Just off the Escape and some thoughts

[Victorious8]

I guess I have a slightly different opinion then some. As far as the room steward goes, I never told him he had to clean at 6:00 p.m., in fact I told him that I don't care if he just wanted to change out towels and empty the garbage cans that would be fine. Regardless though, I do believe that there is no reason for him to make me and/or my family feel uncomfortable about it. I did not complain to anyone about it because my point was not to cause him or anyone else trouble, it was just an observation that I had. I have had three cruises on NCL, all in the Haven, and never had any staff member give off that type of vibe before. However, I do feel that, while not the most convenient for him, he should have accommodated my schedule without any type of attitude. Honestly, it did not ruin my cruise but it resulted in him not receiving a $100 tip that I have given to my room stewards on each of my other cruises because I know that my family's schedule is not "normal" and I try to recognize that extra service deserves to be recognized in the tip you provide. Also, keep in mind that I would bet anything that the cruise line prefers my wife and/or I to be out late in the casino gambling and then sleeping in rather in the room by 10:00 p.m. so I can be out for the room to be cleaned each morning. Again just an observation about this particular cruise that I felt was worth mentioning as I have never had that experience on my previous cruises with NCL.

 

What a bummer. My sister and I have shared rooms on most the last cruises and tend to be sort of slobs (hey it's our vacation and we can relax the way we want). We always have a very real talk with our steward on Day 1. Basically: We know we will stress you out but just know that we 100% are not worried about you cleaning our room and giving us turn down service. We would just try and communicate with them our needs and they seemed to be really understanding. Despite us being younger (early twenties) we would tip and additional $20-30 (in addition to the standard tip and what I am almost sure was another extra tip from our Nana who paid for everything).

 

It's your vacation and as long as you aren't trying to have your cake AND eat it they should be more open to being flexible!

[elruth]

I have chronic fatigue syndrome and require a lot of sleep. When on a cruise, I often don't leave the cabin until noon. It is fine with us if the steward only does the night time turn down and then refreshes the towels and ice. I know they like to clean each cabin earlier and it kind of makes me feel uncomfortable if I see the steward in the pm and he is concerned I am not feeling well and asks why I leave the cabin so late and not earlier in the day?

 

My husband is an early riser and when we had a penthouse, he would eat breakfast in a special restaurant. The one day I joined him the concierge made a big point of asking why I didn't come to the restaurant everyday? I really don't think it is their business to know why I am not an early riser.

[Jana60]

I actually feel that the best service the workers can provide is to be invisible. Our cabin Steward during our Haven stay was never seen. The room was cleaned when we weren't in it and he never discussed when we were not going to be in it. We simply put on the light that says make up our room whenever we went to breakfast and whenever we went to supper whatever time of days those might be. One day that breakfast light was turned on at 11:45 in the morning.

[JessMCee]

I have heard that Tyler is amazing. The reviews are great on him.

 

 

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I was on this same sailing.

 

Tyler was so nice & has a great personality!

 

We never even saw the captain, Giovanni.

 

 

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[LrgPizza]

I have heard that Tyler is amazing. The reviews are great on him.

 

Tyler rocked the drums in Howl at the Moon for several songs one night. He's one of the first cruise directors I've ever noticed.

[buckeye rob]

Slightly off the subject, but did anyone ask the Concierge upon boarding about obtaining Vibe passes and he try to "talk" or argue you out of them ? I have heard this comment more than once. Would like to try and obtain them but not sure if I want a hassle. Regards, Gerry. The concierge was a little weird in that he seemed to delight in arguing no matter what was asked. For instance I called and asked him for the "cruise next" phone number because an error had been made in my future Cruise certificates and he proceeded to argue with me that there was nothing that could be done to correct the error so I might as well live with it. They had put my future Cruise certificates in the name and on the bill of a family member of mine. When the concierge kept arguing that there was nothing to be done to correct it, I finally informed him that all I needed from him was the phone number and not the opinion.

[JessMCee]

Tyler rocked the drums in Howl at the Moon for several songs one night. He's one of the first cruise directors I've ever noticed.

 

 

I agree! I was there for just about all the shows there (and some point). He played the drums a few nights. He was so nice too!

 

 

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[eynsteinp]

I also thought Tyler was very good. My wife was selected for Deal or No deal which he hosted and he did a very good job keeping the crowd engaged and helped make that one of the highlights of the cruise. He was pretty visible throughout the cruise. As another poster said, I don't recall seeing the captain at anytime throughout the cruise so I cannot comment on him except to say the ship had almost no movement and the seas seemed extremely calm throughout.

[Jana60]

Slightly off the subject, but did anyone ask the Concierge upon boarding about obtaining Vibe passes and he try to "talk" or argue you out of them ? I have heard this comment more than once. Would like to try and obtain them but not sure if I want a hassle. .

 

I don't know if he will argue with you about vibe passes but he did seem to delight in arguing. My sister's cabin key kept messing up and not opening the door. It would only open it about every tenth time it was inserted into the door key slot. The concierge informed my sister that she just didn't know how to use the key. I found his superior attitude irritating. I had had no difficulties with my room key and yet my sister's room key had the same difficulties whether it was she or I who used it. I asked the concierge what would be the reason for my room key to work for me and for my sister without any problems despite our limited mental ability to operate it, yet hers would not. I think he could tell from my tone that I had had just about enough from him and at that point he changed her key and we had no further difficulties.

Edited July 20, 2016 by Jana60

[buckeye rob]

Is it out of line to ask his name ? Be there month from today. Regards, Gerry.

I don't know if he will argue with you about vibe passes but he did seem to delight in arguing. My sister's cabin key kept messing up and not opening the door. It would only open it about every tenth time it was inserted into the door key slot. The concierge informed my sister that she just didn't know how to use the key. I found his superior attitude irritating. I had had no difficulties with my room key and yet my sister's room key had the same difficulties whether it was she or I who used it. I asked the concierge what would be the reason for my room key to work for me and for my sister without any problems despite our limited mental ability to operate it, yet hers would not. I think he could tell from my tone that I had had just about enough from him and at that point he changed her key and we had no further difficulties.

[NLH Arizona]

Regardless though, I do believe that there is no reason for him to make me and/or my family feel uncomfortable about it. I did not complain to anyone about it because my point was not to cause him or anyone else trouble, it was just an observation that I had.

I think you should have brought this up to the Housekeeping Manager, because the Cabin Steward should have never made you or your family feel uncomfortable.

[peacefulOR]

I wonder why so many postings about this family's experience sound a bit hostile? They are fortunate to sail in the Haven but for the huge difference in cost I would expect much better service (and attitude) than they received. We always choose a balcony cabin and have never been treated badly about a late sleeper (the other one). I can't imagine spending an amount close to buying a new economy car and receiving less than steller attitude. I also suspect that the OP knows how to report an employee and was being kind. Just my opinion here.

[eynsteinp]

I wonder why so many postings about this family's experience sound a bit hostile? They are fortunate to sail in the Haven but for the huge difference in cost I would expect much better service (and attitude) than they received. We always choose a balcony cabin and have never been treated badly about a late sleeper (the other one). I can't imagine spending an amount close to buying a new economy car and receiving less than steller attitude. I also suspect that the OP knows how to report an employee and was being kind. Just my opinion here.

 

I appreciate your post. You are absolutely correct in that I know how to report someone if I wanted to. I was not looking to get the person in trouble but I certainly did not tip him extra as I did the the individuals that were friendly and/or helpful. Also, I have tried to avoid justifying why my family is often in our cabin but as another poster stated, there are medical reasons why some people keep different schedules. In my case, my son is Autistic and often needs to have some down time away from the noise and stimulus so he goes back into the cabin where it is quiet and we can prevent him from having problems. I was just reporting my experience which I hope is an outlier and not the norm in the future. At the end of the day, it cost him money and made my trip less enjoyable. It was an unnecessary unpleasantry that I felt should not happen to any guest regardless of cabin type, much less in the Haven.

[Jana60]

Is it out of line to ask his name ? Be there month from today. Regards, Gerry.

 

I'm terrible with names. I only remember our Butler's because he was so stellar. I tend to try to forget about the people who irritate or denigrate me because they don't deserve to take up any more of my precious time. If I should come across any paperwork with his name on it I will come back to this thread and post.

[alrichards4003]

I also think having a room steward who you believe acts hostile would be an uncomfortable situation as they have access to the room when you are there and are not and would be aware of your schedule.

 

Of course you would not think any employee would act inappropriate, however, everyone has lived different lives and some people have different triggers and certain actions that serve as triggers.

[Mandy412]

I have heard that Tyler is amazing. The reviews are great on him.

 

 

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I'm a Tylerite! I loved him so much that I literally keep checking his scheduling when I booked my other cruises because I'd love our paths to cross again but as of now it's unlikely.

[Two Wheels Only]

I found his superior attitude irritating. I had had no difficulties with my room key and yet my sister's room key had the same difficulties whether it was she or I who used it. I asked the concierge what would be the reason for my room key to work for me and for my sister without any problems despite our limited mental ability to operate it, yet hers would not. I think he could tell from my tone that I had had just about enough from him and at that point he changed her key and we had no further difficulties.

 

My experience with Adrien the concierge was the exact opposite. My room key was working 50% of the time while the others worked fine. It is frustrating/embarrassing to try to enter the Haven if people are watching and the damn door won't open:mad:

 

I told Adrien and with a smile, he took the card and flipped it over his shoulder into the trash, clicked the mouse a few times and printed/made a new card. The whole thing took less than 25 seconds.

 

I always believed that since the concierge and butler weren't included in the DSC, they go the extra step to please because it (potentially) benefits them in the end.

 

I'm sorry that you had your experience but I appreciate a honest review (good or bad) from any CC member.

[RDC1]

I'm not sure about the hostility but I as I stated, I did not care if the room was not cleaned early. I went out of my way to let him know that cleaning it in the evening was preferred since we sleep in. It was the room stewart that did not like having to clean it in the evening.

 

As far as the zip line, I got the feeling that the two zip lines including the one that goes over the edge of the ship are going to be closed for quite a while still. The man working the ropes course said that he couldn't give details but it is closed indefinitely as they could not fix it themselves.

 

Finally, I agree, Illusionarium is far superior to anything they have in the Supper Club. I really think that they are way over doing it with all three major shows being musicals.

 

I suspect that the Steward was concerned that it might impact how he is evaluated by his supervisor. The time frame you mentioned would also fit. On day one you indicated that he did not have a problem with it, but the rest of the week he did. That would fit with him discussing the matter with his supervisor and having them tell him that he still needed to clean it before his break. Rather then put the steward in the middle, between your wishes and his jobs requirements, you might have contacted hotel operations and made the request there that morning service not be performed.

[eynsteinp]

I suspect that the Steward was concerned that it might impact how he is evaluated by his supervisor. The time frame you mentioned would also fit. On day one you indicated that he did not have a problem with it, but the rest of the week he did. That would fit with him discussing the matter with his supervisor and having them tell him that he still needed to clean it before his break. Rather then put the steward in the middle, between your wishes and his jobs requirements, you might have contacted hotel operations and made the request there that morning service not be performed.

 

I have to be honest, it really should not be my problem to have to contact supervisors. Whether it was his boss was giving him problems or not, my family and I should not have been made to feel uncomfortable. IF the supervisor was responsible then he or she is wrong and they should have wanted to accommodate a guest's wishes. Whether it was the supervisor or the room steward, they should deal with it and not make the guest feel bad or uncomfortable about their trip.

[Jana60]

My experience with Adrien the concierge was the exact opposite. My room key was working 50% of the time while the others worked fine. It is frustrating/embarrassing to try to enter the Haven if people are watching and the damn door won't open:mad:

 

I told Adrien and with a smile, he took the card and flipped it over his shoulder into the trash, clicked the mouse a few times and printed/made a new card. The whole thing took less than 25 seconds.

 

I always believed that since the concierge and butler weren't included in the DSC, they go the extra step to please because it (potentially) benefits them in the end.

 

I'm sorry that you had your experience but I appreciate a honest review (good or bad) from any CC member.

 

It is unfortunate but true that some people have a different response to women than they do to men. I cannot say that misogyny was in any way involved in the behavior of the concierge but I reported the events with absolute accuracy. There are only so many ways you can interpret the words "you're probably doing it incorrectly". These were his words to my sister without even trying to use the key to open the door himself and indeed if he had tried to open the door himself when in your case he obviously accepted your word for the non-functioning status of the key that would have still said quite a bit about his attitudes. And it was just completely asinine of him to suggest that I just accept my future Cruise certificates being in the name of and charged to the bill of another person, even if that person was a family member!

Edited July 21, 2016 by Jana60

[AdoraBelle]

It is unfortunate but true that some people have a different response to women than they do to men. I cannot say that misogyny was in any way involved in the behavior of the concierge but I reported the events with absolute accuracy. There are only so many ways you can interpret the words "you're probably doing it incorrectly". These were his words to my sister without even trying to use the key to open the door himself and indeed if he had tried to open the door himself when in your case he obviously accepted your word for the non-functioning status of the key that would have still said quite a bit about his attitudes. And it was just completely asinine of him to suggest that I just accept my future Cruise certificates being in the name of and charged to the bill of another person, even if that person was a family member!

 

 

This reminds me of the time the network admin on the Getaway told me the iConcierge app wasn't letting me register because I must be typing my own name incorrectly.

 

Unfortunately for him, he'd run into a female systems administrator, and I was unmoved by his "mansplaining".

 

(That said, he still couldn't fix it, and it became obvious to me on subsequent cruises that it just takes a while for the system to get the new passenger manifest, so it's wonky for the first afternoon. Why not just tell people that rather than accusing them of not knowing how to spell their own names?)

[Jana60]

This reminds me of the time the network admin on the Getaway told me the iConcierge app wasn't letting me register because I must be typing my own name incorrectly.

 

Unfortunately for him, he'd run into a female systems administrator, and I was unmoved by his "mansplaining".

 

(That said, he still couldn't fix it, and it became obvious to me on subsequent cruises that it just takes a while for the system to get the new passenger manifest, so it's wonky for the first afternoon. Why not just tell people that rather than accusing them of not knowing how to spell their own names?)

 

Yes, that's right up there with accusing my sister and I of being unable to insert a small plastic disc into a slot in the door. I'm a physician and I've managed with very little difficulty to close lacerations, remove small metallic foreign bodies from eyes, and perform a variety of other tasks requiring manual dexterity and yet the concierge evidently felt me to be incapable of inserting a small plastic card into the key slot in the door.

[Frick_&_Frack]

I have to be honest, it really should not be my problem to have to contact supervisors. Whether it was his boss was giving him problems or not, my family and I should not have been made to feel uncomfortable. IF the supervisor was responsible then he or she is wrong and they should have wanted to accommodate a guest's wishes. Whether it was the supervisor or the room steward, they should deal with it and not make the guest feel bad or uncomfortable about their trip.

 

Over the years when DH cruised, we would have times when we did not want morning service since it was not doable with how he felt. I know our butler "dropped by" with something and very "casually" mentioned/asked (in a way that was fine) about our room and, when we explained Bob wasn't up to moving around that day, nothing more (other than being super-attentive to us until they got used to "the drill").

 

I think your Steward should have gone to the Butler/Concierge and they could have verified and then your suite comes off the "cleaned" list - and it's noted it's a passenger preference - so no issues come of it to the Steward if there is a surprise inspection of his station.

 

I'm sorry that he made you uncomfortable - that's truly not acceptable at all.