Just Off the Equinox— What’s the deal with the pool bartenders?

[megessey]

What a bunch of Debbie Downers! Not just serious business attitude there, it is curt, cold and even overtly rude! Whenever I ordered a drink there I felt like a nuisance. Is it too much sun exposure?

 

On day 2 there was a couple at the bar. Lady asked the bartender “what do you recommend?” The guy shrugged his shoulders and mumbled “I dunno...”. Ahh maybe just throw out any suggestion? She asked because a) no menu and b) she wanted to engage you.

 

Last day of cruise and I’m on the starboard side of the bar, wanting a water. My side bartender takes care of other customers, and I’m waiting my turn. Other bartender walks in front of me, makes eye contact and I say “I just need some water and ice when you get a chance.” Port guy is instantly annoyed, points to other bartender and says “ That man, This side of bar. Me....that side of bar.” and turns away.”:( Well excuse me a-hole!! I got his name and will let Celebrity how I felt about all that.

 

Mast grill guys are the same but also kinda scary!

[Zoedokey]

We felt the pool bartenders on the Infinity last summer were very short and unfriendly. We spent the rest of the cruise at the Martini bar where the bartenders were fun and friendly, and we tipped accordingly.

 

 

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[Canadian Cruiser98]

I've had similar experiences with the pool bars on some other ships in the past with RCCL. Understaffed, maybe, leading to the bartenders that are there being overly stressed?

 

 

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[SeasideMemories]

Sadly it was the same experience on our last cruise on Silhouette.

 

In my opinion, it was a combination of the bar being very, very busy where the bartenders were overwhelmed coupled with many very pushy, rude people that seemed to have checked any manners at the door. Our fellow cruisers didn’t seem to notice or care if others were obviously waiting their turn. They pushed ahead and it was “he who shoves their way in and speaks loudest wins”.

 

Soooo not our thing! Wound up going and getting our drinks elsewhere and bringing them back. Far less stressful!

[Hawkstar33]

Sorry you had that experience. It was just the opposite the 2 weeks we just went before you. Ricky, Lamy, Anjoop, were all very nice. The pool waiter staff was top notch, so I don't get it. But I will say that there were a couple of them that seemed to have slight attitudes. The, I don't want to be here attitude. Should not be that way. Captain Kate and her wonderful attitude may remedy that. She rubs off on her crew. Cruise staff monitors these boards, and will no doubt address that. No excuse for that. Rude fellow passengers certainly don't help either, as you mentioned. But still no good.

[20pluscruises]

What a bunch of Debbie Downers! Not just serious business attitude there, it is curt, cold and even overtly rude! Whenever I ordered a drink there I felt like a nuisance. Is it too much sun exposure?

 

On day 2 there was a couple at the bar. Lady asked the bartender “what do you recommend?” The guy shrugged his shoulders and mumbled “I dunno...”. Ahh maybe just throw out any suggestion? She asked because a) no menu and b) she wanted to engage you.

 

Last day of cruise and I’m on the starboard side of the bar, wanting a water. My side bartender takes care of other customers, and I’m waiting my turn. Other bartender walks in front of me, makes eye contact and I say “I just need some water and ice when you get a chance.” Port guy is instantly annoyed, points to other bartender and says “ That man, This side of bar. Me....that side of bar.” and turns away.”:( Well excuse me a-hole!! I got his name and will let Celebrity how I felt about all that.

 

 

 

Mast grill guys are the same but also kinda scary!

 

 

I agree with you with the one exception at the pool - cocktail waiter Barsillio was excellent! The rest seemed like they just didn't want to be there. The vibe was odd / off. It came across as if they were given their two week notice.

 

Edited to add...we did not meet every pool crew member. However, the rather large pool butler was standing next to me looking out the window, watched my tablespoon of chicken salad from the spa cafe roll off my dish, quickly looked back out the window and then walked away. Yes, I did clean it up with the cloth napkin once I finished eating the the fruit and cookie. Pool butler wasn't coming back nor did he send someone over.

[4cats4me]

Yep, we noticed how unfriendly some bartenders were last October on the Equinox. It was a 360 in attitude from when we’d last gone on the Equinox in 2014. It’s pretty obvious that they are unhappy, but they also appeared to be some of the the hardest workers on the ship and were very overwhelmed. Not a happy face among them at the martini bar. They were slammed all the time.

My husband and I kept commenting that we missed the great bar service on Princess and the friendly faces on Princess.

[DogLover]

Yep, we noticed how unfriendly some bartenders were last October on the Equinox. It was a 360 in attitude from when we’d last gone on the Equinox in 2014. It’s pretty obvious that they are unhappy, but they also appeared to be some of the the hardest workers on the ship and were very overwhelmed. Not a happy face among them at the martini bar. They were slammed all the time.

My husband and I kept commenting that we missed the great bar service on Princess and the friendly faces on Princess.

 

Interesting because our experience on Princess was dreadful. On a cruise this past November, we were highly disappointed in the bar staff. Indifference was the theme and although we are really easy going folks, we were totally turned off by the Princess experience. With our cruises on Celebrity (as well as other lines), there have been hit or misses regarding bar staff but it paled in comparison to the blatant nonchalance on Princess.

 

We had a wonderful cruise on the Equinox in July 2017. I guess it just comes down to any particular cruise can have staff that make or break the fun.

[4cats4me]

Interesting because our experience on Princess was dreadful. On a cruise this past November, we were highly disappointed in the bar staff. Indifference was the theme and although we are really easy going folks, we were totally turned off by the Princess experience. With our cruises on Celebrity (as well as other lines), there have been hit or misses regarding bar staff but it paled in comparison to the blatant nonchalance on Princess.

 

 

 

We had a wonderful cruise on the Equinox in July 2017. I guess it just comes down to any particular cruise can have staff that make or break the fun.

 

 

 

Yes, that is interesting. I’m going back on Princess in one week, so I will be paying attention closely. We have 18 precious cruises with Princess and all bar service has been fantastic.

On four Celebrity cruises we had good service. Only last year’s was markedly different and that was the only one we’ve been on since everyone appears to have all-inclusive beverage service.

I am hoping that Princess service isn’t suffering now since the introduction of their all-inclusive package, which puts more demands on bartenders

[Silhouette2017]

Of course there is no excuse for being rude, however remember that these guys are doing the same job for six months often without a single day off and sometimes the work load just gets too much. My experience with the pool bar was there was always a line but within a minute or so I always had my beverage of choice in my hand - these guys are so effective!

[KateWes]

Disappointed to hear about unfriendly staff on board !

Totally understand they’re in one of the most demanding areas but we always treat staff politely and have a friendly attitude- would hate to think they wouldn’t attempt to be polite in return!

[warmwinds]

Of course there is no excuse for being rude, however remember that these guys are doing the same job for six months often without a single day off and sometimes the work load just gets too much. My experience with the pool bar was there was always a line but within a minute or so I always had my beverage of choice in my hand - these guys are so effective!

 

I'm sure you're exaggerating when you say they work for six months without a single day off! I don't think that's legal even at sea.

[gold1953]

What a bunch of Debbie Downers! Not just serious business attitude there, it is curt, cold and even overtly rude! Whenever I ordered a drink there I felt like a nuisance. Is it too much sun exposure?

 

On day 2 there was a couple at the bar. Lady asked the bartender “what do you recommend?” The guy shrugged his shoulders and mumbled “I dunno...”. Ahh maybe just throw out any suggestion? She asked because a) no menu and b) she wanted to engage you.

 

Last day of cruise and I’m on the starboard side of the bar, wanting a water. My side bartender takes care of other customers, and I’m waiting my turn. Other bartender walks in front of me, makes eye contact and I say “I just need some water and ice when you get a chance.” Port guy is instantly annoyed, points to other bartender and says “ That man, This side of bar. Me....that side of bar.” and turns away.”:( Well excuse me a-hole!! I got his name and will let Celebrity how I felt about all that.

 

Mast grill guys are the same but also kinda scary!

 

I have not experienced this but assume they have their zones and I know they work very long hours . As for the water and ice I would never consider asking for a free drink to be brought to me. I just get up and go to the water/ ice machine. I just assume they are there to take bar orders

[cestlavie3]

I would have to say I had bad experiences with two bartenders one in the ocean view cafe (the more buff guy) who ignored me (a 27 year old female) for a good twenty minutes while serving other people who came up after me. In the end my spouse ended up coming up and ordering for both of us before I was given any attention. The second one was also at the Ocean View cafe where the older woman said I was underage and ALMOST didn’t give me my drink. Do they not see my photo when they scan the card? Celebrity did not sell me a drink package if I am underage, for god sakes. Wonderful cruise and great service in the MDR and from Arie in the casino but I will say most of the others are just bitter and annoyed that you’re asking for something ESPECIALLY WATER.

 

 

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[Benjudas]

I'm sure you're exaggerating when you say they work for six months without a single day off! I don't think that's legal even at sea.

 

No he is not. Every single day for about 12 - 13 hours.

 

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[warmwinds]

No he is not. Every single day for about 12 - 13 hours.

 

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I am truly surprised. Just bartenders? I'm sure our waiters have told us about their days off - they might not do anything exciting, mostly sit on shore and make phone calls. And I know we've had alternate room stewards and were told ours was on his day off.

[Benjudas]

Everyone. They work double shifts and get a 2-3 hours off every day. I am sure it was those hours they ment when they were talking to you. How do I know? I used to work as a bartender on Seabourn and Radisson Seven Seas. And while that was years ago and I now only visit ships as a guest, I still have many friends in the industri and its not easier work now.

 

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[Hlitner]

I'm sure you're exaggerating when you say they work for six months without a single day off! I don't think that's legal even at sea.

 

Ahhh, but its true. Bar staff, waiters and cabin stewards do not normally get a single day off during their contracts...which can actually run more than 6 months (with extensions). The staff does occasionally get a few hours off (usually when in port) and some will take the opportunity to go ashore (usually to use the internet to call home or do some shopping) and others will spend those hours taking a needed nap.

 

As to what is legal at sea (regarding labor laws)...there really is no law. There has been talk in the EU of imposing shoreside labor rules on ship crews (for ships that call in the EU) but its not happened. The next time you are on a cruise, if you get friendly with a waiter, bar tender, or cabin steward...just quietly ask them if they ever get a day off. They will likely smile and laugh. On our last Celebrity cruise we had a very nice cabin stewardess who was near the end of a long contract (she had been on the ship about 7 months). She told me the only day-off she had (in 7 months) was for two days when she was sick....and the staff's physician ordered her to stay in bed.

 

And by the way, this is not just about Celebrity. It is the same on nearly all the cruise lines, although each line does have some variance on the contract length. We once talked to a friendly bartender on a HAL ship who told us that he had been working for 9 months (without a day off). In his case it happened because the company ask him to "accept" a contract extension because they needed more help during the busy Dec-Feb season.

 

Hank

[nick77]

I'm sure you're exaggerating when you say they work for six months without a single day off! I don't think that's legal even at sea.

 

I have worked as a musician on cruise ships and its true- Waiters,,bartenders, room stewards don't get any days off. They may get a few hours off but they get no days off, so if they do a good job-tip them .They are the hardest working people you'll ever meet .Being a musician on the ship I had plenty of free time- we only played at night. I would often feel guilty getting off the ship at most ports while they had to stay on and work their 12 hour shift.

[Hawkstar33]

We spoke to crew and they work every day, for however long their contract is. 15 plus hours a day for some of our friends who work onboard. But they know this when they sign up. Obviously the beverage packages make them hustle. They can only make a drink so fast. Patience is needed at times, but you will get a drink. Regardless, poor attitude should be addressed by supervisory staff immediately.

[warmwinds]

And then people complain about the tipping...unbelievable. We have always treated everyone with respect AND given extra tips - will ramp that up now.

 

Honestly, I had no idea.

[Proplayer]

We were on the February 24 Equinox sailing and were impressed by all of the waitstaff. The bartenders and servers at the pool deck and bar on 4th floor were our favorites, especially Denny who we ran into on several bars.

Of course I started out the week by introducing myself to all wait staff and gave them a $2 bill. It’s amazing what a little personal interaction and some kindness can do to improve your service. I gave the staff the highest grades on their reviews.

 

 

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[vulcan1971]

I have not personally experienced what the OP has stated during my 7 cruises on various Celebrity ships. With that said, I am a patient and reasonable customer when I am at a bar waiting to place my order (pool bar or any venue on the ship). Sure, I have seen at various times other guests walk up to the bar after I have already been waiting and they don't seem to mind one bit when they shout their order out ahead of others that were either already being waited on or waiting to place an order.

 

Is it any wonder how these hard working servers and bartenders manage through 6+ straight months with the range of passengers and their behaviors that have to be endured, all why serving you with a smile? If guests could be a bit more understanding and show some more appreciation when they are finally served, everyone would be better off.

[Loracpin2]

What a bunch of Debbie Downers! Not just serious business attitude there, it is curt, cold and even overtly rude! Whenever I ordered a drink there I felt like a nuisance. Is it too much sun exposure?

 

On day 2 there was a couple at the bar. Lady asked the bartender “what do you recommend?” The guy shrugged his shoulders and mumbled “I dunno...”. Ahh maybe just throw out any suggestion? She asked because a) no menu and b) she wanted to engage you.

 

Last day of cruise and I’m on the starboard side of the bar, wanting a water. My side bartender takes care of other customers, and I’m waiting my turn. Other bartender walks in front of me, makes eye contact and I say “I just need some water and ice when you get a chance.” Port guy is instantly annoyed, points to other bartender and says “ That man, This side of bar. Me....that side of bar.” and turns away.”:( Well excuse me a-hole!! I got his name and will let Celebrity how I felt about all that.

 

Mast grill guys are the same but also kinda scary!

 

 

Although this was our experience on the Silhouette this past January, as well as our last 5 Caribbean sailings on any Celebrity ship, and as someone who has taken 23 Celebrity cruises, I am going to defend the staff.

 

Ever since the "Complimentary Classic Drink Package" perk has been offered as one of the incentives to book with Celebrity, not only has the ship's Caribbean age demographic change, but the number of bar staff is not sufficient to handle the volume particularly at the Pool bar. I can completely understand how the staff is overwhelmed by the numbers waiting to be served.

 

I have said this before and will say it again. "Giving free booze, gratuities, etc. to fill a ship means cutbacks in another areas....staffing numbers, food quality, etc". If this is the continued Celebrity business model going forward, they will ultimately pay the price in loosing more and more Loyalists.

[Michidoeme]

 

Ever since the "Complimentary Classic Drink Package" perk has been offered as one of the incentives to book with Celebrity, not only has the ship's Caribbean age demographic change, but the number of bar staff is not sufficient to handle the volume particularly at the Pool bar. I can completely understand how the staff is overwhelmed by the numbers waiting to be served.

 

 

And the quality of drinks has greatly suffered !