NCL butler - what's the normal performer job expectation?

[momofmab]

We've stayed in several levels of suites over 2 cruise lines (AB & OS on NCL and GS on RCL). We're not big users of the butlers except when we order room service (only because that's part of their job, I really don't care who brings it). We had a very attentive butler in one of the OS's we stayed in - it seemed he was always looking for us to give him something to do :) We're happy with having a quick chat upon the initial meeting and then seeing him/her when we order room service during the cruise. No need for the butler to unpack for us, serve us a 12-course meal or shine our shoes. We've always had good experiences with butlers.

[philip_eunice1]

I wouldn't dream of asking a butler to escort me to a show

Just can't see the point personally

Can someone explain why you would ask for that

 

 

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[sjnyc323]

ButlerService

The Butler liaises closely with the Concierge to provide 24-hour personalized service for the Villa/Suite guests who are given a direct phone or pager number to contact the Butler.

 

Each Butler is assigned to take care of an average of 9 Villas/Suites each (not available to guests in Mini-Suites). Services include:

• Unpack luggage
  
• Expedite dry cleaning processes
  
• Shoe-shine service
  
• Serve at Cocktail parties in Villas/Suites
  
• Serve Dinners in Villas/Suites
  
• Delivery of fresh fruit
  
• Delivery of sodas/water/liquor/wine/newspapers if ordered (These are NOT complimentary in all Suite categories)
  
• Delivery of movies from a DVD library
  
• Ensure balconies/gardens are stocked with fresh towels/seat cushions
  
• Fill/empty hot tubs (NOT available in all suites) and instruct guests on safe use
  

Tips for Butler and/or Concierge are NOT included in the $12 pp per day service charge. We recommend guests consider offering a gratuity commensurate with services rendered.

 

 

 

I never ask my butler to unpack as I want to put stuff where I can reach it and rather do myself. Concierge should escort to shows not butlers job to do so unless concierge asks him or her to do so. If I were to use bathtub I can turn on water myself. These guys work so hard I can do these things myself

 

 

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[ryarger]

Can someone explain why you would ask for that

 

 

To escort you past any lines and make sure you get the best seat in the house.

 

To take you via the most direct route (they often use service elevators for this) to save time.

 

To make you feel special because why else pay for the Haven except to be treated as royalty for a week!

 

That's just three reasons off the top of my head.

 

 

 

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[philip_eunice1]

To escort you past any lines and make sure you get the best seat in the house.

 

To take you via the most direct route (they often use service elevators for this) to save time.

 

To make you feel special because why else pay for the Haven except to be treated as royalty for a week!

 

That's just three reasons off the top of my head.

 

 

 

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Maybe it's just me but any Ncl ships I have been on there is reserved seating for gv and os so I'm able to find my own way

And I'm special all the time [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

 

 

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[lazyirishchic]

Just a mention here of how some suite people monopolize their butler's time without any consideration for the other guests. Its just common courtesy and common sense. On one of our trips there was a family in a suite who demanded a full breakfast every morning served in their suite. Which yes, they are entitled to it, but they also had other family members join them from their regular rooms (they constantly bragged about it, that's how we know). (& I've seen here on cruise critic how people say to have the meals served in your suite because other family members who are not eligible to eat at Cagney's for breakfast & lunch, can then join them.) Our butler was just frantic that whole week and kept apologizing to us. We are not that needy so it wasn't a big deal. Its just a sad situation when people have that entitlement mentality.

We usually tell our butler at the beginning of the week what our plans will probably be and sometimes our plans have changed. And I've gotten the comment that its not necessary and also I've been told it was much appreciated while he was writing it down in his little planner. Having dinner served in your suite is a great treat, you do want to take advantage of that perk. Its also nice if you're going on an excursion and get back mid afternoon. Then your butler can get your lunch which also depends on if all his other suite guests don't have the same idea. Depending on the ship you're on, for late night snacks, I think its a lot faster just to go get something yourself.

Attitude is everything. If you treat your butler with the respect he deserves, your vacation will be that much happier.

 

This was very helpful. Can you tell me what meals they prepared for you? This is our first cruise with a butler. We have a three year old and thought dinner one night in the suite would be nice. Is it included or an extra cost? Do they need advance notice? Can you simplely call him for drinks if say you have a three year old napping?

 

We don't want to be a needy family but not 100% sure why we should and should not be asking.

[bromleypod]

We asked our butler his hours the first day so that we could respect them. Our only room service request was DS's standing cheesecake order every evening, so he was able to drop that off at his convenience. We did want to have friends up to our cabin for cocktails one evening, so we asked him which day and time would work best with his other obligations and scheduled accordingly. These were the only two special things we asked of him, so I have to say I don't know how it would have worked if we had a spontaneous request. If you are planning on scheduling a couple of en suite brunches, I think you will have no problem if you just work with the butler's schedule when you make the arrangements. Now, re: cabins, we're the same way, we love to have a great room to hang out in, and I have to say our Epic DOS was the most spectacular we've had, by far, and we've had some nice ones!! We loved it so much that we've booked it again for next year, and DS is bummed we can't do it sooner (as am I!!:p). If the cabin is a big focus for your family, I think you will be very pleased! Have a great trip!!

Which DOS did you stay in? I am booked in one for July sailing on the Epic for our first ever cruise!

[bromleypod]

We asked our butler his hours the first day so that we could respect them. Our only room service request was DS's standing cheesecake order every evening, so he was able to drop that off at his convenience. We did want to have friends up to our cabin for cocktails one evening, so we asked him which day and time would work best with his other obligations and scheduled accordingly. These were the only two special things we asked of him, so I have to say I don't know how it would have worked if we had a spontaneous request. If you are planning on scheduling a couple of en suite brunches, I think you will have no problem if you just work with the butler's schedule when you make the arrangements. Now, re: cabins, we're the same way, we love to have a great room to hang out in, and I have to say our Epic DOS was the most spectacular we've had, by far, and we've had some nice ones!! We loved it so much that we've booked it again for next year, and DS is bummed we can't do it sooner (as am I!!:p). If the cabin is a big focus for your family, I think you will be very pleased! Have a great trip!!

Are sodas and bottled water included in the DOS on the Epic please? We are staying in one in our first ever cruise and don't know what to expect!;)

[DMH15]

Are sodas and bottled water included in the DOS on the Epic please? We are staying in one in our first ever cruise and don't know what to expect!;)

 

 

We were in 17004 in Feb. Yes! Replenished both. I hope you get the magnificent Maxi as your butler.

 

 

 

 

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[bromleypod]

I have heard about Maxi so many times on this forum and do hope we will get him. Thank you so much for the information. :D

[MMMD]

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[erdoran]

Hi, I’m the OP on thread. I have to say, DH and I did the suite thing and he, who HATES to travel, decided that we have to do another NCL cruise, HAVEN ONLY! He was so blown away by the service, especially in the restaurant.

 

Our butler first time around on Epic wasn’t so great, which was why I posted this thread in the first place. I ended up having to cancel the next cruise I’d scheduled with him because of having to have a hip replacement (thank goodness for trip insurance) and now, many years later, we’re booked on the Breakaway for a Christmas cruise out of NOLA. Very excited and planning lots of meals on the balcony - we got the last aft penthouse suite.

 

Thanks for the wealth of wisdom and knowledge here on CC!