Recently on Splendor - a couple things we hadn't seen before

[Joanne G.]

My sister and I recently returned from a lovely 8-day cruise on the Splendor. We enjoyed ourselves, and had no major complaints (other than horrific lines in the terminal upon disembarkation, which Carnival may or may not be able to control).

 

But we noticed a couple things that we hadn't seen in 20-some cruises, with the most recent half-dozen or so being on Carnival. One thing was a tip jar by some (not all) of the musicians performing in the atrium and by the casino. Knowing that the subject of tipping brings out strong opinions, I'll say that it struck us as tacky. Does Carnival not pay its professional musicians fairly? Even given all the different opinions on tipping, it's fair to say that we had never seen this before and wonder if it is a new trend or a fluke of this cruise.

 

The other thing is that there was a big package of fresh linens in a plastic bag in the closet. We asked the steward to remove it, as it took up needed space in the closet. He declined to remove it, saying it was for the next cruise, though he did put it under the bed, where it remained for the duration of the cruise. This was not, by the way, extra bedding for a 3rd passenger, as we were in a cabin without a couch or any other 3rd bunk. It wasn't a big deal, but we felt that management should come up with another way to prepare for the next cruise than to store extra linens in our cabin. It also meant the linens we were sleeping on probably spent the week with the previous passengers - weird!

 

Again, we had a great time, and these minor things didn't affect our enjoyment. But we are interested in whether others have encountered the same.

[sparks1093]

My sister and I recently returned from a lovely 8-day cruise on the Splendor. We enjoyed ourselves, and had no major complaints (other than horrific lines in the terminal upon disembarkation, which Carnival may or may not be able to control).

 

But we noticed a couple things that we hadn't seen in 20-some cruises, with the most recent half-dozen or so being on Carnival. One thing was a tip jar by some (not all) of the musicians performing in the atrium and by the casino. Knowing that the subject of tipping brings out strong opinions, I'll say that it struck us as tacky. Does Carnival not pay its professional musicians fairly? Even given all the different opinions on tipping, it's fair to say that we had never seen this before and wonder if it is a new trend or a fluke of this cruise.

 

The other thing is that there was a big package of fresh linens in a plastic bag in the closet. We asked the steward to remove it, as it took up needed space in the closet. He declined to remove it, saying it was for the next cruise, though he did put it under the bed, where it remained for the duration of the cruise. This was not, by the way, extra bedding for a 3rd passenger, as we were in a cabin without a couch or any other 3rd bunk. It wasn't a big deal, but we felt that management should come up with another way to prepare for the next cruise than to store extra linens in our cabin. It also meant the linens we were sleeping on probably spent the week with the previous passengers - weird!

 

Again, we had a great time, and these minor things didn't affect our enjoyment. But we are interested in whether others have encountered the same.

 

I would expect the musicians are paid fairly but aren't going to pass up the opportunity to earn a few extra dollars by putting a jar out. Since this is a standard practice ashore in bars I don't see anything wrong with it. It sounds like the steward preferred to do things his way regarding the linens and suspect this is his standard practice and not something that all stewards do (but of course it could be a change in practice and only time will tell).

[jakesnana]

I always noticed a tip jar in the piano bar, even going way back. I guess the other musicians just decided to get into the act.

[luv2trvlnow]

We had so much extra linens in our cabin last month. One of the bedside tables was stuffed with extra sheets. The top and bottom shelves in the closet held extra comforters and pillows. Never had anything like this before. Thankfully we had enough room for the 2 of us but there wouldn't have been enough room if our son was with us. Asked the steward about it and he said he must have forgotten to remove it and would take care of it. He never did. Just one of many things he didn't do. Other passengers we talked to said they would have removed the stuff and put it in the hall. We didn't do that but probably would have if we needed the space.

[bury me at sea]

Tip jars don't bother me. I do find constant requests for tips by tour operators annoying. I go prepared to tip for great service, but don't intend to add an automatic surcharge.

 

I would certainly ask the steward to remove anything stored in the limited closet/storage space in the cabin.

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[cloudninecat]

We had so much extra linens in our cabin last month. One of the bedside tables was stuffed with extra sheets. The top and bottom shelves in the closet held extra comforters and pillows. Never had anything like this before. Thankfully we had enough room for the 2 of us but there wouldn't have been enough room if our son was with us. Asked the steward about it and he said he must have forgotten to remove it and would take care of it. He never did. Just one of many things he didn't do. Other passengers we talked to said they would have removed the stuff and put it in the hall. We didn't do that but probably would have if we needed the space.

 

I would have been sitting it out side the door at that point. The closets and tables are suppose to be for our use, not for the stewards convenience.

[ahoys]

I've been sailing since 1986 and have always seen extra linens. When I travel with my husband the twin sets of sheets are stored and when I travel with my best friend the king sized bedding is stored. They do take up space, but I can understand why the steward wants it stored in the room.