StuartKardek, my initial butler introduced himself and asked when I wanted the in-cabin wine which was a gift for our anniversary. He also explained about the laundry package I had purchased (£35.00 for 40 items of laundry) and asked if everything was ok which it was. Nova, the Junior Butler also introduced himself and he was the one who serviced my cabin. I also had our luggage unpacked whilst I went for lunch, This was a really good start for the MSC butler service.
Everything went well until day 2, when Kardek had to get off unexpectedly (his wife went into labour so he had to go home). Not a problem, except that we didn’t get a replacement butler and the service noticeably decreased. The promised bottle of wine never materialised and it took ages to get service in the cabin. I went up to reception to ask what was happening and after a discussion with the head butler, we got a replacement butler.
The new butler, Maksim, was amazing. He was there if you needed him but left you alone if you didn’t want anything. He was friendly and professional and always had time for a chat. Butlers tend to provide room service but they also serve in the Top Sail lounge and the One Pool Deck this gives continuity of service as they know how you like drinks, etc. Some of the services Maksim provided were: tea, coffee and any other drinks you wanted to your cabin (including cocktails and champagne), laundry delivery and breakfast/room service in your cabin. You could have a continental breakfast in your cabin together with a few hot items. You didn’t even need to hang the breakfast card out the night before as you could phone down for coffee and pastries in the morning and it would be there within 10 minutes. Anything you need, you call the Yacht Club reception. We also asked for green instead of red grapes in the fruit bowl and this was changed and we had green grapes from then on.
As it was our anniversary cruise, I had a word with Maksim and he decorated the cabin with balloons and cards. He also provided chocolates and a bottle of Asti. That was a really nice touch. Maksim is a credit to the MSC Butler Service.
