I for one have been disappointed with the service provided with the cleaning cutbacks. I won't reduce the gratuities because I can see that the steward is doing his best to keep up with the increased demands put on him. It isn't for my convenience that my room isn't done at 4:30 pm when I get back after a busy port day and I'd like to shower, relax, and then get ready for dinner. Instead, I now have to locate the steward, ask him to replace my towels (or I just use the beach towels), tell him that I don't need him to do up the room and leave it for another day (did this a few times during my cruise).
I can't blame him for the situation he's been placed under and I can't imagine asking him to make towel animals for us. I certainly made a point of this on my survey.
Hasn't happened to you? Perhaps you were at the front of the cleaning line, lucky you!
Did I still enjoy my cruise? Absolutely.