Haven guests: What's been a unique request you've given to your butler?

[Professor Aronnax]

If we are all being honest, the Butler is the most overrated thing in cruising. There just isn't that much for the butler to do besides bring food. That's why so many keep asking different variations of this question on these boards. It sounds cool, but not very practical. We had a butler at the St. Pancras Renaissance. He carried our luggage from the hotel and got us first on the Eurostar for our trip to Paris. That is a great service to offer. But I'm mostly hearing about non-stop candy and cookies coming to the room. 

 

Seeing picture of M&Ms and gummy bears in my luxurious suite in the Haven doesn't do much for me. If I'm paying thousands of dollars for a great room and food, why would I load up on cheap candy? Just the opinion of one.

[The Shrike]

On 5/2/2022 at 12:12 PM, UKstages said:

 

LOTS of people don't drink coffee, including me.

 

only about 50% of the american public drink coffee. that's it. the percentage is even lower when you go global. imagine how lovely it is to hop out of bed every morning without a caffeine-deprivation headache!

 

more tea is consumed than coffee, with folks from the UK and china leading the pack.

Turkey is actually the leader in tea consumption (followed by Ireland), with an average of almost seven pounds of tea leaves consumed per person per year.  I only know this as my "Daily Trivia" calendar had this as a question a few days ago.  😉


As for the butlers, we don't really ask that much of them other than to not bring so many sweets as the afternoon snack.  And when we want in-room dining we make sure to let them know a day or two prior.

[mnpurple]

I asked for towel animals because the kids (18-24) got a kick out of them. They did it a few nights.

 

I loved getting my coffee brought early because I was up before others and didn't want the noise of the coffee machine in the room.  Our butler had extra rooms and didn't think the French press would work the first day. After that I decided regular brewed was my preference anyway, the French press is a bit strong for my tastes.

 

I asked from French macaroons and we got them twice! I set them aside for later because we had too much food, but they took them before I could get to them.

 

They bring too much food!  Even for six of us in our room, we couldn't keep up. 

[jimbo1683]

On 5/1/2022 at 3:23 AM, casofilia said:

@tgloersen

 

Oh and BTW this is the same butler that came in the last morning to "REMIND" me that i need to tip him directly.  Unbelivable, i opened the envelope i had already prepared for him and took half the tip back out.

 

VERY believable.   Ours visited us THREE times before 2pm on the penultimate day with a request "I hope you have been very satisfied with the service I have provided?".   

 

Yours was lucky with half the tip, ours got nothing other than a recommendation to the Concierge and Hotel Director that they look into the butler!!

 

He was not re-employed!!!   They had wanted a written complaint as he was not acceptable to either.

Great, hope you feel good about that outcome

[F27TW]

1 hour ago, jimbo1683 said:

Great, hope you feel good about that outcome

 

Absolutely the OP should .. that butler was rude .. and also sounds like his service sucked and he was lazy.   What was the problem here  with reducing his tip?   

[flying fingers]

On 5/1/2022 at 7:12 PM, missnd said:

Has anyone ever tried asking for a yoga mat to use in the room?  Or any other fitness equipment?

Hi!  I asked for a mat from the gym and my butler delivered. I used it on my balcony daily. I brought bands and an ab wheel with me. Able to get in decent workout and stretch each morning. 

[JGmf]

No unique requests, but definitely tried to tailor the snack deliveries, more to avoid stuff we don't eat than to request special stuff....but we've only had limited success in this effort on any given cruise regardless of the trip, ship, or the butler.

 

Other stuff, like unpacking, creating a party for visitors, drawing a bath (really?), choosing a pillow from the menu... never asked. 

 

(The only thing I routinely ask is for is a an appropriately thin blanket that is not a 700 degree feather bed monstrosity comes standard in these room....geez, are we cruising the Arctic with the windows open?  That said, any cabin steward can get that for you).

 

If given the choice, like those who opt out of the Free at Sea drink package, I would opt out of the butler service when staying in the Haven -- put a "NB" sticker on our door and give me the savings. 

[missnd]

3 hours ago, flying fingers said:

Hi!  I asked for a mat from the gym and my butler delivered. I used it on my balcony daily. I brought bands and an ab wheel with me. Able to get in decent workout and stretch each morning. 

Thank you!  I really appreciate you sharing this.  I understand not many people want to workout on their vacations, but I like to be able to stretch out after all the walking and some active excursions.

[GeezerCouple]

2 hours ago, JGmf said:

No unique requests, but definitely tried to tailor the snack deliveries, more to avoid stuff we don't eat than to request special stuff....but we've only had limited success in this effort on any given cruise regardless of the trip, ship, or the butler.

 

Other stuff, like unpacking, creating a party for visitors, drawing a bath (really?), choosing a pillow from the menu... never asked. 

 

(The only thing I routinely ask is for is a an appropriately thin blanket that is not a 700 degree feather bed monstrosity comes standard in these room....geez, are we cruising the Arctic with the windows open?  That said, any cabin steward can get that for you).

 

If given the choice, like those who opt out of the Free at Sea drink package, I would opt out of the butler service when staying in the Haven -- put a "NB" sticker on our door and give me the savings. 

 

Do you give the Butler a written (preferably typed, at home before boarding) note about your snack preferences (more of X, none of Y)?

I can't imagine them trying to keep track of requests on the run, even if they are trying to take notes along the way.  (Obviously they are more organized than I am, but I digress...)

We've had them thank us more than once about the initial letter, and also written notes during the cruise, rather than mentioning something specific to them when we see them, whenever possible.  If we are asking for something "now", then verbal is quite fine, obviously.

 

GC

[emilysmom97]

I love ice in everything and use a lot of it. I asked the butler to provide me with at least 3 ice buckets. Instead he kindly brought me an Igloo cooler with plenty of ice. It was perfect! 

[phissy]

On 5/3/2022 at 9:49 AM, Professor Aronnax said:

If we are all being honest, the Butler is the most overrated thing in cruising. I'm mostly hearing about non-stop candy and cookies coming to the room. 

 

Seeing picture of M&Ms and gummy bears in my luxurious suite in the Haven doesn't do much for me. If I'm paying thousands of dollars for a great room and food, why would I load up on cheap candy? Just the opinion of one.

I agree.

We just got off Bliss with H5 cabin in Haven.  

NCL has watered down so much of the ship wide experience.

Check in was a confused 2 hour process.

Long line with 2 people manning desk for check in. 

Finally escorted to Haven after checking off muster station attendance. This is one thing I do appreciate now for first day, no more muster drills at 4pm.

 

Butler came by to deliver afternoon snack and ice. We did give him a short note of our preference for fresh fruit and vegetables .

He delivered the usual for all suites. Could have been because he was at the end of his contract and going home at the end of our cruise.

. We noticed the quality of the food offered has changed.  

Haven restaurant food not up to the quality it was when we cruised 3 years ago.

NCL has to cut back but surprised it included the Haven.

Cookies are now rock hard, better described as biscotti. Only able to eat after dunking into milk or coffee. Some were burnt and others were very dark. Oatmeal raisin not soft as expected, also hard .

Only available upon request at Buffet. 

 We did receive the bowls of peanut M&M, (no plain onboard) and gummy bears. We were not traveling with kids, so fun for a day or so. We asked for bar mix (salty snack) but no  snack mix. I asked around at all the bars- no more bar snacks, at least, for the Bliss. Still able to get potato chips, so yea.

 

 

 

[F27TW]

17 hours ago, emilysmom97 said:

I love ice in everything and use a lot of it. I asked the butler to provide me with at least 3 ice buckets. Instead he kindly brought me an Igloo cooler with plenty of ice. It was perfect! 

 

THREE ice buckets?  Lawd.  You know he made a face and rolled his eyes when he read that request. 

Edited May 8, 2022 by F27TW

[bookbabe]

I can confirm that the butlers do keep a file of notes on past passengers, either that or ours just has a great memory.  We boarded Encore yesterday and entered the Haven lounge to discover we had the same fabulous butler Rao as we did over New Years.  He not only remembered us when he saw us in the lounge, but when we told him the cabin number and he learned it was one of his, he insisted on grabbing our carryons to take to the cabin, and told DH that he'd go stock the fridge for him with his fav soda (ordered with every meal delivery last trip, even breakfast, they lose money for sure on DH's soda package).

[eurodolphin]

I'm reading about people asking the butler to empty the fridge and fill it up with jars of iced tea or so. 

On our next cruise in a suite we will have the premium beverage package, so can we ask our butler to fill the fridge with drinks that are included in our package like cans of soda, vitamin water etc? 

 

[LGW59]

On 4/30/2022 at 10:23 PM, casofilia said:

@tgloersen

 

Oh and BTW this is the same butler that came in the last morning to "REMIND" me that i need to tip him directly.  Unbelivable, i opened the envelope i had already prepared for him and took half the tip back out.

 

VERY believable.   Ours visited us THREE times before 2pm on the penultimate day with a request "I hope you have been very satisfied with the service I have provided?".   

 

Yours was lucky with half the tip, ours got nothing other than a recommendation to the Concierge and Hotel Director that they look into the butler!!

 

He was not re-employed!!!   They had wanted a written complaint as he was not acceptable to either.

He was not re-employed!!!   Just one word, WOW just WOW!  OK more than one word, but you must be a gem

[wolft927]

On 5/2/2022 at 8:29 PM, sprez33 said:

 

A bit off the original topic, but if you have French press coffee delivered in the morning(in the Haven), how large is the pot?  Or can you choose?  Can you get French press in the Haven restaurant?

MY first Haven Experience, our butler insisted he bring us Fresh French Press Coffee every morning as he asked what time we get up and what we like in the monring. The Coffee was good for about 3 to 4 cups

[wolft927]

11 minutes ago, eurodolphin said:

I'm reading about people asking the butler to empty the fridge and fill it up with jars of iced tea or so. 

On our next cruise in a suite we will have the premium beverage package, so can we ask our butler to fill the fridge with drinks that are included in our package like cans of soda, vitamin water etc? 

 

So Typically any items that are deleivered to your Haven Suite are not included. But I will say my butlers have always figured out by end of the 1st day that my Wife Drank White Claws and I drank Michelobe Ultra, and by the next afternoon the fridge was stocked with no charge. 

[eurodolphin]

1 minute ago, wolft927 said:

So Typically any items that are deleivered to your Haven Suite are not included. But I will say my butlers have always figured out by end of the 1st day that my Wife Drank White Claws and I drank Michelobe Ultra, and by the next afternoon the fridge was stocked with no charge. 

That's great to hear, thank you!

[cruiseny4life]

43 minutes ago, eurodolphin said:

That's great to hear, thank you!

Don't expect free drinks delivered by the butler. Yes it is possible, but it is ultimately up to the butler/concierge. If you read the rules, it is not allowed - you are supposed to be charged for drinks delivered to the room/fridge. 

It's amazing @wolft927 was provided with this perk - just don't get upset if you're charged.

[orchestrapal]

On 5/9/2022 at 12:45 PM, bookbabe said:

I can confirm that the butlers do keep a file of notes on past passengers, either that or ours just has a great memory.  We boarded Encore yesterday and entered the Haven lounge to discover we had the same fabulous butler Rao as we did over New Years.  He not only remembered us when he saw us in the lounge, but when we told him the cabin number and he learned it was one of his, he insisted on grabbing our carryons to take to the cabin, and told DH that he'd go stock the fridge for him with his fav soda (ordered with every meal delivery last trip, even breakfast, they lose money for sure on DH's soda package).

If this was Rao the former head butler on Crystal he is a gem! He never heard the word no.👍

[bookbabe]

13 minutes ago, orchestrapal said:

If this was Rao the former head butler on Crystal he is a gem! He never heard the word no.👍

Not sure.  He was definitely awesome, though.  Best butler ever.

[wolft927]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

Don't expect free drinks delivered by the butler. Yes it is possible, but it is ultimately up to the butler/concierge. If you read the rules, it is not allowed - you are supposed to be charged for drinks delivered to the room/fridge. 

It's amazing @wolft927 was provided with this perk - just don't get upset if you're charged.

so typically I tip the Butler $100 upon meeting him, and every time i have sailed in the Haven Always had my fridge stocked no charge...now again it is not techincally supposed to happen, so dont expect it no matter what you tip

[Sthrngary]

2 hours ago, wolft927 said:

so typically I tip the Butler $100 upon meeting him, and every time i have sailed in the Haven Always had my fridge stocked no charge...now again it is not techincally supposed to happen, so dont expect it no matter what you tip

I hope I don't sound like an idiot with my response.  I have traveled on NCL.  The only time my fully stocked fridge was not charge was when I had an H2 Haven Deluxe Owners Suite.  Every other time those fridge items including the water on the desk has a cost.  

 

I also tip my butler upfront also.  That has been a good practice for me.  

 

Cruise well everyone and enjoy every moment. 

[Sthrngary]

3 hours ago, bookbabe said:

Not sure.  He was definitely awesome, though.  Best butler ever.

I was on Crystal Cruises mid-2021.  My butlers name was, Engin.  He was the best Butler I have ever had in every way.  No one ever came close.  There is a huge difference in butlers from any Main Stream Cruise brand to a Luxury Cruise Brand.  Before anyone takes a shot at Crystal, their going out of business had nothing to do with the high level of personalized customer service you received. It is a shame they are gone.

 

Cruise well everyone and enjoy every moment. 

[Harratine]

Help with seasickness for daughter.  Two butlers jumped on it between getting medicine for seasickness, green apples and soda.  Somewhat simple thing, their professionalism was superb.