What do you ask your butler for?

[Russ_MT]

Many threads on YC and butler service.   So what can/should you ask your butler to do?    

What can we ask our butler to do? 

 

Go.....

[Beamafar]

At our first meeting with our butler we let him know what spirits we would like stocked in the mini-bar at each re-fill (2 whiskies, 2 gins, no vodka) and hand over the items we wanted ironed.  Having said that, we also do this with a room steward when not in YC.

 

On one sailing, I had the butler organise sandwiches to take on excursions as I'm a picky eater and may have a problem with 'local' food.

 

Your butler will also pack and unpack for you (you must be present for this) and polish shoes.  I've never required either service from one.

 

Your butler will usually be the one to bring room service and fetch pizza if you order it (providing he/she's on duty).  We rarely use room service in YC - we usually have our 3 meals a day in the restaurant and are too full for in-between meal snacks.

 

Service in the Top Sail Lounge and One Pool Bar is provided by butlers (not necessarily your one, unless they are assigned duties there - which they are at times).  Butlers also escort you on (at embarkation) and off the ship for excursions, etc, bringing you to the top of the queue to debark (in the Med, they don't escort you back on after visiting a port - there usually isn't even a YC dedicated gangway;  you re-board with the masses).

 

When booked on an MSC excursion, a butler will put 'Reserved' signs on the front seats of the bus for YC passengers - the signs usually indicate the guest's cabin numbers.

 

I'm sure this can be added to by those with other experiences.

 

 

[hamrag]

2 hours ago, Beamafar said:

.....Butlers also escort you on (at embarkation) and off the ship for excursions, etc, bringing you to the top of the queue to debark (in the Med, they don't escort you back on after visiting a port - there usually isn't even a YC dedicated gangway;  you re-board with the masses)....

 

 

 

With regard to the Med, we returned from a self exploration tour in Valencia to a mammoth boarding queue and were very glad to see a butler with the YC paddle to escort us right to the front at the security point....a wonderful touch, on a steaming hot day. We did not see them routinely, to be fair, although all the other ports that trip had no queue to speak of and we wondered if they provide this service only when queues build up?

 

We seem a bit like yourselves, inasmuch as we are no real trouble to the butler and somewhat undemanding.

[emmas gran]

Bea & hamrag Nor sure why the OP has asked the question as they have sailed YC previously

Liz

[hamrag]

4 minutes ago, emmas gran said:

Bea & hamrag Nor sure why the OP has asked the question as they have sailed YC previously

Liz

 

Indeed but, like us, if they are 'low maintenance folks they are probably just wondering what others require of their butler. That may alert them to something they would indeed like to avail themselves of.

[emmas gran]

I have to agree with that as I picked up things from Bea's post that we had not thought of -Thanks Bea

Liz

[Zephyr173]

I have asked a butler to make/cancel reservations for the spinning classes at the gym. Have considered asking the butler to attend in my stead as well 🙂

[Beamafar]

Something else I just thought of (though I tend to use the Concierge for booking appointments, etc - or do them myself lol) - your butler will notify the restaurant of the time you'd like to dine that evening (if it differs from your usual time, that is.  We tend to go early most evenings, but there have been times when that didn't suit).

[Fogfog]

Helpful thread as we will be sailing B2B in early 2020 in YC 

So nice to know what is possible

We are undemanding. On another line we found the stewards so overworked so hated to ask for things possible. 

Minibar changes would be something we'd ask. 

[Nashna]

9 hours ago, Beamafar said:

When booked on an MSC excursion, a butler will put 'Reserved' signs on the front seats of the bus for YC passengers - the signs usually indicate the guest's cabin numbers.

 

I would imagine that might raise frowns of disapproval from the non YC guests on the excursion.    

 

[Nashna]

I agree...this is a great question.

 

[Beamafar]

7 minutes ago, Nashna said:

I would imagine that might raise frowns of disapproval from the non YC guests on the excursion.    

 

 

I personally don't agree with it being done;  I've experienced it from both sides and will admit that I do take up the reserved seats when we're in YC.  However, as everyone pays the same for the excursions I believe it's just wrong that this happens.  I guess there's nothing to stop people from removing the signs from the seats, but I reckon that most people on excursions don't know the reason behind them.

 

Last year, on Splendida's repo from Dubai to Japan, I saw a man from YC carry on to the point where he was in danger of having a heart attack (no exaggeration) as a result of not having a seat reserved on an excursion bus.  We had boarded the bus before him and were very happily ensconced in our front seats, watching the guy storm off the bus to scream at someone, then get back on the bus, storm up and down the aisle before replaying the whole thing over and over and over again.  All the reps out in the car park that he approached just ignored him.  He was like a demon for the whole day because of it.

[Fogfog]

1 minute ago, Beamafar said:

 

I personally don't agree with it being done;  I've experienced it from both sides and will admit that I do take up the reserved seats when we're in YC.  However, as everyone pays the same for the excursions I believe it's just wrong that this happens.  I guess there's nothing to stop people from removing the signs from the seats, but I reckon that most people on excursions don't know the reason behind them.

 

Last year, on Splendida's repo from Dubai to Japan, I saw a man from YC carry on to the point where he was in danger of having a heart attack (no exaggeration) as a result of not having a seat reserved on an excursion bus.  We had boarded the bus before him and were very happily ensconced in our front seats, watching the guy storm off the bus to scream at someone, then get back on the bus, storm up and down the aisle before replaying the whole thing over and over and over again.  All the reps out in the car park that he approached just ignored him.  He was like a demon for the whole day because of it.

I hear you

And yet

--it is part of the perks of sailing YC which is far more pricey than other cabins/levels.

There are many who roll their eyes that they would "never" pay that for a cabin ... 

I don't begrudge those in suite class on other ships. They pay for the services/amenities

For Ocean Cay there will be YC beach, YC bar, YC buffet and YC transportation on the island.

We are looking fwd to all of that... Our B2B in early 2020 is far and away more $$$$ than others. 

[pirate4me2]

I am glad this thread was started, as we are sailing our first MSC cruise next September and we are trying out YC. I was really wondering what the heck I would need a butler for, we mainly booked YC for the private deck area! However, I do like the idea of the mini bar being personalized to our tastes, although with the bar area I am not sure if we will utilize it or not.

[Beamafar]

3 minutes ago, pirate4me2 said:

I am glad this thread was started, as we are sailing our first MSC cruise next September and we are trying out YC. I was really wondering what the heck I would need a butler for, we mainly booked YC for the private deck area! However, I do like the idea of the mini bar being personalized to our tastes, although with the bar area I am not sure if we will utilize it or not.

 

There are also snacks in the mini-bar that you won't get elsewhere, such as Pringles, peanuts, mixed nuts and chocolate-covered nuts which you may take a liking to!  😃  It's also handy to have water and juice to hand in the fridge - especially in the morning on waking.

Edited August 20, 2019 by Beamafar

[pirate4me2]

13 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

 

There are also snacks in the mini-bar that you won't get elsewhere, such as Pringles, peanuts, mixed nuts and chocolate-covered nuts which you may take a liking to!  😃  It's also handy to have water and juice to hand in the fridge - especially in the morning on waking.

Oh my gosh, I LOVE chocolate covered nuts! Oh boy, we will be spoiled. I do like the idea of bottled water, especially for excursions!

[Beamafar]

Here's a photo of the contents. You can also ask your butler for extras:



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[Bluewake]

In a few weeks, we will be sailing in the Yacht Club (on the Seaside) for the first time. As we have no prior YC experience, we have a few "rookie" questions and a bit of a concern relevant to this particular thread in regard to which I'd appreciate thoughts. 

 

Dining Room Questions:   When dining in the YC restaurant, are you seated at tables with others or at tables strictly for those in your party?  Are dining times and tables assigned or can one go whenever, and sit wherever, one wants?   Is there a mandatory or expected mode of dress for the restaurant?  Are men expected to wear a suit and tie or would a collared golf/polo shirt and slacks be acceptable?   For women?

 

Theater Show Questions:  Are reservations  necessary?   Can one simply to go the theater and sit either in the YC section or anywhere?

 

The Concern:  In reading this and other related threads, I must admit that I am becoming concerned we may present a problem to our butler.  Our reason for choosing the YC was for the relaxation afforded by the private lounge, restaurant, and pool as well as for the beverage package, expedited boarding, etc....not for the butler.  In fact, I would find it slightly uncomfortable to have someone hovering in watch or repeatedly approaching me or our cabin to see if we might need anything.  We much prefer to be independent, to move around and get whatever we may need for ourselves, and simply to enjoy the semi-seclusion of the YC.  Perhaps I am misunderstanding some of the posts but to think that a butler might be disappointed or consider it a negative statement about his/her performance because we have no particular needs is a bit disconcerting.  Perhaps there are certain things that must be accomplished through the butler?   I actually am starting to wonder if we'd be better off in a balcony cabin elsewhere on the ship!   Appreciate any thoughts.

Edited August 20, 2019 by Bluewake

[JessandLevi]

We are sailing in our first YC cabin June 2020 so I am glad I found this post. I love the idea of having the mini bar tailored for us as we do not drink Gin. I am looking forward to more tips.

[Nashna]

I let the room steward or butler know what we expect at our first meeting.  Since the butlers have plenty to do, I'm sure yours will be happy to learn that you do not wish to be escorted everywhere and you do not wish to have hovering service.    

[Nashna]

I am a wine drinker.  Do they offer bottles to keep in the room?   My husband just likes tonic water or ginger beer.  Is it possible to ask them to remove the rest of the booze and just have specialty soft drinks?

[Beamafar]

Bluelake ... you're worrying unnecessarily!  Believe me, your butler won't come checking on you regularly to make sure you're OK, but will be on hand if you need anything.  We're very low-maintenance, which, I think, a lot of butlers relish.

 

You will not be seated with others in the restaurant unless you wish to be - such as if you befriend people and choose to dine with them.  You will have your own table.  It may differ from evening to evening;  some (asst) m'Ds don't like people to dine at the same table each evening (we experienced that on one particular cruise).  If you go at the same time and have indicated at embarkation that you would, you may have the same table - and waiters - for the whole of your cruise.

 

Dress is smart casual so no need for a suit.  Long pants are all that are required, with either a polo or regular shirt - even on formal nights now, if you don't want to wear a jacket & tie/suit, etc.  Anything goes for women as long as it's not a bathing suit lol.

 

On Seaside you need reservations for the theatre if you wish to go along and choose your own seating.  I believe that they have an area for YC guests which you wouldn't need reservations for if you're content to sit there.

 

 

[Beamafar]

6 minutes ago, Nashna said:

I am a wine drinker.  Do they offer bottles to keep in the room?   My husband just likes tonic water or ginger beer.  Is it possible to ask them to remove the rest of the booze and just have specialty soft drinks?

 

There are bottles to purchase which, I'm sure, you can bring back to your cabin (or the sommelier may arrange to have delivered).  The list was posted on another thread, but I didn't keep a copy as I'm happy enough with the 'by the glass' selection.

 

Your butler can bring glasses of wine to your cabin as part of room service.  He will also stock your mini-bar with any items that you require and are available.  I've read of several different posters requesting items such as a glass of Bailey's to be provided for a night-cap which their butler duly arranged to be available each evening as well as other types of requests.  We only ever ask for what I've already outlined in post #2.

[Cruisergal1208]

Last time on Seaside in YC(August), the butlers insisted on escorting us to dinner, shows, and anywhere else we wanted to go.  We were escorted to a show without reservations.   Dining -  You will be asked for an approx. time you wish to dine.  If you wish to have the same table each night, just let it be known.  We usually sit at a table for 2 and they are close enough to others that you van visit if you so choose.  The butlers will be working in the Topsail and the One Pool area and any of them, not just yours, will be ready to provide whatever is needed. 

[hamrag]

1 hour ago, Beamafar said:

.....I've read of several different posters requesting items such as a glass of Bailey's to be provided for a night-cap which their butler duly arranged to be available each evening as well as other types of requests.  We only ever ask for what I've already outlined in post #2.

 

Now, now Bea....the regular posters, based on some of your posts, strongly suspect it was you who made that particular request!! 🤣