Suite Advice

[Law5Guy]

Part of my confusion may result from imprecise and/or inconsistent use of job titles to identify crew members.

 

Let's see if I have this right...

Concierge: person who makes reservations and provides other specialty services. Not part of DSC.

 

Butler: serves meals in the suite (sorry I don't feel that stocking the coffee machine is a big service). Not part of DSC

 

Courtyard Butler: not clear about this one at all.

 

Cabin steward: changes bedding, cleans the suite.

 

True or False...the cabin steward is part of DSC pool.

 

I'll get this straight eventually. Thanks.

[erdoran]

My understanding from other posts on this board is that you are correct re butlers & concierge NOT part of DSC

and yes, room steward IS part of DSC.

[Law5Guy]

OK. If I have it right, the bottom line regarding courtyard personnel is...

 

Concierge: not part of DSC; reliant upon our valuation of her/his services.

Butler: ditto

Courtyard Butler: still confused about this one

Cabin Steward: included in DSC; additional compensation discretionary.

Epic Club wait staff: same as cabin steward

 

Have I forgotten anyone?

Have I misclassified anyone?

Comments?

 

Believe it or not, this has been helpful to me. To paraphrase a wise man, "Neither a chump nor a cheapskate be."

 

Thanks to all.

[DMH15]

OK. If I have it right, the bottom line regarding courtyard personnel is...

 

Concierge: not part of DSC; reliant upon our valuation of her/his services.

Butler: ditto

Courtyard Butler: still confused about this one

Cabin Steward: included in DSC; additional compensation discretionary.

Epic Club wait staff: same as cabin steward

 

Have I forgotten anyone?

Have I misclassified anyone?

Comments?

 

Believe it or not, this has been helpful to me. To paraphrase a wise man, "Neither a chump nor a cheapskate be."

 

Thanks to all.

 

The courtyard butler will take care of you when you are utilizing the courtyard. There will be some drinks and snacks set up out there for your enjoyment. So even if you do not see him he has that available for you to use. Also, if you want to have your meal served to you while relaxing in the courtyard he will be the one to bring it to you and set the table up for you. So, depending on how much you enjoy his services, the tip would be discretionary.

[Darthdaddy]

Thanks for the explanation.

From various posts I was not certain that there would be such a person on each ship. I am certain that we will utilize some of these services and even if we don't there is value in having them available.

Looks like I'll have to add another line item to the budget.

Thanks again.

[downsized]

We got the upgrade call this morning and, of course, jumped at it :D.

 

Penthouse on the Sun!

 

But now I need some advice. What is appropriate tipping for the butler and concierge?

 

OMG, I still can't believe that I actually get to ask that question. This is soooo sweet (pun intended)! Nineteen days and counting.

 

Congradulations on your upgrade! You'll love the suite life!

 

We generally tip our Butler $100-200, depending upon our demands of the week, and his/her service.

The room steward....anywhere between $25-50 for the week (Once, $100, as she was superb!)

The concierge...$50-100, again, depending upon his/her service, and our demands.

Too...since you are in a suite, you will be afforded the luxury of dining breakfast and lunch in Cagney's...this is one of the very best perks of having a suite. We often make sure that the Maitre'd at Cagney's is well compensated, especially if he/she takes extra care with us (we once met our maitre'd ashore in Hawaii, and she escorted us to her favorite restaurant and introduced us to the owner! This, of course, was while she was on her own time!)

 

One other thing that I would suggest. Buy thankyou notes and store them in your luggage before you leave. You cannot find them aboard ship.

We like to sit down the second day of our cruise, fill out and sign the cards for all of the above, and put the appropriate amount into each envelope, and then toss them in the safe. One less item to worry about at the end of the cruise! Towards the end of the cruise, we may add or subtract from each envelope, but in every case, we make sure that we hand them out the second to last day of the cruise, as all of the recipients may be impossible to find on the last day!

[Us2inFL]

They were able to supply cards and envelopes, the kind that accompany the daily treats, but bringing along a pack or two works.