Call Me Crazy! Butler?

[E91]

A month ago - received a phone call and reserved a Cabana (as a surprise) on our 12/9 sailing on the Zuiderdam. Waitlisted the entire list.

 

Call me even crazier - booked the butler tonight. I want this to be a surprise as this cruise is a multi-gift combo (birthday - anniversary - etc).

 

I figured I would book and cancel.

 

Someone here talk me into or out of keeping the butler. You cannot talk me out of the cabana :).

[Frogs]

E91,

 

Although I can't comment out of experience I will comment out of what I have read. We have the cabana on our cruise and I am debating the butler service as well. I know I can book it on ship so I'm not sweating it right now.

 

The one key thing that I have read is to take into consideration how many ships are on HMC while you are there . . . I have read that if there is more than one ship then the butler service can be worth the cost just so you don't have to battle the BBQ. Plus the menu is your choice (from what I have read) and you can make it as special as you want! Drinks I believe are also free and they will go and get them for you. Just to name a few perks.

 

Bottom line - it's all about what you want and how much are you willing to pay for it. That's why I am still on the fence. For some the cabana isn't even worth the cost but for others it's a no-brainer (that was us!). The same goes for the butler service. I think that regardless of which way you (and myself) decide will be the right choice for us. I would just definately start with how many ships will be there that day!

 

Enjoy your cabana and your cruise!

 

Blessings!

[riz]

Here's my 2 cents

 

I had a cabana my Westerdam saling in October...about a month ago. I decided not to go for the butler. It wasnt about the cost...I just figured we weren't drinkers and didn't need the big lunch that was served. Having been to HMC many times before I knew that there were "cabana boys" who check in on you to get you drinks and some would even go to the BBQ for you.

 

WELL....how things change. We never had anyone come by...there was no snorkel equipment and the plate of fruit wasn't enough to even satisfy one person much less 4. Two of us went to get lunch for the 4 of us and it was a nightmare. SO busy and crazy and really a task to carry all the food back to the cabana. We felt kinda stranded there.

 

Don't get me wrong...I love HMC...loved my cabana and it really made the day...I would do it again in a heartbeat. I would however pay for the butler this time....I think the service would have really added to our day. Having someone there to get drinks....not to worry about getting lunch...just having smeone there to get anything for us if we needed it.

 

Hopefully that will give you food for thought.

[Sea King]

really confused:confused:

 

why would you book with the intent of cancelling:rolleyes:

 

if you want a butler, have one .. if not, don't

 

IMO, you don't need a survey or poll

 

if you intend to splurge, then splurge

 

why not

 

enjoy every second of your celebration:)

[OceanLiner]

Take the butler. What you miss in the fine print is that with the butler comes food service. They present you with a menu the night before and you can choose what you want....including anything that is not on the menu! The only thing that they could not bring us was cheese pizza for the 8 year old!The butler was very attentive and everything went really well. He picked us up at the room, where we had an envelope with tip waiting, took us to the tender, took us to the cabanna, and was with us all day. It could not have been a better experience. No standing in line and EXCELLENT food! When it was time to go back to the ship we were hustled right on the tender and out to the Volendam. The butler really is a value added experience and is a not to be missed event. Also, don't forget to order plenty of desserts.

[E91]

I meant to say that I booked so I could have the reservation and maintain the option of cancelling.

 

I should run for politics.

 

really confused:confused:

 

why would you book with the intent of cancelling:rolleyes:

 

if you want a butler, have one .. if not, don't

 

IMO, you don't need a survey or poll

 

if you intend to splurge, then splurge

 

why not

 

enjoy every second of your celebration:)

[twinkletoes4445]

We booked the butler for our cabana. Life is very short. Only you can decide if it's worth the money. :)

[debjo]

Here's a lengthy tale of our CABANA/BUTLER experience on HMC one month ago...

 

I don't know if you've read it already, as I happened to be responding to a thread on the PEACH cabana.

 

Here's a "link" to that thread...my long saga is post #12.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=434204&highlight=Cabana+Butler

 

If you have any more question, I'll be happy to answer them for you!

 

Debjo

[drdaddy]

Just returned from HMC on Volendam 11/3 - 11/13. Did the butler thing and I guess I have a few thoughts about it.

 

We shared with two others. A little pricey to do for two.

 

The butler on Volendam is now only from the Pinnacle Grille, which is the way it was supposed to be some years ago. It was the first time in some time that the Pinnacle staff did the butler service but ours knew what was what. He met us in our cabin at the appointed time. Schleped all the stuff (but we did help a little). Got the transport to the cabana right away. We had the Pink and the other staff was all around and very noticeable. Brought out the champagne right away, the munchies, made sure the sodas were there and got booze first thing.

 

BUT, he was not all over us as we had experienced last year. It was great, but when the butler is a little more friendly, it is much more fun. Luck of the draw.

 

Lunch was fabulous. Lobster sandwiches (when we ordered the day before, we mentioned we REALLY liked the lobster and they brought two extras!), the prawn was especially tasty, and the filet was perfect.

 

There are a few reasons I responded to this thread. I wanted you to know that the bar near the BBQ (near our cabana) CLOSED at 2 PM! The last tender was supposed to leave at 4 PM. We left our cabana at 3:30 and the people running the transport back to the tender already were gone! We were the last off the island and this was at 3:45 even though the program said 4 PM. The island staff started putting chaises away and picking up towels at 2:45.

 

Just realize that even though you are paying a premium for this cabana and butler, and you may want to stay til the last moment, it is not as long a day as youmight like.

 

Should you do the butler? SURE!

 

Was it worth it? Absolutely.

 

Will we do it again? Most likely especially if there was more than one ship at HMC.

[iceman93]

I will never do HMC without a cabana and butler. It's a wonderful experience, and just watching people spend lots of time in line for the family cookout-style food was enough to make me appreciate the extra benefits that came with the butler package.

 

Come on folks. It's not THAT much money.

[debjo]

I agree with drdaddy that it seemed like the "slice of heaven" was shutting down a bit early when we were there...we too had the lovely pink cabana! We had fully expected to leave somewhere between 3:45 & 4:00, but were encouraged by our Butler to leave a bit sooner. In fact, he started "clearing" things away from the Cabana about 2:00 pm (as he thought we had to be back on the ship at 3:00 pm).

 

I had hoped to visit the "village" a get some souvenirs before we left the private island as we wrapped up things in the water and with the cabana. I didn't have a real problem with leaving the Cabana earlier than I had originally planned to because I figured I'd just check out the shops in the "village". Our Butler told us that the shops also closed about 2:00 pm...I'm really surprised that things started "closing" two full hours before we were due on the ship. I know they have to clean things up, but I felt our time in paradise was cut short.

 

Will I take a cabana & butler again...you bet...but, I'll know better how to schedule my HMC time the next trip there.

 

Debjo

[E91]

We have a young one at home and this is our one week away each year. Therefore, not early risers. However, we want to take full advantage of this package. We will be the only ship when we are on the island. Throw out a practical time to arrange for the Butler to meet us and we'll deal. Our slated departure is 5pm - arrival 8am. Give some advice so we can take full advantage while not being first off the ship. I'm keeping the package. My wife knows nothing about it - should make for a fantastic surprise.

[drdaddy]

The DW might think something is up when the butler shows up at your cabin! I guess you can arrange to have him meet you on the island. That would be cool, eh? Have him meet the tender on the island with a sign with your wife's name and let him escort y'all to the cabana. (This would never work in my house since I don't even see the credit card statements! :o)

 

We had the butler meet us at 8 AM. This was probably not even the first tender. The morning goes a little slowly and then it just zooms by. Even though your itinerary says sail at 5 PM, I doubt if the island folk will know this and still start cleaning at 2 PM or so.

 

Our butler asked us when we wanted to head back and we told him we want to open and close the place, which we did! And no qualms from him.

[E91]

I guess I figured it was rolled into the cost. What shall one tip a butler?

 

Take the butler. What you miss in the fine print is that with the butler comes food service. They present you with a menu the night before and you can choose what you want....including anything that is not on the menu! The only thing that they could not bring us was cheese pizza for the 8 year old!The butler was very attentive and everything went really well. He picked us up at the room, where we had an envelope with tip waiting, took us to the tender, took us to the cabanna, and was with us all day. It could not have been a better experience. No standing in line and EXCELLENT food! When it was time to go back to the ship we were hustled right on the tender and out to the Volendam. The butler really is a value added experience and is a not to be missed event. Also, don't forget to order plenty of desserts.

[LolaWiz]

A month ago - received a phone call and reserved a Cabana (as a surprise) on our 12/9 sailing on the Zuiderdam. Waitlisted the entire list.

 

Call me even crazier - booked the butler tonight. I want this to be a surprise as this cruise is a multi-gift combo (birthday - anniversary - etc).

 

I figured I would book and cancel.

 

Someone here talk me into or out of keeping the butler. You cannot talk me out of the cabana :).

sorry, CANNOT NOT and WILL NOT talk you out of the butler!

I told you my feelings on our roll call thread. You will never do HMC without it again!!

Perhaps you would like to see our westerdam cruise with HMC with the butler...

Here is a quick link to our photos. His name was Ketut, we will never forget him or the wonderful day we had there!

http://www.infinitemile.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=497

[OceanLiner]

I guess I figured it was rolled into the cost. What shall one tip a butler?

 

Unfortantley most passengers assume that the tip is rolled into the cost, and I assume that the butler does get something extra from the ship, but these guys REALLY REALLY work hard. We give $50.00 bill right at the door, and not in an envelope. The looks of surprise and gratitude is amazing, these guys usually get stiffed for the tip. It might seem high but remember that in our case we have 2 children ages 8 and 10, so our butlers work very hard getting us and all of our stuff to the beach.

 

I have seen postings about inattentive service but that never happened with us. Our butlers were with us all day, made suggestions, brought us surprises, helped with snorkels, boats, etc.......best experience of the cruise. (okay, I still like the thermal suite best)

 

Just remember that how much you tip and when you tip is all up to you for what you think is the proper value, if at all.

[twinkletoes4445]

OceanLiner...When you book the butler package, HAL provides you with more than one butler?

[Brandis]

We had the Pink Cabana during Prinsendams transatlantic crossing 3 years ago. We didn't book the butler and I don't see how he could have done much more for us than the cabana boy already did. There was plenty of drinks and snacks for the 2 of us and he also set up a mini lunch buffet just for us in the cabana.

 

The day before we arrived at HMC the chef and the food & beverage manager came to our suite to discuss what kind of drinks and other stuff we would like to have waiting for us at the cabana.

 

We were actually the last to leave the island, in the last tender together with the F&B manager who had encouraged us to stay as long was we wished and that he would pick us up in time for the last tender.

 

We had a great time on the island!

 

Marc

[OceanLiner]

OceanLiner...When you book the butler package, HAL provides you with more than one butler?

 

While I meant butlers in the meaning of multiple HMC experiences, there was one time when we did in fact have two butlers. One was very experienced and the other was in training.

[twinkletoes4445]

While I meant butlers in the meaning of multiple HMC experiences, there was one time when we did in fact have two butlers. One was very experienced and the other was in training.

 

So when you tipped, you just tipped the regular butler, not the one in training?

[twinkletoes4445]

We had the Pink Cabana during Prinsendams transatlantic crossing 3 years ago. We didn't book the butler and I don't see how he could have done much more for us than the cabana boy already did. There was plenty of drinks and snacks for the 2 of us and he also set up a mini lunch buffet just for us in the cabana.

 

From what I have read, the cabana boy no longer does as much as in the past. I have read where some people rarely saw their cabana boy, and they no longer retrieve lunch from the BBQ for the cabana guests.

 

Not that we're lazy, but the thought of not having to stand in line at the BBQ was appealing to us, and since the cabana boy no longer does this for you, we opted for the butler (although that's not the only reason we chose to have the butler).

 

I'm wondering if HAL scaled down the cabana boy services hoping that more people would add on the butler package (which is exactly what we did).

[OceanLiner]

So when you tipped, you just tipped the regular butler, not the one in training?

 

Correct, I was not expecting the services of two butlers. The head butler and I talked about the situation while on beach and he said that he would take care of the butler in training. What was really funny though, was that the head butler told me that the new guy was just happy to be off of the ship instead of being on kitchen duty!

 

We did follow up with a nice note to the hotel manager about both butlers. The one butler came to our table that night to thank us for our note, apparently it did him a great deal of good. Word spread quickly, even the Neptune Lounge staff knew about the note.

[twinkletoes4445]

OceanLiner...

 

Thanks for the infomation. My brain is on overload! But this helps...

 

That's interesting about the note. I'll bet he was pleased. It's nice that you had good service...and nice that you took the time to inform the hotel manager. I would imagine they hear a lot of "bad" things, so it's nice to hear "good" for a change.

 

We're really looking forward to the Neptune Lounge. :)

[OceanLiner]

OceanLiner...

 

Thanks for the infomation. My brain is on overload! But this helps...

 

That's interesting about the note. I'll bet he was pleased. It's nice that you had good service...and nice that you took the time to inform the hotel manager. I would imagine they hear a lot of "bad" things, so it's nice to hear "good" for a change.

 

We're really looking forward to the Neptune Lounge. :)

We only write it when we mean it, and these guys really worked hard. So do the Neptune staff, they are the most value added part of the cruise and I cannot say enough great things about them. Here is a link to a thread which caused a bit of an issue about the Neptune Lounge. It got so heated that the Hosts locked the thread, and then unlocked it for my reply:http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=431098&highlight=Concierge

[twinkletoes4445]

I remember the thread...you did post a lot of great info. :)