I was on Celebrity and our butler was terrific. I wasn’t feeling well and thought that I was coming down with a cold. So I stayed in our cabin to rest and missed out on my excursion that was planned.. When our butler found out he ordered some chicken soup for me and checked in on me a few times to make sure that I was ok and I had everything that I needed. I really appreciated this gesture.
A butler is a wonderful asset to have. I usually dont make too terribly much use of mine, but I definitely take advantage of the packing and unpacking. On Celebrity my butler also arranged for a tour that I really wanted to do at one of my destinations but the cruise line didnt offer exactly what I wanted on their excursions. A few phone calls from the butler and I had a wonderful excursion arranged that was nothing short of perfect. The only problem with having a butler, is once you have experienced one, you never want to go back to cabin classes without one!
Lol me too. Only have been on one cruise so far but having the room attendant yell my name down the hall everytime he saw me was awkward to me 🤣🤣. We literally were sneaking in and out to avoid him 😁😁😁
Butlers are also your line avoidance go to. For those large cruises ships that have long waits for tenders, shows, even dinner events etc. We utilize the butler to walk us to the first tender for that private island stop and, with a simple phone call (they will provide the phone btw) , they will even be ready for our return with ether a lunch waiting or refreshment. Shows? dinner shows? Even "sold out" speciality restuarants- Our NCL butlers simply would ask us "when would you like to go?" and reply "done!". Walked to front row seats...or even passing through the kitchen (avoiding the lines) to dinner is never uncommon in our experiences. We even have been introduced to the chef during trips (who always will make his way to your table to see how your experience was). Also be aware. Butlers DO talk to each other and often know each other across ships. Be good to them! We found notes are kept on your preferences for such things as bed pillows, drinks, and even minor details. Some of these are company routines; others are due to the professionalism of the staff. Also, most notabley as Gary mentioned but I will expand upon, being greeted upon arrival on the ship is good but actually being met at arrival at your port of deparature (usually by other staff), being quickly checked in (they ussually have a small buffet or bar ready in case you need to wait for friends) and walked on board the ship by-passing the thousands -literally - in line is worth every cent alone. As is being escorted off the ship first when you have returned home. Each Cruise line is of course different in regards to their butler staffing and at what level of suite. On Crystal cruise lines for example we find it not even necessary to have butler service as the cabin attendant and staff in general show such exceptional care with perfunctory ease. On the mega-ships (across several cruise lines brands) they are a must have for the wife and I. Cheers Gary - for a well done channel !
Yes. That is very important information that I would like some guidance on. We are doing a 10 day Mediterranean cruise & will be in an NCL Haven suite. We are very curious what to tip the butler, & the room attendant.
We had a butler with a Yacht Club room on MSC last year. We didn’t ask him to much, besides the daily housekeeping and room service for one lunch. Last day of the cruise, he comped us a full day use of a cabana while in Nassau. We were pleasantly surprised. Took full advantage of the cabana and handed him a very nice tip at the end of the cruise.
We had a butler on a cruise we did to Alaska with Celebrity. We being Mum 75 and me daughter her full time carer. He brought us breakfast every morning in our suite even on last day when he shouldn’t of had he literally smuggled it in under covers! He arranged my spa appointments and restaurant reservations. If we had gone out he left us a flask of tea and cakes for our return. He re rearranged our visit to the bridge and gave us lots of info on ship. He told us you could always tell British clients as we always dress for dinner compared to Americans I spend my day looking after people I consider it a treat to be looked after for a few days by someone else. We did tip him extra as we felt he had gone the extra mile for us. Even tho we had prepaid tips. If you need something just ask if it’s in their remit they will do it if not they will just tell you that.
I also think that if you've never experienced a butler before, its OK to ask them what they can do or their scope of assistance. I've found that my friends who have never experienced a butler before, when they do ask, the butler knows that the cruiser doesnt know what they can do, and will often show off by learning preferences and doing those little wow things to surprise the first timer. Since they dont know, usually they dont ask, so a butler who is proactive does make up for not being asked the usual things, by doing unusual things!
Thank you for your comment. If I may, what did you think of your travels with Americans as well as Alaska itself? I know that we dress like bums and wear tennis shoes on vacation but it is more for comfort? Are we are rude as others think? lol
@@goutvols103 As a non-American cruiser, perhaps on different ships, I can say that SOME Americans seem loud and oblivious to others, especially crew. Of course it varies, because we met a different set of people (including many Europeans) on an 11 day trip in September than we did on a five day trip in March. And people are wonderfully varied, and often inconsistent.
OH I forgot when I was on Celebrity our butler cleaned my glasses too! Probably the cleanest they ever were too because I dont clean my glasses daily, but my butler did! Its just those little things that make having a butler so special.
Excellent video. As a personal butler, and a former trainer of butlers on cruise ships, I fully concur with what you said. A fun detail to mention and I wonder if you might have noticed but some cruise liners with the ‘ship within a ship’ concept offer a partial butler training to all staff working in that part of the ship. For instance pool boys might be able to easily arrange certain things for you if you ask them (all through team work with your butler of course).
My life history has resulted in my being a generous tipper. What is a the typical tip for a couple on a 7 day cruise- for a less demanding pair of seniors?
The butler service on NCL left a bit to be desired. She did a couple of cute things the first day or two (of a seven day cruise) but then that was it. I got the sense that we were the least demanding of the folks she was serving so we got the short end of the stick.
I started watching your channel a few weeks ago and before that I never in a million years would have considered paying for a cruise. You’ve completely changed my mind about that and now I definitely plan to go on a cruise at some point. Thank you so much!
In very thankful you posted this. I'm sailing with Silversea in the Fall and wasn't entirely sure what to expect from butler service. This was very helpful.
Great video as usual. We have been fortunate to sail with Silversea a few times and on 3 or 4 of our Cunard cruises we have very happily been in a Queens Grill Cabins. Each came with a 'Butler'. The cruises were wonderful, but if asked did you enjoy having a 'Butler' the answer would have to be "well they were certainly good Cabin Stewards, but not much else". For us the 'Butlers' seemed to be very well trained and very experienced 'Stewards'. Excellent but the service was really no different from a non 'Butler' serviced cabin. During our cruises in non 'Butler' cabins we had all the same sevrices. We ordered evening canapes on formal nights, we had the bars stocked with spirits and wines, we ordered room service breakfasts/lunches and dinners, we have asked out 'steward' to collect laundry/ironing. With Cunard friends in a Britannia cabin asked their Steward to organise an in cabin party, no problem. The one thing we never have done is ask a 'Butler' to unpack and pack for us, just not what we would want. - So our conclusion is a 'Butler' seems to be a marketing add on for some suites on some cruise lines = nice but not really that different from a very good steward/room service/tour desk/pursers office team.
Don’t think butlers are for the wife an I. Don’t think I’ll miss it either. I’m use to doing the “yes dear”an filling in for a butler. Got to be a special person to do that job. Great video as always.
That's the thing I'm looking forward to most. My 23 yo son is notorious for (not) unpacking and leaving his suitcase underfoot. Maybe it will shame him into being better about it in the future.
As always, great information. We are booked on the Norwegian Encore August 2021 in the Haven. A butler is included, but honestly I did not know what to expect. Thanks for sharing.
This video introduced me to the many wonderful services provided by cruise line butlers. Unfortunately, it also made me want to have a butler in my home! 😉
Butlers are so important if you really want nothing to worry about! 💙 Gary what is the best method of tipping your butler? I know it is included in some fares but in general how does the tipping work?
The only one "unsure about" is unpacking and packing. Reason for the few butlers I experience as engaged with. Many felt that is bit of unusual request when guests make that one. I am glad you had ones that actually did it Gary. :)
We always have treated our cabin person well, and in return, all of them have given us the butler level of support, sometimes arranging with nearby staff to make it happen. Whoever is the staff assigned to you, the better you trest them, the better your cruise. Which makes me wonder what more would a butler do for me... probably not much. (For our own style of cruising)
Well guilty We hugged our steward on our last day on our last cruise he worked hard was always cheerful and quite concerned when I fell ill. We bumped into a previous steward looking after the next section I think he told ours we were nice people and good tippers.
Fox ... it’s called PERSONAL SPACE. Not everyone is as open as you are and by your comment, you appear to be culturally unaware. A hand shake, verbal thank you, and monetary thank you at the end of the. Voyage is sufficient when dealing with those serving your needs. They are NOT your Nanny.
@@robyoungquist5803 and in some places, hugging is the norm for greetings and goodbyes. So who's culturally unaware now? If you've built up a good enough rapport with your butler and want to give a hug, either make the gesture but wait for the other side to come to you or simply ask if it would be alright and don't be offended if they politely refuse. Pretty clear cut, so there is no need for such a hostile response.
Fantastic advice thank you!! Booked The Haven and didn’t find much info on what our butler will do and not do since we booked so far out and more info closer to the trip. Looking forward to having that first class experience. Thanks!
I believe they will also help arrange with personal shopping. Bring things you are interested in directly to your room for a private showing, that kind of thing.
I like the idea of having a butler having said that after hearing all the aspect you mention, I don't think I would want anyone pretty much shadowing me all over my cruise experience. Someone packing and unpacking for me would be completely out of the question as I don't like anyone going through my stuff. But then again these are problems I don't have to worry about because I'm clearly not in a financial position to afford one in the first place
As a butler, I can help you to delegate. Then you should *let go of it.* Stop micro-managing and let the magic happen. Be communicative and let me *lead* you. Hold no worries; entrust them to me, please. I will act as your agent, and protect you as my fiduciary client. Perfect synchronicity. You have your own responsibility: To be generous. It is a worthwhile exchange. Enjoy it.
goutvols103, In a suite, or aboard a luxury sailing ship, a butler may be assigned to your room, in lieu of a cabin steward. Since butlers typically have more duties to meet (packing and unpacking, bringing trays of tea or hors d'oeuvres, booking restaurant reservations, serving in-suite meals, keeping your preferred beverages in stock, shining shoes, etc.), a good guideline, if you've satisfactorily utilized their services, is a SUPPLEMENTARY CASH tip of $3 to $5, PER NIGHT, PER PERSON (not couple) over and above the gratuities paid as part of the cruise fare-- the TOTAL of which, $42 to $70 for TWO persons, *might* be *adequate* for a seven-night cruise attended by a “CABIN STEWARD POSING AS A BUTLER”. This supplementary cash gratuity is often doubled or tripled for my premium and personalized services, as I often go beyond minimal expectations in the premium suites to which I am assigned. In addition to all of the standard cabin duties (some of which are listing above) I also offer the exquisite services of a personal agent for my passengers (recommending and arranging shore excursions, sending out cocktail party invitations as well as serving at the event, arranging in-port car services, presenting the chef with dietary guidelines and favorite bespoke catering suggestions, managing wardrobes and presenting and primping formal wear, storing and retrieving jewelry with the purser, in short; complete management of my patrons’ extensive communications to me). I encourage my passengers to share “stream of consciousness” (completely honest, unabashed, and open) thoughts with me, so that I might make their experience onboard completely effortless. IMPORTANTLY, the total anticipated gratuity-expectations might be best split and distributed at both the cruise's ONSET AND CONCLUSION (with adjustments made to the amount at the conclusion of the voyage). The initial “boarding gratuity” is best presented personally on the 2nd (or 3rd) night of a 10 night cruise. Warmly say to your butler, “Allow me to begin this cruise with my first gift to you.” Smile, and reach out to put the cash in the hand of your butler. Butler says “Thank you,” and this signals to your butler that you expect (and will receive) the very best, personal services during your voyage. You may now speak your thoughts, cares, and desires aloud - and your butler will attend to you and give you good counsel. Always present gratuities (those not included in the fare) in either US Dollars or EU Euros, and always give the gratuities in cash from your hand to your servant’s hand. Thank you for allowing me to serve you; I love my work and will always remember you!!
I think it will take me some time to adjust to some doing my things but I’m sure once I get use too I will love it and won’t want to come back to reality lol
I’d have zero idea how to interact with a butler. Would relish an informal “initiation.” As a retired firefighter/EMT/911 Dispatcher, I’m used to self-sufficiency ot teamwork. It would be like I’d encourage him to sit back, chill and watch the match with me whilst I send the fiancée out for drinks and snacks for us (hope she’s not reading this!). I wouldn’t mind one like Manuel from Fawlty Towers. But it would be awkward if he follows me to the bathroom and shakes off Little Elvis with salad tongs when I’m through, hopefully with no eye contact! But seriously, I took a Princess Cruise in January. I love Princess, but the room attendant I had this time was invisible after the first day, when I tipped him reasonably generously. Had to get ice from Room Service. No big deal, but....
Hello Gary, Thank you so much for a very thorough and informative video. I have already seen many of your videos, special regarding the ultra Luxury cruises. They are all excellent, always an inspiration to watch, and makes me more eager to explore the world. I wish you a happy New Year, best regards from Norway
Being a Butler on a cruise ship really must be one of the more challenging jobs related to customer care especially if they are dealing with multiple families!
@@janetbrooks3214 Of course, totally agree! Just because it's difficult doesn't mean that it can't be done! lol! LOL at the word 'humanoid', made me think of a human Hemorrhoid! I've obviously got the sense of humor of a 6yr old!
I really love your vids. They are so informative and helpful. I was wondering about tipping butlers. I know other crew members depends on the cruise. Some cruises charge a flat rate for that. Others you have to figure it out yourself with each crew member. But what about butlers? I’m a generous tipper and really don’t like the set rate system. I really like to reward even beyond my norm for excellent service.
We had a butler on our last NCL cruise. At first, it seemed that she was only concerned with refilling the supplies for the coffee maker, but we realized that she also would bring room service meals and set up our dining table with no extra charge as opposed to having to pay for normal room service. It was great being able to eat our breakfasts in our pajamas! This came in very handy as we were at the bow of the ship and the dining rooms were aft. The weather was pretty rough about seven of the fourteen days and we didn't feel like trying to deal with a dining room environment.
What's the consensus on tipping your butler? I've heard everything from "Don't" to X per day of your stay/cruise, to a percentage of the room/voyage. Is there an understood rule or etiquette?
If they turn out to be undead monstrosities of the damned, you are not obligated to tip. They'd only spend it on undead monstrosities of the damned products, anyway.
I have been watching your channel for 8 months now very informative.I am going on my first cruise with my wife next year for our anniversary. I chose NCL Haven. How much do you recommend to tip the butler and concierge for a 5 day cruise. Thank you and keep up the good work. I hope my wife will like to cruise
I amaze myself.. why am I even here! I just feel more poor now lol 😂 I could barely afford an inside cabin.. a suit and a butler... hell NO! Thanks Gary!
None of that meet and greet happened on Silversea. In fact the cruise line misspelled my name and I ended up with no visas or docs because I couldn't figure out what name they invented and had on file for me. They shrugged the entire snafu off and basically it was too bad.
Gary, got a question. Would a standing order to deliver coffee and continental breakfast setup to the suite at 06:30 AM, every day of the cruise be considered fair game? We did this on a recent Cuba cruise in the top suite and we felt the Butler was inconvenienced? This is a legit question folks, we are disabled, so don't flame us.
I’m no expert, but it seems like a bullseye to me. If the butler made you feel inconvenienced then he did not do a good job. The questions are: was he a butler or just a steward? Did he have on duty hours starting at a different time, such as 7?
You got the suite. You've paid for the service of a butler. But then again, he/she works 6 days a week, so give them a break. But you're also disable. I'm self sufficient & would never need a butler. Maybe a compromise. In room breakfast 4 days, then go to the buffet or MDR the 3 remaining days
Absolutely. Some of my regular traveling companions ask for a fresh ice bucket every morning and evening from their room attendant (and tip him/her generously at the beginning of the cruise). Never a problem. I'm not talking about luxury cruise lines or fancy butlers or top-end cabins, just your typical midrange cruise lines, often in inside cabins. If your butler gave the impression that s/he was inconvenienced, then s/he is in the wrong line of work and that is definitely not your problem.
GjS ThreeFourSevinOneOne Well if he was inconvenienced that is his problem, that’s why they are there to bring you coffee at whatever time of the day you would like it. As for someone else saying they work 6 days a week give them a break, and only order 4 days are you for real it’s their job! Don’t feel bad and don’t stop ordering coffee and breakfast at anything else when you would like it.
I had a butler whilst cruising around the Caribbean- I found him annoying and intrusive at the point where he offered to stir my tea- so i told him to drop and give me 50 press ups- when he could only get to 12 I told him to bugger off and leave me alone.
I think I'd like to unpack my own clothes... On shorter cruises, I live out of the suitcase anyway. And a butler booking my gym classes; cruise ships have gyms? I think that might be the part of the ship I've always walked by on my way to the nearest bar But the course-by-course service of in-room dining sounds like a good idea.🍛
Oct'24 will be our 2nd time on NCL, 1st time in the Haven. As background, we have been on DCL 12+ times where we can bring our favorite soft drinks with us on board. If our favorite soft drink isn't regularly stocked on NCL, what's the chance the Butler can provide? It is commonly available at Embarkation Port and we will send our request 2 weeks on advance. 50%? 90%? 10%? This request is more important to me than the 10 things you noted in your video.
Seems like a pain in the ass to have a butler really. I just want to be left alone, with no one invading my space and time. Packing and unpacking my personals? No thanks! Seems like a hassle to have one hovering around all the time.
That's part of the art of the butler. Invisibility. They dont hover around or invade your space or time. You say "wow I'd really like to have a hot bath waiting for me with a glass of champagne when I get back from this shore excursion" and it happens. Its not like they're standing at attention in your room just pining away for something to do for you. If you want them to be present, they'll make it so that they're present, but still invisible. You dont want them to be present but still want things done? They make that happen as well. A lot of peoples' first experience with a butler can feel a bit awkward, like "how do I utilize this service without feeling like I'm asking something incorrect?" Talk to your butler, let them know that its your first time utilizing their service and you're a bit of a novice. That way they know that they're not dealing with someone accustomed to having a butler all the time and they can really find ways to delight you if you allow them to. Some travellers are accustomed to this level of service and will utilize the butler to arrange parties, shore excursions, reservations. Some travellers are accustomed to being able to walk into a show and get the best seats with no reservation, or go to dinner without having to wait for a table. And there's a cost with that level of privilege, but if you're paying for a suite with a butler, or a luxury line that has butlers with every room, you're paying for that privilege. If you dont want your butler packing you up, then let them know you dont need that service. But I'd encourage you to try it. The butler is not your standard cabin attendant where you may feel afraid of someone touching your unmentionables or afraid that they might take off with your gopro. The butler has touched and folded plenty of underwear in their time and they dont have the time to think "god that Sally in room 2001, she wore a pink THONG! the horrors of it! And Betty in 2003? She wore bloomers! The disgrace!" They have way more things to worry about than the style of your undergarments.
Another cruise vlogger said her butler left a phone number for her to call whenever she needed anything. I think that would be more comfortable for some.
I would add that a butler also will not locate or help you located illegal drugs or the services of a prostitute. Just a guess on my part, but my friend who works in a boutique hotel in West Hollywood has had some wild requests.
