Butler a no show in Haven

[All-ready2cruise]

34 minutes ago, Trimone said:

Statement, a butler only deals with beverages, a servant fetches things you’ve forgotten?
 

What?? Our butlers would always take time to discuss snacks, things like pillow selection, dinner service in suite, coffee - tea selections.

No way would I ask a butler to unpack for me but was an option.  

We never treated our butler like a servant, always treated them with respect. 

[dexddd]

23 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

For us, the snacks & meals are the same as Bird's pictures. The only difference is the clear plastic wrap that covers everything (probably removed for photos). The meals have the hard clear plastic covers.

 

We usually have meals setup on the balcony. That's one of the reasons why balcony size is important to us. I might have made one or two posts about balcony size on the forum...😁

Maybe even a spreadsheet or two.

[pcakes122]

4 hours ago, Trimone said:

Statement, a butler only deals with beverages, a servant fetches things you’ve forgotten?
 

My Haven butlers fetch things all the time.  Have you ever been in the Haven?

[Trimone]

59 minutes ago, pcakes122 said:

My Haven butlers fetch things all the time.  Have you ever been in the Haven?

Oh yes, Joy and Breakaway.

[pcakes122]

2 minutes ago, Trimone said:

Oh yes, Joy and Breakaway.

So I'm confused about why you think butlers only serve beverages?

[graphicguy]

On 5/22/2020 at 6:51 AM, david_sobe said:

Yes those "snacks" are standard.  I've had great butlers and tried to stop them yet they kept coming.  They mass produce those trays that must be delivered.  You can order something else and have it delivered but I found it almost impossible to stop them from coming. I think they don't know what to do with the extra tray and you are messing with the routine LOL

I hate to waste food which is why I tried to stop them.  Think from NCL perspective.  Can you imagine everyone ordering special snacks every day?  It would make their jobs much more difficult.  The mass produced snacks streamline the process.

 

Am I the only person to ever try and stop snacks from coming?   While I enjoy chocolate covered strawberries, they are so over rated IMHO.  It was those fishy sandwiches I tried to stop LOL

I've stopped the snacks, too...or had them severely curtail what to bring, and how often.  I must be the only person who doesn't like chocolate covered strawberries.  But those, along with chocolate covered cherries are just too sweet for my taste.

 

They did ask what they could replace the strawberries with.  I think I came up with pretzels, which the Butler then brought gobs of.

 

Some people (kiddingly I hope) have said they requested their luggage to be unpacked for them.  First, I really don't think they do that.  2nd, I don't want anyone else rummaging through my stuff and putting it where THEY think is fine.  It takes all of 5 minutes for me to unpack and put things exactly the way I want them.  Again, I don't think the Butler on NCL (or MSC, which I've sailed in the YC on) does that.

 

I head someone mention they wanted drinks, snacks, sandwiches, etc delivered to them while they were at the main pool.  Butlers don't do that, either.  I think Carnival will deliver a pizza to you anywhere on the ship.....for a charge.  But, Butlers don't do that.  They are not short order cooks.  They will, however, deliver a meal to your suite and set it up on your table from the specialty restaurants, though.  If you have a large enough suite, they will act as a party coordinator (which I've been a part of on the GEM).

 

Just don't be ridiculous about your request, and they'll do their level best to accommodate.  They are mostly chartered to refresh snacks in your cabin, serve meals in the cabin, if requested, and make certain your in suite drinks are kept refreshed (like the coffee makers, or those who have ordered bottles and drinks for their room).

 

If you need them, and can't get in touch with them, the concierge would be able to track one down for you if you ask them.

Edited May 23, 2020 by graphicguy

[Trimone]

6 minutes ago, pcakes122 said:

So I'm confused about why you think butlers only serve beverages?

I was quoting the correct term:

 

As nouns the difference between servant and butler

is that servant is one who is hired to perform regular household or other duties, and receives compensation as opposed to a butler is a manservant having charge of wines and liquors.

 

Thats all, I’m aware certain passengers run the Butler and concierge into the ground, I’ve witnessed it many times.

 

Have a good evening.

 

 

[Two Wheels Only]

14 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Some people (kiddingly I hope) have said they requested their luggage to be unpacked for them.  First, I really don't think they do that.  2nd, I don't want anyone else rummaging through my stuff and putting it where THEY think is fine.  It takes all of 5 minutes for me to unpack and put things exactly the way I want them.  Again, I don't think the Butler on NCL (or MSC, which I've sailed in the YC on) does that.

 

Generally, unpacking service requires that at least 1 guest is in the stateroom. The guest can direct where items go and the butler won't be accused of stealing anything. As for touching personal items, the laundry service handles dirty items. Unpacking (I hope) is clean items. 😛

 

I've never used the service but it's listed on the NCL site...

 

24-hour trained and certified suite butler. From unpacking your suitcase to pouring your champagne our butlers are at your service

 

...and MSC also offers the service in the Yacht Club....

 

• Complimentary luggage packing/unpacking service

 

[NLH Arizona]

On 5/22/2020 at 3:51 AM, david_sobe said:

Am I the only person to ever try and stop snacks from coming?   While I enjoy chocolate covered strawberries, they are so over rated IMHO.  It was those fishy sandwiches I tried to stop LOL

No, I stop them as well.  First I let the pre-Concierge know I don't want them and then reinforce it with the Butler when I get on the ship.  Only a couple times in all my cruises have they been delivered by mistake.

[pcakes122]

2 hours ago, Trimone said:

I was quoting the correct term:

 

As nouns the difference between servant and butler

is that servant is one who is hired to perform regular household or other duties, and receives compensation as opposed to a butler is a manservant having charge of wines and liquors.

 

Thats all, I’m aware certain passengers run the Butler and concierge into the ground, I’ve witnessed it many times.

You didn't quote the source of your definition, but we are talking about NCL butlers so I think we should probably use the NCL definition of a butler and their duties.  This is an actual NCL butler job posting:

 

Butler
Norwegian Cruise Line - NCL
United States, North & Central 

GROW YOUR CAREER WITH US

At Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), we know our future success depends on our ability to attract and retain the very best talent. We’re continually seeking top talent who are passionate about hospitality and committed to being their personal best.

As you learn more about our company, we think you will agree that there is no better time than now to become a member of the NCLH family! 

 

POSITION SUMMARY / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Butler’s position is designed specifically to cater to guests booked in The Haven, Villas, Owner Suites & Penthouses. Focus is placed on giving these guests individual, personalized and impeccable in-room attention and service. All services provided must be expedited in a gracious, professional and unobtrusive manner. Attention to detail and a timely response in every respect is a requirement. He/she works closely with the Concierge to maintain the integrity of our best staterooms and provide in-room dining and valet service, as well as to coordinate set-ups for private cocktail parties or other special requests in accordance to standards established by the company.

 

On call to expedite guest requests. An off-duty Butler’s phone must be forwarded to another Butler during the day and to the Bell Captain or Night Shift Butler during Night Shift.

Responsible for the Villa, Suite & Penthouse set-ups on embarkation day ensuring deliveries are expedited in co-ordination with relative department heads.

Escorts guests onboard and if their room is being prepared, escorts them to the VIP Lunch. Otherwise takes them directly to their room and for Garden Villa and Owner Suite guests offers them champagne and warm (or cold) face towels.

Trained in Housekeeping set-up of Suites & Villas and works in tandem with Stateroom Stewards and reports deficiencies to Deck Supervisors. Responsible to make corrections on Housekeeping set-ups and to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, neatness and maintenance inside and on balcony and deck areas.

Prepare cocktail parties including proper set-up; and serve in-room canapés and drinks when requested. Should take the initiative to offer guests the opportunity to host their own in-suite cocktail party and advise associated costs.

Offers to escort guests to onboard events such as evening shows or to a dining reservation, and also to the gangway in port, especially if the vessel is tendering. This is done in collaboration with the Concierge and the rest of the Butler team to ensure time efficiencies.

Performs Valet service, which includes but is not limited to, assisting guests with un-packing and re-packing of garments, expediting laundry, dry cleaning and pressing services, and offering shoe shine service.

Records twice daily in the temperature log for the dishwashing machines and refrigerators.

Performs regular cleaning and sanitation of refrigerators, bread warmers, ovens, toasters, juice and coffee machines, etc.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as directed. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Must be familiar with the Safety and Environmental Protection Policy and the SEMS, and carry out the policies and procedures appropriate for his/her position.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

Minimum two years’ experience in a Hotel or relative establishments; or minimum two years’ experience in a Guest Service related position onboard a ship.
Intermediate to Advanced verbal and written ability English.
Intermediate verbal and written ability in at least one of the following languages is preferred: Spanish, German, French or Italian.

Intermediate to Advanced computer software skills required (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Micros).

Minimum one year experience in handling guest requests and concerns, with an understanding of how to expedite VIP guest wishes.

EDUCATION

Two-year Associates degree or equivalent in Hotel Management and/or Guest Relations from a recognized hotel institution.

[graphicguy]

17 hours ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

Generally, unpacking service requires that at least 1 guest is in the stateroom. The guest can direct where items go and the butler won't be accused of stealing anything. As for touching personal items, the laundry service handles dirty items. Unpacking (I hope) is clean items. 😛

 

I've never used the service but it's listed on the NCL site...

 

24-hour trained and certified suite butler. From unpacking your suitcase to pouring your champagne our butlers are at your service

 

...and MSC also offers the service in the Yacht Club....

 

• Complimentary luggage packing/unpacking service

 

I guess if I have to be there to supervise, I may as well do it myself.  It’s not like it’s all that strenuous.  Again, not something I would ever request of my Butler, and would probably be too embarrassed to do so.

[Newleno]

15 hours ago, pcakes122 said:

 

 

Butler
Norwegian Cruise Line - NCL
United States, North & Central 

 

 

POSITION SUMMARY / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Butler’s position is designed specifically to cater to guests booked in The Haven, Villas, Owner Suites & Penthouses. Focus is placed on giving these guests individual, personalized and impeccable in-room attention and service. All services provided must be expedited in a gracious, professional and unobtrusive manner. Attention to detail and a timely response in every respect is a requirement. He/she works closely with the Concierge to maintain the integrity of our best staterooms and provide in-room dining and valet service, as well as to coordinate set-ups for private cocktail parties or other special requests in accordance to standards established by the company.

 

On call to expedite guest requests. An off-duty Butler’s phone must be forwarded to another Butler during the day and to the Bell Captain or Night Shift Butler during Night Shift.

Responsible for the Villa, Suite & Penthouse set-ups on embarkation day ensuring deliveries are expedited in co-ordination with relative department heads.

Escorts guests onboard and if their room is being prepared, escorts them to the VIP Lunch. Otherwise takes them directly to their room and for Garden Villa and Owner Suite guests offers them champagne and warm (or cold) face towels.

Trained in Housekeeping set-up of Suites & Villas and works in tandem with Stateroom Stewards and reports deficiencies to Deck Supervisors. Responsible to make corrections on Housekeeping set-ups and to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, neatness and maintenance inside and on balcony and deck areas.

Prepare cocktail parties including proper set-up; and serve in-room canapés and drinks when requested. Should take the initiative to offer guests the opportunity to host their own in-suite cocktail party and advise associated costs.

Offers to escort guests to onboard events such as evening shows or to a dining reservation, and also to the gangway in port, especially if the vessel is tendering. This is done in collaboration with the Concierge and the rest of the Butler team to ensure time efficiencies.

Performs Valet service, which includes but is not limited to, assisting guests with un-packing and re-packing of garments, expediting laundry, dry cleaning and pressing services, and offering shoe shine service.

Records twice daily in the temperature log for the dishwashing machines and refrigerators.

Performs regular cleaning and sanitation of refrigerators, bread warmers, ovens, toasters, juice and coffee machines, etc.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as directed. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

 

"My Haven butlers fetch things all the time. "  pancakes I dont see anything in here about fetching 

Edited May 24, 2020 by Newleno

[pcakes122]

2 hours ago, Newleno said:

"My Haven butlers fetch things all the time. "  pancakes I dont see anything in here about fetching 

Do you know what valet service is?

 

It's clear that there are folks here that do not employ any household staff in their daily life, but it's definitely within the job description to ask a butler to bring something to you.

 

By the way, there are schools and certifications for butlers. Those who have pursued this profession and earned their certification would be highly insulted that people think that they are no more than beverage waiters.

 

My most recent butler on the Bliss in March was extraordinary. He'd only been with NCL about six months.  His previous job was at a resort in Dubai where he'd been the assigned butler for Prince Harry and Meghan during one of their vacations.  He had fabulous stories from his many assignments over the years.

 

Those of you who don't utilize your butlers or see them often are truly missing out. My butlers have been some of the most fascinating people I've ever met. However, I only found that out by spending a lot of time with them having them "fetch" things. 😉

 

Seriously, I don't know why people are afraid to take advantage of services that they've paid for.  

[graphicguy]

I don’t hire staff in my castle to bring me things.  In all seriousness, I believe most of us would rather do certain things ourselves.  It’s just as easy, or easier, than to call and ask a butler do it for us.

 

I remember staying in the first Haven cruise on the Breakaway.  We were maybe 15 steps from the Haven bar.  My GF wanted a drink and called the Butler to “fetch” it for her.  Meanwhile, I walked out to the bar, had a drink and got one to take back to her in the Suite before the Butler delivered the one she called about.

 

Mostly, it just makes no sense to use a Butler for certain things.

[ray98]

On 5/24/2020 at 9:30 AM, Newleno said:

"My Haven butlers fetch things all the time. "  pancakes I dont see anything in here about fetching 

 

You seem absolutely confused on the role of the butler.

[jakeT]

You have the butler phone number, next to the cabin phone.  Did you call him.  To find out ?  Butlers do expect a tip at the end of the cruise.  Him not showing up is costing him or her There tip money 

[NLH Arizona]

4 hours ago, graphicguy said:

I don’t hire staff in my castle to bring me things.  In all seriousness, I believe most of us would rather do certain things ourselves.  It’s just as easy, or easier, than to call and ask a butler do it for us.

 

I remember staying in the first Haven cruise on the Breakaway.  We were maybe 15 steps from the Haven bar.  My GF wanted a drink and called the Butler to “fetch” it for her.  Meanwhile, I walked out to the bar, had a drink and got one to take back to her in the Suite before the Butler delivered the one she called about.

 

Mostly, it just makes no sense to use a Butler for certain things.

I remember one of my butlers telling me about another passenger.  It seems as though the couple would put the coffee in the coffee maker, but would call the butler to push the button.  

[z4oslo]

1 hour ago, NLH Arizona said:

I remember one of my butlers telling me about another passenger.  It seems as though the couple would put the coffee in the coffee maker, but would call the butler to push the button.  

 

Urban legend for sure.

[pcakes122]

5 hours ago, graphicguy said:

I don’t hire staff in my castle to bring me things.  In all seriousness, I believe most of us would rather do certain things ourselves.  It’s just as easy, or easier, than to call and ask a butler do it for us.

 

I remember staying in the first Haven cruise on the Breakaway.  We were maybe 15 steps from the Haven bar.  My GF wanted a drink and called the Butler to “fetch” it for her.  Meanwhile, I walked out to the bar, had a drink and got one to take back to her in the Suite before the Butler delivered the one she called about.

If your butler delivers drinks from the bar for you, you can't use your beverage package (assuming you had one) so you would pay full price for your drinks.

 

Thought I should mention that since we don't want people here thinking that in-room drink delivery is an option with the beverage package.

[seaman11]

5 minutes ago, pcakes122 said:

If your butler delivers drinks from the bar for you, you can't use your beverage package (assuming you had one) so you would pay full price for your drinks.

 

Thought I should mention that since we don't want people here thinking that in-room drink delivery is an option with the beverage package.

I agree. Although i think that's a ridiculous rule. You pay for the drink package on board you should be able to get it sent to your room with room service ect.  At least in the casinos i get my drinks served to me at which ever game i am at.  

Edited May 25, 2020 by seaman11

[pcakes122]

1 hour ago, NLH Arizona said:

I remember one of my butlers telling me about another passenger.  It seems as though the couple would put the coffee in the coffee maker, but would call the butler to push the button.  

Your butler was talking to you about other passengers? Wow, how unprofessional. I've never encountered that level of unprofessionalism in all my Haven cruises.

 

Did your butler consider that perhaps that couple was unfamiliar with the espresso machine and couldn't figure out how to start it? If they went as far as putting the coffee in it seems that they were certainly trying to do it themselves. I hope they didn't give him a good tip even though they didn't realize that he was mocking them behind their backs.

[NLH Arizona]

34 minutes ago, z4oslo said:

 

Urban legend for sure.

I'm not surprise, some folks are really, really needy and think of the butlers as their personal slave.

[z4oslo]

6 minutes ago, NLH Arizona said:

I'm not surprise, some folks are really, really needy and think of the butlers as their personal slave.

 

yes plenty of people have imaginary high standards, but its just an urban legend from a butler that just wants to create some laughs. 

[seaman11]

19 minutes ago, z4oslo said:

 

yes plenty of people have imaginary high standards, but its just an urban legend from a butler that just wants to create some laughs. 

I believe him. I have seen some of the snooty crowd aboard some ships. I was walking to a diamond day party event on one rcl ship and this lady asked me if i could go fetch her some ice. Because i didnt have a suit on she acted as if i was the help. Mind you  I was wearing a nice brand new ralph luaren polo  and dress slacks though. Smh 

[All-ready2cruise]

IMO, there's just no way an NCL Butler can be compared to a Household Butler nor a butler on a different cruise line.  IMO, NCL butlers are special and have very specific obligations.