For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Aft balconies and mini suites don't have butlers or concierge, just great balconies! These penthouse staterooms include dining and living room areas, specious bedrooms, and balconies. Not Haven, but never the less, butler service and had issues with 1 butler, but after talking over the issues with the concierge, the issues were corrected. realize that you can be selective about all those services but find out what level you like to be pampered at. Many cruise ships don't have any concierges or butlers at all. Available to suite guests, the butler will also handle shoe shining, dry cleaning and bring coffee. Disney offers a sort of butler service for its concierge-level guests. Plates, glassware, setting up food, etc. The onboard concierge will help book your dining reservations, make entertainment recommendations and greet you as you board and disembark in ports of call. scorpioncrawl, July 29, 2017 in Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line's "ship within a ship", The Haven, offers a high-end luxury experience exclusive to guests booked in its suites. first time, my mom's card didnt have her picture loaded when she scanned at security. Butlers aren't run-of-the-mill cabin stewards. Mini-bar and premium coffee machine (capable of making coffee, espresso, and cappuccinos). Serve room service meals in your cabin or on your balcony. There is another thread about tipping the Butler good luck with that one. The Haven is usually located at the front of the Norwegian Cruise Line ships, and guests will often times be able to experience the same view that the ships captain possesses from many of The Haven spaces. Planning a cruise for the coming year? and I hope that NCL doesn't do any tinkering with it. Your suite's portable phone is pre-programmed to dial directly to either of them, or to your Cabin Steward. Available on: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Epic. Every day you'll enjoy a delivery of specially selected treats, but if there's something you prefer feel free to let your Butler know so they can bring what you enjoy! Plush bathrobes, slippers, and oversized bath towels to be enjoyed onboard by guests of The Haven. You will also have the services of the ships. Each butler serving that special VIP area of the ship received formal training at the International Institutes of Modern Butlers. ft. Owner's Suite with Large Balcony Sleeps up to 5. As each course came out the butler delivered it to the room. Guests of The Haven have special access to dining spaces apart from that of the complimentary and specialty dining onboard NCL ships. They are usually specially trained, both by the cruise line and off-site when they attend "butler school." Plus, youll be pampered with a deluxe array of complimentary amenities and personal service from a butler and concierge that help create a vacation experience youll never forget. Call me with your order and I will set up your room." They will also bring. Cocktail party with the cruise ships officers. Can even be by the same person - butler, steward, concierge - and it can vary customer to customer. 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. There is some crossover, of course, but that's the general delineation. 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. Silversea offers a pillow menu, and your in-suite butler will help you to select the right one for your sleeping comfort. He said "Let me bring dinner to you" and I was glad of the offer. This may be something that is a difference between European standards and American. The first thing right after checking-in (Registration) is a butler personal escort on board to your stateroom if. Firstly to request service to which he informed them he would be with them shortly as he was with another guest. These staterooms range in size and in-room amenities and vary from ship to ship and class to class. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. I have had 2 NCL cruises in suites. Any discussion of tipping on a cruise will bring out a wide variety of opinions. One key difference between butlers on big ship lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity, and MSC and those found on smaller ships. The room size is identical to a balcony, I am referencing the AFT FACING PENTHOUSE SUITES, with Butler/Concierge. A neat chance. Look for the connecting stateroom icon. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. You can book a Concierge-level cabin to unlock access to the ship's concierge team or you can book a suite and get treated to concierge service and an in-cabin butler. He came back after 10 minutes or so, full of apologies to us but full of thanks for what I did. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Most concierges on cruise ships are absolutely fantastic and very talented at both making you feel welcome but also making reservations and arranging services. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. It is usable anywhere on the ship and as I have found out on my recent New England Canada cruise can be, used on shore with a limited range. Your Royal Genie will arrange for a special celebration just for you. After the party, they will clean your suite while you enjoy the ship. Unwind in your own stylish space, featuring a living and dining area and the option of extra bedding to sleep up to four* guests. TPG is here to define the roles of these crew members and how they both can make your voyage a whole lot more enjoyable. Some people get great service, some just ok., some not very good. 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. 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. The phone that is a perk of the suite is the same type of phone carried by the crew members butler concierge. Norwegians two ships in development, the Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway, will also feature the Haven when they launch in April 2013 and April 2014. Luxurious Accommodations on board Norwegian Bliss Private Sun Deck exclusive to Haven Butler Available Around the Clock Throughout Your Stay Private Haven Courtyard LEARN MORE 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? This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). We also had no interactions with him on day 1 we asked for juice day 2 when he finally got us and he was never seen again only heard when he was presenting dinner to the neighbors. 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. This will greatly affect the level of tips that you are expected to reward their service with. I think he'd be too busy around at yours, thank god! Lots of room for everyone. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. Powered by Invision Community, Also I was told my last cruise they give you those cordless. Find the right card for you. We have always call round to introduce themselves and get to know a little about us and our miniscule needs at the very least.The only reason we were being served our meal that particular night is that due to my stepping on a stingray and getting my ankle shredded (still hurts and aches 17 months later) I was unable to walk to the restaurant. Now we are really looking forward to a new experience on our April trans Atlantic cruise. cleaned and ready - that failing then escorted to the Haven restaurant or other specialty restaurant for lunch. When we traveled with the grandchildren, the butler always made sure their favorite snack was in the room. Courtyard attendant in The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck areas to take care of all guest needs. *Square footage and stateroom configuration and capacities vary by ship. Concierge service to help guests book their dining, entertainment and more with NCL. A line-by-line guide, The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship. We were escorted on by the Concierge and he took us to lunch. Some have just concierges but no butlers. 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. Is your point person for information on ship happenings day-to-day. was busy handling technical details with the registration process. Luxury bath products in stateroom bathrooms. LOL! Explain your cabin amenities and make sure you know how to use all of its features. Whatever you decide, your first evening onboard is just the beginning! 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. The butler basically takes care of your personal needs food and beverages (in cabin coffee maker) - the cabin steward cleans and makes up the cabin. This Spa Suite includes all of the features and amenities as the Deluxe Spa Suite with Balcony, however, this suite does not include a separate living room area, making its square footage slightly smaller. I think I'm right in saying that doesn't include a butler. LauraS The Courtyard area has a mix of lounge chairs and seating for guests to enjoy. 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 booked a spa mini-suite which is not a suite. Some people think that cabin stewards are butlers and that butlers take care of cleaning your cabin. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Started August 27, 2021, By By the time you have freshened up, he might have already made reservations for you and just need your confirmation for any details. Let's take a look at cruise ship butlers and look at how the offerings on various cruise lines differs from one to another. Makes onboard reservations for everything from meals to child care to shore excursions. Celebrity Cruises is one of those lines that offer both concierge and butler service. Concierge services to help guests book dining, entertainment, shore excursions, and more. Each suite guest is assigned a personal butler who will take care of their every need, from drawing their bath for a relaxing soak after a long day, to pressing their tuxedos for dinner or helping them into their formal gowns. 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'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. TPG values it at $1,600. What they can do though is virtually everything in between. As you're sitting at breakfast you remember that you wanted to ask for extra ice in your bucket, and you don't want to forget again touch the button labeled Cabin Steward and voila! The help and assistance 24-hours a day, of a trained and certified butler. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Check here before booking an award fare. Kick back in the living and dining area. It's fun to cruise with a butler at least once. 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. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. I thought our room steward did the cleaning and turning down/making up. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Royal Caribbeans CocoCay versus MSCs Ocean Cay, which is better? Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning. Another important role that many people like having a butler for is handling all the details for a private party in their suite. For the ultimate luxurious experience aboard Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vessels prospective passengers should consider booking accommodations in Norwegian exclusive, The Haven. They will arrange speciality dining at your request, get you priority tendering when required. When we talked to the butler, she said, "I'll bring you a menu. We enjoy eating in the restaurants more than we would the room. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. 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. They also receive priority boarding on embarkation day and express debarkation. Enjoy the amazing views together on your large, private balcony. You did not book a suite. You'll feel like a VIP -- and you are one! Job specializations: Real Estate/Property. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Hotel. 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. The butler takes care of your needs INSIDE of the room - things like snacks delivered daily, full meals delivered to your suite (by request), taking care of the espresso/coffee machine. 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. If unfamiliar the Daily Service Charges are: $20.00 USD per person,. Ship and Suite Orientation. Name of lounge: The Haven Lounge. This suite features chic decor alongside a master bedroom, second bedroom, private bathroom, living room area, and balcony. While west coast cruises have fewer options than what you might find in the Caribbean for instance, the good news is that in recent years we've gotten some of the newest and most luxurious ships at sea visiting our waters. He may pour a welcome glass of Champagne, determine your pillow preferences and ask what beverages you want to be stocked in your minibar. The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. Personally, we are happy to go on our own when they let you. . Double balcony is offered on Norwegian Dawn. I've always loved looking at those cabin rooms that face the back of the shipyou are watching the water tread behind you as you are sailing on your balcony!! Many of The Havens spaces are child friendly, while some spaces are reserved for older and adult guests. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Complimentary private transfer from pier to airport. You will really feel like a celebrity with the butler service on this mid-luxury cruise line. We rarely use the phone - we normally talk to them in person or leave a note. While some folks expect a level of service that is like what they have at home with a butler, personal chef, driver and other staff, for others this is an opportunity to splurge. Spanning and impressive 6,694 square feet. 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. Another thought concierge is a joke because the restaurants are the only thing they do and if you don't make a reservation before you leave you eat in your room. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"8uv1CywxSYWIQ3ynoSXhsQ6EhyXzybFPn13vQkoDtOE-31536000-0"}; If the ID card is bad it gets worse. Learn more. Yours may or may not perform the following functions but this quick list will give you an idea of what to expect the first time Jeeves is at your service. you also get free pay per view movies! Available on: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Pearl. 5 big changes you should know about coming to Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023, Comparing Norwegian Cruise Line sailings to Alaska in 2023, 17 kinds of cruises you didnt know Norwegian Cruise Lines offered, Norwegian gives inside look at Prima cruise ship christening, I lived on a cruise ship for 100 days, here's why cruise travel is still the best way to study abroad, Cruise travel insurance and why you need it. Once onboard, your Royal Genie will book your dining reservations, arrange for your high-end shopping experiences and arrange for you to have the best seats in the house at entertainment venues. 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. Priority when making specialty dining reservations and entertainment onboard. DECK 20. One note that confuses some people is that you may see notes such as that provided by MSC Cruises stating that crew do not need to be tipped. Enrollment required. 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. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? With up to 6,694 sq. Your concierge is a bit like an agent to you on board ship. 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? What is the cost? MSC Cruises Yacht Club Butler service is an integral part of your experience when staying in one of the MSC Cruises Yacht Club suites on ships like MSC Seashore. 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. Guests can contact The Haven concierge before arriving and let them know of any specific preferences and desires, this will ensure that guests assigned butler will know just how to care for their Haven passengers. The Haven Lounge is equipped with The Haven Bar for guests to enjoy a cocktail, or for guests to simply relax in a space designed with both comfort and luxury in mind. It would be an awkward situation for the Concierge to escort every suite passenger on board. Disney cruise ships do not offer butler service. 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. We used the butler very little outside his duties, most of which could easily have been done by the room steward. The "Royal Genie" is part butler, part concierge, and is only available to guests booked in a Star Suite on one of the line's 24 ships. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. He'll offer you a choice of high-end soaps, shampoos and conditioners when you arrive in your cabin for the first time. Relax with an incredible floor-to-ceiling view, and let the butler and concierge take care of the finer details. (NCL's The Haven Sundeck area aboard the brand new Norwegian Prima). It is a cruise ship not Downton Abbey. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. We have a young child so we wouldn't be asking for much, we simply asked for AJ for the kid it took 2 days for the juice but our neighbors got 3 meals a day in there room. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. CC Help Jenn Special Haven menus for The Haven Restaurant and in-suite dining. 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. Help you plan and execute a cocktail party you host in your suite. The butlers serve breakfast, handle dry cleaning and book private sessions with the ship's personal trainer. He was visibly perturbed by this so I told him to just go and sort out their "emergency" and I would serve our food myself. Plus, a butler does way more than simply being your personal concierge since they are truely part of your overal vacation experience. Explain the pillow menu and deliver your selections to the room. They keep a log of how often the day and night butlers are used. It looks like on Bliss they are (mostly) slightly further aft (where the mini-suites are on Escape) but other than that and decor, what are the differences? Available on Pride of America, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Star. Luxury line Silversea offers butler service in every single suite on its ships -- regardless of category. (Yes, that was a little uncomfortable due to the glares of other pax, but we managed to get over it fairly quickly.) Powered by Invision Community. That, along with the escorts OFF the ship at each port by the concierge team, were huge benefits that we hadn't really anticipated but probably freed up an hour or so each day. The concierge can also help you plan special occasions and celebrations. This high-end boutique luxury line is known for its upgraded amenities, and suite guests enjoy English butler service unparalleled on other cruise lines. Your specially trained butler will book your spa appointments, arrange cocktail parties for your group and offer a complete tea service in your stateroom. 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. 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. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Overall a very nice experience. Now, lets take a look at what its like to enjoy Butler and Concierge Service onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Think of it this way. Perhaps today it's some sandwiches, or a plate of cheese and crackers and fruits. The Sundeck has a hot tub, plenty of lounge day beds, and a private bar for guests of The Haven. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. What is the cheapest month to book a cruise? Available on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star. In some instances, your cruise ship butler may be shared by an entire group of suites and in other instances your butler is assigned just to you. But the extra services are the real reason cruisers love Disney's Concierge level. We asked about 4 times for special treats as we were having visitors. This chic suite features large floor-to-ceiling sweeping windows, with large balcony equipped with lounge chairs. Whenever you need the high-touch to make your cruise extra special, the Royal Genie is there to cater to you. In addition to packing and unpacking for you, your butler on Celebrity cruises will serve your meals, course by course, to you in your suite. The first time I let the butler spoil me since I was a suite rookie. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. ft.*, the Deluxe Owners Suite pampers up to six guests. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. And be sure to call for butler and concierge service anytime you like. With up to 574 sq. Tomorrow could be a plate of hand-made chocolates or a canap assortment. We expected beggars on the streets of the big cities but not on the ship. However, the generally accepted minimum is $10-15 per day. With Europe-trained butlers, there is no request that is to challenging for them to handle. Listed on 2023-03-02. You can make all kinds of special requests and he'll do what he can to fulfill your shipboard dreams. Related: Are drinks packages worth the price? By Silversea was the one of the first cruise lines to introduce butlers, and the service is available to guests on all of the line's nine ships. In what way will a spa mini-suite on Bliss (M9) differ from a spa mini-suite on Escape (M9)? 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. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.