What are passengers requesting from personalised butlers on luxury ships?

Five-star service is scaling new heights.

Butler service is the must-have amenity that defines a five-star stay at sea. Most of us aren't lucky enough to have a personal assistant or chief of staff available at all times to anticipate our needs and help with everything from packing luggage to procuring a birthday card. That is, until we step aboard a luxury cruise ship.

Impeccably dressed and well-trained men and women are at the service of well-heeled guests on many cruise lines, from Crystal to Cunard, Silversea Cruises to Oceania. The trend is growing, with more operators offering butler service to suite guests and those staying in exclusive "ship within a ship" accommodations.

"The luxury cruise market has been thriving over recent years, and there's a clear taste for cruising in style among Australians," says Joel Katz, Cruise Lines International Association managing director in Australasia. "As luxury cruise lines have expanded, many are providing private butler services, reflecting the very personalised nature of high-end cruising."

A good butler is attentive but never intrusive, intuitive enough to know when you need a drink and when you want to be left alone. Their duties can vary between cruise lines, but generally include unpacking luggage, making reservations, arranging laundry services, drawing baths, organising in-suite drinks and parties, providing recommendations about on-board amenities.

Amanda King, director of the Australian Finishing School and an etiquette expert, says butler service is "not about having a servant". "These services are to take away stress and allow you to make the most of your holiday," King says. "It seems to overlap with concierge, but adds an element of private care." As King points out, unpacking and repacking can be difficult for the elderly, and some people just aren't that good at it. "Butlers will learn your specific needs and tastes and be able to make informed personal decisions," she says. "What a wonderful service."

THE BUTLER: FREDERICK BUSS

The ship: Crystal Serenity

Most unusual request from a guest: "They wanted help to recreate an event from an earlier cruise."

Ask me anything: "I like to surprise and delight guests with small gestures. I've become an expert at knowing when my guests feel like a tipple, often before they ask."

Best thing about butler service: "Attention to small details, getting to know everyone's personality and anticipating their preferences is something I really enjoy."

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THE BUTLER: PETER KANDE