Haven butler unpacking?

[KaralotStables]

I'll be traveling with my unpacker. "Honey, I'll have a cold beverage for you when you join me at The Haven bar".

 

I'm glad she doesn't read CC.

Edited May 27, 2015 by KaralotStables

[gizfish]

The op did not ask what is your opinion of the butler unpacking. To answer their actual question. Yes, unpacking IS a perk of having a butler. There is no saying when they will be able to get to it, but yes, it is a perk of the Haven.

[cruis247g]

I have read that it is a perk, however, we have been in the Haven many times and no butler has ever offered the service (compared to their other services, which many have explained) nor have I asked a butler to unpack for us. I don't mean to imply that you should or should not make the request, but simply am offering my experience. Enjoy your suite!!

Edited May 27, 2015 by cruis247g

[Arizona Packer Backer]

Charlotteandlloyd, if you do use this service, please let us know how you liked it! We've never had the butler unpack for us, because I hate the thought of someone touching my belongings, but I've always thought it was a nice perk for those who might use it. And if I wasn't such a control freak, I'd probably ask them to pack for me at the end of the cruise, because that's the part I really hate, lol!

[FireEater]

We used the service in April on the Sun. He did a fine job unpacking. We were hanging out on the balcony. After about 1/2 hour, wallah, suitcases were empty and stored. It was not convenient to us for ours to pack though, so we did that. It was for 3 adults. Will be just fine to use that benefit again. No hesitation.

[marelind]

Two years ago we had had a terrible embarkation, then the muster and by the time the bags came my 87 year old mother was exhausted, and the rest of the family were ready to go to dinner. She asked me if the butler would help her unpack. I said, "You can ask him." She did and he sounded like he already had too many requests with the usual mad dash on embarkation day when everyone wants something from the butler. He said he would try to get to her in about 20 minutes if she could wait.

 

He arrived about 20 minutes later. She sat on the bed and took her things out of the suitcase and directed him where to put them. He then put her suitcase under the bed and escorted her down to the MDR where the rest of the family was at dinner

 

This was my post, and for those who judge me for going to dinner and leaving her to the butler, you don't know the situation, so please don't judge. My 89 year old father, who is a bit unsteady, decided he was heading off to the MDR with or without us, which he really didn't know where it was, nor did the rest of the family. Yes, I know how busy the butler is on embarkation day. And, yes,once the butler offered to bring Mom to dinner, I thought this was a kind offer which I accepted. And yes, we have had a butler purposely meet us on our way to dinner to accompany us and carry our wine bottle for us. (It felt awkward at first, but after different butlers did this we realized it's something an outstanding butler would initiate.)

 

To the OP, if you hate unpacking and would like to ask if the butler would help, then do it and don't feel guilty. This service is offered and you won't be the first to ask. Just be sensitive to his need to serve all the passengers for whom he is responsible.

[maxwellito]

I never used the butler to unpack

Good thing I didnt need him for anything because on my last cruise on the BA he was MIA

Lets just say I saw him twice in 7 days

Of course if I needed anything I would have called but my friends were a few doors down and I saw their butler many times during each and every day. He always asked me how I was and if I needed anything.

My butler never asked me that question in the two times I saw him

Not a snob or anything but the butler had a job to do and he didnt do it. I didnt even get snacks every night. And for all you CC nasty commentators I know its tragic isn't it lol

[tarps14]

I never used the butler to unpack

Good thing I didnt need him for anything because on my last cruise on the BA he was MIA

Lets just say I saw him twice in 7 days

Of course if I needed anything I would have called but my friends were a few doors down and I saw their butler many times during each and every day. He always asked me how I was and if I needed anything.

My butler never asked me that question in the two times I saw him

Not a snob or anything but the butler had a job to do and he didnt do it. I didnt even get snacks every night. And for all you CC nasty commentators I know its tragic isn't it lol

 

Actually, I was thinking the service you received was definitely lacking. You paid for the suite therefore you paid for the daily snacks as well and should have received everything you were entitled to. Next time I would definitely recommend speaking with the concierge (as they can take it up the chain for you and save you the hassle). This is the way we have handled varying situations in the past and it was always handled discreetly and very quickly.

[CPT Trips]

As a personal choice, I would never want anyone to unpack for me. It takes me about 15 minutes to unpack and I organize my clothes and items how I want them.

 

It strikes me that unpacking by a butler would appeal to people that have servants at home.

 

Not actually. Our butler stays behind, tending to the property and the remainder of the staff. My valet and DW's maid tend to our personal needs shipboard. What NCL refers to as a butler is, in practice, more a footman.

[Kingofwylietx]

Not actually. Our butler stays behind, tending to the property and the remainder of the staff. My valet and DW's maid tend to our personal needs shipboard. What NCL refers to as a butler is, in practice, more a footman.

 

Lmao

[Arizona Packer Backer]

Not actually. Our butler stays behind, tending to the property and the remainder of the staff. My valet and DW's maid tend to our personal needs shipboard. What NCL refers to as a butler is, in practice, more a footman.

 

LOL, thanks for clearing that up for us! :D :D

 

It strikes me that unpacking by a butler would appeal to people that have servants at home.

 

Ironically, my sister-in-law, who actually has a live-in nanny, a housekeeper, and a gardener did not want to cruise with us on NCL (in a suite) and have a butler. So you just never know. ;)

Edited May 28, 2015 by Arizona Packer Backer

[maja651]

It is listed as a perk for all suites, not just Haven suites. While we have never used it, I may use it this next cruise that we have in the Star GV. Why not? It is a perk, we are paying a lot of money, and wouldn't it be nice to not have to deal with packing! I love the idea of keeping your under garments in a separate bag to unpack yourself. That was the only thing that has held me back in the past, so thanks for that tip!

 

I will come back and fill you all in after our cruise! :)

[YankeePenny]

I pack suitcase items in Clea bags and suck air out. I don't like anyone touching anything. sometimes they have to. But who knows where a TSA agents gloves have been or for that matter the Butler's?

[bedfordmom]

I'll be traveling with my unpacker. "Honey, I'll have a cold beverage for you when you join me at The Haven bar".

 

I'm glad she doesn't read CC.

 

I am also the upacker for my husband (as well as myself). In our first suite sailing on the Dawn next year, I may take advantage of the unpacking for my DH but not myself.

[Turtles06]

Not actually. Our butler stays behind, tending to the property and the remainder of the staff. My valet and DW's maid tend to our personal needs shipboard. What NCL refers to as a butler is, in practice, more a footman.

 

 

[Letsgo 2]

I never used the butler to unpack

Good thing I didnt need him for anything because on my last cruise on the BA he was MIA

Lets just say I saw him twice in 7 days

Of course if I needed anything I would have called but my friends were a few doors down and I saw their butler many times during each and every day. He always asked me how I was and if I needed anything.

My butler never asked me that question in the two times I saw him

Not a snob or anything but the butler had a job to do and he didnt do it. I didnt even get snacks every night. And for all you CC nasty commentators I know its tragic isn't it lol

 

Glad we had a Butler, my question is, did you let somebody know about your problem while you where on board?

[cadien]

Glad we had a Butler, my question is, did you let somebody know about your problem while you where on board?

 

This is always a question, and people are quick to tell the poster they got what they deserved if they don't escalate. But really, this is someone who has access to your cabin. I'm not comfortable antagonizing them. (We had a slacker of a butler too.)

[Letsgo 2]

This is always a question, and people are quick to tell the poster they got what they deserved if they don't escalate. But really, this is someone who has access to your cabin. I'm not comfortable antagonizing them. (We had a slacker of a butler too.)

 

I never said that, i simply asked if he tried to get better service while on board, I dont think he deserved it at all. He did however deserve good service, after all he paid for it.

Thank you

[brookie848]

I have read where people said they use this service. I have also seen someone post (here or another site, which is exclusively for the Haven) that they put their undergarments in a small, separate bag that they unpack themselves.

 

 

Can you let me know about the site that is exclusively for the Haven? After our first cruise, which was in the Haven, my DH has decided that we will never cruise any other way. I'd love another source of information, especially on the Escape once it starts sailing.

 

I know you can't really post another site on this board, but if you could email me, I'd appreciate it. My email is the same as my user name @yahoo.com.

 

And back to the topic -- we don't use our butler for very much, but we like the idea of having one. I wouldn't consider using the unpacking service, but I can see how some would find this convenient.

[NLH Arizona]

I never used the butler to unpack

Good thing I didnt need him for anything because on my last cruise on the BA he was MIA

Lets just say I saw him twice in 7 days

Of course if I needed anything I would have called but my friends were a few doors down and I saw their butler many times during each and every day. He always asked me how I was and if I needed anything.

My butler never asked me that question in the two times I saw him

Not a snob or anything but the butler had a job to do and he didnt do it. I didnt even get snacks every night. And for all you CC nasty commentators I know its tragic isn't it lol

If you were not getting the service you expected, did you speak with the Butler or his/her supervisor, I certainly would have.

 

I usually don't see my Butler, other than embarkation day and maybe once or twice during a cruise (and the last day when I have to make up an excuse for him to come to my cabin, so I can give him his tip), because I let him know upon embarkation what my expectations are (very little, just a pitcher of iced water daily and no snacks) and that I would let him know if I every needed anything.

[DMH15]

The op did not ask what is your opinion of the butler unpacking. To answer their actual question. Yes, unpacking IS a perk of having a butler. There is no saying when they will be able to get to it, but yes, it is a perk of the Haven.

 

Please reread the OP's post. They READ of it's existance. Besides asking for clarification (are they serious?), they also asked if WE HAD USED THE SERVICE? So, according to YOU we should just say YES or NO, without our OPINION of why we chose to or not.

 

A forum is basicallt a place for OPINION since none of us work for NCL. Are you saying all we should do is quote FAQs, contracts and such? No OPINION, personal experience, etc.?

 

Besides, since that info is available on the web, why would the OP ask here and not just call NCL?

[rose102798]

I usually spend the 1st hour of MY cruise vacation unpacking my whole family. Don't like it . . . not doing it 1st time in Haven Suite next summer.

 

Here's my plan . . .

 

Palm that Butler a Benjamin and tell him to "touch away"! (I'm sure those white gloves are cleaner than my 12y.o. DSs undies) "Hide stuff if you want". . . (I'll find it in less time than it takes me to unpack 4-5 people.) "sorry I can't stay . . . any questions . . . I'll be at the pool" ;)

[abe3]

No never had my butler unpack our luggage. Not going to criticize someone for a service that they offer.

[FireEater]

Allegedly they do it, but after hanging here for a few years, I can't recall a single post from someone who said they've used the service.

 

About the only thing I can see is elderly or disabled, as indicated above.

 

I used the service on my last cruise. While we were out enjoying the ship, our butler did a fine job of putting things away.

 

It only took us a few minutes to open draws to see where things were once we came back, with our butler gone, and our luggage stored away for the cruise.

 

They truly do know what they are doing.

 

We elected to pack our own just to ensure all got packed.

[SwissLe]

When travelling on my own I always use the unpacking services at Fairmont, Jumeirah and Four Seasons hotels. At the first two they put your underwear and socks in little branded cups. A very good service. I am sure they have seen much worse than my clean clothes working in a hotel. I enjoy a swim or catching up on some work whilst a job is taken care of.

 

When on cruises or land vacations I am wth my partner who will insist on not having the service due to how shameful she feels about her packing style. Its one of those sacrifices you make for the heart :rolleyes: