CDR Benson

I intend to go similarly "off model" by requesting lobster with the prime rib. I enjoy prime rib, but never order it at a restaurant because the bang for the buck isn't there for me. (By the time you cut away all the fat, there isn't enough choice portion left to warrant the cost.) But that's not an issue on the cruise, so that's going to be the first dinner I order.

That's what happened with us on our last cruise. It was the first pleasure cruise we had ever taken, and we weren't quite sure what to expect when we disembarked. However, I'd presumed it would be more orderly. We got off the ship rightly enough, but locating our bags among the warehouse-full throng was a major pain. Then, there was the constant pick-them-up-put-them-down of waiting in line for the arranged ground transportation. But your account of the horrendous line you experienced just to get off the ship cinched my decision to let someone else do it.

Thank you for this item of information. It supports our decision to have Luggage Forward deliver our bags home after the cruise (as well as delivering them to the ship at the start). It relieves us of this hurry-up-and-wait hassle of collecting our bags at the terminal that you describe. Aye, I've read occasional horror stories of folks who had things go south when they used luggage-delivery services. But nearly all of those accounts involved shipping the luggage to an intercontinental destination. So, I think the risk here is minimal, but the benefit is huge. Your account makes me feel even better about our choice. Much obliged!

You're at the place for it. Mr. Tilkin has provided a wealth of information, stemming from his predilection for being a master planner. To be sure, as he himself recently pointed out on a new thread, no-one else's experience in the Haven is assured. As the slug in microscopic copy at the bottom of all the commercials for investment firms puts it: "Past performance is no guarantee of future results." But what Mr. Tilkin highlights is the benefit of planning and preparation---it may not guarantee the same results as he enjoyed, but it certainly increases the chances for it. I particularly appreciate his posts because I, too, am a disciple of planning. The more I can know in advance, the easier I rest. And the Good Mrs. Benson is perfectly happy to let it all happen as magic. I have referenced Mr. Tilkin's information repeatedly, particularly over the past few weeks, with our September cruise rapidly approaching in the headlights. And, so far, it's worked out splendidly. On four occasions, I've contacted the Norwegian concierge desk with requests for information or matters to be addressed. Invariably, the folks on Norwegian's end have been prompt, gracious, efficient, and extremely helpful. I have our letters to the concierge and our butler prepared. (I agree with Mr. Tilkin's rationale for them; however, I understand others may not for their own valid reasons.) Our dining reservations are in place. All that really remains is the on-line check-in, which won't be accessible until this Friday, and I have all the neccessary dates, numbers, and documents ready the instant it is. Much of this I gleaned from the planning Mr. Tilkin reported undertaking in his original post and others. Additionally, it got me to thinking of other considerations not mentioned in his preparations. Such as engaging Luggage Forward to deliver our bags to the ship and then return them home at the end of the voyage. I'm getting a bit too old to porter luggage through airport terminals and having nothing but a small carry-on streamlines things considerably. Does that mean something won't blow up in our faces? That some experience in the Haven won't disappoint? Of course not. The world's full of too many variables. But we've narrowed down the chances. That's the take-away from this thread---the awareness of preparation. And that is the grand benefit Gary Tilkin has brought to the table.

Both of your points are valid. Still, what surprises me is the ship's underwhelming response to the situation. One would think that: ■ Foremost, for humanitarian reasons ■ And, in view of the medical situation that could evolve, to avoid a lawsuit that Helen Keller could see coming . . . the ship/NCL would take extraordinary action to replace the lad's meds, either from the ship's sickbay or from a medical facility at the next port visit, even if NCL had to have the replacement meds shipped in overnight. The mind boggles over decisions made by bean-counters.

I understand that. We booked this cruise almost two years ago, and for most of that wait, it's lingered in the back of our minds. But, now it's rushing at us fast and so is our feeling of excitement. Here's wishing an absolutely enjoyable cruise for all of us.

Aye, thank you for your comprehensive review. My wife and I sail on Joy in forty-five days, and every bit of first-hand information we get from helpful folks like you is valuable. Especially, as the closer it gets to our sail date, the more current the info is. Much obliged!

I don't intend to have our butler unpack my gear, either. (I can't speak for the Good Mrs. Benson.) For the convenience of putting things where I want them, I prefer to unpack myself. Now, when we finally arrive home, after the cruise is complete, that's when I wish we had a butler to unpack my gear.

I agree---which is why my letter to my Haven butler is shorter. A bit more than your suggested pencilled list of requests, but somewhat more streamlined than Mr. Tilkin's letter.

Back in March, on the "NCL Haven Luxury VIP Experience 'Secrets' REVISED for 2022" thread, I proffered: So many Haven lodgers are relating here that they have submitted, or will submit, a letter to their respective butlers, as Mr. Tilkin recommends. I will be doing so, as well. Thus, it occurs to me that the butler staffs on the NCL ships must be noticing this new development from their assigned guests. It may even, among them, pick up a nickname, such as "the Gary letter". And at some point, the butlers will come to expect it. Along those lines, I wouldn't be surprised if, in a couple of years or so, the concept of the Gary letter becomes a convention on these boards when discussing the Haven.

Here's a copy of the letter Mr. Tilkin tenders his Haven butlers. Hope this helps. Butler_NCL_Cruises_Template (1).docx

Thank you so much for this post, ma'am. It's most helpful for putting things in perspective. It goes to the actual purpose of gratuities: to reward those who made your experience more enjoyable. Your stated amounts are also helpful. As I've said elsewhere. I'm not John Beresford Tipton, either. So, it's valuable to know your amounts were appreciated by their recipients. It enables me to better gauge what I'll be bestowing. Much obliged, ma'am!

I looked at the draught of my butler letter this morning. Your phraseology about the enclosed tip was better than mine. But, in trying to put your words in my voice, the text wound up as not recognisable from what you wrote. Bear in mind, however, that your words inspired my better re-write. Here's how our "Gary letter" reads right now: "We have been looking forward to meeting you. "I am Commander Benson, a retired United States Naval officer, and my wife is Cheryl. We have traveled in a suite before, on another cruise line, but this is our first experience with a butler. We know that we aren't the only guests you have to look after and that you stay busy. The good news is Mrs. Benson and I are low-maintenance. "We won't be throwing any parties in our suite, nor requesting any course-by-course meal service. It's too late for our birthdays, and it's too early for our anniversary. So, there's nothing to celebrate except the wonderful experience of sailing on board NORWEGIAN JOY. "Here are the requests we do have: (Here will be an itemised list, once we work out what we wish to request) "We have done our homework on the services you provide. But if we've missed something and ask for something outside of your duties, please don't hesitate to say so. The same holds if ship's protocols prevent one of our requests. "And that goes to your greatest value to us. This is our first time on NORWEGIAN JOY, or sailing with NCL. You are our subject matter expert. Any advice or information you can provide is welcomed. Feel free to offer the benefit of your experience, even if not asked. "We know we can call you directly if we want something. However, we do ask that you get in touch with us at least once a day, in person or by phone, just to check in. A copy of our shore excursion schedule is attached. "We respect the impeccable skill and experience you bring to your profession. As a token of our confidence in your service, we've enclosed part of your well-deserved tip, in advance. (NOTE: the above paragraph will be omitted in the alternate letter, the one I will tender if our butler fails to present on the first day.) "Mrs. Benson and I have been looking forward to this cruise for nearly two years and are excited to finally be on board. We are in your capable hands." (Signed) Commander and Mrs. Benson

By the way, I like your phraseology here. When I re-consult the draught of my letter, and re-read exactly how I wrote it, I may borrow your wording, instead.

It's happened to some posters here, including Mr. Tilkin. His response was to call the concierge and request the butler to make an appearance. I understand his purpose: he wanted to ensure that he got the most four-star experience possible and he was willing to initiate the butler's visit to do so. I don't criticise; it's a valid approach, for a valid reason. I disagree with it, for my wife and myself, anyway. Presenting himself in our suite on that first day is an important part of his butler duties. (Yes, I know he could be swamped with sailing-day tasks, but he could still stop by for five minutes, even if just to apologise and arrange a later time for a more thorough meeting.) I shouldn't have to prompt my butler to do his job. If he fails to show on the first day, it would make me uncertain of his concern for a professional working relationship. That means withholding a tip until I see if he goes the extra mile in service to overcome his initial gaffe. Hence, an alternate letter.

I don't have the letter right at hand, but I phrased the reference to the tip along the lines of "As a gesture of our expectation of a good working relationship, we've enclosed part of your well-deserved tip in advance."

This is the answer to anyone with cruise*enthusiast's question. The other posters, particularly Mr. Tilkin, have provided good, intelligent information which one may take into account. For my part, for our upcoming cruise in September, I will provide our butler with our "Gary letter", along with half of the total tip I intend to provide.* The implication, of course, is that the other half will depend on the level of service. This, I feel, is a workable compromise between the cost-benefits of tipping in advance or of waiting until end of cruise. I know some interpret tipping in advance as a bribe. Perhaps, but I have no motal objection to a bribe. It's a tool in the toolbox, a reasonable measure to obtain four-star service. _____________________ * As I mentioned on another thread, the initial first half of the tip is contingent on the butler presenting himself to us on the first day, as he is supposed to do. (I understand the butlers are swamped with duties that first day, but he should still be able to present himslf to us, even if just for five minutes.) If we don't see him that first day, I have an alternate "Gary letter" prepared, one with no tip or mention of one, to hand him whenever he does show up.

I didn't watch WINKY DINK AND YOU, hosted by Jack Barry, all that often. In order to participate, by drawing the bridge or the axe or whatever Winky needed to get out of trouble, one had to have the Winky Dink Magic Drawing Kit---a "magic drawing screen" to put over the television picture tube and "the magic crayons"---and my folks weren't about to spring fifty cents for something like that. Fortunately, I wasn't quite the dim bulb as a couple of the other kids in my neighbourhood whose parents didn't buy them the Winky Dink kit, either. Those kids just grabbed whatever pen or marker they could find lying around the house and rescued Winky by drawing directly on the television picture tube.

HOWDY DOODY, which I never cared for, except for Princess Summerfall Winterspring---hubba hubba! (A shame what happened to Judy Tyler.) And the Rate-a-Record segment of AMERICAN BANDSTAND.

With pleasure, sir, as long as you let me get the second round. The Good Mrs. Benson isn't THAT much younger than I am---she recognises nearly all of my references---but, yesterday, even she furrowed her brow when we were talking about art and I mentioned Jon Gnagy.

I'm impressed you recognised the topical reference. I tip my hat to you, sir. As to your question, the Good Mrs. Benson has made similar remarks, and my reply is the same: "It's not my task to keep up with them---it's their task to keep up with me."

Not at all. First, let me state that there is no shame in not being able to afford staying in the Haven. In fact, there is an eminently sensible argument for not staying in the Haven; to wit, if one spends less per cruise, one can take more cruises. I'm not John Beresford Tipton, so that is the equation the Good Mrs. Benson and I had to balance. We decided we preferred to cruise in luxury, but do it only once a year or every other year. But enjoying your stay in the Haven and the attendent extravagances is nothing to feel self-conscious about. You've paid for those perquisites. It might be something you can afford to do every month, or it might be a once-in-a-lifetime blaze of indulgence. Either way, wanting to capitalise on all that comes with it isn't snobbish.

I feel the same way. Other than the venues you mentioned, I see no real reason to lay.about the rest of the ship. That would be like renting the luxury box at the Super Bowl, but deciding to spend half the time watching the game from the bleachers.

Thank you! That clarified the vagaries that remained after reading other posts about check-in at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. (I'm one of those folks who need "Directions for Dummies") My wife and I are Haven passengers on JOY for a September cruise. Yours was excellent instruction for us to know where to go and what proceeds. Much obliged.

It's possible the Uniform Regs regarding the wearing of miniature devices and medals on civilian attire have changed in the sixteen years since I retired. But, as I remember them, there was no provision for wearing rank devices with civilian attire. But, guess what? In this case, old stickler-for-the-rules Commander Benson doesn't care. You gents have earned it---making C.P.O. is a singular achievement---and I have no problem with you displaying it (albeit tastefully), even if only other old salts like me would know it for what it means. In the cooler months, I wear my leather flight jacket (I'm a S.W.O., but my first duty station was a carrier and I got it there; forty-two years later, it still fits) with civilian clothes. In fact. I'm bringing it with me on our September cruise to Canada/New England. So, I certainly understand the reverence one feels for his successful career of military service. Wear your C.P.O. pins with pride, shipmates.