Originally Posted by
Sunny 1
You're exactly right. I saw (from our balcony) aboard Silversea the white gloved butlers greeting those who went to the evening convert at Ephesus a few weeks ago. Also, I think you're spot on describing the suite "butler". It's rare they just come by with snacks (for example), but when called, they answer. On our first Silversea cruise, we did have a wonderful butler who came by upon leaving port in some rocky seas asking if we would like some tea. "Oh yes, please." It was perfect timing and was the perfect elixer.
Back to the OP's question, we have always (except our very first sailing) booked with our travel agent who was Virtuoso related and is now Signature. She has always gotten us some OBCs. I'm still trying to figure out how to maximize our OBC credits.
Funny you should mention Ephesus, well actually the port at Kusadasi, because that’s the one and only port I’ve seen the butlers line up at the gangway with a “Welcome Back” banner.
As for travel agents we’ve used a few over the 24 years we’ve been cruising. We started with a brick and mortar agent in a large cruise-only store in Tyson’s Corner in Northern Virginia. In 2004 we booked a cruise through an Internet based agency and have tried two or three others since then. Four years ago we were referred to an agency that still does cash rebates in the form of a check. They’ve been super and often not only rebate 10-12% but often throw in a $200-$300 OBC.