ft. There is some crossover, of course, but that's the general delineation. We used the butler very little outside his duties, most of which could easily have been done by the room steward. 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. 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. It was kind of neat. Two minutes later they called again and got the same answer, and the third time they called a further minute later they seemed angry with him. 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." Therefore, most passengers generally tip with cash. They also handle your priority disembark at the end of the trip. 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!! This suite features chic decor alongside a master bedroom, second bedroom, private bathroom, living room area, and balcony. All Rights Reserved. 6,694 sq. Actual amenities vary by ship and category. This suite additionally includes a private balcony. I only did it that time because he came to see me as he had heard from our steward and wanted to see if we needed anything. Explain your cabin amenities and make sure you know how to use all of its features. Cruise ship butlers execute all sorts of tasks each and every day. ft. Owner's Suite with Large Balcony Sleeps up to 5. Windstars 2023/24 Middle East program kicks off in November. Booking a suite is a pricey endeavor but it can be worth it with all the perks you'll receive: an included premium beverage package, prepaid gratuities, $300 per suite onboard credit to spend on the ship any way you like, free Wi-Fi and a personal butler. 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. Find the right card for you. 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 He may pour a welcome glass of Champagne, determine your pillow preferences and ask what beverages you want to be stocked in your minibar. And be sure to call for butler and concierge service anytime you like. Butlers will deliver fancy canapes, like foie gras terrine and crab legs, and upgraded turn-down amenities, such as a chocolate box. ft. Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony Sleeps up to 6. book this exclusive Knokke villa now:https://knokke.bnbbutler.be/?roomTypes=57292Beautiful, spacious, luxurious villa, with beautifully landscaped garden wit. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. 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. Even for these people - cabin stewards, bartenders, waiters, cruise excursion leaders, entertainment staff etc. The Haven has plenty of space for guests to lounge and relax. 574 sq. the concierge left us behind. 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. Many other mass market cruises offer butler service for parts of the experience, for instance, we had a butler for our private beach villa at Half Moon Cay while sailing on Holland America Line. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"8uv1CywxSYWIQ3ynoSXhsQ6EhyXzybFPn13vQkoDtOE-31536000-0"}; Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Having a staff to take care of your every whim at home might cost hundreds of thousands of dollars but for a one week vacation it might be worth it to live like a VIP and never have to lift your finger. Powered by Invision Community, Also I was told my last cruise they give you those cordless. 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. It was a great pick-me-up and once our butler figured out we weren't one for canapes or gummy bears (which took about one day), we lived well! For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. From here, the sky is quite litterally the limit. to observe the boarding process and see how smoothly it worked. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Cruise butlers aren't magicians and they sadly can't cause seas to be less rough or clouds to go away. This expansive villa features contemporary design with a spacious living room area, many large windows to take in the ocean views, outdoor terrace with hot tub, private dining area, and three full bath rooms with an additional half-bath. Here are a few threads that might help (some even with pics! Most concierges on cruise ships are absolutely fantastic and very talented at both making you feel welcome but also making reservations and arranging services. phone to call my cabin mates - it works ! ft.*, the Deluxe Owners Suite pampers up to six guests. If youve cruised with Norwegian, you know the cruise line offers plenty of opportunities to vacation your way. The Haven offers a 24-hour suite butler who will unpack your suitcase, pour your champagne and make your dining reservations. DECK 19. Minisuite is a balcony room with a slightly bigger bathroom. it was awesome. 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? Listed on 2023-03-02. Related: 11 extra charges on cruise ships that will drive you nuts and what to do about them. For the ultimate luxurious experience aboard Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vessels prospective passengers should consider booking accommodations in Norwegian exclusive, The Haven. Guests will need to use their keycards in order to enter The Haven complex. Priority when reserving restaurants and entertainment onboard NCL vessels. Available on: Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Jade. 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. and I hope that NCL doesn't do any tinkering with it. was busy handling technical details with the registration process. Hotel. Evening turndown service in staterooms. In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. You can make all kinds of special requests and he'll do what he can to fulfill your shipboard dreams. In addition to more spacious cabins and suites, Concierge passengers get upgraded amenities like down duvets, a pillow menu, robes and slippers and free Wi-Fi. We were on a very port intensive itinerary with our two kids. Does NCL track this activity? Learn more. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. He/she isn't just "yours". Oceania Cruises sends its butlers to the Guild of Professional English Butlers. White tablecloth in-suite dining, to be enjoyed in guests staterooms. The standard phone in your suite has these same numbers pre-programmed as well. Part Time Real Estate, Leasing Consultant. Disney Cruise Line offers four cabin categories with the creme-de-la-creme being Concierge. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. We offer cruise news, tips, and deals to help make your choice to cruise the west coast an easy one! Nobody should hang you up. 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. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Our butler had just the right balance of being attentive but not overbearing, and it was the same with the room steward. But, either or both of these individuals do hold the keys to amping up your experience and making you feel like a VIP. 24-hour trained and certified suite butler. Operating as a payor-agnostic, wholly owned subsidiary of Humana, our . Cruise butler services vary from one cruise line to the next but generally speaking, your cruise butler is your single point of contact to make whatever you want happen. Additionally, the typical cruise passenger that enjoys butler service is in a completely different financial category than the family of five packed into an inside cabin looking for every opportunity to save a buck. The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. He came back after 10 minutes or so, full of apologies to us but full of thanks for what I did. Sleeps up to five guests. Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning. LauraS 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. These private spaces offer a quiet and relaxing space for guests wishing for a retreat from the excitement of the rest of the ship. By You booked a spa mini-suite which is not a suite. *Square footage and stateroom configuration and capacities vary by ship. Invitations to exclusive cocktail parties offered only to guests of The Haven. They will also bring. We had decided last minute we wanted to do one of the specialty restaurants, the only times open were late. Planning a cruise for the coming year? I would have found that to be unacceptable too. Luxurious details such as platinum keycard to stateroom. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? On the penultimate day we had 3 visits with "I hope you have enjoyed the service I have provided!!". 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. The same cabin called 3 times. 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. 957 sq. 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? Guests who are booked into Haven accommodations enjoy additional perks beyond those already mentioned! $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Additionally, they will escort you to different destinations on the ship as well as assist you with debarkation by carrying your bags to the gangway. 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. Guests in the Grill-level suites enjoy high-end service, and are assigned personal butlers who do everything from serving champagne on your verandah to helping you put on your cuff links for a formal dinner. Draw a bath with bubble bath or flower petals. Double balcony is offered on Norwegian Dawn. Fine linens, feather duvet on stateroom beds, and a pillow menu. This website uses cookies. Celebrity Cruises is one of those lines that offer both concierge and butler service. Champagne, custom selection of liquor (in the Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn), fruit, bottled water and sodas. DECK 17. No. With two bedrooms, one with a king-size bed and walk in-closet and one with two lower convertible beds, there is plenty of space for the whole family. 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. Unwind in your own stylish space, featuring a living and dining area and the option of extra bedding to sleep up to four* guests. Put your requests in but be aware that sometimes the service from them will not be instantaneous as they may be helping/serving another guest. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Concierge guests get priority reservations for cruise excursions, dining and onboard activities. The quality of a butler can vary but cruise lines put great emphasis on training so passengers are usually wowed by the service they receive. DECK 16. Passengers exempted from the new (uncommon for the industry) room service fee are only the occupants of "The Haven" suites. Stay close to them with our convenient connecting staterooms. To find out more, please, Traveling with a group of people? Available on: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Pearl. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Greets you at the cruise terminal on embarkation day for priority check-in and to assist as you board the ship. CC Help Jenn 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. This stateroom type features relaxing and luxurious spa decor. Have had a couple of fantastic ones who were always around and if they saw us would rush to see if they could assist even when I was handling things myself,and a couple who weren't bothered but seemed to want my tip. They also receive priority boarding on embarkation day and express debarkation. Just like every other aspect of cruising, the butler service from one line to the next can be completely different. Celebrating a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon? DECK 18. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Cruise ship travel is changing this year: 7 changes you can expect in 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. We did tip him as he did his duties as he should but we tipped the room steward a lot more!! 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. Watch the horizon glide by from expansive private balconies. 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. If unfamiliar the Daily Service Charges are: $20.00 USD per person,. Then watch the moonlight dance on the waves from your private terrace. Available to suite guests, the butler will also handle shoe shining, dry cleaning and bring coffee. $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. One key difference between butlers on big ship lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity, and MSC and those found on smaller ships. The help and assistance of The Haven Courtyard attendant, to take care of all guests needs, such as delivering drinks, fresh fruit, cold towels, etc. NCL's Club Balcony Suite's new (bonus) amenities include pre-booking onboard dining and entertainment 125 days prior departure, room service (food-beverage delivery twice per cruise), free laundry service (1x bag) and pressing service (once per cruise), Welcome Aboard gift (1x bottle of sparkling wine). (Yes, that was a little uncomfortable due to the glares of other pax, but we managed to get over it fairly quickly.) The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck features a pool, hot tub, and lounge chairs. I may also ask for chocolate delivered to my cabin each evening. ft.*. The concierge, on the other hand, is available precruise to help you make reservations for dining, spa treatments and more. The help and assistance 24-hours a day, of a trained and certified butler. Luxury bath products in stateroom bathrooms. Relax with an incredible floor-to-ceiling view, and let the butler and concierge take care of the finer details. The room size is identical to a balcony, I am referencing the AFT FACING PENTHOUSE SUITES, with Butler/Concierge. 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. Makes reservations for evening shows and other entertainment options. *Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. I have had 2 NCL cruises in suites. Much of The Haven has beautiful ocean views throughout for passengers to enjoy. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. The butlers serve breakfast, handle dry cleaning and book private sessions with the ship's personal trainer. **3-Bedroom Garden Villa, Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony and Owner's Suite with Large Balcony only. As first time suite passengers enjoy the services offered - on the next cruise. I write this because there was one occasion when the Butler was attending to our meal in our room. 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! Please fill out the form below and Heather from Flow Voyages (or a representative from CruiseWestCoast.com) will contact you as soon as possible. Case in point: Norwegian Cruise Line offers butler service in The Haven suites. The concierge desk enables guests and travel agents to book shore excursions and make reservations for dining, entertainment and the spa. Plates, glassware, setting up food, etc. Each butler serving that special VIP area of the ship received formal training at the International Institutes of Modern Butlers. Onboard, you'll find a concierge at The Retreat, the special VIP areas of the ship -- indoor lounge and sun deck -- where only Concierge-level and suite passengers are allowed. We had breakfast in our suite most mornings - sometimes just continental and sometimes ordered from the Haven menu. They will arrange speciality dining at your request, get you priority tendering when required. Available on: Norwegian Prima,Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Peal. In my previous article, I told you what its like before you cruise, when you check in, and what you can expect in your stateroom. I think he'd be too busy around at yours, thank god! 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. 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. By the time the muster drill is over, your Butler has paid a visit and youll return to the suite to find your first delivery of daily treats. first time, my mom's card didnt have her picture loaded when she scanned at security. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ Your Royal Genie will arrange for a special celebration just for you. Now, lets take a look at what its like to enjoy Butler and Concierge Service onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships. If you book a Penthouse deck suite on a Crystal cruise, you can enjoy the services of a personal, in-suite butler. one night we stayed in to watch one and ordered pizza. No balcony on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star. 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. CC Help Jenn Job in Phoenix - Maricopa County - AZ Arizona - USA , 85016. Available on: Norwegian Prima,Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Epic, and Norwegian Breakaway. I thought our room steward did the cleaning and turning down/making up. 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. 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. It is not uncommon to tip $300, $500, or even more if you are actively using butler services and they are providing extrodinary service. They're pretty spectacular! With up to 875 sq. Mobile phones that can be used throughout the ship (this feature is exclusive to the following ships: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, and Norwegian Epic). There are select categories of Suite which come with specific additional amenities, too! Complimentary private transfer from pier to airport. I think it is worth pointing out that you will be sharing the Butler with numerous other suites. These penthouse staterooms include dining and living room areas, specious bedrooms, and balconies. I love Schweppes bitter lemon, but it's not distributed where I live. Assists with priority access to tenders to shore. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. 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. 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. Have your butler arrange a culinary feast in your dining area. While cruise lines may deputize their concierges to do slightly different tasks, here are the sort of things you can expect a concierge to handle on your behalf. Over the next few days I noticed that he was going in or out of that room almost everytime we stepped out of ours. cleaned and ready - that failing then escorted to the Haven restaurant or other specialty restaurant for lunch. Look for the connecting stateroom icon. After the party, they will clean your suite while you enjoy the ship. To add to the above, your butler and concierge are shared with other guests. The butler is your personal host during the cruise vacation. Pre-Cruise Haven Concierge Desk Requests: When you book the Haven luxury experience, approximately 60-days prior to your sail date, you get a U.S. mail letter from NCL. 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. One afternoon we arrived back from a long day to find a ham/cheese sandwich waiting for us - we devoured it and after that we went through BLTs, turkey, you-name-it. 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. [CDATA[ Spanning and impressive 6,694 square feet. As such, there is no specific guideline on how much you should tip your butler. 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. 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. Disney cruise ships do not offer butler service. I didn't ask for any other meals in our room on that, or any other cruises. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Your Butler will do lots of things over and above what your room steward will do, For instance, he/she can help you unpack, serve a full breakfast or evening meal in your room, and many other things. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. 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. But if youre cruising The Haven, youre in for a special treat. Courtyard attendant in The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck areas to take care of all guest needs. Some people get great service, some just ok., some not very good. With up to 1,392 sq. 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. Did you mention that you love grapes? Sparkling wine, bottled water, and fruit on embarkation day (available to 2-Bedroom Villa, Courtyard Penthouse, Spa Suite, and Penthouse stateroom guests). They also. The concierge desk enables guests and travel agents to book shore excursions and make reservations for dining, entertainment and the spa. 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. Your butler will set up your suite to your specifications, serve meals personally in your room or on the balcony and sometimes accompany you to the theater to show your reserved seating on Evening Chic nights.
