Never had a Butler...tips, advice?

[micmacmissy]

So...can I leave stuff out for him to iron or have ironed?

 

(I'd just as soon bring my own travel steamer but I'm guessing that's a no-no?)

[LGW59]

Just now, micmacmissy said:

So...can I leave stuff out for him to iron or have ironed?

 

(I'd just as soon bring my own travel steamer but I'm guessing that's a no-no?)

No

[groryjm]

2 hours ago, talljules1 said:

We were lucky and had a Royal Suite for the first time last year on our cruise on Silhouette. Our butler/Personal Retreat Host, Joey, was just wonderful. ....

 

We had the privalidge of having Joey for 3 cruises last summer .... Best butler ever.....

 

[kenb]

My wife and I were in a Sky suite a couple of weeks ago. Our personal retreat host was Tanya from Ukraine. Her mother was still there but apparently relatively safe. She did not dwell on her issues because she had a job to do. She was fantastic. We did not ask her to do much but when she saw something she took care of it without being asked I.E. lots of ice. She noticed we had not used our sparkling wine. She asked if she could replace it with something we liked. I told her I drink Chardonnay.  She went and got a bottle of Chardonnay. It was nothing special but I still liked it.

The tub in the Sky suite has a very tall step over to get in it. Many reviews have mentioned it. My wife hurt her back helping with our luggage the night before we left on our cruise. We mentioned my wife was having an issue getting into the tub. Within 10 minutes Tanya came to our door with her supervisor who gave us the key to an empty room with a real shower with no tub.

[PKB]

On 4/5/2022 at 5:26 PM, kenb said:

 

The tub in the Sky suite has a very tall step over to get in it. Many reviews have mentioned it. My wife hurt her back helping with our luggage the night before we left on our cruise. We mentioned my wife was having an issue getting into the tub. Within 10 minutes Tanya came to our door with her supervisor who gave us the key to an empty room with a real shower with no tub.

This right here really impresses me.  Celebrity's motto when we first sailed with them was "Exceeding Expectations."  This certainly does.  Bravo to Tanya and the supervisor.  

[lizinindy]

On 4/5/2022 at 4:28 PM, peanut head said:

We were in a RS on the Equinox pre-pandemic and our butler/RH was Bart (has anyone seen or heard of him since?) who was excellent.  We, too, are pretty much low maintenance and prefer to do for ourselves.  Bart felt bad that we got our own morning coffee but we are such early risers that we didn't have the heart to disturb him.  He did make sure that our dinner reservations were confirmed and did take care of our laundry.  We did make some new friends and Bart had a special hors d'oeuerves set up for us in the suite which was very nice.  On the whole, if needed he was there and when we wanted privacy he understood.

Don’t know if it’s the same Bart (tall—from Goa, India?) but we had a Bart as our retreat host on the Apex in March. He was excellent and personable. We called him one afternoon asking for 2 extra champagne flutes since friends were coming over to help us drink that bubbly wine they give you on day one. Bart arrives with two different charcuterie boards, fancy crackers, and a bottle of Dom Perignon on ice!!!

[chemmo]

For those who don’t want to use a butler/retreat host that is fine. However, on your feedback make sure your score doesn’t imply they were lacking in willingness or skill. It you give them a middle range score because you don’t know how good they were because you didn’t use their service it will be read that they are mediocre to poor. These scores are important to them.

 

[peanut head]

20 hours ago, lizinindy said:

Don’t know if it’s the same Bart (tall—from Goa, India?) but we had a Bart as our retreat host on the Apex in March. He was excellent and personable. We called him one afternoon asking for 2 extra champagne flutes since friends were coming over to help us drink that bubbly wine they give you on day one. Bart arrives with two different charcuterie boards, fancy crackers, and a bottle of Dom Perignon on ice!!!

That's him!!  He was wonderful, respectful and intuitive.  Aside from Hilario, who eventually moved into the Celebrity Corporate arena, Bart was one of the best RH we have had on a cruise.

[morpheusofthesea]

On 4/5/2022 at 12:04 PM, CruiseCrew123 said:

Think my ‘butler’ will have an easy time as I’m quite capable of doing all those things myself .

We felt the same way the first time we had a suite with a butler, until..... I wanted the furniture changed on the balcony to accommodate a lounger instead of chair and foot stool.  The wifi service in the cabin was terrible, posters replied they had same problem in same cabin, had to go across hall to library to get on-line. Told butler of problem, he boosted the signal to the cabin. Booked a cruise 48 hrs before departure at full tariff only to get on board with no perks (no wifi, no beverage package, no gratuities, no OBC), went to concierge and all they could do was add everything just mentioned to our shipboard account at full prices. (DW thought I booked cruise only, called me a cheapskate in front of pretty concierge). Asked butler what deck, Guest Services ? Asked me why ? Said there will be a very long line at Guest Services, it was embarkation day,  please allow me to escort you around the long line to a purser directly. It is just the little details that your butler becomes a 'genie' granting your every desire.

 

P.S. Yes, Guest Services was able to contact shore and confirm I had the full perk package. (DW did not apologize for her prior remark....c'est la vie )

Edited April 9, 2022 by morpheusofthesea
P.S.

[Veinless]

21 hours ago, lizinindy said:

Don’t know if it’s the same Bart (tall—from Goa, India?) but we had a Bart as our retreat host on the Apex in March. He was excellent and personable. We called him one afternoon asking for 2 extra champagne flutes since friends were coming over to help us drink that bubbly wine they give you on day one. Bart arrives with two different charcuterie boards, fancy crackers, and a bottle of Dom Perignon on ice!!!

Geez I’d love to get a board like that!

[Mimiya11]

16 hours ago, Veinless said:

Geez I’d love to get a board like that!

Me too.   Wonder if this was in a Sky Suite or a higher level.   

We were in a Sky Suite last month and our host was unassuming yet attentive.  We asked for fruit plates which he constantly filled up, crudites in the afternoon, which were always fresh.  Always asked what else he could do but honestly, other than breakfast on the balcony, we didn't ask for anything else.  

[jagoffee]

On 4/5/2022 at 2:53 PM, grouchomarx said:

We only utilized the butler for a few things.  He escorted me to the naughty room to get my luggage and brought it back to the cabin. He made dinner reservations one night in the steak house.  He brought us a second bottle of champagne.  I think that was it.  I did not tip him at the end because of the way it is described on Celebrity's website for Retreat guests ("wondering who to tip, don't worry it's already included" type of wording.)  Normally I don't really tip extra on cruises (but at an AI resort on land I tip a lot).  I feel it's built into the cruise fare.  I think it's fine either way.

Too bad for those that serve you, but it is your right of course.  

[bjahil47]

On 4/8/2022 at 7:04 PM, lizinindy said:

Don’t know if it’s the same Bart (tall—from Goa, India?) but we had a Bart as our retreat host on the Apex in March. He was excellent and personable. We called him one afternoon asking for 2 extra champagne flutes since friends were coming over to help us drink that bubbly wine they give you on day one. Bart arrives with two different charcuterie boards, fancy crackers, and a bottle of Dom Perignon on ice!!!

Wow!  That looks great!  We were on Equinox in a RS a few weeks ago.  We were having people through for a cabin crawl.  I asked for a charcuterie board and was told I would have to pay $12 a person!  This was from shoreside concierge. 

[groryjm]

5 hours ago, bjahil47 said:

Wow!  That looks great!  We were on Equinox in a RS a few weeks ago.  We were having people through for a cabin crawl.  I asked for a charcuterie board and was told I would have to pay $12 a person!  This was from shoreside concierge. 

Just ask your buttler when you board....No charge and and probible butler servie for the event😎

[bjahil47]

5 minutes ago, groryjm said:

Just ask your buttler when you board....No charge and and probible butler servie for the event😎

Supposedly, this was from the Retreat.  I did tell him I was having some people through for a cabin crawl.  I think he went and hid!  My butler was terrible.  I had to call him to get ice!  Finally on the 3rd day I talked to the Retreat Concierge and he improved.  Everything seemed like a chore to him and he did not go out of his way for anything!  We do not ask for much at all.  

[Stu UK]

We had an excellent Retreat Host in RS on Apex last year -Tari. She arranged evening canapés with extra champagne ( no charge). Ensured laundry was done daily, booked speciality dinning (albeit we did most in advance). She would see us around the Retreat areas ensuring we had drinks. Nothing was too much trouble. 

Edited April 11, 2022 by Stu UK

[grouchomarx]

On 4/10/2022 at 11:14 AM, jagoffee said:

Too bad for those that serve you, but it is your right of course.  

This Celebrity language about the Retreat seems pretty clear to me that I should not be regarded as a jerk for not tipping extra.  Had I received some special treatment or asked for many things, I'm sure I would have, but I did not.

Tips

If you’re wondering when and how much to tip your dedicated service team — don’t. We’ve got it covered. As a guest of The Retreat, all your gratuities are prepaid.

[morpheusofthesea]

Got permission from another social media poster that enlightened me about what is written protocol and what is actually occurring on board ships. "Recently I saw a Tik Tok by Captain Kate. She was giving out envelopes to her staff that a passenger asked her to do for them. One staff member opened the envelope to find $5. He went crazy with joy, you would have thought it was a $100. She received so many comments on why the young man was overly excited and happy for such a small amount. A few days later she did another Tik Tok with him asking him why his reaction was so grand. He said that he would have reacted the same way if it was only $1 dollar. He said with those $5 dollars he can buy rice, bread and a lot more stuff for his family back home. That video opened my eyes on tipping anyone who serves me and our family. Please tip extra by cash. The included tips are the bare minimum that are divided between many."

[jagoffee]

6 hours ago, grouchomarx said:

This Celebrity language about the Retreat seems pretty clear to me that I should not be regarded as a jerk for not tipping extra.  Had I received some special treatment or asked for many things, I'm sure I would have, but I did not.

Tips

If you’re wondering when and how much to tip your dedicated service team — don’t. We’ve got it covered. As a guest of The Retreat, all your gratuities are prepaid.

Nothing different than the standard AI comment concerning gratuities.  Cabin Stewards, bartenders, servers, etc. work just has hard as those not serving people staying in Suites.  

[LGW59]

6 hours ago, grouchomarx said:

This Celebrity language about the Retreat seems pretty clear to me that I should not be regarded as a jerk for not tipping extra.  Had I received some special treatment or asked for many things, I'm sure I would have, but I did not.

Tips

If you’re wondering when and how much to tip your dedicated service team — don’t. We’ve got it covered. As a guest of The Retreat, all your gratuities are prepaid.

I did not see anyone here use the word jerk until this post from you

[D C]

On 4/5/2022 at 12:04 PM, CruiseCrew123 said:

Staying in a suite for the first time next January on Beyond . Think my ‘butler’ will have an easy time as I’m quite capable of doing all those things myself . It’s part of the fun of planning 😆

 

On 4/5/2022 at 12:08 PM, LGW59 said:

Be prepared for a disappointed butler, they really enjoy pampering their guests and work hard to do so.  

I think we would have a hard time with a butler.   We were raised as do it yourself and clean up after yourself types. 

 

On the Edge last month, we often brought lunch to the magic carpet.  We were also regularly told by the staff "just leave it there, we'll get it" as we collected our dishes and placed them in a bussing area. 

 

An escort to dinner or the theater? Unless they moved it, I suspect I can find my own way. 

 

"pampering" would be akin to attempting to give Gordon Ramsay a pedicure while he's giving orders in his kitchen.  It's not going to go well. 

[D C]

1 hour ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Got permission from another social media poster that enlightened me about what is written protocol and what is actually occurring on board ships. "Recently I saw a Tik Tok by Captain Kate. She was giving out envelopes to her staff that a passenger asked her to do for them. One staff member opened the envelope to find $5. He went crazy with joy, you would have thought it was a $100. She received so many comments on why the young man was overly excited and happy for such a small amount. A few days later she did another Tik Tok with him asking him why his reaction was so grand. He said that he would have reacted the same way if it was only $1 dollar. He said with those $5 dollars he can buy rice, bread and a lot more stuff for his family back home. That video opened my eyes on tipping anyone who serves me and our family. Please tip extra by cash. The included tips are the bare minimum that are divided between many."

I have not seen that, so thank you for sharing. 

While this isn't a 'tipping thread', it's nice to know how appreciated those extra gratuities are.   We bring at least $200-300 in 1s,5s, and 10s for a 7n cruise and tip regularly but what we would consider 'modestly'.  Bring drinks for both of us and $3-5 is obligatory in my mind.   I have the disposable income to afford the luxury of cruising. They're away from their families trying to make a better life.  It's the least I can do. 

[chemmo]

4 hours ago, D C said:

 

I think we would have a hard time with a butler.   We were raised as do it yourself and clean up after yourself types. 

 

On the Edge last month, we often brought lunch to the magic carpet.  We were also regularly told by the staff "just leave it there, we'll get it" as we collected our dishes and placed them in a bussing area. 

 

An escort to dinner or the theater? Unless they moved it, I suspect I can find my own way. 

 

"pampering" would be akin to attempting to give Gordon Ramsay a pedicure while he's giving orders in his kitchen.  It's not going to go well. 

Some people definitely prefer to be independent, that is fine, your butler will respect this. However, remember if you do have any problems he is there to help you. For example, you return to the ship with soaking shoes, call your butler…He will get them dried out for you. You have forgotten your charger…He will find one. 

Edited April 13, 2022 by chemmo

[mfs2k]

11 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Got permission from another social media poster that enlightened me about what is written protocol and what is actually occurring on board ships. "Recently I saw a Tik Tok by Captain Kate. She was giving out envelopes to her staff that a passenger asked her to do for them. One staff member opened the envelope to find $5. He went crazy with joy, you would have thought it was a $100. She received so many comments on why the young man was overly excited and happy for such a small amount. A few days later she did another Tik Tok with him asking him why his reaction was so grand. He said that he would have reacted the same way if it was only $1 dollar. He said with those $5 dollars he can buy rice, bread and a lot more stuff for his family back home. That video opened my eyes on tipping anyone who serves me and our family. Please tip extra by cash. The included tips are the bare minimum that are divided between many."

Not sure who’s tipping. Beyond doesn’t have any paying guests yet. 

[Bo1953]

17 hours ago, grouchomarx said:

This Celebrity language about the Retreat seems pretty clear to me that I should not be regarded as a jerk for not tipping extra.  Had I received some special treatment or asked for many things, I'm sure I would have, but I did not.

Tips

If you’re wondering when and how much to tip your dedicated service team — don’t. We’ve got it covered. As a guest of The Retreat, all your gratuities are prepaid.

Actually it will not be the 'lack' of additional tipping as opposed to ones' attitude and approach to on-board staff/crew and fellow passengers which will really determine the "jerk" factor.

 

bon voyage