Suite Questions

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

To each their own, but I think a majority of suite cruises apprecaiet the service provided by a butler.

 

No, I don't have one at home, but work hard, and take care of others. When I'm on vacation, I want someone to take care of me. I don't feel as thought we demand a lot, but it's nice for someone else to set the table for breakfast, bring the afternoon snacks, or make my dinner reservations. I'm on vacation from ALL of that WORK.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

I agree. One of the reasons I cruise is to not have to do all the mundane stuff I do at home. It's lovely to have a butler occasionally as a treat.

 

To those who have treated their butlers respectfully but have received less than stellar service, then it's time for a conversation with the head butler. Celebrity can't fix what it doesn't know about. That being said, my friend had a delightful butler on the Century who was totally anxious to please but had clearly not been properly trained. He brought us our dinner all at once. I don't think Celebrity devotes the time and resources to training that it once did.

[Cruising89143]

To each their own, but I think a majority of suite cruises apprecaiet the service provided by a butler.

 

No, I don't have one at home, but work hard, and take care of others. When I'm on vacation, I want someone to take care of me. I don't feel as thought we demand a lot, but it's nice for someone else to set the table for breakfast, bring the afternoon snacks, or make my dinner reservations. I'm on vacation from ALL of that WORK.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Agree 100%. Another to not cruise with Princess.

[Shirley C]

I've had 6 butlers - 3 I loved (1, Chip, remembered me from a transatlantic on Eclipse when he saw me 10 months later on Connie and greeted me warmly by name, even though he wasn't my butler on Connie), 2 that were OK, and 1 I couldn't even tell you his name.

 

The one I can't recall his name served me in the Penthouse on Reflection for 7 days.

 

1 of the "ok" ones it HAD to be among his first cruses, he was very scripted in his delivery and insistent on escorting me around to introduce me to the ship and its amenities even though I told him it was my 5th sailing in a suite and I was OK without.

 

We had Chip when we sailed on the Eclipse in 2013. He was great. We've had mostly great butlers, but a couple of bad ones. I think great butlers can make a huge difference in your cruise.

 

Shirley

[Project_gal]

Hello Sue,

You held a wonderful party in your Penthouse suite. We had the pleasure of attending- we loved the decorations as well as the snacks. You are a great hostess!

 

Thank you- Hope to sail with you again soon!

 

Thank you.

 

Jose Luis did a fantastic job with the rather cheap and tacky decorations we took with us. He also does a great flower arrangement and is probably the most artistic of the butlers we have had.

 

That is one of the great things about meeting different butlers - each one brings different skills and can surprise you in different ways.

[Antonintassie]

Hi

 

I stay at the Raffles Hotel in Dubai and the butlers are fantastic its a shame Singapore did not impress I can not compare as I never travel in Asia

 

 

I love the phrase "Anticipative Service" as it sums up a great deal what I try to explain to people when they ask what a good butler does. I believe to need to add to that "Innovative Service" because a great butler will also provide solutions better than those you can conceive yourself.

 

However, I wish I could be as confident as you about training. Raffles uses the same training organisation as Azamara and, as I said in a previous post, all the butlers at Raffles were dreadful. Training may add a final gloss to a butler but, to a great extent, they are born and not made. If they do not have a natural empathy, it is impossible for them ever to anticipate what is required. If they are not naturally creative, it is impossible for them to learn how to be innovative.

[wineoclock]

We had Savio as our butler on the Galaxy & Jesus (pronounced Hesus) in PH on the equinox. Both were excellent but Jesus was exceptional - he really made the cruise for us. We love finding out about people's families when on board. We always treat the wonderful staff the way we would like to be treated if in their shoes. A smile, a please and a thank you go a long way.

[Murray's Pop]

I agree. One of the reasons I cruise is to not have to do all the mundane stuff I do at home. It's lovely to have a butler occasionally as a treat.

 

To those who have treated their butlers respectfully but have received less than stellar service, then it's time for a conversation with the head butler. Celebrity can't fix what it doesn't know about. That being said, my friend had a delightful butler on the Century who was totally anxious to please but had clearly not been properly trained. He brought us our dinner all at once. I don't think Celebrity devotes the time and resources to training that it once did.

 

Have to agree here. On our Century cruise we had a terrible butler. He said when he introduced himself he was new. Obviously not well trained. He also brought our 1 dinner all at once, and it was cold.

 

We did have a conversation with guest services, and never received any acknowledgement of our issues.

 

We had OUTSTANDING butlers on NCL as a comparison.

[maggie.1008]

I have a mini suite booked on Princess this October. I will miss the butler service we receive in our sky suite on Celebrity ! Too bad Celebrity will not consider 7 nts. Pacific coastal from west coast !

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Have to agree here. On our Century cruise we had a terrible butler. He said when he introduced himself he was new. Obviously not well trained. He also brought our 1 dinner all at once' date=' and it was cold.

 

We did have a conversation with guest services, and never received any acknowledgement of our issues.

 

We had OUTSTANDING butlers on NCL as a comparison.[/quote']

 

Well, I wouldn't say that was a terrible butler, just one who had not been properly trained. As long as he was willing to do what you needed, the mechanics of how to serve dinner can be taught to him. I fault Celebrity for throwing these new butlers out there to sink or swim with no or minimal training.

 

If I had a conversation with guest relations and the issue were not resolved, I would escalate to the hotel manager.

 

[Murray's Pop]

Well, I wouldn't say that was a terrible butler, just one who had not been properly trained. As long as he was willing to do what you needed, the mechanics of how to serve dinner can be taught to him. I fault Celebrity for throwing these new butlers out there to sink or swim with no or minimal training.

 

If I had a conversation with guest relations and the issue were not resolved, I would escalate to the hotel manager.

 

 

The in suite dinner service was only 1 small example of his ineptitude. And yes, he was absolutely not trained well prior to being assigned. He might become a very good butler after training and experience, and I am hopeful that will occur.

 

I probably should have clarified my comments re: notifying Guest Relations. Our notification of our butler problems to guest relations was an FYI to them, and they did not seem too concerned.

 

We did speak to the Hotel Manager, as he joined us for coffee a few mornings in the Cova Cafe. We suggested that additional training might be helpful, and he was quite appreciative for the information.

 

Our primary cruise line (HAL) does not provide butlers for their suites, but one of our secondary lines (NCL) does. The butlers on all of our NCL cruises were wonderful.

 

The butler's lack of service on the Century did not ruin our cruise, and I am fairly confident that other Celebrity butlers, who have adequate training, provide excellent service.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

The in suite dinner service was only 1 small example of his ineptitude. And yes' date=' he was absolutely not trained well prior to being assigned. He might become a very good butler after training and experience, and I am hopeful that will occur.

 

I probably should have clarified my comments re: notifying Guest Relations. Our notification of our butler problems to guest relations was an FYI to them, and they did not seem too concerned.

 

We did speak to the Hotel Manager, as he joined us for coffee a few mornings in the Cova Cafe. We suggested that additional training might be helpful, and he was quite appreciative for the information.

 

Our primary cruise line (HAL) does not provide butlers for their suites, but one of our secondary lines (NCL) does. The butlers on all of our NCL cruises were wonderful.

 

The butler's lack of service on the Century did not ruin our cruise, and I am fairly confident that other Celebrity butlers, who have adequate training, provide excellent service.[/quote']

 

I definitely noticed a lack of training on the Century this spring. I don't know if they're having trouble getting enough employees or if the number crunchers have decided to cut training, but in the long run, I think it will be a disadvantage to them. That is what always stood out about Celebrity--the well trained staff.

[need2bespoiled]

I definitely noticed a lack of training on the Century this spring. I don't know if they're having trouble getting enough employees or if the number crunchers have decided to cut training, but in the long run, I think it will be a disadvantage to them. That is what always stood out about Celebrity--the well trained staff.

 

We had a "fair" butler on Century this spring, but he said he was with the cruise line for 20 years. Lack of training or complacency end up with the same result.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[bonedoc7]

Our first (and best) butler was on princess. Wei (pronounced as we, not sure how to spell it) was absolutely amazing. He would always surprise us with little treats, milk and cookies, hot chocolate for the kids (spiked ones for the adults). We were cruising Alaska and he would come with extra blankets when it was cold. He seemed to know what we wanted before we even knew we wanted it. Unfortunately he ruined us for anyone else. Next time we booked the same suite on princess, our experience was less then mediocre. Our first with celebrity was good (we had Chip) and I am looking forward to our next Alaskan experience on the millennium.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Shirley C]

Our first (and best) butler was on princess. Wei (pronounced as we, not sure how to spell it) was absolutely amazing. He would always surprise us with little treats, milk and cookies, hot chocolate for the kids (spiked ones for the adults). We were cruising Alaska and he would come with extra blankets when it was cold. He seemed to know what we wanted before we even knew we wanted it. Unfortunately he ruined us for anyone else. Next time we booked the same suite on princess, our experience was less then mediocre. Our first with celebrity was good (we had Chip) and I am looking forward to our next Alaskan experience on the millennium.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

Chip seems to be getting great reviews. Another one we really like is Nelson. We've had Nelson three times now. Always goes out of his way for us.

Edited June 30, 2014 by Shirley C

[groryjm]

Just returned from a 7 night Eastern Med cruise on Equinox in a CS. Wanting to respond to the queries about what is already in place for suite class. I'm not sure how much was in place already but this is what we received last week:

Priority boarding. A dedicated line (although there was no queue) to go down, met at the front and taken to the next available check in member. Met at check in by the Suite class host and escorted directly to Michael's club where we were sat down and given drinks (very nice!). Priority with the baggage and access to the suite 2 or 3 hours before the rooms were opened generally so we could stow stuff in the safe etc and go back off ship.

At each port there was a separate "suite class" line to re-board - complete with red carpet and red ropes, allowing access immediately to the front of the queue and through the scanners. I'm not sure if it was connected to suite class or our beverage package but we were allowed to bring bottles of alcohol etc on board and keep them in the suite. Having pre-paid for a premium beverage package I guess they were quite happy for us to drink at our own rather than their expense!

Complimentary butler / room service. Breakfast to order in the suite. Eating a full hot breakfast (from 6am) before an early excursion was very civilized - plus main breakfast is not open that early! Afternoon tea and canapes brought to the suite. Priority seating at the theater with your butler to escort you to dedicated premium seating. The butler also did table arrangements etc for both main dining and specialty restaurants.

Michael's club. Free unlimited drinks - very generous measures. Although we had pre paid a beverage pack anyway we never had to show cards etc. Cold refreshment items all day - so pastries in the morning, tiny sandwiches at lunch etc. All the menus from every specialty restaurant were there and if you wanted a dish from there the Michael s' club staff would fetch it for you. There were also exclusive events, private entertainment etc available in the evenings. It was very quiet, other than the specialist events there were never more than 2 or 3 other people there.

We got a huge pack of vouchers. Access to the top tier captains club events - although we didn't bother as Michel's club was nicer. Private tour of the bridge. Free laundry, more internet time than we could ever possibly use, free ice cream, vouchers for the casino, game time on the arcade and a few other things we simply didn't have time to use.

On disembarkation we waited again in Michael's club for a private escort down and through the various formalities straight onto the coach for transfer to the airport.

[scotslizzy]

This is more like it. Sailing Sept in a CS . When you state that they will get you something from the speciality restuarants do you mean a cheeseplate from Murano ? I love the cheese from Murano and I would be in heaven if this was the case.

 

Thanks

 

Scotslizzy

[C-Dragons]

Just returned from a 7 night Eastern Med cruise on Equinox in a CS. Wanting to respond to the queries about what is already in place for suite class. I'm not sure how much was in place already but this is what we received last week:

Priority boarding. A dedicated line (although there was no queue) to go down, met at the front and taken to the next available check in member. Met at check in by the Suite class host and escorted directly to Michael's club where we were sat down and given drinks (very nice!). Priority with the baggage and access to the suite 2 or 3 hours before the rooms were opened generally so we could stow stuff in the safe etc and go back off ship.

At each port there was a separate "suite class" line to re-board - complete with red carpet and red ropes, allowing access immediately to the front of the queue and through the scanners. I'm not sure if it was connected to suite class or our beverage package but we were allowed to bring bottles of alcohol etc on board and keep them in the suite. Having pre-paid for a premium beverage package I guess they were quite happy for us to drink at our own rather than their expense!

Complimentary butler / room service. Breakfast to order in the suite. Eating a full hot breakfast (from 6am) before an early excursion was very civilized - plus main breakfast is not open that early! Afternoon tea and canapes brought to the suite. Priority seating at the theater with your butler to escort you to dedicated premium seating. The butler also did table arrangements etc for both main dining and specialty restaurants.

Michael's club. Free unlimited drinks - very generous measures. Although we had pre paid a beverage pack anyway we never had to show cards etc. Cold refreshment items all day - so pastries in the morning, tiny sandwiches at lunch etc. All the menus from every specialty restaurant were there and if you wanted a dish from there the Michael s' club staff would fetch it for you. There were also exclusive events, private entertainment etc available in the evenings. It was very quiet, other than the specialist events there were never more than 2 or 3 other people there.

We got a huge pack of vouchers. Access to the top tier captains club events - although we didn't bother as Michel's club was nicer. Private tour of the bridge. Free laundry, more internet time than we could ever possibly use, free ice cream, vouchers for the casino, game time on the arcade and a few other things we simply didn't have time to use.

On disembarkation we waited again in Michael's club for a private escort down and through the various formalities straight onto the coach for transfer to the airport.

So it was possible to do this for lunch?

[groryjm]

We didn't try it out - but that's what the staff said they would do when we asked.

 

Murano's has a full cheese board so I don't know if you would have to go and choose or just take pot luck! There was always cheese in the chiller cabinet in Michael's from about 11.30. Given the type of service elsewhere I'm sure if you asked for something specific there it would be fetched for you.

[vulcan1971]

We didn't try it out - but that's what the staff said they would do when we asked.

 

Murano's has a full cheese board so I don't know if you would have to go and choose or just take pot luck! There was always cheese in the chiller cabinet in Michael's from about 11.30. Given the type of service elsewhere I'm sure if you asked for something specific there it would be fetched for you.

 

groryjm -

 

Thanks very much for coming back to give us details on the services and treatment that you received as a suite guest.

[C-Dragons]

We didn't try it out - but that's what the staff said they would do when we asked.

.

Thank you so much for all your information. :)

Edited July 4, 2014 by C-Dragons

[Number34]

We got a huge pack of vouchers. Access to the top tier captains club events - although we didn't bother as Michel's club was nicer. Private tour of the bridge. Free laundry, more internet time than we could ever possibly use, free ice cream, vouchers for the casino, game time on the arcade and a few other things we simply didn't have time to use.i

 

Greg, did you get the vouchers because you were in a suite or are you also a high rank Captains club member? Am in a CS later this month and wondering how much to budget for laundry, internet etc. We have never sailed Celebrity before so are not Captains club members.

[Balloon Man]

Our first (and best) butler was on princess. Wei (pronounced as we, not sure how to spell it) was absolutely amazing.

 

Princess? We've never had a butler on Princess servicing our suite.

[Balloon Man]

bonedoc7: Butler on Princess? We've never had a butler on Princess servicing our suite.

[need2bespoiled]

Greg, did you get the vouchers because you were in a suite or are you also a high rank Captains club member? Am in a CS later this month and wondering how much to budget for laundry, internet etc. We have never sailed Celebrity before so are not Captains club members.

 

No garuntees, but often CS, RS, PH and the upper suites on Reflection are given Elite status (invite to Elite events) and Elite coupons. You won't know for due un til you board but I would be more surprised if you didn't get them.

 

Happy sailing

Jenna

[bonedoc7]

I might be wrong calling him a butler, not sure what his official title was. We were on the Diamond, in the Grand suite, and he took care of us. Not just the room, but everything that we could possibly need. He handled our reservations, meal service, snacks in the room and made sure our formal wear was pressed (even though, I hadn't asked him to). Regardless of what his official job title was/is, he was the best we have ever had. He could have been our stateroom attendant (although, I know he had someone else helping him out as well) and he just went he extra mile. :)