An all-inclusive river cruise usually has a lot of extra items packaged in the fare. One of the value-added items might be the service of a private butler. While most river cruise companies do not include this service in the fare, there are some that do.
Uniworld’s butlers on S.S. Catherine in Lyon, France. © 2014 Ralph Grizzle
Companies – Private Butler Service Included
There are two river cruise companies that provide a butler service as part of their all-inclusive packages. One company includes this service for all guests regardless of stateroom, and the other company only includes it for guests who choose one of the suite accommodations.
Private butler service is provided to all guests who book travel with Scenic Cruises with the exception of river cruises in Russia. The level of service is relative to your stateroom category. In other words, the higher the stateroom category the higher the level of private butler service you will receive.
The basic level of private butler service includes:
- complimentary refreshments served to your stateroom
- valet service – organize, theater tickets, schedule salon appointments, arrange on-shore excursions and transportation
- assistance wherever else needed
Private butler service at the highest level includes all of the above plus the following:
- laundry services
- pressing/ironing services
- arrange for meals to be served in your suite
Uniworld includes private butler service for all guests who are staying in a suite, which means that all other category staterooms do not receive this service as part of the river cruise fare.
A private butler is assigned to each suite and will provide services, such as the following: unpacking your suitcases upon arrival, packing your suitcases upon departure, laundry service, in-room breakfast and service during dinner meals onboard the ship as well as any special requests the guests may have.
Companies – Private Butler Service Not Included
The following river cruise companies offer standard stateroom service provided by cabin stewards. This is basically a housekeeping service, which includes making your beds, replacing towels, wash cloths, soap, toilet paper, emptying the trash, vacuuming, dusting and replenishing bottled water for those companies that provide it as part of their beverage policy.
Even though there might not be the same level of service that a private butler would provide, most cabin stewards will strive for excellence and will help create an enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere in each guest’s stateroom.
Amawaterways, American Cruise Lines, American Queen Steamboat Company, Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope, Emerald Cruises, Grand Circle Travel, Tauck and Viking River Cruises
Private Butler Service Additional Value
What is the value of private butler service? A rough estimate is about $25 per person per day, which equates to about $200 per person for a 7-night river cruise. If you are someone who truly likes very attentive service beyond what is provided with standard service from a cabin steward, then traveling with Scenic Cruises is probably your best option. Regardless of the stateroom you choose, you will be able to enjoy the services of a private butler.
See other all-inclusive river cruise articles in this series:
I’m surprised that Emerald Waterways isn’t listed as having “standard stateroom service provided by cabin stewards”. Is this an oversight?
Yes, it actually was an oversight. Thank you so much for pointing out the mistake. I’ve updated the article, so Emerald Waterways is now listed in the article.