The daily rhythm
Morning: in-suite breakfast if you asked. Afternoon: canapés and whatever you drink. Evening: dinner reservations confirmed and your show tickets in hand.
What to ask for
A pillow menu. Dinner in your suite one night. A table by the window in the private restaurant every night. Escort to the tender. Bags packed on the last night.
What they are not
Not a private guide on shore. Not a personal assistant for the whole ship. Not a replacement for the concierge, who handles excursions and off-ship bookings.
How the butler differs by line
In MSC Yacht Club the butler escorts you to the theatre and reserves your seats, and on Ocean Cay walks you to the reserved beach. In Norwegian's Haven the butler is the person who makes freestyle dining work, holding tables in restaurants that are otherwise first come. On Silversea every suite has one, so the service feels like a hotel floor rather than a privilege. On Cunard's Queens Grill the butler will arrange off-menu dishes with the restaurant a day ahead.
The first-hour conversation
Tell the butler three things on day one: what time you like breakfast, which nights you want a speciality restaurant, and whether you want to be left alone in the afternoons. Kathryn gives every suite client that list before they sail. It turns a good butler into a great week.