'm not a "big tipper" or a show-off. Or a know-it-all. ;)

Actually the majority of posts have said $10 per person per day or $20 per day for all passengers in the suite (which many feel is way too high), not $20 per person per day. Again, when people ask what they tip, they post it, just as you did, whether others take their post as gospel or not, we will never know.

 

As said, I agree with you when you say you are not a big tipper.

Edited November 20, 2017 by NLH Arizona

As said, I agree with you when you say you are not a big tipper.

:')

$200 for butler, $50 concierge (rarely use them - only embarkation & debarkation) I don't generally give the steward anything additional - except if they have done something out of the ordinary. (I needed to have chairs swapped out once by the steward and tipped $20 on the spot.) I tip the same either on a 7-day, 10-day, 11-day, etc. I travel solo.

 

Many people post that they tip $20 PER PERSON, PER DAY. Well, while you can say that is generally what I tip, the REACTIONS of the butler, etc. when I tip them is indication to me that they don't see this level of tip often. And I DON'T think I am a big tipper - and I use the butler ALOT, as I've mentioned. I am a high-maintenance, PITA! :cool: LOL But I am nice about it. ;) So, the folks who say they are low maintenance, rarely bother their butler for fear of overworking him/her and tip $40 per day for a couple, well...I think they may be exaggerating "just a bit."

 

I am not saying that there aren't folks who tip much more than me - but I don't think it is as common as people on these boards say (and try to pressure "new" suite guests to think it is the MINIMUM they should consider!) Let's assume that a butler has average 15 guest cabins to care for (as noted by some) - and there are 70% couples and 30% solos. That's approximately 25 people. If people are truly tipping $20 per person, per day - the butler is making $500 a day in CASH TIPS? $3,500 on a 7-day cruise? $5,500 on an 11-day cruise? Do the math. :) And then find out where we apply for that job LOL

 

PS Occasionally, I do travel with a companion and (OMG the horror!) I tip EXACTLY the same. (My guests aren't PITAs like me.)

 

THANK you for replying to my question. We tend to tip between $150 and $200 for the cabin (normal suite, 2 people), depending on the level of service of the butler. Of course, we have tipped more when we felt it was justified, (In the GV, we tipped a lo more, but the level of service in the GV is INSANE, so our butlers have earned it), but in general we tend to follow the $10 pp per day rule as a base tip for the butler.

 

For the concierge, it really depend, as we have hardly used them, to used them a LOT, depending on the cruise. We have tipped from $0.00 with a hand written note as to why (REALLY bad concierge), to $850 for the GV because the concierge was THAT good and deserved every penny).

 

We tend to tip the room steward too though, usually around $50 per room. ($50 for normal suite, $150 for GV)

 

Based on what you wrote, I think we are in the right ball park. We too are always kind to the butler and concierge and room steward. We too are a bit demanding, but ask in a nice way and ALWAYS thank them for their service. We really do appreciate their help. It is so nice to have "peeps" help you on the cruise, makes it so much more relaxing!

 

Thanks again!

Jesus you guys are some hefty tippers. Wondering what all you had the butler do besides bring snacks and a few meals.

 

Last cruise we tipped the butler 50 (barely saw him), the concierge 50 (used him a few times), the steward 40, haven deck hand 40, haven restaurant staff 40, and a lot of small misc tips to bartenders.

 

 

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Jesus you guys are some hefty tippers. Wondering what all you had the butler do besides bring snacks and a few meals.

 

Last cruise we tipped the butler 50 (barely saw him), the concierge 50 (used him a few times), the steward 40, haven deck hand 40, haven restaurant staff 40, and a lot of small misc tips to bartenders.

 

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A few butler extras:

 

1. When we were in the GV, our butler escorted us EVERY time to the restaurant so we would have no wait. (we did not ask for this, but it was nice)

2. Again, in the GV, butler escorted us to every show (actually he escorted us to the concierge) that we went to so we could just go right in.

3. When we brought wine on board, butler brought our wine to the restaurants before our meals so they were proper temperature for each meal.

4. Butler brought us the snacks we liked, and figured us out quickly.

5. One butler figured by day 2 we were asking for iron around 5:00 PM, so he then started just bringing us one starting day 3.

6. Concierge of our dreams (Adrian) escorted us to every single show and every time off the ship. We NEVER waited in any lines.

7. Concierge Patrick gave my brother VIP privileges when we booked the GV and he was in an inside. (we only had 4 peeps in the GV, as we had my mom and her friend in their own bedrooms. My brother booked an inside so he would have his own bedroom) We tipped Patrick accordingly.

8. Concierge also got us a tour of the bridge.

 

Bottom line for us, we include large tips in our budget. We are accustomed to vacationing in Mexico where tips are very much appreciated, and I believe the same for the staff on a ship. We feel very fortunate to be able to cruise in a suite and thank those who make our cruises special. Many of the cruise staffers send a lot of their money home and I truly believe they appreciate the tip.

Actually the majority of posts have said $10 per person per day or $20 per day for all passengers in the suite (which many feel is way too high), not $20 per person per day. Again, when people ask what they tip, they post it, just as you did, whether others take their post as gospel or not, we will never know.

 

As said, I agree with you when you say you are not a big tipper.

 

But according to your math, she should be tipping $70 (travels solo, 7-day cruise) and she's tipping nearly triple that at $200.

 

Unless you're saying-not-saying that $10 per person per day is too low. I guess that's the case, since you say $30 per day makes her a cheapskate.

Just off the Escape. We barley saw our butler! Actually saw him in the hall more than anything! With that being said we tipped our concierge Adrien who is amazing $200 and our butler $100. We used the concierge much more than our butler. Only thing our butler did was leave snacks! Concierge made all our dinner reservations, last minute excursions. Guided us as where to go on each island and just about anything else we needed! i think you need to see what your experience is before deciding what to tip!

But according to your math, she should be tipping $70 (travels solo, 7-day cruise) and she's tipping nearly triple that at $200.

 

Unless you're saying-not-saying that $10 per person per day is too low. I guess that's the case, since you say $30 per day makes her a cheapskate.

I said that is what posters suggest. What I say is that I start with $10 a day per person and then add (always have) or subtrack (never had to do this), depending on how much service I require and how the services are handled. I never said what she should tip and I just agreed with her that she is not a big tipper (based that on her wants and needs from the Butler and what I would have tip if I needed or wanted those services), never called her a cheapskate, those are your words.

I never said what she should tip and I just agreed with her that she is not a big tipper (based on her wants and needs from the Butler), never called her a cheapskate, those are your words.

Thanks so much, AndyCapn, for trying to help someone realize how they are coming across. However, some people are just not self-aware and won't ever get it.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, all! I'll be happily onboard the Gem (in a suite) driving my butler crazy with my outlandish wants and needs. :')

Thanks so much, AndyCapn, for trying to help someone realize how they are coming across. However, some people are just not self-aware and won't ever get it.

 

Happy Thanksgiving, all! I'll be happily onboard the Gem (in a suite) driving my butler crazy with my outlandish wants and needs. :')

Yes, some don't know how they come across accusing other posters of lying about what they tip when they post that information. However, some people are just not self-aware and won't ever get it.

deleted

Edited November 20, 2017 by maja651

Yes, some don't know how they come across accusing other posters of lying about what they tip when they post that information.

Did I say posters were lying in the same post in which you called me a cheapskate? :')

 

No need to respond to me since I won't see it. Unfortunately, you are the first poster I've chosen to put on my Ignore list. However, before I do so, I wanted you to know why. This is at least the second thread in which you've attempted to engage me without any provocation and it's tiring and a waste of energy.

 

Whatever your issues, I wish you peace. However, I'm out.

Are you accusing people of lying about what they tip? I certainly have no reason what so ever to lie. Why bother? I don't know any of you in "real life" so what would be the purpose to lie? I like these forums because they give me valuable information that I use to help plan my cruises. I assume most others feel that same way and have no reason to lie.

No, I didn't. But the other poster was saying that posters exaggerate the amounts they say they tip on this forum, which is offensive, and she said "Many people post that they tip $20 PER PERSON, PER DAY. Well, while you can say that is generally what I tip, the REACTIONS of the butler, etc. when I tip is indication to me that that they don't see this level of tip often" and "however, nowhere's near what what some folks on these boards suggest - or claim they tip." and "So, the folks who say they are low maintenance, rarely bother their butler for fear of overworking him/her and tip $40 per day for a couple, well..I think they may be exaggerating "just a bit". All alluding to the fact that folks are not being honest with their information on their posts, as far as what they tip and that is why I asked the poster if other's exaggerate, in her opinion, how do we know she is not exaggerating. Edited November 20, 2017 by NLH Arizona

No, I didn't. But the other poster was saying that posters exaggerate the amounts they say they tip on this forum, which is offensive, and she said "Many people post that they tip $20 PER PERSON, PER DAY. Well, while you can say that is generally what I tip, the REACTIONS of the butler, etc. when I tip is indication to me that that they don't see this level of tip often" and "however, nowhere's near what what some folks on these boards suggest - or claim they tip." and "So, the folks who say they are low maintenance, rarely bother their butler for fear of overworking him/her and tip $40 per day for a couple, well..I think they may be exaggerating "just a bit". All alluding to the fact that folks are not being honest with their information on their posts, as far as what they tip and that is why I asked the poster if other's exaggerate, in her opinion, how do we know she is not exaggerating.

Understood and that makes sense. I don't personally believe people exaggerate the amount they tip...as what would be the value to that? Maybe I am naïve? ;p

Understood and that makes sense. I don't personally believe people exaggerate the amount they tip...as what would be the value to that? Maybe I am naïve? ;p

I've never thought it either and not sure what the purpose would be.

 

Tipping is very personal. When I first started cruising in suites, I asked the question most do...how much should I tip. I got answers from $35 a week to over $500 a week. I just took all the information and came up with a starting point that I thought was fair for the services I would require.

Will be on the Pearl in a couple of weeks. I think Yahira will be the Concierge, but not sure who the butler will be. Is anyone familiar with Yahira? I know that the butlers are routinely moved, but have any recent cruisers been in a deck 9 aft suite, and know who the butler was for that area?

I've never thought it either and not sure what the purpose would be.

 

Tipping is very personal. When I first started cruising in suites, I asked the question most do...how much should I tip. I got answers from $35 a week to over $500 a week. I just took all the information and came up with a starting point that I thought was fair for the services I would require.

 

1000% agree that tipping is very personal. However, it is nice to be "in the know" as to what others are tipping so as not to be a fool tipping way too much, or a cheapo tipping not nearly enough. :D

Will be on the Pearl in a couple of weeks. I think Yahira will be the Concierge, but not sure who the butler will be. Is anyone familiar with Yahira? I know that the butlers are routinely moved, but have any recent cruisers been in a deck 9 aft suite, and know who the butler was for that area?

What date is your cruise. I'm on December 5th in an aft penthouse, deck 10, and if your cruise is after mine, I'll try to remember to let you know.

What date is your cruise. I'm on December 5th in an aft penthouse, deck 10, and if your cruise is after mine, I'll try to remember to let you know.

I would like to hear about Yahira as well please. If her contract goes through March, I figure she will be our concierge for our march 25 sailing out of NOLA.

I would like to hear about Yahira as well please. If her contract goes through March, I figure she will be our concierge for our march 25 sailing out of NOLA.

I usually do a good, bad and ugly review after my cruise, I'll try and remember to put information about the Concierge and ask them if they will be there in March.

What date is your cruise. I'm on December 5th in an aft penthouse, deck 10, and if your cruise is after mine, I'll try to remember to let you know.

Same cruise.