Getting in touch with butler ahead of trip

[Zenica]

Is it possible to be in contact with your butler prior to departure?

Like a few days or so?

 

I'd like to have a banner strung across the ceiling of our cabin so when we open the door, its the first thing

my wife sees, along with a bouquet of flowers and perhaps a fruit tray.

 

I'd also like to know, can you put in special requests to the chef??? This may sound absurd but I have been on

a life long mission to replicate a dessert from when I was a child.

 

My mom would take us to a restaurant for dinner once a week. They had a dessert called creme de mint pie.

It was sublime. Even at 12 years of age I knew it was not your average fare. I have had many efforts made for me

by various restaurants but only one came close. It's a long shot, both in that they'd be willing to try and that it

would hit the mark but if I don't ask...

 

So, has anyone else ever asked and what was the response?

 

Are either of these feasible?

[Weetahbugdotcom]

You can order the fruit tray, and a celebration package that includes a banner and a cake and things, online. I doubt you are going to get the kitchen to test and create a whole dessert just for one passenger though.

 

 

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[Smong]

You can call the concierge department with your requests I don’t believe you can contact butler before sailing

[gatime]

-You should have a flower arrangement in your room upon arrival, it comes with all suites. (standard)

-Fruit basket comes in all suites. (standard)

-As far as a banner goes they sell the package online under Gifts and More. If you purchase this banner package it will all be set up when you arrive to the room, you don't have to set it up.

-Special replicated dessert. Pretty sure this isn't going to happen, but never hurts to ask once onboard.

[don't-use-real-name]

About 4-6 weeks before sailing you should receive a letter from NCL with your luggage tags (Yes

suites get luggage tags - these are the nifty ones with self stickem - NO staples pins or needles)

 

Read the letter for more details on contacting the Concierge on your ship - SPELL out the DETAILS

exactly like you would like them to be presented - also note there will be a 800 phone number to call

to arrange any last minute details or corrections.

 

Now about that special dessert - attend the Meet and Greet and get introduced to the Executive Chef

and tell him about your quest - NCL can make wedding anniversary and birthday cakes and other treats

found in the buffet - don't despair - it is possible !

[xriva]

You can order the fruit tray, and a celebration package that includes a banner and a cake and things, online. I doubt you are going to get the kitchen to test and create a whole dessert just for one passenger though.

 

 

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If you do order a package online, just know that it then shows up on everyone’s amenities list online on myNCL (everyone on the same reservation.) So, it’s difficult to keep it a surprise.

 

My wife even had one of our friends order my birthday package for her last year and it still showed up on our amenities sheets, because it was for our cabin.

 

 

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[Zenica]

Thanks everyone...I'll keep an eye out for the letter and tags in the mail.

 

I was set to order some packages but your warning, xriva, has me thinking.

While my wife hasn't yet bothered to look at our itinerary or profile, I can't be certain she won't in the next 6 months.

Perhaps its coded so as to not appear obvious?

[xriva]

It's under prepaid items or the amenities section. I was looking back at some of our old cruise docs to see if I could find it. You have to notice it, or you have to be scanning each line.

 

I know my wife specifically got our friends to purchase it this year, so I wouldn't see it, and I did - but I read things :)

 

I have seen other people here complaining that surprises have been spoiled by the line item showing up on the online system.

 

It will say "Romance Package" or whatever the name of the package is.

 

People that don't read details may miss it, but I'm not sure it's the way to bet.

 

Kevin

 

 

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[TinAlaska]

Is it possible to be in contact with your butler prior to departure?

Like a few days or so?

 

I'd like to have a banner strung across the ceiling of our cabin so when we open the door, its the first thing

my wife sees, along with a bouquet of flowers and perhaps a fruit tray.

 

I'd also like to know, can you put in special requests to the chef??? This may sound absurd but I have been on

a life long mission to replicate a dessert from when I was a child.

 

My mom would take us to a restaurant for dinner once a week. They had a dessert called creme de mint pie.

It was sublime. Even at 12 years of age I knew it was not your average fare. I have had many efforts made for me

by various restaurants but only one came close. It's a long shot, both in that they'd be willing to try and that it

would hit the mark but if I don't ask...

 

So, has anyone else ever asked and what was the response?

 

Are either of these feasible?

 

I believe you are describing "grasshopper pie"? It's delicious. Green in color, made with creme de menthe and creme de cocoa mixed with whipped cream, plus probably some other stuff, on an Oreo cookie crust. Sound right?

[LrgPizza]

Regarding that pie... Why not simply google the recipe and make it yourself? It's not like it's some delicacy that only a trained chef can do. I'm not sure why you'd bother various restaurants over the years only to be disappointed.

[cb at sea]

Google "grasshopper" pie...it might be the same thing!

[BostonGal35]

NCL is not known for its desserts. probably anything they try to put together, even if they can put it together, will disappoint.

[Zenica]

I believe you are describing "grasshopper pie"? It's delicious. Green in color, made with creme de menthe and creme de cocoa mixed with whipped cream, plus probably some other stuff, on an Oreo cookie crust. Sound right?

 

Very similar, close enough that this restaurant may have been using a grasshopper pie recipe they tweaked.

The mint was lighter than every grasshopper pie I've had and if I had to put a finger on it, I'd say they used whipped marshmallow instead of whipped cream.

 

 

So few people have heard of grasshopper pie I've stopped referring to that pie by name.

If the mint isn't so heavy, I'd enjoy a slice or four of grasshopper pie as well.

 

 

I've tried making my own over the years. I can't seem to nail down the fluffy yet firm consistency.

I've watched hours of chef videos, tried various recipes and tweaked a few. So far, an Indian restaurant in

NY called Mint came close but they added a slight citric component that RUINED it. Under that citric flavor

was the mint, spot on. The texture and consistency was perfect, as was the color.

 

I meant to go back a week later but couldn't get the time. By the time I did, they moved to another location

and changed chefs. Had I known then what I know now, I'd have asked to speak with the chef and paid

him for the recipe.

 

It's worth noting I was in NY for a conference that week and just passing by the restaurant. The name is what

made me walk in. When I saw it was an Indian restaurant and I was going to just have lunch and leave but

 

on a whim I asked what the connection was to the restaurants name and if they had any desserts with mint.

 

They didn't and they asked what I wanted so I told them. They had a pie ready for me at dinner the following night.

By the time I left, that pie was gone and not by me either!

Edited October 11, 2017 by Zenica

[Disney323]

We are on the Breakaway now and about 3 weeks before the cruise we received the letter with our luggage tags. I immediately emailed concierge and they got right back to me confirming receipt of my ens and sending me a "pillow menu" so that we could choose the type of pillows we wanted. I also requested empty the fridge and decaf coffee. Flowers are I. Your room upon arrival. You can bring your own banner/decorations and have the butler decorate for you, but that would be after arrival, so you'll have to purchase.

[Zenica]

I'm hoping to have something setup in the room prior to my wife walking in, so its the first thing she sees.

I may just have to order a package and hope she doesn't decide to check the itinerary online.

[don't-use-real-name]

I'm hoping to have something setup in the room prior to my wife walking in, so its the first thing she sees.

I may just have to order a package and hope she doesn't decide to check the itinerary online.

 

*** SURPRIZES *** are always fun to pull off in a big way.

 

Get a hold of the Butler in the Lounge before boarding your ship - give him the bag with the decorations and

banners etc. - take advantage of the Butler escort on board and have the Butler say that your stateroom is not

quite available taking you instead to lunch at the Suite Guest lunch restaurant. The Butler leaves you at lunch

and takes your surprise bag and others to the stateroom to make the surprise a work in progress. The time it

takes for lunch should be adequate to decorate the stateroom with the event - perhaps even adding an additional

bottle of bubbly to celebrate the event. Give this some thought - confirm with the Concierge - it is possible !

 

AND about that dessert - you are in a suite and have the UBP (beverage package) - I know the NCL house

cake desert will not be the same but there are ways to have a crème de menthe liquor side drink with the cake

to improvise that dream !

 

Bon Voyage Congratulations and have a very memorable cruise !

 

PS lets hope she is not reading the cruise critic forum ! LOL !

[USNUZULOOSE]

NCL is not known for its desserts. probably anything they try to put together, even if they can put it together, will disappoint.

Very easy pie to make. Just need the 2 different bottles of cream de mint to add to it. I might make one for thanksgiving now.....;)