Cruise ships reveal odd requests from pampered guests

To many cruisers, the notion of having a personal butler on board is like sprouting an extra thumb — a mostly unnecessary appendage. After all, isn't a cabin steward's attention service enough?

On occasion, our stateroom accommodations have included butler service and, frankly, we had no idea what to do with him. Beyond asking the tuxedoed young man to make certain our cabin was stocked with bottled water, we could think of little else to request. The butler would have gladly unpacked our suitcases or done our laundry, he said, but we declined.

Our curiosity, however, was piqued. How do passengers pamper themselves with personal butlers' services, private concierges and even excursion-desk personnel? We asked cruise lines to reveal some requests.

On Regent Seven Seas, for example, one passenger asked the concierge to have the ship turned around because, he said, "The view from my window is not very good." Others have asked if their butler could accompany them ashore to cater to their needs in port. Obviously, there are limits to which whims can get fulfilled.....
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