Butler, what Butler?

[HskrCrsr]

1 hour ago, twodjs said:

We were confused, too! Seems any issue we had was easily resolved by the Retreat Concierge (there were two) in Michaels Club Lounge (Solstice is not yet upgraded, so there is no "Retreat", just Michaels which is a Suites only space). Just didn't see the need, especially when, I guess, he hadn't been trained about the Suite layout and couldn't get the one request we had for cheese and crackers right. I'm sure others will chime in about all the fabulous things a PRH can do. Maybe Celebrity should provide a list. 

 

Celebrity has a blog that discusses what a butler (Retreat Host) can do for you:

https://www.celebritycruises.com/blog/cruise-butler

 

It is a short list titled "5 Ways a Personal Retreat Host Enhances Your Cruise Vacation". And it sounds like your experience did not match the list.

 

[LGW59]

A guest needs to speak up nicely, at the time they are dissatisfied with something, I’m sure the staff will appreciate it and work hard(er) than they already do to rectify and provide a reasonable request.  Coming here after the fact changes nothing and is very unfair.

[Pinboy]

1 hour ago, LGW59 said:

A guest needs to speak up nicely, at the time they are dissatisfied with something, I’m sure the staff will appreciate it and work hard(er) than they already do to rectify and provide a reasonable request.  Coming here after the fact changes nothing and is very unfair.

Excellent--  

If the suite occupiers " speak up nicely " ( That could be hard for some ).

" at the time they are dissatisfied with something " ( Perhaps only after several minutes of discussion  it is decided that they are dissatisfied ).

"provide a reasonable request" ------ (  Depends on what " reasonable " is to some, or, more appropriate " entitled " to others )

" Coming here after the fact changes nothing and is very unfair " ---(  Trust me, the Staff know whether a complaint is justified or the person is just " looking for something ".

LOL--- I know I should have complained when my waiter forgot to bring my 3 shrimp cocktails at the same time back in 2013--- but, I didn't need a plate of chocolate strawberries with a " form " letter from the Hotel Manager.

[LGW59]

13 minutes ago, Pinboy said:

Excellent--  

If the suite occupiers " speak up nicely " ( That could be hard for some ).

" at the time they are dissatisfied with something " ( Perhaps only after several minutes of discussion  it is decided that they are dissatisfied ).

"provide a reasonable request" ------ (  Depends on what " reasonable " is to some, or, more appropriate " entitled " to others )

" Coming here after the fact changes nothing and is very unfair " ---(  Trust me, the Staff know whether a complaint is justified or the person is just " looking for something ".

LOL--- I know I should have complained when my waiter forgot to bring my 3 shrimp cocktails at the same time back in 2013--- but, I didn't need a plate of chocolate strawberries with a " form " letter from the Hotel Manager.

And please do not even get me started on when they totally and conveniently forgot to put a garnishment on my plate, rendering it visually inedible.

[Pinboy]

Just now, LGW59 said:

And please do not even get me started on when they totally and conveniently forgot to put a garnishment on my plate, rendering it visually inedible.

They saved millions of $$$ when they removed the dry, limp, piece of lettuce from the plate. 

I wouldn't complain--- it left more room on the plate for French fries.

 

 

[twodjs]

3 hours ago, HskrCrsr said:

 

Celebrity has a blog that discusses what a butler (Retreat Host) can do for you:

https://www.celebritycruises.com/blog/cruise-butler

 

It is a short list titled "5 Ways a Personal Retreat Host Enhances Your Cruise Vacation". And it sounds like your experience did not match the list.

 

Thanks for the post - it will be helpful for others! That confirms that a PRH is of no use to us. We don't do specialty restaurants, we book any tours prior to a cruise, the suite isn't big enough for a party, we don't do bubble baths, unpack our own clothes (does anyone actually have the PRH do that? I understand if someone has a mobility problem) and it was simple to ask our room steward once for clean tea cups daily. BTW, our room steward was fantastic!

 

[chemmo]

5 hours ago, twodjs said:

Thanks for the post - it will be helpful for others! That confirms that a PRH is of no use to us. We don't do specialty restaurants, we book any tours prior to a cruise, the suite isn't big enough for a party, we don't do bubble baths, unpack our own clothes (does anyone actually have the PRH do that? I understand if someone has a mobility problem) and it was simple to ask our room steward once for clean tea cups daily. BTW, our room steward was fantastic!

 

To get ‘value for money’ from booking a suite there has to be enough aspects of the ‘package’ to make it worth your while…

 

Luminae

Retreat Lounge

Retreat Deck

Concierge

Personal Retreat Host

Bigger room

Escort on/off board

 

For most of us there will be some aspects that we value highly and others that we don’t. For example, many feel a suite is worth the up charge for access to Luminae but never use the PRH or have a drink in the Retreat Lounge…

 

When one looks at the above list (and I am sure I will have forgotten some things) it is clear to see that the PRH is only a small part of the package. Much used by some, occasionally by others and never by some also…

Edited June 20, 2022 by chemmo

[BigTorino]

Our PRH Clayton went above and beyond tirelessly on our last Silhouette cruise. But we were very mindful when asking him for services that he also had 12 other suites (on different decks). His contract had been forcibly extended twice, due to lack of staff. Crew appreciate when we treat them as fellow human beings too and with the respect they deserve. There simply were many tasks we were able to do much faster for ourselves than having to wait for our PRH. I know the concierges encouraged us to use our butler/PRH but it was just easier and faster to do it ourselves. That fact did not in any way detract from Clayton's willingness to help. 

[mfs2k]

Seems like a Butler/ Personal Retreat Host is like car cruise control.
 

Some people love cruise control and use it all the time. Others couldn’t care less about it and would never pay more for the feature. 

But cruise control may come with the nicer trim line and the vehicle package which you want, so you get cruise control included whether you use it or not and you pay a premium. 
 

Edited June 20, 2022 by mfs2k

[DCPIV]

On 6/18/2022 at 2:53 AM, chemmo said:

We generally print out our in suite requests made to the shoreside concierge as a check list for the butler….Not complicated usually but we always ask him to confirm our speciality dining.

 

We do the same thing, and we also ask him to confirm spa appointments (if we haven't already done so).

 

I agree that it seems the lion's share of cruisers that complain about not seeing their butler also somply expect him to stop by from time to time to see if they want or need anything.  What they need to do is pick up the phone and call him (even if that means leaving a message). 

 

Frankly, I do not want anyone knocking on the door just to see if I want anything.  

[chemmo]

40 minutes ago, DCPIV said:

 

We do the same thing, and we also ask him to confirm spa appointments (if we haven't already done so).

 

I agree that it seems the lion's share of cruisers that complain about not seeing their butler also somply expect him to stop by from time to time to see if they want or need anything.  What they need to do is pick up the phone and call him (even if that means leaving a message). 

 

Frankly, I do not want anyone knocking on the door just to see if I want anything.  

I honestly think one of the mistakes Celebrity made when they got rid of the afternoon tea cart was not to realise that it was a hotspot for communication. The butler would naturally ask as he poured your tea how your day had been, your plans for the next day….It was a natural ‘touch base’ time. Now those of us with experience communicate as much as we can pre cruise and on boarding then use the phone as necessary. Those who do not follow CC do sometimes seem to be waiting, as you say, for someone to knock at the door…

[LGW59]

2 minutes ago, chemmo said:

I honestly think one of the mistakes Celebrity made when they got rid of the afternoon tea cart was not to realise that it was a hotspot for communication. The butler would naturally ask as he poured your tea how your day had been, your plans for the next day….It was a natural ‘touch base’ time. Now those of us with experience communicate as much as we can pre cruise and on boarding then use the phone as necessary. Those who do not follow CC do sometimes seem to be waiting, as you say, for someone to knock at the door…

Had not thought of that!  We create a chart, very easy using the table feature from outlook.  Each column heading includes the day/date and in each column we list our activities for each day, i.e.  breakfast, time of any excursions we have pre-planned, advance specialty dining reservations.  Also unless we have a very early excursion we always have a full breakfast in our room .  We are creatures of habitat and we give him a list of what we enjoy for breakfast, we generally just graze for lunch so we eat a very big and filling breakfast but we just tell him to mix it up each day because everything on our list is what we like and will eat whatever he brings each morning.  We leave a few blank spaces in each column for last minute planning, perhaps dinner in the room one night or after a long day on shore we just want to chill in the room with wine/beer, shrimp cocktail, charcuterie.  This has always worked out very well for us and our butlers have said they really appreciate the pre-planning and good communication.  We have never ever had a not attentive butler and always appreciate how hard they work to make our vacations a truly relaxing environment.  Have always developed a good and fun rapport with them and let them know we appreciate them and all they do for us.  In our experience Butler’s (all crew) work so hard and have earned and deserve to be recognized $$ over and above.  

[PKB]

2 hours ago, LGW59 said:

 We create a chart, very easy using the table feature from outlook.  Each column heading includes the day/date and in each column we list our activities for each day, i.e.  breakfast, time of any excursions we have pre-planned, advance specialty dining reservations.  Also unless we have a very early excursion we always have a full breakfast in our room .  

What a wonderful idea!  Would love to see one of your charts as an example.

[barneymag]

I’m really confused 🤔

 

We’re booked into a corner aft sky suite on Reflection on the Greek islands, Turkey cruise. First time treat for us, this is our 8th cruise on Celebrity we have always been in Concierge or Veranda on the previous 7 cruises.

I’ve now read so many different things that you can or can’t expect I’m not 100% if this is for any suite or just the higher end suites ??
 

foe example I’ve read ….

 

Butler fills our mini bar with water/soft drinks (normally charged for in Veranda) …. True or False ?
Butler will bring us a drink pre dinner ……. True or False ?
Butler will set us up dinner on balcony ….. True or False ?

 

Don’t get me wrong I don’t expect the above, but read on multiple threads what some people have experienced on service levels from a butler.

 

it would be lovely to get a G&T or Vodka and Soda delivered while we get ready for dinner ….. I would normally just pop to one of the bars while my wife is showering and we chill for 30 mins on balcony 

 

it would be really convenient to have fresh bottled water put in the mini bar each day …… normally I would just carry an unopened bottle of Evian back to cabin after being around pool or when leaving a bar to go back to our cabin

 

it would be fantastic to have a dinner one evening (with a nice sunset) just the two of us on our balcony (Luminae menu ?? or is it just the standard room service options ?)

 

So as I’ve already stated I don’t expect any of the above, nor have we ever received any of the three examples above on previous cruises but as I said this is our first time in a Sky Suite so if any of these are generally ok to ask butler if possible then great.

 

Thanks

 

 

[canderson]

1 hour ago, barneymag said:

I’m really confused 🤔

 

We’re booked into a corner aft sky suite on Reflection on the Greek islands, Turkey cruise. First time treat for us, this is our 8th cruise on Celebrity we have always been in Concierge or Veranda on the previous 7 cruises.

I’ve now read so many different things that you can or can’t expect I’m not 100% if this is for any suite or just the higher end suites ??
 

foe example I’ve read ….

 

Butler fills our mini bar with water/soft drinks (normally charged for in Veranda) …. True or False ?
Butler will bring us a drink pre dinner ……. True or False ?  Yes, but please advise in the afternoon if possible.  If it's something you'll want to do on a regular basis, advising at the beginning of the cruise will help.
Butler will set us up dinner on balcony ….. True or False ?  but PLEASE provide a day's advance notice!

 

 

As my answers (embedded in your quoted post above, so "Expand" it!) suggest, pre-planning whenever possible will make life a lot easier on your butler and is also most likely to get your requests honored on a timely basis.

 

 

Edited June 20, 2022 by canderson

[LGW59]

1 hour ago, barneymag said:

I’m really confused 🤔

 

We’re booked into a corner aft sky suite on Reflection on the Greek islands, Turkey cruise. First time treat for us, this is our 8th cruise on Celebrity we have always been in Concierge or Veranda on the previous 7 cruises.

I’ve now read so many different things that you can or can’t expect I’m not 100% if this is for any suite or just the higher end suites ??
 

foe example I’ve read ….

 

Butler fills our mini bar with water/soft drinks (normally charged for in Veranda) …. True or False ?
Butler will bring us a drink pre dinner ……. True or False ?
Butler will set us up dinner on balcony ….. True or False ?

 

Don’t get me wrong I don’t expect the above, but read on multiple threads what some people have experienced on service levels from a butler.

 

it would be lovely to get a G&T or Vodka and Soda delivered while we get ready for dinner ….. I would normally just pop to one of the bars while my wife is showering and we chill for 30 mins on balcony 

 

it would be really convenient to have fresh bottled water put in the mini bar each day …… normally I would just carry an unopened bottle of Evian back to cabin after being around pool or when leaving a bar to go back to our cabin

 

it would be fantastic to have a dinner one evening (with a nice sunset) just the two of us on our balcony (Luminae menu ?? or is it just the standard room service options ?)

 

So as I’ve already stated I don’t expect any of the above, nor have we ever received any of the three examples above on previous cruises but as I said this is our first time in a Sky Suite so if any of these are generally ok to ask butler if possible then great.

 

Thanks

 

 

Sky suite and higher all come with butler service.  This thread pretty much covers the vast majority of what the butler can do for you.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

4 hours ago, chemmo said:

I honestly think one of the mistakes Celebrity made when they got rid of the afternoon tea cart was not to realise that it was a hotspot for communication. The butler would naturally ask as he poured your tea how your day had been, your plans for the next day….It was a natural ‘touch base’ time. Now those of us with experience communicate as much as we can pre cruise and on boarding then use the phone as necessary. Those who do not follow CC do sometimes seem to be waiting, as you say, for someone to knock at the door…

 

I agree.  I used to enjoy that afternoon visit with my butler.  Plus, that's generally a time when one is relaxing and getting ready for the evening, so not dressed to visit the lounge.  Oh well, what do we know?  We're just the stupid customers.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

1 hour ago, barneymag said:

I’m really confused 🤔

 

We’re booked into a corner aft sky suite on Reflection on the Greek islands, Turkey cruise. First time treat for us, this is our 8th cruise on Celebrity we have always been in Concierge or Veranda on the previous 7 cruises.

I’ve now read so many different things that you can or can’t expect I’m not 100% if this is for any suite or just the higher end suites ??
 

foe example I’ve read ….

 

Butler fills our mini bar with water/soft drinks (normally charged for in Veranda) …. True or False ?
Butler will bring us a drink pre dinner ……. True or False ?
Butler will set us up dinner on balcony ….. True or False ?

 

Don’t get me wrong I don’t expect the above, but read on multiple threads what some people have experienced on service levels from a butler.

 

it would be lovely to get a G&T or Vodka and Soda delivered while we get ready for dinner ….. I would normally just pop to one of the bars while my wife is showering and we chill for 30 mins on balcony 

 

it would be really convenient to have fresh bottled water put in the mini bar each day …… normally I would just carry an unopened bottle of Evian back to cabin after being around pool or when leaving a bar to go back to our cabin

 

it would be fantastic to have a dinner one evening (with a nice sunset) just the two of us on our balcony (Luminae menu ?? or is it just the standard room service options ?)

 

So as I’ve already stated I don’t expect any of the above, nor have we ever received any of the three examples above on previous cruises but as I said this is our first time in a Sky Suite so if any of these are generally ok to ask butler if possible then great.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

In a sky suite, it will all depend on your butler.  Some restock the mini bar, some don't.  Talk about it with your butler.  I've never asked my butler to bring drinks, but some do.  If this is important to you, have a conversation with your butler.  Dinner on your balcony is definitely doable--please give the butler some advance notice on that.  I've always just ordered from room service, I doubt you could get food from Luminae in a sky suite.  Again, ask your butler if that is possible.  Communication is key.

[Covepointcruiser]

Just remember that your suite is one of 16 or 18 your retreat host will have to service.   If 6 or 7 of the suites want breakfast or dinner served around the same time it will present problems.  The host cannot be in six places at one time.   

[BigTorino]

I found it fascinating that our PRH could always find us wherever we were. They must use facial recognition? Or we were just very easy to spot since we were one of very few families onboard traveling with a young teen. 

[chemmo]

12 hours ago, barneymag said:

I’m really confused 🤔

 

We’re booked into a corner aft sky suite on Reflection on the Greek islands, Turkey cruise. First time treat for us, this is our 8th cruise on Celebrity we have always been in Concierge or Veranda on the previous 7 cruises.

I’ve now read so many different things that you can or can’t expect I’m not 100% if this is for any suite or just the higher end suites ??
 

foe example I’ve read ….

 

Butler fills our mini bar with water/soft drinks (normally charged for in Veranda) …. True or False ?
Butler will bring us a drink pre dinner ……. True or False ?
Butler will set us up dinner on balcony ….. True or False ?

 

Don’t get me wrong I don’t expect the above, but read on multiple threads what some people have experienced on service levels from a butler.

 

it would be lovely to get a G&T or Vodka and Soda delivered while we get ready for dinner ….. I would normally just pop to one of the bars while my wife is showering and we chill for 30 mins on balcony 

 

it would be really convenient to have fresh bottled water put in the mini bar each day …… normally I would just carry an unopened bottle of Evian back to cabin after being around pool or when leaving a bar to go back to our cabin

 

it would be fantastic to have a dinner one evening (with a nice sunset) just the two of us on our balcony (Luminae menu ?? or is it just the standard room service options ?)

 

So as I’ve already stated I don’t expect any of the above, nor have we ever received any of the three examples above on previous cruises but as I said this is our first time in a Sky Suite so if any of these are generally ok to ask butler if possible then great.

 

Thanks

 

 

I think what is confusing is the difference between standard service and those butlers who add a bit more. Added confusion comes from upper suites who have more perks to start with…

 

I will try to list what I think is standard sky suite service and hopefully others will add or correct me as necessary.

 

In a Sky Suite your butler will bring you speciality coffee any time of day.

He will bring and serve you breakfast from the suite menu.

He will serve any room service order any time of day and set it up on the balcony or in suite.

He will serve you dinner from the MDR menu.

He will fill up your ice twice daily on request.

If you request he will deliver you an afternoon snack daily.

If you want to book a restaurant or another service or change a booking he will do it.

If you have any laundry he will take and return (not free).

If you have any issues (wet shoes after excursions) he will sort it.

If you are arranging a sail away with friends he will arrange cold snacks.

In addition to the above some guests have report additional services. Note, the addition of these services could be directed by the suite manager and the butler may not be at liberty to do them.

 

He will if you have a drinks package stock your fridge with soda and water.

He will on a special occasion arrange room service from Luminae (pre arranged).

Decorate your room for a special occasion.

Provide a bottle of wine.

 

Finally I will list some of the things a few guests have reported getting which we we don’t  request when we are in a top suite. Quite simply, if all guests requested these additions the service would be overwhelmed.

 

Bring alcoholic drinks to your room.

Bring Luminae food to your room on demand.

Provide in suite additional champagne or wine.

 

Higher suites have the following extra amenities in suite.

 

A bar set up including soda, water, 2 x 2 litre spirits.

Free laundry.

Free access to speciality restaurants.

 

Hope I have not confused you more! I think the key message from most of this post has been to talk to your butler…Expect that if you have requested ice and a snack daily to query if it doesn’t come, communication breakdowns can occur, remember English is most probably your butler’s second language.
 

Ask if your butler can provide water and soda in suite and if he says no simply ask him to empty it then stock it yourself by simply bringing a few unopened cans back as you return to your room the first few days.

 

If you were planning a special occasion in suite meal chat to your butler at least 24 hours before. Ask if it is possible to order from Luminae but be prepared that (by directive) he may say no. If, for example, lots of guests are requesting this the M’D of Luminae may feel it could interfere with standard restaurant service and issue a standard firm ‘no’ to this request for all guests.

 

Remember, you have been given the phone number so you can call anytime with a query or concern. If your butler is off duty your call will be directed to another who can follow exactly the same requests.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 21, 2022 by chemmo

[terrydtx]

3 hours ago, chemmo said:

I think what is confusing is the difference between standard service and those butlers who add a bit more. Added confusion comes from upper suites who have more perks to start with…

 

I will try to list what I think is standard sky suite service and hopefully others will add or correct me as necessary.

 

In a Sky Suite your butler will bring you speciality coffee any time of day.

He will bring and serve you breakfast from the suite menu.

He will serve any room service order any time of day and set it up on the balcony or in suite.

He will serve you dinner from the MDR menu.

He will fill up your ice twice daily on request.

If you request he will deliver you an afternoon snack daily.

If you want to book a restaurant or another service or change a booking he will do it.

If you have any laundry he will take and return (not free).

If you have any issues (wet shoes after excursions) he will sort it.

If you are arranging a sail away with friends he will arrange cold snacks.

In addition to the above some guests have report additional services. Note, the addition of these services could be directed by the suite manager and the butler may not be at liberty to do them.

 

He will if you have a drinks package stock your fridge with soda and water.

He will on a special occasion arrange room service from Luminae (pre arranged).

Decorate your room for a special occasion.

Provide a bottle of wine.

 

Finally I will list some of the things a few guests have reported getting which we we don’t  request when we are in a top suite. Quite simply, if all guests requested these additions the service would be overwhelmed.

 

Bring alcoholic drinks to your room.

Bring Luminae food to your room on demand.

Provide in suite additional champagne or wine.

 

Higher suites have the following extra amenities in suite.

 

A bar set up including soda, water, 2 x 2 litre spirits.

Free laundry.

Free access to speciality restaurants.

 

Hope I have not confused you more! I think the key message from most of this post has been to talk to your butler…Expect that if you have requested ice and a snack daily to query if it doesn’t come, communication breakdowns can occur, remember English is most probably your butler’s second language.
 

Ask if your butler can provide water and soda in suite and if he says no simply ask him to empty it then stock it yourself by simply bringing a few unopened cans back as you return to your room the first few days.

 

If you were planning a special occasion in suite meal chat to your butler at least 24 hours before. Ask if it is possible to order from Luminae but be prepared that (by directive) he may say no. If, for example, lots of guests are requesting this the M’D of Luminae may feel it could interfere with standard restaurant service and issue a standard firm ‘no’ to this request for all guests.

 

Remember, you have been given the phone number so you can call anytime with a query or concern. If your butler is off duty your call will be directed to another who can follow exactly the same requests.

 

 

 

 

That is one of the best and most complete posts about what and how much a Butler can do if only asked. Your post should be a permanent thread about what to expect from your PRH in the Retreat.

[chemmo]

10 hours ago, BigTorino said:

I found it fascinating that our PRH could always find us wherever we were. They must use facial recognition? Or we were just very easy to spot since we were one of very few families onboard traveling with a young teen. 

Always fascinates us how staff can remember us from cruise to cruise too. The M’D in Murano remembered preparing us a Steak Dianne two years previously and offered us the treat again!

 

 

[chemmo]

13 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

That is one of the best and most complete posts about what and how much a Butler can do if only asked. Your post should be a permanent thread about what to expect from your PRH in the Retreat.

Thank you…I just hope others add from their experience. 

[terrydtx]

32 minutes ago, chemmo said:

Thank you…I just hope others add from their experience. 

I tried to think of things to add and I couldn't you covered what to expect in a Sky Suite so thoroughly. 

 

Here is one example of how a Butler will go above and beyond what you may expect. One afternoon my wife and I were walking down the hall to our SS cabin with drinks in hands from the Retreat Lounge and our Butler stopped us and said next time we wanted a drink to call him, and he will get them for us. I thanked him but we never did use him for that other than brining a mimosa for the wife and a bloody Mary for me with breakfast a couple of times.