Retreat Host vs. Butler

[Pinboy]

LOL- We had a Butler once ( extremely nice man )---- but, really didn't require any extra service.

( The 4 little pieces of appetizers at 4pm were awful ). 

I prefer to make our own reservations and not wait for confirmations, time not available, day not available, etc.

As soon as we board, we purchase a 4 night package ( usually at a discount )for the Specialty restaurants and never had a problem getting the day/time we prefer.

As for the Concierge ( Aqua class )--- I didn't have the patience to stand in line behind 15 people waiting for service --- " What's your cabin number ? We'll get back to you ". Easier to take care of things on my own.

Lastly, I can easily find a seat in the theater -- don't need or want to be escorted to the front row. Prefer to sit in the back of the theatre---- just in case !!

 

[LGW59]

12 minutes ago, Pinboy said:

LOL- We had a Butler once ( extremely nice man )---- but, really didn't require any extra service.

( The 4 little pieces of appetizers at 4pm were awful ). 

I prefer to make our own reservations and not wait for confirmations, time not available, day not available, etc.

As soon as we board, we purchase a 4 night package ( usually at a discount )for the Specialty restaurants and never had a problem getting the day/time we prefer.

As for the Concierge ( Aqua class )--- I didn't have the patience to stand in line behind 15 people waiting for service --- " What's your cabin number ? We'll get back to you ". Easier to take care of things on my own.

Lastly, I can easily find a seat in the theater -- don't need or want to be escorted to the front row. Prefer to sit in the back of the theatre---- just in case !!

 

Agree with most of this.  One thing though that we take advantage of almost everyday is breakfast in our room and weather permitting on the balcony.  Our butler knows this in advance and we usually have our menu prepared to hand him on day one, seems to always be appreciated.  For us, the escort here and there is of no value, we can get there or find it on our own.  Rarely if ever eat in specialty dining, Luminae and MDR work well for us.  While apps are appreciated, I agree just meh, but that is not the butlers fault, if we are out and about and return later we won't eat them anyway.  

[PTC DAWG]

On 10/23/2021 at 9:20 AM, TeeRick said:

So the term Butler has met the Cancel Culture.  Welcome to 2021.😀

Sad,  but true. Someone might be offended

[Pinboy]

Just now, LGW59 said:

One thing though that we take advantage of almost everyday is breakfast in our room and weather permitting on the balcony. 

Sounds good--- although we now ( see note below ) prefer going to the MDR for breakfast #1 --- followed by the Tuscan Grill for breakfast #2 ( cappuccino's and always have " room " for a few Danish while watching the wake behind the ship ).

LOL-- Had breakfast on our balcony once--- cost me a new Titleist golf hat --- flew off and still sailing in the Caribbean !!! 

  

[Sam.Seattle]

30 minutes ago, Pinboy said:

LOL- We had a Butler once ( extremely nice man )---- but, really didn't require any extra service.

( The 4 little pieces of appetizers at 4pm were awful ). 

I prefer to make our own reservations and not wait for confirmations, time not available, day not available, etc.

As soon as we board, we purchase a 4 night package ( usually at a discount )for the Specialty restaurants and never had a problem getting the day/time we prefer.

As for the Concierge ( Aqua class )--- I didn't have the patience to stand in line behind 15 people waiting for service --- " What's your cabin number ? We'll get back to you ". Easier to take care of things on my own.

Lastly, I can easily find a seat in the theater -- don't need or want to be escorted to the front row. Prefer to sit in the back of the theatre---- just in case !!

 

A couple of different experiences...

 

We make our specialty dinner reservations with the shore side Concierge.  Once on board the Host has our list and simply confirms we still want them as requested.  We never have had to wait for a confirmation.  If we want to add a dinner reservation, we never have waited for a confirmation.  Sometimes the butler might call the dining room while we are requesting something special, again we have never waited for a confirmation.  Most of our suites include the unlimited specialty dinning so I don't have experience with purchasing a 4-night package, but I would assume the Host could accommodate the request.  

 

We have never stayed in Aqua Class, so I am unable to comment on the Concierge Service in Aqua Class.  I can however share the Suite Concierge Service might be different.   Usually they call you by name after the initial introduction.  Most suite guests are escorted to the retreat lounge when they board and I have never seen a line of more that two or three people.  Most don't form a line, the Concierge will acknowledge their desire for service and then wait in a seat.

 

One of my favorite stories about a Concierge / Retreat host was a few years back we were in Skagway and my wife was using a scooter and wanted to take the train ride.  She was nervous traveling with the scooter as traditionally she had been mobile.  Anyway the Concierge assured her she would be able to take the scooter right to the train.  He escorted us to the train and took the scooter back to the ship.  When the train arrived back, he was there waiting for us.  He made a memory that will will never forget. 

 

The reserved suite theater seats are not front row seats.  They are located on the upper level starboard side.  I probably won't get lost either, but it is really enjoyable to chat with your host if being escorted to the theater.  Usually the hosts are in the theater to greet you and pre-pandemic they would bring a fresh drink to you once seated.  For some shows we prefer the main floor and simply arrive a little early to select a seat.

 

The Celebrity hosts do provide a greatly enhanced experience.  

 

Cheers,

🍸

Edited October 24, 2021 by Sam.Seattle

[ChucktownSteve]

15 hours ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

Agree.

 

Also, the terms butler and concierge are widely understood.  Personal retreat host?  Who knows what the heck that means.

 

 

That could just be a tactic to raise the Suite fares.  Besides I'm sure everyone remembers that the Butler always did it in the novels.

Edited October 24, 2021 by ChucktownSteve

[isdoo]

Still a butler. 

 

The phone still says Butler as well. I guess personal retreat host doesn't fit and is a mouthful. 

 

The guys in the Retreat are concierges. 

 

Actually Butlers are highly trained people and not something from the 80s. 

 

 

[canderson]

2 minutes ago, isdoo said:

Actually Butlers are highly trained people and not something from the 80s.

And in larger UK households, still the "Staff Captain" of the ship!