Desmond's promotion

[Apelila]

Our first cruise with Celebrity wasn’t great and it was suggested that a second cruise would clarify the true “Celebrity Experience”. Desmond, was our saving grace the first time on the Summit, so we added a Royal Suite for measure on the much-loved intimate Century, to insure the odds in our favor. To our ultimate luck, Desmond stepped off the elevator within hours of our boarding. He had been promoted to “Assistant Chief Housekeeper”. He remembered us, visited our cabin and again, was there to correct each of Celebrity’s mistakes, as if they were his own. He will stay on after the dry dock and is very excided about the Century. The Century is in need of attention, but overall, charming and surprising a better over all experience than the Summit. Decidedly however, Celebrity is not for us. We did learn that the Century size without the crowds and especially the ultimate gentlemen charm of Desmond, is. Everything is Desmond's genuine pleasure. Simple details seem to be such a struggle for Celebrity. And be advised flowers no longer come in a suite even if listed as butler or suite indulgences. Desmond’s new officers uniform is dashing to say the least. With a penthouse deck office mid ship, seek him out and let him know how “very special” Celebrity is to have him; that is…………for now. Ever wonder why you tip an Assistant Chief Housekeeper? Desmond is definitely more of the Crystal, Seven Seas or Seabourn experience ………so savor and enjoy him, while you can! .

[Sparkle 123]

So pleased to hear that Desmond has been promoted. We were lucky enough to have him as our butler when we treated ourselves to a suite on the Century in 2003.

We looked him up when we returned to the Century last October (he was head butler then) and he was so pleased we remembered him and took time to talk to us and even sent us a bottle of champagne to our cabin.

We are going on the Century after the refurb on a 3 night mini cruise in June so hopefully we will get the chance to conrgatulate him on his new position in person.

Sorry you don't think Celebrity is for you, I'm sure if they had more staff like Desmond you would think differently.

Lisa

[idssms]

I have always said on here,, a good butler is "priceless".

 

Take good care of them so Celebrity continues to keep them on staff.

 

The Asst Chief Housekeeper and the Asst Maitrre D are two individuals you want to take good care of. They are the defacto directors of your life on board and can make things so nice. I meet with both on the first day of the cruise and after a little meeting of the minds,,, we have the best cruises ever.

 

It works for me 100% of the time.

 

don

[tbelian]

And, not to diminish the significance of his well deserved promotion, but it's interesting to point out that when 'in training' as a butler, Desmond was a 'Lawrence protege'. Lawrence, who always gets rave reviews, is a long time Century butler/fixture. Two great assets to Celebrity.

 

Congratulations Desmond.

[Apelila]

It is also interesting to note that Desmond held a professional Bulter's position before Celebrity with the Sheraton Corp. His earliest training however, he stated, was assisting his mother in hosting many events within their home.