Thread: NEED HELP! Tipping, First Time Cruiser Here!

Hi there folks! I am taking my first cruise ever with Norwegian Cruise Line, actually it's my first cruise ever in my life. We will be on the NCL Spirit, sailing September 10-17,2010 to Bermuda. Our room comes with Butler and Conceierge, we paid prepaid service charges, but I do believe they are not in this tip pool. How much in tips is acceptable and what do they truly expect? Thanks. Any tips anyone can give me on all aspects of cruising would be greatly appreciated. You can also email me at XXXXXXXX Thanks




Officer Note: Removed email address for privacy. Please use the Private Messaging System.

Hi Angel

Welcome to CruiseLineFans!

Congratulations on booking your first cruise!

I haven't sailed with NCL and I haven't had the Butler service. I'm sorry I can't help with your question regarding tips for that service. Your question may get more of a response at the NCL Forum. Please feel free to set up a Roll Call for your cruise if there is not one started already.

Bermuda is a beautiful island! We went on a cruise there in Sept. 2008 and just loved it. Make sure to check out the Cruise Places Forum for information on Bermuda

Originally Posted by ziggysun

Hi Angel

Welcome to CruiseLineFans!

Congratulations on booking your first cruise!

I haven't sailed with NCL and I haven't had the Butler service. I'm sorry I can't help with your question regarding tips for that service. Your question may get more of a response at the NCL Forum. Please feel free to set up a Roll Call for your cruise if there is not one started already.

Bermuda is a beautiful island! We went on a cruise there in Sept. 2008 and just loved it. Make sure to check out the Cruise Places Forum for information on Bermuda

I appreciate the warm welcome. Nice to be noticed in such a big forum. I'm sure if I hang out long enough, I wil get my questions answered. Have a great day!

We are going to Bermuda also in September, what was the weather like at that time of year. Just trying how to pack

Hey there!

I don't think the butler & concierge are included in the $12 per day service charge. Afraid I can't help you with how much to tip as I have never used those services. I'm sure someone will be along to give you the details you are looking for.

Bermuda could be a little chilly---especially after the sun goes down. Daytime should be very comfortable with only a short sleeved shirt. If it's rainy or overcast you might need a long sleeved shirt for comfort.

You are in for a real treat!

Oh! for future reference you might want to check out this site --> Cruise Tip Calculator - Your automated guide to Cruise Tips

Originally Posted by AngelFBarto

We are going to Bermuda also in September, what was the weather like at that time of year. Just trying how to pack

Our cruise got off on a little bit of a bumpy start, Tropical Storm Hanna was in the area, but once we arrived in Bermuda the weather was beautiful! Hot sunny days We packed for a typical caribbean cruise with the addition of a jacket/sweater in case it was cool while cruising in the Atlantic Ocean. I did write a Trip Report when we returned, not that the ship would matter much since our cruise was with Royal Caribbean, but I did take pictures while we were in Bermuda that may be of interest to you. Here is a link to my Report

Thanks to all those who responded to my question. Very helpful indeed. This is just so exciting

I'm no help either, but I do want to wish you a great first cruise.

I thought this was a really good question so I thought I'd see what I could come up with. From what I was able to track down, it seems there really isn't a set amount, but that it depends; on the number of people in the suite and how much you use their services.
Concierge from $5 - $10/day pp
Butler from $5 - $10/day pp
Room Steward $35 - $50 (in addition to normal daily service charge)

Hope this helps a bit.
Good luck and have a great time!

Kimala

Welcome aboard!

Here is what NCL has to say on the matter of tipping. Note the remarks near the end pertaining directly to your question.
What about Tipping?

Guests should not feel obliged to offer a gratuity for good service. However, all of our staff are encouraged to "go the extra mile," and so they are permitted to accept cash gratuities entirely at the discretion of our guests who wish to acknowledge particular staff members for exceptional or outstanding service. In other words, there is genuinely no need to tip but you should feel free to do so if you have a desire to acknowledge particular individuals.
Also, certain staff positions provide service on an individual basis to only some guests. We encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities. For example, for guests purchasing bar drinks the recommended gratuity is 15 percent. For guests purchasing spa treatments the recommended gratuity is 18 percent. Similarly, for guests using concierge and butler services, we recommend they consider offering a gratuity commensurate with services rendered.