"Skipfromla" wrote in message
news:c6a885ljqeo6n83jcp5ae6ll1t9gdoisej@4ax.com...
> In 1999, we took an Alaskan cruise on the Norwegian Wind, the only
> cruise we've been on. The service couldn't was wonderful and I don't
> see how it could have been better, possibly because of assigned meal
> seatings with the same table, same waiter, same cabin steward and tips
> in cash at the end of the cruise. The food was wonderful, so good in
> fact, we never went to the one extra-pay restaurant.
>
> We were thinking of taking another cruise but after speaking to
> several friends about their resent cruises, we may not. Every one of
> them said the freestyle dining and tips that are added to your bill
> that don't reflect service levels, have caused a severe decline in
> service. They also mentioned that the quality of food and attitude of
> the crew had been less than acceptable.
>
> Some of my friends, just about all of them cruising on different
> cruise lines, were told essentially the same thing by crew members,
> that there was no point in going that extra mile in service to the
> passengers because they don't get more in tips if they give good
> service and don't get less if they give minimal service or maybe even
> poorer service. The crew member also said that the tips are now also
> going to the salaried people behind the scenes, not just those who
> live on their tips and went on to say that the company was charging a
> percentage of the tips for a processing fee that comes out of the
> pockets of the crew. I have no idea if all this is really true but it
> sounds like it could be.
>
> If we are going to spend that much money on a cruise, we expect great
> service and food. If we can be expected to be treated like cattle, I
> have no interest in cruising.
>
> Skip
>
>
>
>
>
Dear Lord Fauntleroy,
I've been on five Caribbean cruises on Carnival and Royal Caribbean
since 2006 and have yet to have an experience which would remotely turn me
away from the ships. Aside from one minor lavatory problem which was
cleared up in 15 minutes with apologies, every expereince has been to my
liking from the food to the service which was always attentive.
The tips were merely added on to my bill at cruises end, except for room
service where we gladly tipped in person. All staff..and I do mean ALL staff
was gracious and professional. Not a sullen one amongst them.
I have the feeling that on dry land and sea you are the type that
insists your rear end be kissed at all times, from the office to the on deck
hot tub, and quite frankly, I cruise to get as far away from people like you
as I possibly can, as I work for and with people such as yourself.
Your opinion is duly noted. We invite you to search other usenet groups
to find leisure time activities that may better suit your tastes and needs.
Have a pleasant day.
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