ncl butler and concierge service ncl butler and concierge service

Guests of The Haven have special access to dining spaces apart from that of the complimentary and specialty dining onboard NCL ships. However, the generally accepted minimum is $10-15 per day. We are dedicated to promoting Pacific coastal cruises and supporting a community of west coast cruisers from ports including San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Vancouver as they set sail to destinations around the world. Once you're on the ship, your concierge is available to tweak reservations, make new ones and arrange for priority tendering in ports of call. Ship and Suite Orientation. Powered by Invision Community. The Haven Restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience, accompanied by exceptional service. [CDATA[ Is Disney Cruise Line concierge level worth it? They also receive priority boarding on embarkation day and express debarkation. The standard phone in your suite has these same numbers pre-programmed as well. Butlers will deliver fancy canapes, like foie gras terrine and crab legs, and upgraded turn-down amenities, such as a chocolate box. While cabin stewards can often find basic items such as toiletries that you might have left at home or making sure that your ice bucket is always filled, their job is to clean your room and make your bed etc. Please fill out the form below and Heather from Flow Voyages (or a representative from CruiseWestCoast.com) will contact you as soon as possible. We offer cruise news, tips, and deals to help make your choice to cruise the west coast an easy one! to observe the boarding process and see how smoothly it worked. The butlers serve breakfast, handle dry cleaning and book private sessions with the ship's personal trainer. By Mountains and beaches look so much better from a penthouse view. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. The Sundeck has a hot tub, plenty of lounge day beds, and a private bar for guests of The Haven. Concierge. Your daughter's Quinceaera is a special event in life. Basically they make sure you are happy in your suite and will do everything within their power to get what you need/want from anywhere on the ship brought into your suite. Passengers in a suite outside The Haven enjoy butler service until 10 p.m. daily. Much of The Haven has beautiful ocean views throughout for passengers to enjoy. Priority when making specialty dining reservations and entertainment onboard. In all three cases that I have been in a suite the Butler did the escorting - the Concierge. I love Schweppes bitter lemon, but it's not distributed where I live. It's fun to cruise with a butler at least once. Guests staying in this exclusive and premium space aboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships also enjoy the following: From embarkation to debarkation, boarding of tenders to shore, onboard entertainment to dining times you will have priority. This means that Haven guests will be the first to reserve times for things such as dining and entertainment onboard NCL vessels. realize that you can be selective about all those services but find out what level you like to be pampered at. ft.*, your Owners Suite sleeps up to five* guests, and offers separate living and dining rooms (combined on some ships). Started June 21, 2021, By I have had 2 NCL cruises in suites. While this is an absolutely fantastic service, a cruise butler is an active helper vs a passive one waiting for you to ask a question. He came back after 10 minutes or so, full of apologies to us but full of thanks for what I did. The concierge is over the butler, so if you have any issues with the butler, let the concierge know, and most likely will resolve the issue. DECK 18. Available precruise to assist with onboard reservations for restaurants, spa treatments, shore excursions and more. This will greatly affect the level of tips that you are expected to reward their service with. hoping our third time in april actually results in an escort! Guests will experience a vacation different that that typically found onboard. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. What they can do though is virtually everything in between. Help you plan and execute a cocktail party you host in your suite. Some of The Haven staterooms are not actually located inside The Haven complex, some are located in other areas of the ship, however all guests staying in a stateroom designated as part of The Haven will have access to all of the exclusive Haven venues and amenities. ft. Owner's Suite with Large Balcony Sleeps up to 5. Will you find yourself enjoying a Concierge escort to the reserved Suites Only seating in the theater, or will you be trying your luck in the casino? Whenever I check into a cabin with butler service, the first thing I ask is: Does this ship have bitter lemon and can you fill my minifridge with it? Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=345, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. A neat chance. This service is generally at specific times, so be sure to inquire with your Concierge if your sailing has any tender ports. (Yes, that was a little uncomfortable due to the glares of other pax, but we managed to get over it fairly quickly.) We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Makes onboard reservations for everything from meals to child care to shore excursions. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. Related: The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship. Related: Inside Regents new $11,000-a-night super suite. He will then carry your bags onto the cruise ship, bypass other people in line, and have access to a private elevator so you don't have any waiting. This chic suite features large floor-to-ceiling sweeping windows, with large balcony equipped with lounge chairs. NCL advertises The Haven as an exclusive enclave "that has a number of white glove amenities along with 24-hour butler service and personal service of a concierge.". Here are a few threads that might help (some even with pics! In part, this is because many services that you recieve on a cruise ship should honestly be simply built into the price of the experience. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. Check here before booking an award fare. Norwegian Cruise Line. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Let's take a look at cruise ship butlers and look at how the offerings on various cruise lines differs from one to another. Then watch the moonlight dance on the waves from your private terrace. Royal Caribbeans CocoCay versus MSCs Ocean Cay, which is better? Known for high-end luxury voyages to the most exotic and far-flung ports on the globe, Oceania cruises overlook no detail when it comes to high-class service. At a couple of the ports where lines were long to get on, many of the butlers were out working the line, looking for their guests. Dine together as your butler serves a meal from our special Suite menu. 957 sq. If you're new to cruising -- or even if you're just new to booking a higher cabin category -- you may not necessarily know the difference between the terms concierge and butler. He/she isn't just "yours". This is a question that we are often asked by guests. Disney offers a sort of butler service for its concierge-level guests. While some butler services are more formal and reserved - as you might expect from a traditional English manor house, others try to be more fun and family friendly such as Royal Caribbean's Royal Genie. They also handle your priority disembark at the end of the trip. While it may seem pretty incredible even with just these perks, stay tuned for my next article to read all about Norwegian's Haven-only areas. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Have your butler arrange a culinary feast in your dining area. Just like every other aspect of cruising, the butler service from one line to the next can be completely different. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Available on Pride of America, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star. LauraS Guests booked into any Owners Suite or Deluxe Owners Suite receive three bottles of liquor from a special menu, along with unlimited mixers, sodas and bottled still and sparkling water. //]]>. CC Help Jenn Fine linens, feather duvet on stateroom beds, and a pillow menu. Each suite has been designed with style and comfort, along with a view that changes with every port we visit. Just be reasonable in your requests and expectations. With up to 574 sq. Most concierges on cruise ships are absolutely fantastic and very talented at both making you feel welcome but also making reservations and arranging services. Many of The Havens spaces are child friendly, while some spaces are reserved for older and adult guests. Personally, we are happy to go on our own when they let you. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. The concierge takes care of your needs OUTSIDE of the room - so things like shore excursions, restaurant reservations, spa appointments, priority disembark at ports, priority tendering, etc. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By For example, a concierge may greet you upon arrival to the pier check-in area on embarkation day, make dining reservations on your behalf or arrange for tender tickets when it's time to go ashore. I didn't ask for any other meals in our room on that, or any other cruises. I have had two on NCL (Spirit), they can be fantastic. If youve cruised with Norwegian, you know the cruise line offers plenty of opportunities to vacation your way. Perhaps today it's some sandwiches, or a plate of cheese and crackers and fruits. The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck features a pool, hot tub, and lounge chairs. Phoenix Concierge Services. Explain your cabin amenities and make sure you know how to use all of its features. Butlers (and concierges) are generally not part of the pre-paid gratuities pool. Available on: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Pearl. There are select categories of Suite which come with specific additional amenities, too! As such, there is no specific guideline on how much you should tip your butler. DECK 17. From unpacking your suitcase to pouring your champagne our butlers are at your service Our Suites At a glance 3-Bedroom Garden Villa Sleeps up to 7. Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning. Would I do it often, no but it was fun. Concierge services to help guests book dining, entertainment, shore excursions, and more. An aft-facing mini-suite would not include a butler/concierge. Powered by Invision Community, Also I was told my last cruise they give you those cordless. I convinced them to upgrade from their typical accessible Balcony to an accessible Penthouse Suite on a Jewel class ship. This suite type includes the ultimate spa stateroom experience with a king-sized bed, hot tub in-room, oversized waterfall shower with multiple body spray jets, unique spa decor, and is located near the Mandara Spa and Fitness Center for easy access. I would have found that to be unacceptable too. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. They essentially formed a hand-off chain and pulled people out of line to escort them to a different boarding point. Enrollment required. Available on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star. As previously mentioned, Jewel-class ships do not have a dedicated private restaurant. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Guests booked in a Garden Villa receive six bottles of liquor along with unlimited mixers, garnishes, sodas and bottled still and sparkling waters. Hey, you only live once! Your personal stateroom butler will unpack your luggage, pick up your laundry, pour glasses of champagne upon your arrival and serve you in-suite afternoon tea. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, The best places to see cherry blossoms around the US this spring, Looking back: How my points and miles strategy has changed over the years, The best increased card offers to sign up for this March. Our butler brought a full breakfast to us every morning. ft.*, you have space for up to eight guests. There is another thread about tipping the Butler good luck with that one. Thanks to all. Champagne, custom selection of liquor (in the Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn), fruit, bottled water and sodas. Does NCL track this activity? There are certain times of the day such as breakfast and early evening when they can be very busy. Get you off the ship to skip the lines, and answer many other questions or make arrangements that you might need. Planning a cruise for the coming year? While it is true the your cruise butler does not "need" to be tipped, it is common curtesy to reward exhemplary service in this way. Upstairs is an outdoor sundeck with padded loungers and clamshell seating. Double balcony is offered on Norwegian Dawn. So as you can see each cruise with a butler is different, There have been trips that we never used the butler. TPG values it at $1,600. Call me with your order and I will set up your room." Perhaps you're poolside and decide you'd like to have lunch delivered to the suite, a quick call to your Butler makes that happen. He may pour a welcome glass of Champagne, determine your pillow preferences and ask what beverages you want to be stocked in your minibar. Butler & Concierge Service Before you set sail, every cruiser is required to attend a muster drill led by the Norwegian Cruise Line ship crew. I thought our room steward did the cleaning and turning down/making up. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Listing for: Simpson Housing LLLP. The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway. We rarely use the phone - we normally talk to them in person or leave a note. ft.* complete with a double bed, double sofa bed, and a Murphy bed, your Family Suite can accommodate up to six* guests. These stories will help: A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs. It would be an awkward situation for the Concierge to escort every suite passenger on board. It is not uncommon to tip $300, $500, or even more if you are actively using butler services and they are providing extrodinary service. There is also a private sauna reserved for guests of The Haven. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Therefore, most passengers generally tip with cash. That was also fabulous to be able to graze while all 4 of us got ready for the day. They will give you a personal one time briefing about the ship and where to find the facilities and how things operate. Concierge services: A concierge is on hand during the day to help make onboard dining reservations, book shore excursions and spa appointments, and answer questions about ports. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. I'm glad you wrote this as nicely as you did, I'm currently on the dawn and ti be honest the suite life was not the dream I thought mostly for what you just said. Some folks may imagine their butler to be like those they've seen on TV while watching Downton Abbey but there is quite a range of how they will interact with guests. This is always the case at Great Stirrup Cay, which features a Red Carpet area to the left of the main gathering area at the tender docks. This suite also includes a separate living room area, and balcony. What they do: Butler services include packing and unpacking, complimentary dry cleaning, shoeshine and related services, dinner reservations in the ships' specialty restaurants, spa and shore excursion reservations, salon and spa appointments, arranging cocktail parties, providing gourmet snacks (including caviar) at tea time. I may also ask for chocolate delivered to my cabin each evening. the concierge left us behind. Guests of The Haven additionally have the option to have meals served to them in their stateroom by a Haven butler. 11 extra charges on cruise ships that will drive you nuts and what to do about them, 21 tips and tricks to make your cruise go more smoothly, Inside Regents new $11,000-a-night super suite, The 9 best cruise ship steakhouses and steak-serving restaurants, Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 7 best meals at sea, 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up, The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. ), http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2518748&highlight=butler+request, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2495216&highlight=butler+request, http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2395495&highlight=butler+request. In simple terms, a concierge is in charge of assisting you with things outside of your cabin while a butler's domain is very focused on your cabin and its amenities. Now, lets take a look at what its like to enjoy Butler and Concierge Service onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships. While some cruise lines offer a personal, in-cabin butler, Disney's concierge is more of a service that concierge-level guests can access when needed. Luxurious details such as platinum keycard to stateroom. first time, my mom's card didnt have her picture loaded when she scanned at security. . If the ID card is bad it gets worse. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. For immediate help, please contact Heather directly: 630-779-9301 or : Why You Should Consider A Holiday Cruise This Year. Whenever you need the high-touch to make your cruise extra special, the Royal Genie is there to cater to you. Butler service is most commonly found on small ship luxury cruise ships such as Regent and Silversea. Bored now, I hope my "opinions" have been useful to most reasonable people, maybe first time cruisers, who wish to book their own excursions and speciality dining, so they know they're done how they'd wish they were done. They are generally salaried employees and depending on the line may have a salary of between $2,500-$4,000 per month with tips adding to that number considerably. On the Jewel, Jade, Pearl or Gem the private Haven Courtyard features a private pool, hot tub, dining tables, padded loungers surrounding the pool, and a retractable roof. What is the cost? Available on Pride of America, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky, and Norwegian Star. No. These staterooms range in size and in-room amenities and vary from ship to ship and class to class. Depending on the ship, cruise port, and cruise line, this can range from making arrangements for a special celebration, meeting you at the pier and escorting your and your bags onto the ship so you can avoid getting sweaty while bording the ship, setting up your in-room dining experience, and providing concierge type services so that you will never have to worry about getting that reservation for dinner or a show. Nobody should hang you up. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? The Haven has its own breakfast buffet area for guests, so that Haven passengers do not have to venture to the main buffet or other dining venues onboard for breakfast. Along with the assistant butler or cabin steward, your cruise butler offers services ranging from prepareing your room, delivering room service, ensuring that your mini-bar is stocked correctly as well as coordinating other details such as dinner reservations, laundry service or even helping to book shore excursions. For drinks, we tip $1/$2 per drink. For immediate help, please contact Heather directly: 630-779-9301 or : heather@flowvoyages.com. On the penultimate day we had 3 visits with "I hope you have enjoyed the service I have provided!!". Assists with priority access to tenders to shore. We used the butler very little outside his duties, most of which could easily have been done by the room steward. I think I'm right in saying that doesn't include a butler. An aft-facing suite would include a butler/concierge. reservations; show reservations and seating and other technical management issues. Contrary to rather bizarre misconceptions, the butler does not stand there in a uniform and white gloves waiting on your beck and call they come when you call them, and stop by once or twice a day to check in. With up to 875 sq. As first time suite passengers enjoy the services offered - on the next cruise. All Rights Reserved. Part of that service comes with even more perks if you sail in The Haven and Suites. Actual amenities vary by ship and category. Available on: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Epic. Operating as a payor-agnostic, wholly owned subsidiary of Humana, our . Name of lounge: The Haven Lounge. Our butler had just the right balance of being attentive but not overbearing, and it was the same with the room steward. As youre sailing out of port, sipping on a glass of bubbly and snacking on todays treat you start thinking about what lies ahead for the evening. At higher loyalty levels as well as various suite categories on most lines, guests will have access to a concierge who they can call to make reservations. This website uses cookies. I hope those neighbours tipped him well as he was so devoted. Butlers aren't run-of-the-mill cabin stewards. .One family cruise we were in Cagneys. With up to 598 sq. 24-hour trained and certified suite butler. Lots of room for everyone. Or relish a quiet moment after the kids retreat to their room. and I hope that NCL doesn't do any tinkering with it. If anyone has given us outstanding service, we will tip extra at the end of the week. ft.*. So just curiousThanks again!!! Find the right card for you. DECK 20. The butler will deliver your multiple course dinner to your cabin, and book your shore excursions, specialty dining and entertainment seating. Your suppose to carry it when you leave your cabin in the ship. Cruise butlers aren't magicians and they sadly can't cause seas to be less rough or clouds to go away. The Haven offers unparalleled accommodations aboard Norwegian Cruise Line vessels, and offers guests private access to exclusive spaces such as The Haven Lounge and The Haven Restaurant (Or, if on a Jewel-class ship, a dedicated speciality restaurant that is used for exclusive breakfast and lunch offerings). Each butler serving that special VIP area of the ship received formal training at the International Institutes of Modern Butlers. The Haven has plenty of space for guests to lounge and relax. This high-end boutique luxury line is known for its upgraded amenities, and suite guests enjoy English butler service unparalleled on other cruise lines. Ours is a mini spa suite by the way, Night night [emoji42], No butler or concierge for you. The Forward-Facing Penthouse staterooms feature the same design and amenities of the Aft-Facing Penthouse rooms, but are located in a different area of the ship. One of the most highly sought after experiences, Silversea has perfected the art of luxury at sea with its butler service. Luxury line Silversea offers butler service in every single suite on its ships -- regardless of category. Aft balconies and mini suites don't have butlers or concierge, just great balconies! Silversea, a luxury boutique cruise line, trains its butlers in England before deploying them to ships that sail to every continent on the globe. Both may be able to offer similar types of help such as assisting with booking dinner reservations or reserving seats for a show, the level of service is not the same. 574 sq. Perhaps youll find yourself at one of the lounges enjoying some live music, or maybe you just feel like slipping into your pajamas and enjoying a quiet dinner en suite, delivered by your Butler? my fiance also loved to order pizza for late night, and would order it from anywhere on teh ship with the cordless phone that comes with your room. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Did you mention that you love grapes? The other thing that the Butlers will do is they will spend some time explaining to you the facilities and how the ship works. 1,382 sq. The Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony contains a large bedroom (sometimes two) with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a separate living and dining room area, and large balcony with lounge chairs. While this is not a true pro-active butler service, it is a major step above a loyalty lounge concierge. In the envelope are special luggage tags (I will discuss this next) and a letter requesting any special requests. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Started June 21, 2021, By For the ultimate luxurious experience aboard Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vessels prospective passengers should consider booking accommodations in Norwegian exclusive, The Haven. In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line Haven's butlers offer in-suite dining service and evening turndown service for your enjoyment. Some have just concierges but no butlers. On the other hand, without a butler, once onboard you can call the concierge or visit the suite lounge and introduce yourself. the concierge will ensure you get priority check-in and departure as well as priority tendering to port. Another important role that many people like having a butler for is handling all the details for a private party in their suite. You will interact with your butler inside your cabin or pass him in the hallway as you walk to and from your suite. This butler serves all of The Haven guests, and is more like a suite-wide concierge than a personal in-suite butler. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2), Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 1), Expert Cruise Tips: 3 Specialty Restaurants Not to Miss on Norwegian, 3-Day Bahamas Round-Trip Miami: Great Stirrup Cay & Nassau, 7-Day Mexican Riviera Round-trip Los Angeles: Cabo & Puerto Vallarta, 7-Day Caribbean Round-trip Miami: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic. For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPGs new cruise newsletter. This suite features chic decor alongside a master bedroom, second bedroom, private bathroom, living room area, and balcony. Is your point person for information on ship happenings day-to-day.