what does a matr'd do and what is the purpose of finding him/her?

[osucruise]

I have seen post saying to do that first. I am a 1st time cruiser and I would assume the ship is just like a hotel room and just go with the flow. Is it also really that important to get to know your room steward as well? I will tip but a lot of people act like they are buddy buddy with them. I just want to know what more to expect. I by no means am a snob, but I guess I am ignorant in this subject.

 

Thanks!

[arush5268d]

Good questions...and I'm glad that you have the desire to be a smart cruiser.

 

The Maitre d' is responsible for running the main dining room and keep things flowing smoothly with the waitstaff / reservations / seatings etc etc. You'd want to find him if you want to change your dining time or table assignment.

 

As you will soon see almost all of the staff on board is foreign - many from very impoverished countries. They have some amazing stories to tell and a lot of life experiences that someone from the U.S. / Canada would never experience. I love to get to know the crew on board and talk with them. Also - if you are friendly and kind to your room steward you can bet money on them going out of their way to take care of you and keep you happy.

[KenMo]

The only reason I seek out the MD is to make a dining room request, if needed. Other than that, I don't care if I ever lay eyes on him.

 

You don't need to become personal friends with the steward. I'm always friendly with them. I like to talk to them about their life back home, customs, etc (just the sociologist in me, I guess). Some are more talkative than others....I understand that. They have lots of work to do and after I'm gone, there will be another batch of guests to deal with. We understand we won't be email buddies after I leave.

[poobears]

Like Ken said it is only if you want to put in a request for a dining change. Not to get to know him or chat. It's recommended you get there early to put in your request because they can only do so many changes.

 

I don't chat with the stewards, I rarely see them since I'm not in the room when they are in there. We did hit it off with one of the hostesses in the dining room last time. She was so sweet and really missed her family back home, she was fairly new to this ship, think she said she still had 6 months or 8 months before she'd be back home. She use to find us when we were eating lunch and come chat.

[AZaTaz]

On 12 cruises we have talk to the MD once, that was after the first night to change tables. Long story but we need our table changed.

We have "chatted with our room stewards about half the time never become friend with them.

I say each to his own but don't feel you need to make friends with the staff.

[osucruise]

Thanks all for the great answers. Sounds like the same as when I have taken trips to like Jamaica and Mexico. I get to know their culture from workers, and to expand my understanding of different cultures 1st hand. Just from the boards I picked up it was only from room stewards they became buddies with and thats why I asked.

 

I love hearing peoples backgrounds. Also sounds like it may be the same for most of the workers and not just stewards. We are all people and are unique.

 

Thanks again for the insight as to what too expect.

[arush5268d]

When are you cruising, and on what ship?

[poobears]

I agree by some reviews it does seem like some people go with a specific interest to make friends with the staff and if they don't they think they are rude or unfriendly.

 

But I think the majority of cruisers go to have a good time and if they happen to click with a staff member it's great to share stories or hear about a different culture, if not, it's not a big deal.

[osucruise]

I am cruising on the Dream to eastern caribbean aug 14th-21st. Have all booked except transfer to port and hotel night before.

[osucruise]

Already made 1st mistake by not reading boards earlier. I could have flown SW from Tulsa and had bags fly free, but chose American so will have to pay bag check in---arghhh!---oh well it will have no effect on my trip. We have always done 1 or 2 all inclusives at beaches each year but finally got the nerve to go with the cruise (been hesitant because of drink charges and small rooms). Since it has a casino that helps out also.

[arush5268d]

Already made 1st mistake by not reading boards earlier. I could have flown SW from Tulsa and had bags fly free, but chose American so will have to pay bag check in---arghhh!---oh well it will have no effect on my trip. We have always done 1 or 2 all inclusives at beaches each year but finally got the nerve to go with the cruise (been hesitant because of drink charges and small rooms). Since it has a casino that helps out also.

 

You are brand new to cruising - yet you already have the perfect cruising attitude.

 

Something tells me that you will be coming back for more!

[osucruise]

Thanks Arush. I see from your sig you are from The Woodlands. Been to Lake Conroe a few times--very nice lake and pretty country outside the hustles of Houston. But yet close enough to all the big city activities.

[arush5268d]

Thanks Arush. I see from your sig you are from The Woodlands. Been to Lake Conroe a few times--very nice lake and pretty country outside the hustles of Houston. But yet close enough to all the big city activities.

 

I love the Lake Conroe area. Lots of good times to be had - and it is growing at a very fast pace.

 

Are you from the greater Houston area?

[osucruise]

No from Tulsa, But have an old college roomate that lives in The Woodlands and also a few relatives. I have not been there in like 3 years. There was an awesome restaraunt/dock that was great and very relaxing. Can't remember name though.

[Nunu]

[arush5268d]

No from Tulsa, But have an old college roomate that lives in The Woodlands and also a few relatives. I have not been there in like 3 years. There was an awesome restaraunt/dock that was great and very relaxing. Can't remember name though.

 

The area has changed an enormous amount since you were there last! A HUGE amount of buisiness growth along the lake. Lots of great new restaurants.

 

 

Hey, if you want entertainment read through the thread "New ship at Galveston." :D