Attitude of crew on Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival?

[4cruizers]

That is totally absurd about what you say regarding Carnival. The service I received last year on the Miracle was outstanding. Our cabin team was phenomenal. They kept the cabins spotless, brought us whatever we asked for and addressed both my husband and I by name when they saw us in the hall and asked how our day was and what we did. Our wait team was just as good. The first night the waiter asked if I wanted iced tea or water. I said Iced tea and I also asked for lemons because I love lemon in my tea. Every night after that, there was a plate of lemons in front of my spot and as soon as I sat down the waiter came over with the iced tea. They also recommended was was good each night and I loved a particular dessert and brought that to me every night as well.

 

I seriously doubt Carnival hires their employees off the street. :rolleyes:

 

I have to agree with you. I have ALWAYS received excellent service with Carnival. I have not been on a RCCL ship, so I can't say anything about their service. I just know that I am extremely pleased with Carnival.

[Sandi149]

You can't look at this in isolation of the quality of the ships and ship experience.

 

Read the reviews. Carnival is among the industry's bottom-feeders. RCI is consistently ranked higher as a line.

 

I've been on 10 RCI cruises. I've always found the crews friendly and helpful.

 

Well if the excellent service that I received is considered "bottom feeders"......bring more of it on!!!!!!!:D

[momofmeg]

That is totally absurd about what you say regarding Carnival. The service I received last year on the Miracle was outstanding. Our cabin team was phenomenal. They kept the cabins spotless, brought us whatever we asked for and addressed both my husband and I by name when they saw us in the hall and asked how our day was and what we did. Our wait team was just as good. The first night the waiter asked if I wanted iced tea or water. I said Iced tea and I also asked for lemons because I love lemon in my tea. Every night after that, there was a plate of lemons in front of my spot and as soon as I sat down the waiter came over with the iced tea. They also recommended was was good each night and I loved a particular dessert and brought that to me every night as well.

 

I seriously doubt Carnival hires their employees off the street. :rolleyes:

 

I agree. I have talked to the crew, they take 8 month contracts on a ship, and then they have to get another contract, sometimes it is the same line, sometimes it is another line. So your waiter on RCI could have been on Carnival last year or viseversa. (or any of the other lines)

 

Plus travel agents will slant things, especially if they are hoping to make a little more comission on a cruise that is more expensive. Just like the used car salesman will talk up the most expensive car he has and maybe talk down the cheaper car.

 

On our first cruise we were told by the travel agent that if we wanted lobster we needed to book RCI. But as that was more expensive and we just plain did not have the extra money, we took the Carnival cruise, and guess what, lobster was served even though this was a 4 day mini cruise on Carnival's WORST ship the Tropicale. So she had fibbed to us. We never used her again either because of this-and boy has she missed out since we have taken 13 more cruises.

 

Now I am hearing both lines no longer serve lobster on the mini cruises.

 

Now if you really want the best crew, you need to crusie HAL, that is the line that actually has schools in Indoneisa and the Phillipines for training people to work on their ships.

 

But no, RCI only has over Carnival a rock climbing wall and on some ships an ice skating rink and a surfing pool. Since I do none of those things I may as well cruise Carnival. Though actually, anymore, I normally pick other lines then those two.

[momofmeg]

Could someone please tell me what a soda card is?

 

Thanks,

anj

 

You pay something liek $30-40 and then you get 20 sodas (colas, sprites). Every time you get a carbonated drink, they punch your card.

 

since one coke is like $1.75 plus 15% tip, this will save you a couple of dollars.

[arbcqueen]

Could someone please tell me what a soda card is?

 

Thanks,

anj

 

A soda card is a pre-paid card (that you can get at any bar on the ship) which allows for as many FOUNTAIN soda's as you want during the cruise. They have cards for both children and adults. :)

[momofmeg]

You can't look at this in isolation of the quality of the ships and ship experience.

 

Read the reviews. Carnival is among the industry's bottom-feeders. RCI is consistently ranked higher as a line.

 

I've been on 10 RCI cruises. I've always found the crews friendly and helpful.

 

You know, I keep reading posts like yours that say this, but as far as I know that is only here on cruisecritc.

[Sandi149]

I agree. I have talked to the crew, they take 8 month contracts on a ship, and then they have to get another contract, sometimes it is the same line, sometimes it is another line. So your waiter on RCI could have been on Carnival last year or viseversa. (or any of the other lines)

 

Plus travel agents will slant things, especially if they are hoping to make a little more comission on a cruise that is more expensive. Just like the used car salesman will talk up the most expensive car he has and maybe talk down the cheaper car.

 

On our first cruise we were told by the travel agent that if we wanted lobster we needed to book RCI. But as that was more expensive and we just plain did not have the extra money, we took the Carnival cruise, and guess what, lobster was served even though this was a 4 day mini cruise on Carnival's WORST ship the Tropicale. So she had fibbed to us. We never used her again either because of this-and boy has she missed out since we have taken 13 more cruises.

 

Now I am hearing both lines no longer serve lobster on the mini cruises.

 

Now if you really want the best crew, you need to crusie HAL, that is the line that actually has schools in Indoneisa and the Phillipines for training people to work on their ships.

 

But no, RCI only has over Carnival a rock climbing wall and on some ships an ice skating rink and a surfing pool. Since I do none of those things I may as well cruise Carnival. Though actually, anymore, I normally pick other lines then those two.

 

Unfortunately there are a lot of people who bash Carnival who never have been on Carnival. While it is definitely not a premium line, my husband and I really enjoyed our cruises with them and received wonderful service.

 

I think they do still serve lobsters on all their cruises...even the 2 night CTN. Although the lobster was ok...it doesn't compare to a Maine lobster which I absolutely adore. :D

 

Yes, I've read about HAL's wonderful service and are looking into that line for next year.

[momofmeg]

Unfortunately there are a lot of people who bash Carnival who never have been on Carnival. While it is definitely not a premium line, my husband and I really enjoyed our cruises with them and received wonderful service.

 

I think they do still serve lobsters on all their cruises...even the 2 night CTN. Although the lobster was ok...it doesn't compare to a Maine lobster which I absolutely adore. :D

 

Yes, I've read about HAL's wonderful service and are looking into that line for next year.

 

I know I think the line bashing is silly. I also see RCI has gotten very expensive to pay for all those extras they have. Now many people do use those things (ice skating, rock climbing) so I can see them enjoying RCI, but people like me, past middle age, it is a waste of money to pay for those things when I will not use them.

 

I can go on a premuin line like Celebrity (talk about service they actually pamper you like no other line) for the same amount as a RCI cruise.

HAL is actually a little more affordable then Celebrity, and though they do not exactly pamper to Celebrity's degree, HAL is much nicer then RCI, Carnvial, and Princess put togther!

[Sandi149]

I know I think the line bashing is silly. I also see RCI has gotten very expensive to pay for all those extras they have. Now many people do use those things (ice skating, rock climbing) so I can see them enjoying RCI, but people like me, past middle age, it is a waste of money to pay for those things when I will not use them.

 

I can go on a premuin line like Celebrity (talk about service they actually pamper you like no other line) for the same amount as a RCI cruise.

HAL is actually a little more affordable then Celebrity, and though they do not exactly pamper to Celebrity's degree, HAL is much nicer then RCI, Carnvial, and Princess put togther!

 

I do want to try RCI one day but it certainly won't be for the rock wall or ice skating....I won't be using any of those things either. :p

 

So you think Celebrity is better than HAL? In your opinion, what makes them better?

[momofmeg]

I do want to try RCI one day but it certainly won't be for the rock wall or ice skating....I won't be using any of those things either. :p

 

So you think Celebrity is better than HAL? In your opinion, what makes them better?

 

Oh, it is only a slight edge, Celebrity does things like they give you a drink when you board and they escort you to your stateroom, EVERYONE gets this treatment from the inside cabin to people in the suites.

 

Your stewards keeps ice water in a container for you- this is automatic- nothing you have to ask for. In the lido restaurant there is a waiter who carries your tray for you the way it is done in S & S cafeterias.

 

Just little touches like that that make you feel like royality!

 

Now HAL has the best food! topnotch! and I have only been on two HAL ships but both were beautiful and had the fell of an oceanliner of old. Lots of brass, teak, and marble everywhere and beautiful artwork on the walls.

 

 

Royal Caribbean is a nice line, if you take their older ships, in my opinion. I just don't like the mega ships, the crowds were more then I could take on Mariner of the seas and since I do not ice skate or rock climb-it was like-why was I on that ship?

 

Princess grand class ships are a little better then the voyager class, but still if I can take a HAL vista class for the same price as a Princess grand class, I will pick HAL. MUTS was fun on Princess but still I prefer a 1000 less PAX on the HAL vista class.

 

Now remember this is the point of view of a woman over 50.

[Sandi149]

Oh, it is only a slight edge, Celebrity does things like they give you a drink when you board and they escort you to your stateroom, EVERYONE gets this treatment from the inside cabin to people in the suites.

 

Your stewards keeps ice water in a container for you- this is automatic- nothing you have to ask for. In the lido restaurant there is a waiter who carries your tray for you the way it is done in S & S cafeterias.

 

Just little touches like that that make you feel like royality!

 

Now HAL has the best food! topnotch! and I have only been on two HAL ships but both were beautiful and had the fell of an oceanliner of old. Lots of brass, teak, and marble everywhere and beautiful artwork on the walls.

 

 

Royal Caribbean is a nice line, if you take their older ships, in my opinion. I just don't like the mega ships, the crowds were more then I could take on Mariner of the seas and since I do not ice skate or rock climb-it was like-why was I on that ship?

 

Princess grand class ships are a little better then the voyager class, but still if I can take a HAL vista class for the same price as a Princess grand class, I will pick HAL. MUTS was fun on Princess but still I prefer a 1000 less PAX on the HAL vista class.

 

Now remember this is the point of view of a woman over 50.

 

Well I'm very close to being 50. I will be 49 next week. :p

[UK.Girl]

Thanks for the soda card info !

 

anj

[firefly333]

I think I would narrow down the question to where services depends on the person who you get. We had a new cabin steward who finally told me she was sea sick who never emptied our trash, finally the last day got someone to vacuum for her, never replaced used items in our cabins....

 

Should I hold the whole RCL at fault here?

 

luck of the draw, do the cruise that appeals to you most.

[cathyz]

I once had a travel agent who I met on vacation tell me that RCCL was selective on who they hired as crew whereas Carnival was known for taking anyone off of the street just to fill out their rosters...having cruised on both lines I have to say that it does not really surprise me!

That's a ridiculous thing to say! I haven't been on RCCL for years, but Carnival's crew are wonderful. I think it's all in the way you treat them, I have seen some passengers treat them like servants, quite rude, and the crew are nice as anything even with that treatment! I doubt the largest and most popular cruise line in the world would hire 'bottom feeders'. Of course, I like you Carnival bashers (most of which have never even sailed on a Carnival ship!) because I know I won't have to sail with you on Carnival!

[momofmeg]

I think I would narrow down the question to where services depends on the person who you get. We had a new cabin steward who finally told me she was sea sick who never emptied our trash, finally the last day got someone to vacuum for her, never replaced used items in our cabins....

 

Should I hold the whole RCL at fault here?

 

luck of the draw, do the cruise that appeals to you most.

 

I agree-it is the "luck of the draw".

[Mark]

Firefly,

 

I am sorry to hear of your bad experience and in response to your question you should absolutely hold RCCL responsible for your lack of service or quality there of...you paid good money for your vacation which is possibly the only one you will have for the year and RCCL markets their ships to provide quality service...notice I did not say luxury...if you want luxury you will have to sail with RCCL on Celebrity.

 

In your case, that cabin steward should have never been hired to work on the ship if she gets seasick...and when discovered by her supervisor she should have either been treated for it by the ships doctor and if it was not treatable...well hate to say it but terminated. I give you much credit for your patience in putting up with that situation for the week...I am a fairly patient person and I could not have done what you did...I would have been buring the ear off of the Hotel Manager and the C&A Rep since I am a Diamond member with RCCL.

 

I have been sailing on cruise ships for 28 years now and have been a repeat passenger on Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Carnival and a one time passenger on Home Lines before they packed-up and I hate to say that the basic services that used to exist twenty years ago such as cleaning and vacuuming cabins are not as good today...too bad really...sad statement for the cruise lines and puts them right in line with the airlines! Some year when I have a few extra bucks I will have to splurge and buy a cruise on Celebrity or Holland America and see how the better half cruises.

 

Have a good day!:)

[trayden17]

I am also a firm believer in treating the staff with respect and talking to them, getting to know your room steward a little bit, etc. I also think your cruise is what you make it. You CAN have a fabulous time.

 

walk around anyone with your bottom lip sticking out and complaining and most people probably would want to talk to you!!!

[Bonnie J.]

Its been a while since we've been on RCCL so don't really remember the service there. But we have been on Carnival a lot recently. The crew has always been fantastic. After we got to know a bar waiter be brought my husband a gin & tonic double but only charged us for a single- more than once. We were always addressed by our names, waiters, stewards, dining room staff, Maitre'd, purser's desk, etc. On the Miracle our old steward from the Fantasy recognized us and called us by our names, welcoming us to his 'new' ship. I love it when I've seen crew members just laughing among themselves as we did on our last Carnival cruise (April 18th). Guess I'd have no hesitation with Carnival - no longer a party ship!

[Chatteress]

Could someone please tell me what a soda card is?

 

Thanks,

anj

It's a card that you purchase allowing for unlimited sodas per day or per cruise. Many ships do not offer complimentary sodas so if drink a lot of soda, you'll find the card a good deal.

[A2Mich]

I never felt that way with Carnival staff and I have been on quite a few of them.

 

Have you been on quite a few Carnival cruises or on quite a few Carnival staff members? Wasn't so sure reading your post!:eek::D

[GORDONCHICK]

As you can tell by my signature, we cruise different lines all the time. Yes, we have favorites, but we let timing, price, and itinerary guide us more than the line or ship.

 

I've found CCL & RCCL to be almost identical in service. Much more hoopla in the MDR on CCL. Go ahead and try CCL - you may like it, you may not. But you will never know if you don't try them.

[Chatteress]

As you can tell by my signature, we cruise different lines all the time. Yes, we have favorites, but we let timing, price, and itinerary guide us more than the line or ship.

 

I've found CCL & RCCL to be almost identical in service. Much more hoopla in the MDR on CCL. Go ahead and try CCL - you may like it, you may not. But you will never know if you don't try them.

What do you mean about "much more hoopla in hte MDR on CCL"? I'm new to cruising and just trying to gather more information. Thanks.

[trayden17]

What do you mean about "much more hoopla in hte MDR on CCL"? I'm new to cruising and just trying to gather more information. Thanks.

 

It's just a little more "lively" in the MDR (Main Dinning Room) where the wait staff performs a little dance, balancing things on their head....It's not a party atmosphere...

[trayden17]

I need to edit my #42 post...Can some tell where the "edit" button is????

[sparky-elpaso]

I need to edit my #42 post...Can some tell where the "edit" button is????

 

It would be down at the bottom right where the "quote" button is. But it's only there for a short amount of time and then it disappears and you're stuck with any typos, etc. :D