Butler is Everthing!!

[tnt10]

2 hours ago, rattanchair said:

Dear FF,  No, please do not misinterpret my post, you are too fine a poster. We all love different things. We never waited on any cruise line booking suites. DW requested a broiled chicken breast every night for dinner. Me , I am happy to try anything on the menu. Special requests for something as simple as a broiled chicken breast took 2 hours. I think the chef is trying to tell us, please nothing special, even if we request it in advance...

 P.S. Well on second thought , we were asked to wait for a dinner on a RCCL cruise in the Coastal Kitchen with a standing reservation in an Owners Suite.. But I attribute that to NSPP , non-suite pinnacle passengers who are given priority...

The NSPP are one of the reasons we have given up on Royal, after 20 years of sailing with them.  Even as a Royal Suite guest, they (rarely in a suite), are given preference over suite pax... Onto other cruiselines!!

Happy Sailing!!

[SailBreakaway]

Here’s a question, we were on SS in YC in June for first time, and the experience was fantastic however the Butler was AWFUL! If you want his name I will happily supply it. Having said that, we are returning in December (SS) and February (Mera). If you’ve had an outstanding experience and service from your Butler can you provide his or her first (and/or last) name here? It would be most valuable to me and possibly others. 

[Norwich Cruiser]

We don’t actually use our butlers services much.

[rattanchair]

On 10/8/2019 at 4:38 PM, chrismelpig said:

Attitude is everything

Funny, I have a lapel pin in gold letters pinned to my jacket label with these same words. They are my mantra.

[chrismelpig]

13 minutes ago, rattanchair said:

Funny, I have a lapel pin in gold letters pinned to my jacket label with these same words. They are my mantra.

Love that!

 

[rattanchair]

37 minutes ago, Norwich Cruiser said:

We don’t actually use our butlers services much.

We never actually used butlers either. But certain butlers subtly appear like a genie, asking all sorts of questions and preferences. When you want to eat, what type of hor d' oeuvres, cheeses, pastries and what time would you like them delivered. We got spoiled with a Katarina aboard the Celebrity Equinox that we upgraded to the Celebrity Suite this year and got Anande, a 20 year veteran butler. First thing we requested was a second reclining lounge chair which he promptly ran up to the pool deck and brought down to our cabin. Next, the wifi was a problem in our cabin, he contacted IT and had the signal boosted to our cabin. $200 tip because no other butler goes above and beyond, usually get the run around. $150 to Katarina on our first suite cruise last year just to stop her from trying to tuck us in at night. Butler on NCL $60 for the times he brought cookies (order them warmed). Nothing to the Butler on the Divina YC3, all we got from him was his smile. And to reiterate, ad nauseam , $400 to Vishnu for 1 week of constant attention...

    From what I am reading on these boards it is all 'hit or miss'. When I get on board this winter I will be requesting a Vishnu protege. Sure, they will probably 'snow me' with a line that all their butlers are exceptional, but I have MSC experience to know better.

[cyndyga]

2 hours ago, SailBreakaway said:

Here’s a question, we were on SS in YC in June for first time, and the experience was fantastic however the Butler was AWFUL! If you want his name I will happily supply it. Having said that, we are returning in December (SS) and February (Mera). If you’ve had an outstanding experience and service from your Butler can you provide his or her first (and/or last) name here? It would be most valuable to me and possibly others. 

Don't need to call them out but curious how they were terrible because I am fully wanting and paid for a "good" butler experience. Please expand on your comment 🙂

[SailBreakaway]

1 hour ago, cyndyga said:

Don't need to call them out but curious how they were terrible because I am fully wanting and paid for a "good" butler experience. Please expand on your comment 🙂

Sure.  I'm going to skip the detail and keep it very simple.  From Day one, we never saw him again for DAYS.  Our fellow guests we became friendly with told us their Butler asked them what they were doing daily (in a discreet not in your face way) so they were present to help them with shows, embarkation, disembarkation at ports, etc. They would show to bring them to dinner, they would check in with them in the lounge, on the sundeck. "Hi Mr. So and So, is there anything I can help you with?"  They would know their favorite drink and when they saw them in the lounge, THEY WOULD BRING IT!! They would learn through minibar use what they liked and bring extra!! Without asking. US? No Butler to be found. I asked for his telephone number and he told us on day one he did not have one, I later found this was incorrect.  I asked because on NCL the Butlers had portable phone with direct dial numbers which was GREAT, so I asked.  They do on MSC as well, he told me no.  Whenever I needed something like clothing pressing I would call the generic number, and someone else would show up and pick up clothing, drop off, etc.  Just a random employee. I saw him in the lounge halfway through the cruise when meeting for a shore excursion, and went up to him (he did not approach us) and told him I was going to call in a missing persons report! It didn't phase him, he asked how we were and that was the end of that.  What was the kicker for us was on disembarkation day, he showed up! Oh yes he did! He came to the room at 730AM to tell my wife and I we had to be out!!!! I thought I was going to lose my mind.  I legit asked him if he was really serious.  I immediately went to the head Butler (the YC Director was busy with another guest) and explained our experience with him and he was VERY upset I didn't come to him earlier, however he didn't seem surprised.  He told me he would address it right away, and the Butlers and stewards are told strictly not to approach guests to move them to check out in YC as they are supposed to do throughout the ship.  We were awkwardly escorted down to disembarkation by him later, in silence (my guess is his boss spoke to him) and we parted ways. It was an awful way to end what was an otherwise beautiful cruise.  I just had this overall feeling that we were robbed of part of the overall experience. 

 

Now, this was our first MSC cruise and first YC. I was SOOOO impressed otherwise.  We had been Haven guess several times and really didn't use our Butler much, but at NCL they were always present.  

 

After reading many posts here of what the experience should be, although we don't NEED to have all of that attention, I feel like we pay for that service and option, and we should have an attentive Butler who is at least present.  

 

So, this is why I've asked for recommendations.  You can request a Butler, is what the head Butler told me the day I shared my feedback with him.  

 

 

Edited October 12, 2019 by SailBreakaway

[chrismelpig]

4 hours ago, SailBreakaway said:

Sure.  I'm going to skip the detail and keep it very simple.  From Day one, we never saw him again for DAYS.  Our fellow guests we became friendly with told us their Butler asked them what they were doing daily (in a discreet not in your face way) so they were present to help them with shows, embarkation, disembarkation at ports, etc. They would show to bring them to dinner, they would check in with them in the lounge, on the sundeck. "Hi Mr. So and So, is there anything I can help you with?"  They would know their favorite drink and when they saw them in the lounge, THEY WOULD BRING IT!! They would learn through minibar use what they liked and bring extra!! Without asking. US? No Butler to be found. I asked for his telephone number and he told us on day one he did not have one, I later found this was incorrect.  I asked because on NCL the Butlers had portable phone with direct dial numbers which was GREAT, so I asked.  They do on MSC as well, he told me no.  Whenever I needed something like clothing pressing I would call the generic number, and someone else would show up and pick up clothing, drop off, etc.  Just a random employee. I saw him in the lounge halfway through the cruise when meeting for a shore excursion, and went up to him (he did not approach us) and told him I was going to call in a missing persons report! It didn't phase him, he asked how we were and that was the end of that.  What was the kicker for us was on disembarkation day, he showed up! Oh yes he did! He came to the room at 730AM to tell my wife and I we had to be out!!!! I thought I was going to lose my mind.  I legit asked him if he was really serious.  I immediately went to the head Butler (the YC Director was busy with another guest) and explained our experience with him and he was VERY upset I didn't come to him earlier, however he didn't seem surprised.  He told me he would address it right away, and the Butlers and stewards are told strictly not to approach guests to move them to check out in YC as they are supposed to do throughout the ship.  We were awkwardly escorted down to disembarkation by him later, in silence (my guess is his boss spoke to him) and we parted ways. It was an awful way to end what was an otherwise beautiful cruise.  I just had this overall feeling that we were robbed of part of the overall experience. 

 

Now, this was our first MSC cruise and first YC. I was SOOOO impressed otherwise.  We had been Haven guess several times and really didn't use our Butler much, but at NCL they were always present.  

 

After reading many posts here of what the experience should be, although we don't NEED to have all of that attention, I feel like we pay for that service and option, and we should have an attentive Butler who is at least present.  

 

So, this is why I've asked for recommendations.  You can request a Butler, is what the head Butler told me the day I shared my feedback with him.  

 

 

Hi SailBreakaway, We have cruised YC on Seaside many times and have always had wonderful Butlers...Last months sailing on Seaside, we had our worst experience for the first time with our Butler...We experienced the same thing that you did...He was invisible and very condescending to our Jr. Butler (who was wonderful). He also told us to be out of our stateroom by 7:30...I had already cleared it with Mandy The YC Director that we did NOT in fact have to leave our stateroom at 7:30. This guy was a REAL piece of work but a lot of people love him...he has one of the RS and gives them all of his attention. I asked that he NOT escort us off...anyone but him! I also did NOT tip him but gave a HEFTY tp to our Jr. Butler...So disappointing...Also, Ask for Joel, Maria, Glen, and some others on Seaside...On Divina, Harish is fabulous!

 

Edited October 12, 2019 by chrismelpig
To add more content

[marcoigna]

10 hours ago, SailBreakaway said:

Sure.  I'm going to skip the detail and keep it very simple.  From Day one, we never saw him again for DAYS.  Our fellow guests we became friendly with told us their Butler asked them what they were doing daily (in a discreet not in your face way) so they were present to help them with shows, embarkation, disembarkation at ports, etc. They would show to bring them to dinner, they would check in with them in the lounge, on the sundeck. "Hi Mr. So and So, is there anything I can help you with?"  They would know their favorite drink and when they saw them in the lounge, THEY WOULD BRING IT!! They would learn through minibar use what they liked and bring extra!! Without asking. US? No Butler to be found. I asked for his telephone number and he told us on day one he did not have one, I later found this was incorrect.  I asked because on NCL the Butlers had portable phone with direct dial numbers which was GREAT, so I asked.  They do on MSC as well, he told me no.  Whenever I needed something like clothing pressing I would call the generic number, and someone else would show up and pick up clothing, drop off, etc.  Just a random employee. I saw him in the lounge halfway through the cruise when meeting for a shore excursion, and went up to him (he did not approach us) and told him I was going to call in a missing persons report! It didn't phase him, he asked how we were and that was the end of that.  What was the kicker for us was on disembarkation day, he showed up! Oh yes he did! He came to the room at 730AM to tell my wife and I we had to be out!!!! I thought I was going to lose my mind.  I legit asked him if he was really serious.  I immediately went to the head Butler (the YC Director was busy with another guest) and explained our experience with him and he was VERY upset I didn't come to him earlier, however he didn't seem surprised.  He told me he would address it right away, and the Butlers and stewards are told strictly not to approach guests to move them to check out in YC as they are supposed to do throughout the ship.  We were awkwardly escorted down to disembarkation by him later, in silence (my guess is his boss spoke to him) and we parted ways. It was an awful way to end what was an otherwise beautiful cruise.  I just had this overall feeling that we were robbed of part of the overall experience. 

 

Now, this was our first MSC cruise and first YC. I was SOOOO impressed otherwise.  We had been Haven guess several times and really didn't use our Butler much, but at NCL they were always present.  

 

After reading many posts here of what the experience should be, although we don't NEED to have all of that attention, I feel like we pay for that service and option, and we should have an attentive Butler who is at least present.  

 

So, this is why I've asked for recommendations.  You can request a Butler, is what the head Butler told me the day I shared my feedback with him.  

 

 

We have cruises many time in the YC and only once did we have the identical same experience on the Divina that you did.  We cruised with friends On this sailing  who had a different butler and became comical for how much their butler did for them and i kept saying  “I dont even know who our butler was”.  But sure enough, he was around at disembarkation sniffing out a tip - which did not happen.   All other sailings have been great, but not to the extent of the OP.   Sailing Meraviglia in a few weeks ex New York, once again in RS.  Wish us luck!!!!  

[sheilb4]

After reading the great review from Rattanchair, with Vishnu, I’m sure many of us are drooling for that superb experience you enjoyed. Is anyone willing to share names of the other good or even bad Butlers on MSC Seaside ? Please... Always nice to have a heads up early, so that you don’t waste time asking for a new one and the likely hassle and/challenges that could present.🥴

An engaged and personable friendly Butler is such a treat and can seriously make such a positive impact on your entire cruise, that will always be remembered,  so am hoping to have the same wonderful service that Rattanchair experienced.
I had Leslie my last time. He was very pleasant, a lovely person but I think also very new.  

Edited October 12, 2019 by sheilb4

[SailBreakaway]

5 hours ago, sheilb4 said:

After reading the great review from Rattanchair, with Vishnu, I’m sure many of us are drooling for that superb experience you enjoyed. Is anyone willing to share names of the other good or even bad Butlers on MSC Seaside ? Please... Always nice to have a heads up early, so that you don’t waste time asking for a new one and the likely hassle and/challenges that could present.🥴

An engaged and personable friendly Butler is such a treat and can seriously make such a positive impact on your entire cruise, that will always be remembered,  so am hoping to have the same wonderful service that Rattanchair experienced.
I had Leslie my last time. He was very pleasant, a lovely person but I think also very new.  

Lezle B. was the butler I described above. Probably same guy. The YC Director told me he was new, but took the words out of my mouth by saying immediately that is no excuse for his performance. We were on first week of June, curious when you guys had him and if he stepped up his game at all. 

 

Ill take any recommendations for the ‘great ones’ for SS for us in Dec and Mera in Feb. 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I'll jump in here.  I don't think it's appropriate to name people that you didn't feel provided good service on Cruise Critic.  That issue should be addressed on the ship where there is the possibility of the cruiseline's doing something about it.

 

That being said, praise for good service is always appropriate.

[Formula280SS]

8 hours ago, sheilb4 said:

After reading the great review from Rattanchair, with Vishnu, I’m sure many of us are drooling for that superb experience you enjoyed. Is anyone willing to share names of the other good or even bad Butlers on MSC Seaside ? 

 

Vishnu is really the gold standard; Roy (if he is still on Seaside, he got married recently but was on our last Seaside YC cruise), for us, has been equally excellent (over the top, best at sea service, personality etc.) as well.

 

Outside of the stateroom, almost all of the YC butlers will really do the utmost to attend to you.  They are amazing.

[emmas gran]

10 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

I'll jump in here.  I don't think it's appropriate to name people that you didn't feel provided good service on Cruise Critic.  That issue should be addressed on the ship where there is the possibility of the cruiseline's doing something about it.

 

That being said, praise for good service is always appropriate.

 

Totally agree -we have had no so good service once on Celebrity and once on MSC but would not dream of naming and shaming. Management of the cruise lines read these boards --if you have a problem with staff/crew raise it on the ship not here

[rattanchair]

Besides acknowledging great butlers, and those not so great; I use the CC to find out which cabins are the worst and which to avoid. I would only know this from 'critics' who 'expose' the problem cabin and the problems they encountered. Perhaps Management needs to read it here. My comment cards, letters to the cruise lines have all gone unacknowledged. This forum is for all aspects of the cruise industry  ' including staff performance. The staff member should be put on notice and perhaps subsequent comment cards, letters and CC postings will reflect to management a new improved service provider.  By being able to go on board and request a particular butler should goad the other butlers into 'reflection', especially if the requested butler is seen properly remunerated for his exceptional performance. Unfortunately this remuneration seldom comes from the cruise line and often does not come the passenger as well.

[Capricruiser]

As a frequent Yacht Club guest let me say that any butler or cabin steward problems should be reported to the chief butler right away.  Bad service is very very uncommon and I'm sure MSC would want disciplinary steps taken.  The problem may come from the number of new ships coming on line the past two or three years.  New Yacht Clubs mean new staff needed to be found and trained as qualified junior members were promoted.  The better senior butlers, waiters, etc. also tended to be sent to staff the new ships (today the Grandiosa staff for example).  One of you mentioned the butler Harish, who was recented promoted to chief butler.  An excellent choice!

[Beamafar]

We've had a couple of pretty bad butlers, including the one on Seaview last month.  MIA I can deal with, but surliness is another matter.

 

Hoping for a better experience with the one on Meraviglia for the next 3 weeks.  If the head butler is the one that I've heard is onboard, I'll have no hesitation in speaking with him should we have any issues (or, indeed, if the butler deserves praise!)

Edited October 15, 2019 by Beamafar

[rattanchair]

I quite enjoy traveling on a ship like MSC. It has a yacht club of about 250 passengers segregated from the other 5000 passengers with separate dining, lounge with live music, sun deck with bar and grill and more staff to accommodate us. I also find that the more Europeons on board in the yacht club the better service I tend to get. It is Chaucer's " familiarity breeds contempt" on the part of some butlers and staff, when it comes to certain passengers.

 

[Capricruiser]

2 hours ago, Beamafar said:

We've had a couple of pretty bad butlers, including the one on Seaview last month.  MIA I can deal with, but surliness is another matter.

 

Hoping for a better experience with the one on Meraviglia for the next 3 weeks.  If the head butler is the one that I've heard is onboard, I'll have no hesitation in speaking with him should we have any issues (or, indeed, if the butler deserves praise!)

Bea the chief butler on Meraviglia is a she:  Larissa Fedoruk.

[Beamafar]

Just now, Capricruiser said:

Bea the chief butler on Meraviglia is a she:  Larissa Fedoruk.

 

Thanks, Charles.  I think I've seen that posted before, but a more recent post mentioned someone else.  Oh well ... another one to get to know.  😄

[sidari]

Bea ... I have mentioned to a certain friend that you will be onboard and your cabin number ... 😀

[Beamafar]

2 minutes ago, sidari said:

Bea ... I have mentioned to a certain friend that you will be onboard and your cabin number ... 😀

 

Cheers, Dave!  😎

[Two Wheels Only]

On 10/12/2019 at 4:20 PM, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

I don't think it's appropriate to name people that you didn't feel provided good service on Cruise Critic.  That issue should be addressed on the ship where there is the possibility of the cruiseline's doing something about it.

 

On 10/13/2019 at 3:04 AM, emmas gran said:

Totally agree -we have had no so good service once on Celebrity and once on MSC but would not dream of naming and shaming. Management of the cruise lines read these boards --if you have a problem with staff/crew raise it on the ship not here

 

I disagree with both of the above. 

I've never had a bad butler nor a bad steward but if I did, I'd be honest in my review. Yes, my first action would be to try to resolve the problem while on the ship.

 

I have no problem naming the great butlers and stewards that I have had over the years. I've even named a few of the great waiters that I've had over the years on various ships and lines. 

 

At the end of the day, it is all opinion. As long as people are willing to support their opinion with examples, I see nothing wrong with giving names. For example, one of the NCL Haven concierges (Adrien) is my favorite. He's been great every time that I have spoken to him or had him as a concierge. Some people do not like Adrien's personality and that's their opinion. 

 

 

 

On 10/13/2019 at 9:35 AM, rattanchair said:

Besides acknowledging great butlers, and those not so great; I use the CC to find out which cabins are the worst and which to avoid. I would only know this from 'critics' who 'expose' the problem cabin and the problems they encountered.

 

I totally agree with the above. 

I'm one of those people who warns others of bad staterooms. For example, some people have issue with the "bathroom" situation on NCL Epic or the shower situation in some MSC ships. Sharing the information is a good thing. For some, these are non-issues. For others, it may be important. 

Edited October 15, 2019 by Two Wheels Only

[CGTNORMANDIE]

I am having a problem trying to understand why a pax, who is not receiving good service, would not go to the head butler and make an attempt to rectify the situation as soon as possible.  Why would a pax spend an entire week going without the service that has been paid for and then just chalk it up to “oh well...better luck next time”???  This makes no sense.