What exactly does a butler do?

[Hotspring]

To think I sent my poor husband all

Over the ship at 11 pm to fetch me a glass of wine.

 

I better not tell him 😝😝

.

 

No, if you are on the free drink package your husband likely would have a fit to find out you had to pay full price plus gratuity plus the daily butler tip to have wine or other drinks delivered to the Haven room. Our butler made it clear that outside of food stocking the fridge with milk that any drinks she bought to the room would be outside free drink package.

 

I generally made two trips a night for myself and my wife gathering our 'two drinks at a time' drink order to fully leverage the value of the free drink package.

[Shoppie124]

One of their worst songs actually, SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO over played.

 

 

 

I Can't Tell You Why it made it as a hit but really is just Wasted Time to listen to such drivel, especially when wearing Those Shoes.

 

 

Well played[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[dexddd]

Hi Lou - it took me a second to realize it was you and that you had a trip booked on the Star.

 

NCL is a bit different than MSC in terms of concierges and butlers. On NCL, as said, butlers take care of things in your room like coffee machine, meals and concierge does things outside like escorts on/off ship, reservations, etc.

 

Hope your trip is going well.

 

On NCL things can also vary a bit based on what type of suite you have and what is all included for free. I think you said you were on 12 which is a pretty quiet area of the ship and close to pool and buffet.

 

You'll see a wide variety of feedback on what butlers will do. Some seem to want to do nothing and there are a few who, I've heard, are proactive. The ones we've had on NCL are pretty much mediocre at best.

 

Say hello to your family.

[havenfan]

You'll see a wide variety of feedback on what butlers will do. Some seem to want to do nothing and there are a few who, I've heard, are proactive.

I can give a bit of a range myself. Every butler we've had has at least brought canapés in the afternoon but, for a couple, that was pretty much the limit of the service. Otoh, we just had the good fortune to have Leo take care of us on the Pearl a few weeks ago, who also brought "pre-breakfast" (fruit, our favorite pastries, coffee & juice) every morning because I mentioned that a couple of us in the suite were early risers, then brought hot breakfast from Moderno on several days when we didn't feel like getting out of our pajamas. We asked for the hot breakfast items over the phone in the morning, no filling out cards the night before; he always said it might be a little while because he had other suites to service, but the longest he took was 20 minutes.

 

In the afternoons he brought another plate of fruit because he realized after a day that we preferred that to canapés, a huge plate of chocolate chip cookies when my daughter mentioned she didn't like the oatmeal and an extra plate of chocolate covered strawberries when my other daughter asked if there were any left.

 

He also provided information about the ports including suggestions for clothing (this was Alaska), suggestions for a couple of good hikes, suggestions for excursions we might like and suggestions for what to see if we just wanted to wander around. He gave suggestions about which shows and activities he thought we might like and which our kids might find missable. At disembarkation he walked us to the forward elevator bank on the (empty) upper deck rather than take our usual elevators to 7 and then have to push through the crowds there; that was just the culmination of the tips he gave us on how to get around the ship quickly.

 

I'm apparently not the only person with a high opinion of Leo because, when I went to fill out the Vacation Hero card for him, I found that his picture was on the cover:D

 

The ones we've had on NCL are pretty much mediocre at best.

Mediocre in which framework?

[dexddd]

 

Mediocre in which framework?

 

Taking all things into consideration - from the advertised things they are supposed to do to doing "extra" things like you mentioned on your recent trip.

[takeadip]

sailing on the Star, very happy overall. But I’m totally mystified as to what the butler is supposed to do? Ours changed after a day, as he went home, and we didn’t see our new one until Wednesday. (sailing started on Sunday).

 

But it seems for every request we have, we have had 2, he refers us back to the concierge, e.g. for dinner reservations. So today I asked if he could help printing out boarding passes, again “please ring the concierge “. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind ringing the concierge myself, but I’m just puzzled: what does a butler do?

 

On top, we tipped him quite heavily, as the concierge pointed out that butlers don’t participate in payment of the service charge. Ok so we gave him a good tip, but really I have no idea what he does? Maybe they do lots of stuff behind the scenes we’re not aware off?

 

If not for this sailing, I’d like to know for next time around!

Many thanks,

Lou

 

I actually saw a butler help in lighting a mans cigar on his balcony...it was not our balcony...my wife gave me a boost to peak over the neighbors balcony cause we heard banter and lots of giggling...so we needed to get to the bottom of it..my wife claims you can ask the butler to spread rose pedals on the floor outside the soaking tub...

[GeezerCouple]

See, that's why a butler wouldn't be for ME. I would find that intrusive and annoying.

 

Then you ask the Butler NOT to do that!

 

They will be happy to work within your own wishes, but you need to tell them what your wishes are.

 

We give a short note to our Butler the first time we meet him/her (ditto the Steward, but with fewer comments).

We give a very brief into, mention one food allergy, include what types of snacks we like - or do not like.

We got this idea from someone here on CC who posted about doing this and how helpful it was, to us and apparently to each Butler. Our experiences have been the same, on all ships, NCL and otherwise.

 

Because we do appreciate the pro-active services of a good Butler, we tell them that they can ignore the Do Not Disturb sign if they are delivering something. We ask that they knock/ring, and then they can enter. (We do NOT do this for the Steward.) IF we do not want to be disturbed, we'll simply bolt the door.

This works well if, for example, we don't want turn-down service, but we do want the dinner service we requested.

 

So we'll sometimes wake up as our breakfast is being set out. (If the minor sounds didn't do that, then the "whiff of bacon" would :))

This works well if there is a separate sleeping area/bedroom.

However, the Butlers are professionals, so even if we have something like a PH Suite, which is just one large room (not a real "suite"), we still do this.

They are remarkable in the way they can "avert their eyes" while being fully functional. If we are still in bed when they bring breakfast, we'll just stay there until they've set everything out and then left. And they can be so quiet, even with dishes...

IF we say "Good morning", then - and only then - do they say something like "Good morning, Ma'am/Sir", without looking. If we are up and around, then there is eye contact, etc., and conversation if it is obvious that we want to talk; otherwise, few or no comments.

It's amazing how a good Butler can pick up on even the most subtle hints (intended or otherwise!).

 

The Butlers are very discreet and do try to take their cues from the travelers.

Hence, our initial letter, so they don't have to "guess".

We hand the note with a brief comment something like, "We know this is a busy time, so here is some info about us, and we look forward to meeting you more, later."

 

Invariably, the Butler returns later the first day or early the next morning, with our note in one hand, and a pen/pencil in the other... thanking us for the information, and asking for clarification on a few things (like, "Would you prefer absolutely no candy other than chocolate...?" ;) Or, "Would you like any pastries or cake or such, or none of those, either?").

 

One thing we hate is to have lots of "treats" brought that will just sit there and be removed untouched later. That's wasteful, and also a waste of the Butler's time and energy.

 

We often have hot breakfasts and dinners served en suite also.

We let them know if there are time constraints, such as needing to be out early; otherwise, we let them know we are quite flexible and they can attend to other passengers if they are particularly busy.

Because our Butler usually spends a fair amount of time/effort on our behalf, we definitely tip generously. After all, they make a big difference in our enjoyment of the entire trip.

 

We've had some remarkable Butlers, and one "dud".

We've kept in touch with a couple of them by email, and hope to encounter them in the future.

 

GC

[dalmoradie]

I actually saw a butler help in lighting a mans cigar on his balcony...it was not our balcony...my wife gave me a boost to peak over the neighbors balcony cause we heard banter and lots of giggling...so we needed to get to the bottom of it..my wife claims you can ask the butler to spread rose pedals on the floor outside the soaking tub...

 

You peeked over the neighbor's balcony? WOW!

 

That is just plain rude, in my opinion.

[lordstark]

I've read some hilarious comments from the CC forum over the years, but this takes the cake. I read this aloud to my wife, and we were rolling. We love the haven - couldn't go back to life without it - but.. omg.. this post. The paragraph about "appropriate etiquette of morning breakfast interaction" was the best.

 

I must know - what does a "generous tip" look like?

 

 

Then you ask the Butler NOT to do that!

 

They will be happy to work within your own wishes, but you need to tell them what your wishes are.

 

We give a short note to our Butler the first time we meet him/her (ditto the Steward, but with fewer comments).

We give a very brief into, mention one food allergy, include what types of snacks we like - or do not like.

We got this idea from someone here on CC who posted about doing this and how helpful it was, to us and apparently to each Butler. Our experiences have been the same, on all ships, NCL and otherwise.

 

Because we do appreciate the pro-active services of a good Butler, we tell them that they can ignore the Do Not Disturb sign if they are delivering something. We ask that they knock/ring, and then they can enter. (We do NOT do this for the Steward.) IF we do not want to be disturbed, we'll simply bolt the door.

This works well if, for example, we don't want turn-down service, but we do want the dinner service we requested.

 

So we'll sometimes wake up as our breakfast is being set out. (If the minor sounds didn't do that, then the "whiff of bacon" would :))

This works well if there is a separate sleeping area/bedroom.

However, the Butlers are professionals, so even if we have something like a PH Suite, which is just one large room (not a real "suite"), we still do this.

They are remarkable in the way they can "avert their eyes" while being fully functional. If we are still in bed when they bring breakfast, we'll just stay there until they've set everything out and then left. And they can be so quiet, even with dishes...

IF we say "Good morning", then - and only then - do they say something like "Good morning, Ma'am/Sir", without looking. If we are up and around, then there is eye contact, etc., and conversation if it is obvious that we want to talk; otherwise, few or no comments.

It's amazing how a good Butler can pick up on even the most subtle hints (intended or otherwise!).

 

The Butlers are very discreet and do try to take their cues from the travelers.

Hence, our initial letter, so they don't have to "guess".

We hand the note with a brief comment something like, "We know this is a busy time, so here is some info about us, and we look forward to meeting you more, later."

 

Invariably, the Butler returns later the first day or early the next morning, with our note in one hand, and a pen/pencil in the other... thanking us for the information, and asking for clarification on a few things (like, "Would you prefer absolutely no candy other than chocolate...?" ;) Or, "Would you like any pastries or cake or such, or none of those, either?").

 

One thing we hate is to have lots of "treats" brought that will just sit there and be removed untouched later. That's wasteful, and also a waste of the Butler's time and energy.

 

We often have hot breakfasts and dinners served en suite also.

We let them know if there are time constraints, such as needing to be out early; otherwise, we let them know we are quite flexible and they can attend to other passengers if they are particularly busy.

Because our Butler usually spends a fair amount of time/effort on our behalf, we definitely tip generously. After all, they make a big difference in our enjoyment of the entire trip.

 

We've had some remarkable Butlers, and one "dud".

We've kept in touch with a couple of them by email, and hope to encounter them in the future.

 

GC

[ashleyriley]

I agree that the above post is hilarious. Especially because it was written in a very serious manner.

[GUEST71919]

butler is like a second room steward

 

this.

[GUEST71919]

When we called in the morning for breakfast we were "scolded" that we should of filled out the hanger for the door. ...

Very disappointed with our "butler" experience!

 

We had almost exactly the same experience on the Jewel! I posted about this elsewhere in the past, but in essence we changed out plans so called and were scolded (or I was) - I was furious, it says clearly that the hang tag is for our use should we WANT to use it! Secondly, I was on vacation in a costly suite and wasn’t asking anything out of line. And I had a talk with him when he arrived with the breakfast to that end in a very clear, professional manner. I included in that discussion that it was not going to be acceptable for him to address me as if I were an unruly child.

 

I hope our Epic sailing has someone much nicer!

[GUEST71919]

Being that I am a detailed planner, I can see where we will be using the Butler a lot more than the Concierge. I already have all of our specialty dinners, shows, excursions, etc. reserved. The only thing we will use the Concierge for is escort off the ship at ports.

My wife has many tasks already planned for the Butler. :')

 

Let me know how her “plans” work out!

[Lou2204]

No, if you are on the free drink package your husband likely would have a fit to find out you had to pay full price plus gratuity plus the daily butler tip to have wine or other drinks delivered to the Haven room. Our butler made it clear that outside of food stocking the fridge with milk that any drinks she bought to the room would be outside free drink package.

 

I generally made two trips a night for myself and my wife gathering our 'two drinks at a time' drink order to fully leverage the value of the free drink package.

AH, so they DO charge for the drinks brought to your room? Now I’m even more confused. BTW we had the premium all inclusive, so that is the drink package, but hard to calculate exactly what the difference is.

[Lou2204]

If they don't do anything for you, there is no need to tip....just sayin'!

Quite right, and something I learned this time around......... I guess I kinda panicked when the concierge mentioned they didn’t share in the service charge.

[Lou2204]

Hi Lou - it took me a second to realize it was you and that you had a trip booked on the Star.

 

NCL is a bit different than MSC in terms of concierges and butlers. On NCL, as said, butlers take care of things in your room like coffee machine, meals and concierge does things outside like escorts on/off ship, reservations, etc.

 

Hope your trip is going well.

 

On NCL things can also vary a bit based on what type of suite you have and what is all included for free. I think you said you were on 12 which is a pretty quiet area of the ship and close to pool and buffet.

 

You'll see a wide variety of feedback on what butlers will do. Some seem to want to do nothing and there are a few who, I've heard, are proactive. The ones we've had on NCL are pretty much mediocre at best.

 

Say hello to your family.

 

Hi Dex!!

 

How are you, good to ‘see’ you!! How was your Bermuda trip? Apart from the butler confusion 😉 we absolutely loved NCL. The size of the Star appealed to me more than the size of the Divina (although Divina is prettier) , but we preferred the more English/American crowd on NCL. Suite on deck 12 was fabulous, we loved it, stayed there with the girls, plenty of room, modern bath etc.

 

The girls still regret they didn’t hang out more with your kids on Divina, they were too shy at the time. This time they did, with a family we met and they had a great time.

 

My only problem I haven’t got a next cruise planned!! How about you?

[DominicAUS]

I did the same and gave our butler Randy on the Gem a note with our preferences etc. I understand that it’s a busy first day, so thought it would help. He was amazing, delivering the treats we liked and some.

I’ll do the same for the Epic, and I’m sure it will work the same and will have a great time.

[FLcruisergrl]

AH, so they DO charge for the drinks brought to your room? Now I’m even more confused. BTW we had the premium all inclusive, so that is the drink package, but hard to calculate exactly what the difference is.

Yes, they charge for alcoholic drinks, sodas, specialty coffees, and specialty restaurant foods. Free drinks (such as juice, tea, etc) and non-specialty restaurant food is no charge. However, it really depends on the butler. Ours brought our daughter a soda and we were never charged.

[GUEST71919]

 

I must know - what does a "generous tip" look like?

 

lordstark - if you have to ask, you can’t afford it :'):'):'):loudcry::loudcry::loudcry:

[GUEST71919]

I can relate to that!! I’m already dreading having to make our own dinners again ;)

 

Your tips and experience are very helpful, thanks for sharing.

 

And I notice you also sailed YC with MSC. How do you think it compares to NCL Haven? We sailed YC last year and obviously loved it. Never used the butler then either ;p

 

This reminds me of tha Holland America commercial from years ago - an older couple (both with perfected coiffed (only appropriate term here) hair and they were commenting on how they did not know how they could possibly live with not having a butler being breakfast and fresh flowers daily, etc etc :'):'):')

[dexddd]

Hi Dex!!

 

How are you, good to ‘see’ you!! How was your Bermuda trip? Apart from the butler confusion 😉 we absolutely loved NCL. The size of the Star appealed to me more than the size of the Divina (although Divina is prettier) , but we preferred the more English/American crowd on NCL. Suite on deck 12 was fabulous, we loved it, stayed there with the girls, plenty of room, modern bath etc.

 

The girls still regret they didn’t hang out more with your kids on Divina, they were too shy at the time. This time they did, with a family we met and they had a great time.

 

My only problem I haven’t got a next cruise planned!! How about you?

 

We have been on Star twice so know what you mean about it compared to Divinia. It did have a recent drydock and those rooms were added on 12 around 2010.

 

NCL, even in suites, you have to watch what is included not included vs MSC where pretty much everything is included. NCL suite prices keep going up and you don't get near what is included with MSC although the NCL suites are typically larger. So we are going to sail with MSC more.

 

Our Bermuda trip was fabulous. Our DS's friend also went on the trip again although his dad took him and his sister so the boys got to hang out on the trip again.

 

Two booked on Seaside next year in YC - one Eastern and one Western.

 

Then in 2020 or 2021 up your way.

[psac]

Butler is like a second room steward

 

That’s really not the case at all. The only thing a butler does that you would expect a room steward to do is the mini-bar/fridge/coffee/milk management. Otherwise it’s completely different.

 

Regarding the breakfast door hanger, we’ve used that in the past, but just written in what we actually want over the standard stuff. And it’s never been a problem at all getting exactly what we wanted.

[sleepbestonships]

Just got back from our first cruise in a suite. It was a short 4-day cruise to celebrate a big anniversary. We were completely spoiled with attention from the concierge. Our concierge helped change dining times, made sure if we were eating in the MDR that we had a fabulous table with a view, stopped by at every dinner to check in with us, and arranged for special things in our room. Our room steward carried out the extra special towel animal art (we had quite a menagerie including a koala, giraffe, elephant, sloth(?), swans that together made a heart, and a multi-layered cake (they got confused and thought we were celebrating birthday and anniversary). We also had decorations, a bottle of wine, specialty treats from the head of food and beverage, chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, and more. We didn't ask for anything- and as a result, our butler did not do much for us (but she left some of the special treats). I kept meaning to ask for a pitcher of ice water, but in the end didn't feel like it was worth the phone call and just had tap water.

 

We loved the priority disembarkation for shore days- which allowed us to have a leisurely breakfast and not run around to get tender tickets. We also really loved breakfast in Cagney's. The staff were so lovely and we got to know a few of them a bit during our four days.

 

We probably won't be in a situation that would allow the splurge of a suite again any time soon- but we really enjoyed the "special" treatment for our brief celebratory cruise.

[GUEST71919]

That’s really not the case at all. The only thing a butler does that you would expect a room steward to do is the mini-bar/fridge/coffee/milk management. Otherwise it’s completely different.

 

Regarding the breakfast door hanger, we’ve used that in the past, but just written in what we actually want over the standard stuff. And it’s never been a problem at all getting exactly what we wanted.

 

While I didn’t make the comment, I did agree that is what we had found to be the case (at least in essence, I don’t think the writer meant they were exactly the same). On the hang tag... I’m not clear which hang tag comment you might be referring to, but my comment referred to issues with the Butler dressing me down for calling in the morning rather than using the tag as if it had been disallowed (which it was not, but was done due to a change in plans). They certainly allow for adding the extra items allowed for suites on the tag (but that info is not found anywhere so I am sure it is confusing to many that many items are not listed on the tag).

 

nM

[Santacruzin2]

Does anyone know if crepes are still served in the Breakaway's Garden Cafe every night? And speaking of butlers, we could ask him/her to bring us crepes from the Garden Cafe, I hope???