Cabin Service Decrease

[Jana60]

Im never in the room so i never noticed if they came twice a day. Not really a thing I even think about... Too focused on relaxation, culture and fun. As long as they show up by the time i go to sleep, im good

 

Wow! You must incredibly neat and make your own bed in the morning when you're on vacation because otherwise when you come back from port, if not cleaned by the staff, you would usually notice your bed was unmade and dirty towels on the floor of the bathroom. Unless of course you don't return to your room ever during the day after you leave in the morning until you go back to go to sleep.

Edited January 21, 2016 by Jana60

[jimbo5544]

Yes I'm agreeing with Pesh! I think if the polls were too scientific it might rope him into something that his bosses don't want to do or that he feels would hurt his ratings as a performer which is really what he is. .

 

Shocker....;)

Edited January 21, 2016 by jimbo5544

[Podna's]

I wonder why no one has posted a poll on this forum about this.

 

 

I think you should. I like to actually see the 99.9% for "both" as someone mentioned earlier. I'm going to go out on a limb and say it'll be high but not that high. Could chose both, once or my favorite, could care less.

[JMAE]

As I said in an earlier post in this thread if Carnival really wants to put this issue to bed they should have you complete the questionnaire during your online check-in where you select your sleeping arrangements. Since this service is optional they should add a FAQ to their website to clarify the optional service being offered on their ships.

 

I would argue that these options were available before the card was ever thought of by CCL. There were times early in our cruise career when we cruised with small children we had our room serviced once a day because it interrupted our children's schedule.

 

Does anyone know if other cruise lines have the option of morning or evening service?

Edited January 22, 2016 by JMAE

[CdrescherRBL152]

Has JH reneged on his assurance he made that the forms would be changed to include a tick box for "both" services? He keeps asking if people want both am and pm service and the latest survey indicates that the vast majority of his fans do want twice daily servicing of the cabins. It's as though Carnival keeps asking John to re-post the survey hoping to get a different result. People are not backing down from this one on his page. It's become a sore thumb issue much like the shrimp cocktail fiasco. The shrimp are back, let's hope twice daily servicing of the cabins becomes the standard for Carnival again very soon.

 

 

The last time he posted the survey, was due to getting a e-mail . Claiming no one wanted both. Ironically the person who sent the email has same first name as the one who keeps claiming no one likes seeing the wait staff in the MDR perform.

[John Reid]

As I said in an earlier post in this thread if Carnival really wants to put this issue to bed they should have you complete the questionnaire during your online check-in where you select your sleeping arrangements. Since this service is optional they should add a FAQ to their website to clarify the optional service being offered on their ships.

 

I would argue that these options were available before the card was ever thought of by CCL. There were times early in our cruise career when we cruised with small children we had our room serviced once a day because it interrupted our children's schedule.

 

Does anyone know if other cruise lines have the option of morning or evening service?

 

My six most recent cruises have been split between RCI and Carnival. Only the most recent one on Pride started this "experiment." Our room steward spoke to my wife at the cabin. He said he intended to do both am and pm service. That was not the experience some others on the same cruise had.

 

That cruise was in October. I sailed RCI Grandeur also out of Baltimore earlier this month. Twice a day service; no surveys, no requests - same as it has been.

 

Sometimes we tell our room stewards that we don't need a second service or maybe just towels. We do that as a courtesy to their workload.

 

Those expressing sentiment that you are fine with once a day, had you been telling that to your room stewards before this experiment began? If given the option, will you intentionally be selecting once a day?

[jimbo5544]

My six most recent cruises have been split between RCI and Carnival. Only the most recent one on Pride started this "experiment." Our room steward spoke to my wife at the cabin. He said he intended to do both am and pm service. That was not the experience some others on the same cruise had.

 

That cruise was in October. I sailed RCI Grandeur also out of Baltimore earlier this month. Twice a day service; no surveys, no requests - same as it has been.

 

Sometimes we tell our room stewards that we don't need a second service or maybe just towels. We do that as a courtesy to their workload.

 

Those expressing sentiment that you are fine with once a day, had you been telling that to your room stewards before this experiment began? If given the option, will you intentionally be selecting once a day?

 

I have read your post twice and really do not understand what you are asking. What does your cruise on GOTS have to do with any thing?

Edited January 22, 2016 by jimbo5544

[John Reid]

I have read your post twice and really do not understand what you are asking. What does your cruise on GOTS have to do with any thing?

 

JMAE posted this question: "Does anyone know if other cruise lines have the option of morning or evening service?" The quote was above my response. What I had just experienced on Grandeur was an answer to that question.

[jimbo5544]

JMAE posted this question: "Does anyone know if other cruise lines have the option of morning or evening service?" The quote was above my response. What I had just experienced on Grandeur was an answer to that question.

 

ahhhh got it. Thanks

[John Reid]

ahhhh got it. Thanks

 

You're welcome!

[Jana60]

I was just read reading the criteria star ratings on hotels. With twice daily service Carnival ships would meet the criteria for a five star hotel except for the lack of an amenities basket in the bathroom. But without twice daily service they drop by criteria to a 3+ or 4 star rating. Since cruise ships are essentially floating hotels it seems like it would be a very poor decision to change the star rating of your hotel from five star to as low as 3 star! In fact they would be wise to add back an amenities basket so that they fully meet the criteria for 5 stars.

Edited January 22, 2016 by Jana60

[maldenmusic]

I don't need twice a day cabin service.

[TORQ]

This isn't my first CCL, yet I can't compete with jimbo, at 35. Good for you Pal!! However I have Never seen, said survey or questionaire, in regards to this issue. I'm headed out on the Liberty on 7-Feb. I'll have my eyes peeled, for ears wide open on this subject. Where is this form?!

[jimbo5544]

This isn't my first CCL, yet I can't compete with jimbo, at 35. Good for you Pal!! However I have Never seen, said survey or questionaire, in regards to this issue. I'm headed out on the Liberty on 7-Feb. I'll have my eyes peeled, for ears wide open on this subject. Where is this form?!

 

 

The form is fairly new. According to reports it is given when you meet the room steward. The survey is really questions asked on John Heald's site.

[JLBellaCC]

Actually, we just got off the Dream last week and we were given the CHOICE between morning or evening service. They came in the morning only for us and they slipped our Fun Times under the door in the evening.

[jimbo5544]

I was just read reading the criteria star ratings on hotels. With twice daily service Carnival ships would meet the criteria for a five star hotel except for the lack of an amenities basket in the bathroom. But without twice daily service they drop by criteria to a 3+ or 4 star rating. Since cruise ships are essentially floating hotels it seems like it would be a very poor decision to change the star rating of your hotel from five star to as low as 3 star! In fact they would be wise to add back an amenities basket so that they fully meet the criteria for 5 stars.

 

 

I am sure that will be a driving force.

[Jana60]

This isn't my first CCL, yet I can't compete with jimbo, at 35. Good for you Pal!! However I have Never seen, said survey or questionaire, in regards to this issue. I'm headed out on the Liberty on 7-Feb. I'll have my eyes peeled, for ears wide open on this subject. Where is this form?!

 

They rolled out the "option" of having once day service of your stateroom on just a couple of ships but reported they will roll this out to all of the ships eventually because it was so "successful". However in 3 surveys given by John Heald at his FB page the vast majority of people responding wished to continue twice daily service and there were many responses and complaints reporting that on the ships rolling out this option the passengers were only given the choice of morning or evening service not of both despite John Heald's assurances to the contrary. Some people report they were given a card that listed check boxes with morning service OR evening service and while on these boards we have been informed that we can check both boxes many people on the ships reported that they were told they had to choose one or the other. Many people were never given the card to even have the chance to check boxes. Instead they were asked verbally by their cabin steward whether they wanted morning OR evening service. Some people may not want morning or evening service, but the standard to be a five star hotel is to routinely offer it AND to have it refuse it if the person does not want it. Part of the difference between a 3 star Hotel and a five star hotel is that a 3 star hotel provides a good experience in which the "expressed" expectations of the guests are met whereas a 5 star hotel is to offer what is needed by the guests routinely as a standard default rather than requiring the guest request it. Indeed routine turndown service is one of the requirements of a five star hotel. So by ending this routine turndown service that Carnival has until now provided they are decreasing their rating as a hotel from five star to 3 + or 4 star. I paid almost $200 a night for a 185 square foot room for a 4 day stay in February. I would never pay $200 a night for a 3 star hotel.

[BAV2005]

We will be 4 in a cove Balcony in September. My question is, if they only do once a day service, would the upper Pullman have to stay out all day long? Or is that something I can close on my own? I think there is a key to lower it so if I can put it up by myself I suppose we could just opt for night service if we HAVE to choose one. Under normal circumstances I would not care so much about twice a day service but I'd really like the more open feel without the Pullman down during the day.

[Jana60]

We will be 4 in a cove Balcony in September. My question is, if they only do once a day service, would the upper Pullman have to stay out all day long? Or is that something I can close on my own? I think there is a key to lower it so if I can put it up by myself I suppose we could just opt for night service if we HAVE to choose one. Under normal circumstances I would not care so much about twice a day service but I'd really like the more open feel without the Pullman down during the day.

 

If your cabin steward tries to make you choose morning or evening service you need to simply tell him that you require both morning and evening service. If he still refuses you need to call guest services and request morning and evening service of your cabin. It would be very unpleasant to have a Pullman down over your head all day long! Also when you have a lot of people in a cabin, which I assume you do if you're using the Pullman, everyone tracks in sand from the ports and you need lots of towels morning and evening to prep for the day and wash up at the end of the day for dinner. The towels that are supplied at the evening service I use in the morning. The towels supplied at the morning service I use to prepare for dinner. And who wants send to walk on on the carpet and dirty towels in the bathroom all day long!

Edited January 22, 2016 by Jana60

[curlygirl18]

[quote

 

Those expressing sentiment that you are fine with once a day, had you been telling that to your room stewards before this experiment began? If given the option, will you intentionally be selecting once a day?

 

I'm one of those who doesn't need the cabin serviced twice per day and yes I've proactively let my room stewards know this on Carnival, NCL and RCCL. Usually I'm still in my room as they are working on turn down service in the surrounding cabins so I can ask them for the extra towels I need and for the cruise schedule. Usually by mid-week, they'll just start knocking and asking if I need anything else that night besides towels and the schedule. The people who will legitimately be inconvenienced by this would be those in rooms where extra beds need to be pulled down or the couches made up. I usually travel in JS or above so space is not usually an issue and me and my roommate(s) aren't really that messy where it would matter all that much.

[Jana60]

I'm one of those who doesn't need the cabin serviced twice per day and yes I've proactively let my room stewards know this on Carnival' date=' NCL and RCCL. Usually I'm still in my room as they are working on turn down service in the surrounding cabins so I can ask them for the extra towels I need and for the cruise schedule. Usually by mid-week, they'll just start knocking and asking if I need anything else that night besides towels and the schedule. The people who will legitimately be inconvenienced by this would be those in rooms where extra beds need to be pulled down or the couches made up. I usually travel in JS or above so space is not usually an issue and me and my roommate(s) aren't really that messy where it would matter all that much.[/quote']

 

As some have said they really didn't need to change the policy or create a card since people who do not want twice daily service were already quite willing to tell them. What they essentially have done is change the default to once per day and while they will provide twice daily service if it's demanded they don't go out of their way to volunteer the information that its an option. Carnival for years has had the best service and friendliest staff of any cruise line or indeed any hotel in my opinion and I just hate to see that change!

Edited January 22, 2016 by Jana60

[mcwebber]

The tips are for twice a day service

According to who?

[curlygirl18]

They rolled out the "option" of having once day service of your stateroom on just a couple of ships but reported they will roll this out to all of the ships eventually because it was so "successful". However in 3 surveys given by John Heald at his FB page the vast majority of people responding wished to continue twice daily service and there were many responses and complaints reporting that on the ships rolling out this option the passengers were only given the choice of morning or evening service not of both despite John Heald's assurances to the contrary. Some people report they were given a card that listed check boxes with morning service OR evening service and while on these boards we have been informed that we can check both boxes many people on the ships reported that they were told they had to choose one or the other. Many people were never given the card to even have the chance to check boxes. Instead they were asked verbally by their cabin steward whether they wanted morning OR evening service. Some people may not want morning or evening service, but the standard to be a five star hotel is to routinely offer it AND to have it refuse it if the person does not want it. Part of the difference between a 3 star Hotel and a five star hotel is that a 3 star hotel provides a good experience in which the "expressed" expectations of the guests are met whereas a 5 star hotel is to offer what is needed by the guests routinely as a standard default rather than requiring the guest request it. Indeed routine turndown service is one of the requirements of a five star hotel. So by ending this routine turndown service that Carnival has until now provided they are decreasing their rating as a hotel from five star to 3 + or 4 star. I paid almost $200 a night for a 185 square foot room for a 4 day stay in February. I would never pay $200 a night for a 3 star hotel.

 

I can appreciate how passionate you are about this, but I would disagree that Carnival is or was ever comparable to a 5 Star experience. Pricing is not only based on star level but also market conditions, which is why a 5 star hotel in Boise might be cheaper than say, Miami and also why even the Motel 6 could garner "5 Star" type pricing if it's located close enough to say, where the Super Bowl is being held. $200 a night could be a reasonable price for any hotel regardless of star level depending on various conditions.

[KatieCharlotte]

According to who?

 

Am I really paying $19.50 (the $$ that Carnival says goes to the steward X five people) in tips per day for one service?

Edited January 22, 2016 by KatieCharlotte

[Warm Breezes]

They rolled out the "option" of having once day service of your stateroom on just a couple of ships but reported they will roll this out to all of the ships eventually because it was so "successful". However in 3 surveys given by John Heald at his FB page the vast majority of people responding wished to continue twice daily service and there were many responses and complaints reporting that on the ships rolling out this option the passengers were only given the choice of morning or evening service not of both despite John Heald's assurances to the contrary. Some people report they were given a card that listed check boxes with morning service OR evening service and while on these boards we have been informed that we can check both boxes many people on the ships reported that they were told they had to choose one or the other. Many people were never given the card to even have the chance to check boxes. Instead they were asked verbally by their cabin steward whether they wanted morning OR evening service. Some people may not want morning or evening service, but the standard to be a five star hotel is to routinely offer it AND to have it refuse it if the person does not want it. Part of the difference between a 3 star Hotel and a five star hotel is that a 3 star hotel provides a good experience in which the "expressed" expectations of the guests are met whereas a 5 star hotel is to offer what is needed by the guests routinely as a standard default rather than requiring the guest request it. Indeed routine turndown service is one of the requirements of a five star hotel. So by ending this routine turndown service that Carnival has until now provided they are decreasing their rating as a hotel from five star to 3 + or 4 star. I paid almost $200 a night for a 185 square foot room for a 4 day stay in February. I would never pay $200 a night for a 3 star hotel.

 

Oh my goodness. If you see Carnival like a 5 star hotel then your expectations are set way to high and it can only lead to disappointment for you. Did you forget that your stay also includes your meals, entertainment, and travel and not just a hotel room. You would never get that in a 5 star hotel for $200 per night....I am assuming this was for at least 2 people as well, so that would be meals, entertainment and travel for 2. As for the baskets those were samples from companies wanting your business and advertising on CCL by being put in a basket in your room...they were never really from CCL.

 

I do not expect 5 star quality from Carnival because I do not pay for it with everything that is included in the price I do pay. I prefer 2x a day because we usually take 2 showers during the day, when we get up and before dressing for dinner. Having said that if they ever go down to 1x per day we would adjust by asking our room steward for extra towels...just like we do when we stay in a hotel for multiple days.