Butlers hold the magical ability to transform already incredible cruises into extraordinary ones. While most butlers offer similar services, they might perform duties differently. Here, we look at the role of cruise ship butlers across a number of cruise lines:
Which cruise lines offer butler service?
Azamara
Who receives butler service? All suite passengers.
What the butler service includes: Your Azamara butler will handle priority check-in and departure, unpack and pack your suitcases, make reservations (dining and spa, for example), handle your dry cleaning and laundry needs, serve afternoon tea, deliver meals to your suite and serve them course by course and arrange a private cocktail party in your suite.
Celebrity Cruises
Who receives butler service? All suite passengers on every ship except Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration.
What the butler service includes: Your Celebrity Cruises butler will handle priority check-in and departure, unpack and pack your suitcases, make reservations for shore excursions, handle your dry cleaning needs, offer shoe shining services, serve afternoon tea and evening hors d’oeuvres, deliver meals to your suite and serve them course by course, deliver complimentary coffees and arrange a private party in your suite.
Cunard
Who receives butler service? All Queens Grill passengers.
What the butler service includes: Your Cunard butler will unpack and pack your suitcases, deliver meals to your suite and serve them course by course, help you choose from the pillow menu which offers nine pillow choices, stock your mini bar and deliver pre-dinner canapes.
Oceania Cruises
Who receives butler service? All suite passengers.
What the butler service includes: Your Oceania Cruises butler will handle check-in and departure, unpack and pack your suitcases, make reservations (dining, spa, shore excursions, private cars and evening entertainment, for example), handle your dry cleaning needs, offer shoe shining services, serve afternoon tea and evening canapes, deliver meals to your suite and serve them course by course, arrange a private party in your suite and draw you a bath.
ROL Cruise team member Natasha recently spent a few days aboard Vista, she told us: “After being in my suite for just a few minutes, and taking in the plush pale blue and silver furnishings, there was a gentle tap on the door. I opened it to be greeted by my impeccably dressed butler who politely asked if he could step in for a moment to introduce himself. He knew my name straight away and took the time to show me that I had a fully stocked mini-bar, chilled water and water bottles to take ashore if I wished. He had laid out some chilled Champagne and some canapes for me to enjoy. He advised me of the Concierge Lounge that I had exclusive access to down the corridor and that my suite attendant was called Natalia. He then showed me the phone in the room and which button to press if I needed him at any time. If budget allows, the Penthouse Suite gives you the extra comfort, space, exclusivity and an understanding that your every whim will be taken care of.”
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Who receives butler service? All passengers in Penthouse Suites and above.
What the butler service includes: Your Regent Seven Seas Cruises butler will unpack and pack your suitcases, make reservations (dining, spa and shore excursions, for example), handle your laundry and dry cleaning needs, offer shoe shining services, deliver meals to your suite and serve them course by course and arrange a private party in your suite.
Silversea
Who receives butler service? All passengers.
What the butler service includes: Your Silversea butler will unpack and pack your suitcases, make reservations (dining, spa and private fitness sessions, for example), handle your dry cleaning needs, serve breakfast to you in your suite, discuss your taste preferences with the chef or maître d’ and offer a choice of pillows.
