Embarkation Day - List can make things easier for Steward

[ducklite]

Different pillows?

Huh?

 

 

 

Some cruise lines offer a pillow menu.

[Elaine5715]

On my last Princess cruise this year, in Europe, my steward said she loves when the ships are here as we don't print out lists of things for them to do. She would much rather be asked for things.

 

Even when people hand her a list and say 'no rush' they always complain if it's not done within the hour.

 

Yeah, it's like when the boss tells you to do something at " your convenience"...it's a trap!!!

 

Also, handing them such a list does help..helps identify who is gonna be a problem.

[notentirelynormal]

Maybe OP just sails the wrong cruise line. We have never asked for an extension cord. Not even sure why you would need it.

 

An extension cord is needed when you have something like a CPAP that needs to be near the bed where there is no plug. Even if we bring our own it is often not long enough to reach the only plug in the room. A maintenance guy has to bring it to you.

[pris993]

I think the list is a good idea, not for the steward, but for us, to remind us what we want to ask for... then we don't forget and have to call the steward later.

 

We find make our needs known up front works best... but would prefer to do so in person not in writing.

[SpainAlien]

I take a pen and notepad so I can leave the room steward a nice note with please and thank you if I need anything but normally it is all there on arrival

 

 

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[euro cruiser]

I make things easier for the steward by not asking for anything.

I'm sorry but, what?

 

It's their job! We are the customers so if things are not to our liking or up to expectations set by the cruise line, there is nothing wrong with asking for what you need/want.

 

That said, there's no point in being a J-a$$ and making unreasonable requests, but if what is normally in the room is not there you are not putting anyone out by asking for it.

Edited July 5, 2016 by euro cruiser

[whogo]

I'm sorry but, what?

 

It's their job! We are the customers so if things are not to our liking or up to expectations set by the cruise line, there is nothing wrong with asking for what you need/want.

 

That said, there's no point in being a J-a$$ and making unreasonable requests, but if what is normally in the room is not there you are not putting anyone out by asking for it.

The only thing I have requested on embarkation day was to have the beds made up in queen configuration as we had requested at booking and as was on our confirmation. Like cbr663, we are not high maintenance passengers.

 

robes? Don't use them.

Shampoo/Conditioner? Have always been provided.

2 wine glasses? Have always been provided. We don't use them.

Ice (please give us daily)? Always been provided, we don't use it.

Extension cord? Don't need one.

Extra Hangers? There have always been enough.

Box of tissues? Have always been provided.

Different Pillows? I sleep well with whatever is provided. There are usually more pillows than I want.

[CapeCodCruiser]

I'm sorry but, what?

 

It's their job! We are the customers so if things are not to our liking or up to expectations set by the cruise line, there is nothing wrong with asking for what you need/want.

 

That said, there's no point in being a J-a$$ and making unreasonable requests, but if what is normally in the room is not there you are not putting anyone out by asking for it.

 

This!

 

I just have to shake my head at all the people who say "We don't want to be extra work for ______" It is not extra work - it is their job.

 

If eating a busy restaurant do you decide not to order an appy because the server is so busy? Or buy fewer groceries because the line is long and so much work for the checker or bagger?

 

This is nothing more than self gratification to assuage the guilt of having someone take care of you - nothing altruistic about it! It is really just pitying someone over their job - I would be insulted if someone did that to me.

 

Bottom line is treat people with respect no matter what their job is and let them do their job to the best of their ability and be proud of their work.

Edited July 5, 2016 by CapeCodCruiser

[mom says]

This!

 

Bottom line is treat people with respect no matter what their job is and let them do their job to the best of their ability and be proud of their work.

 

And nothing says RESPECT like a pre printed list that assumes the steward won't have appointed the cabin properly. I can understand if a guest has unusual requests that they need as quickly as possible. But almost all of the items on the OPs list are things that most guests would assume were already done, or would be at some point that day.

[Nanobot]

The first day is always busy. We wait until the stewards introduce themselves, then tell them we are not demanding; we like to sleep late and if it is near the end of their shift just put a few clean towels in our cabin, they can then clean the cabin the following day; and finally, we like the following fresh fruit...

Edited July 5, 2016 by Nanobot

[whogo]

By the time we return to our cabin to get ready for dinner, these items have always been there.

 

Push beds together

robes

Shampoo/Conditioner

2 wine glasses

Ice (please give us daily)

Wine glasses

Ice bucket

Extension cord

Extra Hangers

Box of tissues

Different Pillows

How do you remember to verify that the TV remote works?

[ithaca gal]

This!

 

I just have to shake my head at all the people who say "We don't want to be extra work for ______" It is not extra work - it is their job.

 

If eating a busy restaurant do you decide not to order an appy because the server is so busy? Or buy fewer groceries because the line is long and so much work for the checker or bagger?

 

This is nothing more than self gratification to assuage the guilt of having someone take care of you - nothing altruistic about it! It is really just pitying someone over their job - I would be insulted if someone did that to me.

 

Bottom line is treat people with respect no matter what their job is and let them do their job to the best of their ability and be proud of their work.

 

Wow! I bet we would REALLY make you shake your head. Sometimes we actually tell the steward to give our room a pass! We don't have daily service at home, so don't need it every day on the cruise. Now, this is usually just once or twice on a cruise, but ........

[sherryf]

And nothing says RESPECT like a pre printed list that assumes the steward won't have appointed the cabin properly. I can understand if a guest has unusual requests that they need as quickly as possible. But almost all of the items on the OPs list are things that most guests would assume were already done, or would be at some point that day.

 

I agree. You wouldn't go to a restaurant and hand your waiter a list saying that you want ice water, a napkin, your food must be brought out hot, refill water when it gets low, clear dirty plates, etc. They know their job and telling them how to do it is insulting.

 

Also, a long list of special requests right away on day one, when they are still getting cabins ready, makes their work harder. If I want something special, like wine glasses in the room, I usually ask the steward if they can get them for me, or if I should call room service for them. On Princess, this is a room service request, but the steward often has them and doesn't mind taking care of it. Other times, they have said it's better to call room service, so I do. Not a big deal.

[Keith1010]

I agree a list makes it easier for the steward/stewardess.

 

Keith

[TC1957]

This would not be for us. We prefer to establish a personal relationship with our cabin steward. I would feel very awkward handing out a preprinted list - seems to say right at the beginning, "Here's what you already did wrong."

 

Really? A personal relationship? Either you take cruises that are MUCH longer than the ones we have taken or we have drastically different definitions of a personal relationship.

 

We always are polite, courteous and respectful. However, we never go into a restaurant, hotel or onto a cruise ship looking to create relationships with the staff.

 

When it comes to a cruise...we are there to vacation, relax and have a good time. We are certainly not demanding but if something is forgotten (after all, I believe the crew is made up of humans...and sometimes humans make mistakes and forget things) we will politely remind them. We also try to keep things tidy (since we never get a suite and space is limited) and stay out of their way. As long as they do their job we will get along wonderfully and they will get the compensation they anticipated. If they voluntarily do something extra, whatever that may be, we may increase their compensation.

 

Sorry...for us it is a polite business relationship.

 

That said, we would never leave a pre-printed list and our memory is still good enough that I don't need a checklist of what should be in the cabin.

[slidergirl]

Perhaps the OPs needs to email the cruise line pre-embarkation. Let the line know that they will be on X ship on Y dates in Z cabin. Give the list and say they will require the items on the list be in the cabin when they arrive. Ask that the chief stew meet with them at the gangway and escort them to their cabin where they will inspect the cabin to ensure that their requirements have been delivered.

 

At my hotel, we get people like this. We call them the HMG (high maintenance guests), the PIAs, the entitled twits... They take up extra time from the staff, so other guests get shorted. Staff can only work so much and someone ends up not getting service they deserve or the staff wants to provide because another "entitled" guest demands extra...

 

Sorry - had an extremely horrendous hotel-full of wedding guests this past weekend - every one of the HMGs. If you looked in the dictionary for "Momzilla" (nasty Mother-of-the-Bride), this MOB's picture would have been there...

[CapeCodCruiser]

Perhaps the OPs needs to email the cruise line pre-embarkation. Let the line know that they will be on X ship on Y dates in Z cabin. Give the list and say they will require the items on the list be in the cabin when they arrive. Ask that the chief stew meet with them at the gangway and escort them to their cabin where they will inspect the cabin to ensure that their requirements have been delivered.

 

At my hotel, we get people like this. We call them the HMG (high maintenance guests), the PIAs, the entitled twits... They take up extra time from the staff, so other guests get shorted. Staff can only work so much and someone ends up not getting service they deserve or the staff wants to provide because another "entitled" guest demands extra...

 

Sorry - had an extremely horrendous hotel-full of wedding guests this past weekend - every one of the HMGs. If you looked in the dictionary for "Momzilla" (nasty Mother-of-the-Bride), this MOB's picture would have been there...

 

OP is not asking for the moon...really

 

Push beds together - not always done even if requested with reservation

robes - not always there

Shampoo/Conditioner

2 wine glasses - there may be water glasses but I prefer stemmed glasses for wine

Ice (please give us daily) - this you have to ask for these days

Wine glasses - oops repeat

Ice bucket - usually there

Extension cord - gotta ask

Extra Hangers - sometimes there is not enough

Box of tissues - not unreasonable - my DH needs one next to the bed

Different Pillows - not unreasonable again

 

If this qualifies as a HMG at your hotel PLEASE tell me where it is so I can NEVER stay there!

 

I worked in hospitality for years and owned a B&B for 9 years - I KNOW HMG's - this is not it!

 

If you are one of those silly guests who think you are developing a "personal relationship" with your stewards or servers - think again. They are nice and polite and answer your questions because they are trained that way and know it helps on the tips. Unless and until you cruise enough with the same workers there is nothing more than professional courtesy as far as the workers are concerned.

[Pudgesmom]

The preprinted list is what I find very objectionable. Why not just leave a nice note for the cabin steward?

[CapeCodCruiser]

Perhaps, like me, the OP has lousy handwriting.

 

I

[donaldsc]

I always try to not ask for anything the first day. They are so busy and really there's nothing for me that can't wait till the next day. I bring some cheap plastic hangers from home ( I get them from a local retail store where I shop regularly ) and put them in the garbage at the end of the cruise.

 

Why in the world would anyone bring hangers from home unless you use them in your suitcase to fold your clothes. They are more than willing to bring you extra hangers if you need them - just ask. BTW - if I need anything extra in my cabin, I just ask the steward. My needs are very simple and he takes care of them. I find handing the steward a printed list to be condescending.

 

DON

Edited July 6, 2016 by donaldsc

[ducklite]

The preprinted list is what I find very objectionable. Why not just leave a nice note for the cabin steward?

 

 

 

I agree. On a couple of our cruises we never saw the steward. The room was a,ways made up and everything was lovely, but the steward was a ghost. A couple of times I left a note with a request... Once for an extra box of tissues after my husband developed a head cold, another for an extra bottle of hand lotion. I left it on the vanity in the bathroom.

 

Like you, I find the pre-printed note to be assumptive and over the top. My cabin has always had most of those items when I arrived and The one or two items I might need (extra hangars on the PG when there were only four in the closet on arrival, or robes on RCCL when they should have been there already and hadn't been delivered on day two at dinner time) I have simply requested.

 

PS--You can get wine stems in any bar just for asking. No need to bother the steward for them.

Edited July 6, 2016 by ducklite

[slidergirl]

OP is not asking for the moon...really

 

Push beds together - not always done even if requested with reservation

robes - not always there

Shampoo/Conditioner

2 wine glasses - there may be water glasses but I prefer stemmed glasses for wine

Ice (please give us daily) - this you have to ask for these days

Wine glasses - oops repeat

Ice bucket - usually there

Extension cord - gotta ask

Extra Hangers - sometimes there is not enough

Box of tissues - not unreasonable - my DH needs one next to the bed

Different Pillows - not unreasonable again

 

If this qualifies as a HMG at your hotel PLEASE tell me where it is so I can NEVER stay there!

 

I worked in hospitality for years and owned a B&B for 9 years - I KNOW HMG's - this is not it!

 

If you are one of those silly guests who think you are developing a "personal relationship" with your stewards or servers - think again. They are nice and polite and answer your questions because they are trained that way and know it helps on the tips. Unless and until you cruise enough with the same workers there is nothing more than professional courtesy as far as the workers are concerned.

 

If you come to my hotel and present a pre-printed list of "needs", then, yes, you are a HMG. If you have a meet & greet with your butler, then it is appropriate to tell them what you would like to have added to the room. Call the Housekeeping number and verbalize what you need.

HMG - calls butler and demands a Red Bull immediately as Room Service would take 10 minutes and she needs it NOW. Calls Front Desk and demands a room change from the lowest category room with 1 King Bed (which they booked) because it cannot accommodate their family of 5 into a 2-bedroom suite (for the same price of course). Demand to see the Hotel Manager because your TA forgot to mention you were bringing your precious rat dog with you and we will not allow it in the hotel. Demand a free night because we did not have a vat of gluten-free hot cocoa ready for your daughter because you apparently cannot read the sign that the cocoa is "available upon request." It goes on.... When you own your own B&B, you cater to an entirely different clientele than a cruise ship or a corporate-owned hotel or resort. Maybe they complain that you have blueberry muffins instead of banana nut ;)

[John Bull]

Sorry, TBMRT, I'm in the same camp as those who disagree with you.

 

Many of those things will already be as you are asking, others are no big deal to ask your steward.

 

The person is your steward, not your butler ;)

 

JB :)

[CapeCodCruiser]

If you come to my hotel and present a pre-printed list of "needs", then, yes, you are a HMG. If you have a meet & greet with your butler, then it is appropriate to tell them what you would like to have added to the room. Call the Housekeeping number and verbalize what you need.

HMG - calls butler and demands a Red Bull immediately as Room Service would take 10 minutes and she needs it NOW. Calls Front Desk and demands a room change from the lowest category room with 1 King Bed (which they booked) because it cannot accommodate their family of 5 into a 2-bedroom suite (for the same price of course). Demand to see the Hotel Manager because your TA forgot to mention you were bringing your precious rat dog with you and we will not allow it in the hotel. Demand a free night because we did not have a vat of gluten-free hot cocoa ready for your daughter because you apparently cannot read the sign that the cocoa is "available upon request." It goes on.... When you own your own B&B, you cater to an entirely different clientele than a cruise ship or a corporate-owned hotel or resort. Maybe they complain that you have blueberry muffins instead of banana nut ;)

 

Your examples are far more demanding & ridiculous than the OP's list!

 

Now really isn't the list EASIER for the steward than:

 

At first meeting remembering that you need an extension cord and asking for that. Steward gets it and delivers it to your room. You also inform them that beds need to be together.

 

When luggage arrives and you are unpacking you realize you need extra hangers - call steward and request - they are delivered.

 

Done unpacking and go to pour a glass of wine - realize there are no wine glasses in room - call steward - steward delivers - you ask can they please make sure new ones are left daily. Also - ice please daily.

 

Next day after an uncomfortable sleep on wrong pillow - you request different pillow.

 

ETC...

 

So really the list makes it easier for everyone - all issues handled at one time - one trip for the steward. OP never said "typed" list - just "make up a list" - likely handwritten and items that are already present are crossed off the BEFORE giving to steward.

 

Do you remember EVERYTHING you need when getting on a cruise ship - the whole boarding process can be distracting/exciting.

[John Bull]

 

Do you remember EVERYTHING you need when getting on a cruise ship - the whole boarding process can be distracting/exciting.

 

My own memory is worse than most folk.;)

So yes, if these things were important to me I'd write a list.

A list for myself

Then ask the steward about those not already AOK.

 

IMHO, handing a list to the steward sends all the wrong signals - as others have put it, a high-maintenance guest.

 

JB :)