Butler vs. 'normal' room service

[bentpilot]

Hi!

 

We are considering a NCL Mexican Riviera cruise on the Star. We were on HAL's Oosterdam two years ago on the same itinerary and did not have a good experience. We want to try NCL and are considering an AB category. On HAL, we had a mini suite with no butler service, however, we ordered room service all the time.

 

So whats the difference? Is the Butler just a glorified room steward? (No offense!) Just wondering?

 

Also, did I read a post regarding specialty restaurant fees are waived for breakfast and lunch?

 

Blue skies!

[Wasasalad]

We had a "Butler" on our last three cruises. Seems like a new title [to be able to charge more] for the room steward. They kind of look more "Formal" but do the same thing. Nothing special, not worth the increase in money!

 

 

Hi!

 

We are considering a NCL Mexican Riviera cruise on the Star. We were on HAL's Oosterdam two years ago on the same itinerary and did not have a good experience. We want to try NCL and are considering an AB category. On HAL, we had a mini suite with no butler service, however, we ordered room service all the time.

 

So whats the difference? Is the Butler just a glorified room steward? (No offense!) Just wondering?

 

Also, did I read a post regarding specialty restaurant fees are waived for breakfast and lunch?

 

Blue skies!

[SuiteSteve]

We had the best butler ever, Putoo (not spelled corectly). He was our butler in an AB on the Dawn. We last saw him on the Gem. Your butler takes care of all your needs, not only serves meals in the suite. Anything that is not his direct responsibility, he will serve as go between with other Departments too. On the other hand, your Stewart takes care of the make up and turn down service. Having a butler is a special luxury that I wish I could enjoy every cruise.

[garycarla]

First off, it is spelled STEWARD, not a STEWART. Yikes. And, the room steward does the cabin cleaning, linens, etc. Not the food.

 

As to the butler, there is a big difference as compared to regular room service. You will get full service vs. a tray being dropped off. Food options are more varied and you can even order from the pay restaurants (and pay).

 

Is it worth more than a regular cabin? That is up to you and how you spend money. Many people stay in a Days Inn for $59 a night and are okay with it. Others stay only in 5 star hotels that cost $300+ per night. To each their own. Penthouse suites are very nice, but cost way more than what you get, at least in my book.

[terrymtex01]

We had a "Butler" on our last three cruises. Seems like a new title [to be able to charge more] for the room steward. They kind of look more "Formal" but do the same thing. Nothing special, not worth the increase in money!

l

 

Are you saying you have had three NCL cruises with a butler and your butler did the same thing as the room stewards? We have had three NCL cruises and the butler did NOTHING that the room stewards did for us. I will agree that I would never pay the extra money for a suite just for the butler, but the other perks on an NCL ship when you have a suite are fantastic. We just do not use the butler that much to justify the cost of a suite JUST to have a butler. We do use the Concierge a lot though.

 

To address the O.P. question, the butler will bring your orders to your room and set up your order at your dining room table. Ie. put a table cloth on the table, lay out the flatware, etc. Room service will just bring the food, drop it off at the table and leave. If you order room service after like 10PM, it is delivered by normal room service.

 

You are able to have breakfast and lunch in a specified speciality restaurant and it is at no charge. This is one of the perks of having a suite that we love the most.

[Ms belp]

We had a mini-suite on our first cruise. It wasn't that great, but we got it with an upsell. Chris likes being aft so she is closer to the coffee machines in the morning and doesn't have to bring all that coffee, and buffet items so far. She swears by the aft cabins. Since she is the bringer of all things, I'm with her!:D

[beachchick]

We had a "Butler" on our last three cruises. Seems like a new title [to be able to charge more] for the room steward. They kind of look more "Formal" but do the same thing. Nothing special, not worth the increase in money!

 

That was not our experience at all. First of all, we had a room steward who cleaned, replenished towels, did the evening turndown, and the other usual tasks. Secondly, our delightful butler (who was dressed formally at all times) did all the extras for us. He brought daily treats, restocked our non-alcohol beverages in the mini-bar, took messages and requests to the concierge, delivered room service, set the table and served dinner from the specialty restaurants (not during the busiest dining time, so delivered course by course at his suggestion), set up the morning continental breakfast and the afternoon snacks in the Courtyard, delivered drinks and bottles of wine (in the suite and in the Courtyard), brought us Cagney's lunch in the Courtyard, took care of laundry service and other deliveries, stocked the coffee maker and other supplies, brought us extra ice and glasses and other items, and had the welcome bottle of bubbly on ice for our embarkation. He introduced himself the moment we checked in, asked questions about our preferences, and then apologized for not being able to immediately take us onto the ship (there were two other CVs checking in right after us and the other butlers were already escorting other suite pax) and sent us up to the Concierge Lounge (aka Star Bar in the evening) for complimentary beverages. A couple of hours later, he made sure we were settled into our suite and satisfied with everything. He even left the ship at one port to personally replenish a couple of our preferred non-alcohol beverages. He did so much more than a room steward and was there for every little thing, no matter what time of day or evening. (He did have a relief butler for the times when he was off duty.)

 

It's a matter of perspective, as well as the quality of the individual butlers. I'm quite sure that some are outstanding and others are, well, not.

 

beachchick

[conandrob240]

See, now I see your post a little differently. While I am sure your butler was as great as you say, personal escort to the cabin is smething NCL advertises. Being told it is too busy for me to receive that perk will not sit well with me. NCL can't promise things they can't deliver on, it isn't fair. I understand the unpacking that is advertised is one of those things no one can really get because the butlers are too busy. It is a shame because that is a perk I would enjoy and one that is advertisied. If they can't deliver what they advertise, they should either not advertise it or hire more butlers.

[Fishbait17]

See, now I see your post a little differently. While I am sure your butler was as great as you say, personal escort to the cabin is smething NCL advertises. Being told it is too busy for me to receive that perk will not sit well with me. NCL can't promise things they can't deliver on, it isn't fair. I understand the unpacking that is advertised is one of those things no one can really get because the butlers are too busy. It is a shame because that is a perk I would enjoy and one that is advertisied. If they can't deliver what they advertise, they should either not advertise it or hire more butlers.

 

In all fairness to the butlers take, for example, the Sun. IIRC, there are only two butlers for the entire ship. If all the suites are checking in at nearly the same time, I can fully understand how most suites cannot get a personal escort by their assigned butler. On our last check-in, we waited just a few minutes, and were escorted as a small group onto the ship by the concierge. From that point, we were handed off to personal escorts, but they were not the butlers. That's how we first met yet another fabulous crew member! Our butler stopped by our cabin not too long after to introduce himself and get our personal preferences noted. We personally use our butlers less than most, and use our concierge more. But having full breakfast delivered each morning and set up is a great thing - no worrying about showering, dressing, and rushing out - we are able step out and face the day at our own pace (sometimes not before noon ;)). We have never ordered dinner ensuite, never felt the need. But over time, our butlers have fulfilled some odd requests - everything from bringing batteries and a tiny screwdriver for a Christmas toy, to finding and placing a dining table on our balcony, to bringing me the daily puzzles along with my breakfast. In our cruises, we have had only one butler that was less than terrific. In tandem with a great concierge, a great butler can make your cruise effortless and memorable!

 

Robin

[bentpilot]

Hi, this is the OP.

 

Thanks for all of your responses. I guess the only way we will really find out, is to try the service for ourselves :) .

 

All of the info was really appreciated.

[BikerAl]

Butler service on NCL is very special, if you take advantage of it. We have only sailed once with NCL since butlers were available, and we had a great one (Karan, now a concierge). It got to the point, where we bet the folks in a suite on the other side of the ship that ours was better than theirs, and we kept track of special little things (the butlers didn't know we were doing this). When I reported that Karan came into the casino one evening, excused himself, and asked if there was anything we required prior to his retiring for the evening, the other couple conceeded defeat.

 

Breakfast and lunch in the designated specialty restaurant is definately something to be enjoyed. You sit at a nice table, have a nice menu to choose from, and it is served to you.We didn't do it every meal, or even half of them, but each time we did, it was a respite from the hustle and bustle of the other dining choices.

 

Have fun.

[terrymtex01]

Hi, this is the OP.

 

Thanks for all of your responses. I guess the only way we will really find out, is to try the service for ourselves :) .

 

All of the info was really appreciated.

 

Bent.. one thing I want to say to you is this. Before NCL we had cruised RCCI and loved it. When we decided to try NCL, I had this deep fear that we were going to be sailing on a "discount" cruise line. (No offence to people who work at or shop at Walmart, it's just a comparison).. but I felt like it would be the same if you were used to doing all of your shopping at Macy's or Neimans and changed all of a sudden to Walmart. I was so worried about that , up until we stepped foot on our first NCL ship I had a knot in my tummy (and if you saw my tummy you would know that had to be a big knot. LOL). From the first step on the NCL Sun I have never looked back with regret. We have found the ships to be very nice and the crew absolutely top notch. Of course, like with any group of people you will find one or two that don't make the cut.. but we found that on RCCI as well. Give NCL a try, and go at it with an open mind and I think you will have a very good cruise.

[MBprincess]

Ask for Rogin on the Star.

If the butler is not doing well tell the hotel director right away. We had to switch butlers on the Pearl. They gave us someone who had never been a butler before and had him cover the GVs. Good butler services made it a great experience.

[Wasasalad]

I'm a Neimans, Talbots, Nordstom, Walmart gal!

 

Never had a bad cruise. Never had a bad time! We are not the needy type! The butler comes with the suite but we only have him do what the steward does. We are just not in need of a great deal of service in the room.

 

The suite enables you to avoid the lines getting off the ship in ports. You get the express service. You can be off the ship before the other cabins saves hours!

 

On a cruise always a suite, with a balcony. Only certain suites on the NCL Dream have a balcony.

 

Our last cruise was on the QM2, before that Azamara, Celebrity and NCL.

 

Love the small Azamara for great service and by far the best food! By far the best service.

 

QM2, the ship just plain awsome! An experience for everyone! But very lacking in service. The fastest most beautiful ship. But remember it is an oceanliner and not a cruise ship!

 

Celebrity seems to bring it al together! By far the best overall experience for us.

 

But, we are back to NCL for the trip to Bermuda. Out of Boston and three overnights in St Georges. Better than out to see for days!

 

 

 

Bent.. one thing I want to say to you is this. Before NCL we had cruised RCCI and loved it. When we decided to try NCL, I had this deep fear that we were going to be sailing on a "discount" cruise line. (No offence to people who work at or shop at Walmart, it's just a comparison).. but I felt like it would be the same if you were used to doing all of your shopping at Macy's or Neimans and changed all of a sudden to Walmart. I was so worried about that , up until we stepped foot on our first NCL ship I had a knot in my tummy (and if you saw my tummy you would know that had to be a big knot. LOL). From the first step on the NCL Sun I have never looked back with regret. We have found the ships to be very nice and the crew absolutely top notch. Of course, like with any group of people you will find one or two that don't make the cut.. but we found that on RCCI as well. Give NCL a try, and go at it with an open mind and I think you will have a very good cruise.

[beachchick]

See, now I see your post a little differently. While I am sure your butler was as great as you say, personal escort to the cabin is smething NCL advertises. Being told it is too busy for me to receive that perk will not sit well with me. NCL can't promise things they can't deliver on, it isn't fair. I understand the unpacking that is advertised is one of those things no one can really get because the butlers are too busy. It is a shame because that is a perk I would enjoy and one that is advertisied. If they can't deliver what they advertise, they should either not advertise it or hire more butlers.

 

I should have mentioned that this was shortly before Freestyle 2.0 and the promised escort to our suite. I guess I would rather have him explain the situation and head to the lounge on our own, instead of fretting about it, feeling slighted, or thinking that NCL had "false" advertising. If a large number of suite pax are all checking in at the same time, there will those who can't be immediately escorted onboard. Our suite wasn't ready (none of them were) because it was barely noon when we boarded, so it really wasn't a big deal to walk onboard on our own and find the lounge.

 

I think that they should do away with the offer of unpacking service for all but the Garden Villas and Owners Suites. There simply isn't enough time for the butlers to unpack for all suite pax on most ships. And it's unreasonable to expect the cruise line to hire more butlers solely to take care of escorts for boarding and unpacking services. If it will upset you that you don't get an immediate escort when you board, then that's up to you. We don't think it's a big enough issue to fuss about even for a minute. You're certainly entitled to believe that if you don't have a butler who essentially caters specifically to you at all times then NCL has been "unfair" with what they've promised. The fact is that each butler is responsible for several suites (except the GV butlers, who usually have few other suites to service), so he or she is not going to be instantly available to you at all times. It's up to you whether you want to get upset or write to NCL to complain.

 

beachchick

[MrLee]

I should have mentioned that this was shortly before Freestyle 2.0 and the promised escort to our suite. I guess I would rather have him explain the situation and head to the lounge on our own, instead of fretting about it, feeling slighted, or thinking that NCL had "false" advertising. If a large number of suite pax are all checking in at the same time, there will those who can't be immediately escorted onboard. Our suite wasn't ready (none of them were) because it was barely noon when we boarded, so it really wasn't a big deal to walk onboard on our own and find the lounge.

 

I think that they should do away with the offer of unpacking service for all but the Garden Villas and Owners Suites. There simply isn't enough time for the butlers to unpack for all suite pax on most ships. And it's unreasonable to expect the cruise line to hire more butlers solely to take care of escorts for boarding and unpacking services. If it will upset you that you don't get an immediate escort when you board, then that's up to you. We don't think it's a big enough issue to fuss about even for a minute. You're certainly entitled to believe that if you don't have a butler who essentially caters specifically to you at all times then NCL has been "unfair" with what they've promised. The fact is that each butler is responsible for several suites (except the GV butlers, who usually have few other suites to service), so he or she is not going to be instantly available to you at all times. It's up to you whether you want to get upset or write to NCL to complain.

 

beachchick

 

I don't see the problem. Just bring your own butler from home. ;)

[conandrob240]

I said nothing about needing a butler that caters to my needs at all times. I said it is ridiculous for NCL to advertise things that they know full well butlers can't deliver on because they understaff that position. That is misadvertising. I do expect an escort to my suite as a perk of booking a suite. It is great the butler told you he couldn't and explained why and I am sure they are overworked but that isn't really the point. My point was that if they are going to promise things, then they should be reasonably sure they can deliver. The dinner example where the OP was served all at once simply because the butlers are too busy is just not fair. Luxurious, elegant dining in my suite is a perk I paid substantially for; I am looking forward to and if it it is all slapped down on a non-tableclothed table with my dessert melting, you can bet I am not going to be too happy about that. Many people seem willing to "settle" or "make excuses" and certainly I respect that the butler is a human being but the corporate entity that is NCL needs to take ownership for what they promise.

 

Now, I'll see for myself next week on the Jade and I will surely write a full trip report to let evryone know how it goes.

[Fishbait17]

Just remember, a personal escort to your cabin may be promised, but I don't believe they state anywhere that you will be escorted by your butler. Our escorts have always been another staff member, except on one occasion. The previous poster stated that the suites were not ready yet (due to early boarding) and an offer to escort to the concierge lounge to wait for the cabins to be prepared. I don't personally think they "understaff" their butler service. I have noticed on a few occasions that certain guests were far more demanding than most, and take up most of a butler's time, at the expense of the other guests. I have never heard a staff member complain, but I have had butlers in my cabin and heard the same guests call two or three times in five minutes with requests. Some of those requests (from what I gathered by being nosy :D ) were just too much. I recall one call placing a lunch order for a rather large group (10-12 people IIRC?) to be delivered by the main pool from at least two different restaurants with drinks from the bar. The butler being busy on that occasion was not due to understaffing, but to what I consider to be overdemanding guests. I can understand the Garden Villa guests being a bit more demanding, but if everyone in every suite expected this kind of pampering, suite prices would be far higher than they are today, with everyone needing their own personal butler at their back and cali.

 

I have never had a butler not set a beautiful table for breakfast. I wouldn't presume to order a complicated dinner to be served course by course during very busy hours (at least not without plenty of advance warning), it's just not my style. Even when we are in the best suite on the ship, I don't expect to monopolize the butler.

 

Robin