How To Get Better Bar Service?

[Ronaldo807]

Our last Royal Caribbean cruise was in 2013 before drink packages were popular or maybe even available (I don’t remember). Bar service was quick and readily available from what I recall. Our last three cruises have been on Norwegian with the included drink packages. The bar service has definitely gone downhill in my opinion on Norwegian from what I assume to be from the fact that a majority of the passengers have the drink package. The bar service is slow, the lines are long, hardly any servers walking around the pool deck, the quality of the drinks aren’t as good, etc. We are coming back to Royal Caribbean soon on Allure of the Seas and we bought the drink package. I was hoping that some of you could chime in on your experiences or tips on how to get better bar service? Does tipping extra make a noticeable difference in service and quality of the drinks? If so, how much and how often do you tip extra? Any other tips or tricks? Thanks in advance for all of your help.

[Clarea]

Tip in cash every drink.

[flips7]

We always pick a server or bartender and use them exclusively and of course tip them extra. If you chose 1 person you get to know them and they get to know you and watch for when you need a drink. We never have a problem getting a drink.

[maddie mom]

Our last Royal Caribbean cruise was in 2013 before drink packages were popular or maybe even available (I don’t remember). Bar service was quick and readily available from what I recall. Our last three cruises have been on Norwegian with the included drink packages. The bar service has definitely gone downhill in my opinion on Norwegian from what I assume to be from the fact that a majority of the passengers have the drink package. The bar service is slow, the lines are long, hardly any servers walking around the pool deck, the quality of the drinks aren’t as good, etc. We are coming back to Royal Caribbean soon on Allure of the Seas and we bought the drink package. I was hoping that some of you could chime in on your experiences or tips on how to get better bar service? Does tipping extra make a noticeable difference in service and quality of the drinks? If so, how much and how often do you tip extra? Any other tips or tricks? Thanks in advance for all of your help.

 

 

 

 

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[davekathy]

Smile, be polite and friendly.

[cindivan]

I think RC does a decent job of service regardless of drink package. A lot depends on how busy the bar is.

 

However, tipping definitely gets you priority. (I know some won’t like that comment, but our experience has born that out).

 

At bars we know we will frequent we will tip $5-10ish every couple/three days in cash and plus tip $1-2 each drink on the ticket. For us this usually gets us priority service.

 

Other bars we usually tip 1, sometimes 2 per drink. This doesn’t really have much effect in our experience. Unless they know us from other cruises or bars.

 

I know some will disagree. But at the end we (speaking as a couple) are out an additional $300ish? for drinks tipping. For us, worth it for the service, and also nice to help out the super hard workers that are part of the cruise line.

 

 

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[taglovestocruise]

Always tip a couple of dollars when we give them the sea pass card. Seems like they remember who tips extra and who doesn't. Had free drinks in the showroom, tipped the waiter and he came back a second time with two drinks just before the show started. Allure is our favorite ship so far.

[VillaHappy]

Make good eye contact, and ask "how is your day going?" or even "good afternoon." That, plus tipping in cash, is all you need!!!

[ONECRUISER]

Make good eye contact, and ask "how is your day going?" or even "good afternoon." That, plus tipping in cash, is all you need!!!

Agree. I always wear same style hats or sweatshirts so easy to recognize me by name, already knowing what I want and getting it as they are making others drinks...

[mcatmcat]

The best service is when the bar is almost or empty. But honestly it’s a hit or miss since I don’t frequent the same bar that much.

 

 

 

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[juju2454]

Our last Royal Caribbean cruise was in 2013 before drink packages were popular or maybe even available (I don’t remember). Bar service was quick and readily available from what I recall. Our last three cruises have been on Norwegian with the included drink packages. The bar service has definitely gone downhill in my opinion on Norwegian from what I assume to be from the fact that a majority of the passengers have the drink package. The bar service is slow, the lines are long, hardly any servers walking around the pool deck, the quality of the drinks aren’t as good, etc. We are coming back to Royal Caribbean soon on Allure of the Seas and we bought the drink package. I was hoping that some of you could chime in on your experiences or tips on how to get better bar service? Does tipping extra make a noticeable difference in service and quality of the drinks? If so, how much and how often do you tip extra? Any other tips or tricks? Thanks in advance for all of your help.

 

 

We sailed NCL Breakaway, we tipped when we got a drink and after maybe twice at any bar, we got served right away, many times we would get a different particular drink at each bar, so that when we came up to that bar they had it up on the counter waiting for us the by the time we got all the way there. A dollar here and there and a smile with a how you doin' goes a long way.

[GUT2407]

I never tip In advance, nor as I go, but never had other than great service, alwayuse please, thank you a smile and if they have timeca chat or a joke,

[yuvraj]

I don't tip bar staff generally (I do occasionally but only ever in appreciation). The service I receive is fine.

 

The way I receive great service is this :

 

Avoid bars with money waving Americans seeking preferential treatment.

 

Be polite to all staff and treat them with respect. I am never rude, even if the server is at fault.

 

Be patient.

 

I have no expectations for free drinks, extra shots or special favours.

 

If I was served before someone who was waiting before me, I would ask for the other person to be served first.

 

I don't get drinks in awkward places like the theatre.

 

I make sure servers are aware that I am not American. (last remark slightly tongue in cheek).

[sailor05]

$$$$tip$$$$

Nothing beats cold hard cash!! Not only quicker service, but they'll know you by name;)

[Kimba2]

At the bars I tip $1 extra each drink and always stand next to the people above who don't tip. The result is great service and generous pours.

Same thing with the casino servers - I never have to worry about flagging anyone down - they are always checking to see if I need another.

Edited May 15, 2018 by Kimba2

[DISFANS3]

Cash is king, give them a dollar..

[whyrlygig]

It’s very simple. Make eye contact. Smile and be kind. Say please and thank you. And tip your server. The service will be excellent and you will have a nice vacay. Or you can throw a big stink and alienate your cruise mates and have a lousy time.

[TheGinBoy]

I've found the service on RCCL is definitely higher than NCL - and I did a cruise on each two weeks apart last year, both with drinks packages.

 

I don't think you'll have any issues with great service on your next RCCL cruise.

 

But my top tip for getting good service anywhere?

 

Don't expect better treatment than anyone else. Be a nice person. Be polite. Say please and thank you. Don't jump the queue. Smile when you ask for things.

 

Unfortunately people seem so entitled these days basic manners go out of the window. It's not the staff I'd worry about it's other passengers. Be nice to the staff and they'll remember you.

[haply]

TIP-at the time you order. They will remember.

[Ocean Boy]

The best service is when the bar is almost or empty. But honestly it’s a hit or miss since I don’t frequent the same bar that much.

 

 

 

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I actually do the opposite. I make a point of using the same bar and bartender. I find it makes for a very good experience.

[Ocean Boy]

 

But my top tip for getting good service anywhere?

 

Don't expect better treatment than anyone else. Be a nice person. Be polite. Say please and thank you. Don't jump the queue. Smile when you ask for things.

 

Unfortunately people seem so entitled these days basic manners go out of the window. It's not the staff I'd worry about it's other passengers. Be nice to the staff and they'll remember you.

You said it all and said it perfectly. I would probably enjoy having a drink with you.

[Laurin612]

With the advent of the drink packages, the bars seem to be busier but not better staffed. Money talks, unfortunately. If you tip the bartenders in cash, they will remember you and come to you first if they see you in a crowd of passengers waiting to be served.

 

That said, if you are friendly to them and engage them in conversation when they are not crazy busy it will likely have the same effect. I have witnessed many people be condescending and kind of rude to service personnel on ships and land. You know that expression "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar?" It works! :)

[gatour]

On the first day or so, I try out various bars. I normally find one that has good service without me having to tip extra. Sometimes it is the Schooner Bar other times it is the pub, etc. Once I settle on my preferred bar, I will periodically tip a buck here and there.

[LMaxwell]

Service is hit or miss. It can vary. When you find a bartender you like try to gravitate towards him or her. Also avoid ordering complex drinks for speedier service and more consistency.

 

I try to walk in to a restaurant w a drink because drink service in restaurants or dining room can vary depending on where the service bar is.

 

On pool deck I see basically zero servers so if you want your own best to head to whichever of the pool bars is slower; usually upstairs

 

I’ll tip extra to really good ones but I’m not gonna pay bad ones to come up to average. By and large though I order beer or simple mixed drinks and really haven’t had a problem and mostly acceptable to very good experiences. Some are 10 second interactions for a beer. Hard to mess it up. Hard to really wow with that either.

 

Ps try to go direct to bar in theater early as very few drink staff there anymore and shuts down for shows

 

I find it sort of odd that many people consider helping you telling you to just out tip others for preferential treatment rather than giving advice for how to get good consistent service by knowing where to go and where to avoid.

[katiel53]

I also tip $1 drink with the package. In the casino I could easily get drunk if that's what I choose to do, but fortunately, I don't do that. When I pay for the package, which is usually on sale, the tip per drink included in the package if one has 10 drinks a day, is usually less than $1 a drink, so I see why bartenders more readily wait on those without packages or those that tip faster.