Brand new to MSC- teach me

[philsuarez]

8 minutes ago, Kmkub said:

Yes. We noticed. I would put passenger rudeness as my number one complaint from our first MSC cruise. We were actively prevented from getting on and off elevators and also had people cut in front of us numerous times, as if they were oh so much more important than me. It didn't help that casino cashiers, bartenders, etc., would just start ignoring me to talk to the person who cut in front of me. 

 

Very strange - how do polite people manage to get anything done in Europe?

With great patience or by being 6'5" like I am and blocking people from pushing past lol! Generally Northern Europeans are not so bad but Southerners tend to be a little more excited! That being said lift etiquette can also be bad on P & O Cruises especially when it comes giving way for disabled guests

Edited January 29, 2020 by philsuarez

[Itchy&Scratchy]

On 1/28/2020 at 11:33 PM, alyssamma said:

Many Americans find this "rude" as they expect bartenders, waiters, etc. to do their jobs with a smile. In Europe, the job is done, and done correctly, but they aren't trying to be your friend.

well, bartenders and servers smile just fine on other cruise lines, and it's not because they are trying to be your friend... It has nothing to do with Europe. Most of the bartending and wait staff are not from Western Europe anyway. Yes, I am pitting Western against Eastern Europe, and not Northern vs. Southern. A lot of the staff comes from non-European countries and Eastern European countries.

Edited February 4, 2020 by Itchy&Scratchy

[Kmkub]

35 minutes ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

well, bartenders and servers smile just fine on other cruise lines, and it's not because they are trying to be your friend... It has nothing to do with Europe. Most of the bartending and wait staff are not from Western Europe anyway. Yes, I am pitting Western against Eastern Europe, and not Northern vs. Southern. A lot of the staff comes from non-European countries and Eastern European countries.

On our Divina cruise that ended last week, we only saw one crew member who wasn't smiling. We asked her if she was okay; turns out she was in pain because she was wearing new heels. The next time we saw her she was all smiles.

 

Smiles from the crew everywhere. I rate the claim that the crew doesn't smile: false.

[Beardface]

53 minutes ago, Kmkub said:

On our Divina cruise that ended last week, we only saw one crew member who wasn't smiling. We asked her if she was okay; turns out she was in pain because she was wearing new heels. The next time we saw her she was all smiles.

 

Smiles from the crew everywhere. I rate the claim that the crew doesn't smile: false.

Wait, so you took it upon yourself to ask if a crew member was ok because she wasn't smiling at you?

[Kmkub]

1 minute ago, Beardface said:

Wait, so you took it upon yourself to ask if a crew member was ok because she wasn't smiling at you?

No, of course not, but I didn't want to write an essay on the entire interaction.

[Beardface]

6 minutes ago, Kmkub said:

No, of course not, but I didn't want to write an essay on the entire interaction.

But that is literally what you said

 

"we only saw one crew member who wasn't smiling. We asked her if she was okay"

[Kmkub]

24 minutes ago, Beardface said:

But that is literally what you said

 

"we only saw one crew member who wasn't smiling. We asked her if she was okay"

My apologies for not providing a more detailed explanation. Do you never have any interactions with crew members that lead you to ask them questions? We were chit chatting about the menu and when my husband noticed her wincing, he asked, "are you okay?"

 

 Is that enough detail for you?

[JAGR]

15 hours ago, Kmkub said:

My apologies for not providing a more detailed explanation. Do you never have any interactions with crew members that lead you to ask them questions? We were chit chatting about the menu and when my husband noticed her wincing, he asked, "are you okay?"

 

 Is that enough detail for you?

Thanks to your husband and you for showing concern for a fellow human being.  Also, I picked up on the real gist of your conversation from your first mention of the interaction.  The explanation was not needed for all (actually, I hope needed by very few people..

[nanwel]

Ok, I find real pizza so different in Italy - but only if made locally, not the fast food stuff - and that is what is on any ship - standard fast food.

Yes, your standard may be homemade "thin" crust with fresh local herbs. Never had that on any ship from any line! or in 99% of restraunts around the world.

Too many people accept/love the big box style of food.

I have been on  many cruises, and yes had people from other nationalities push in front of me - I often make comments to them - funny they speak English at other times, not when you are say, 'heh you just cut me off - I was here first" Had one lady put her hands on my back and push - I stopped, turned around and told her get your hands off me - she may not get English, but got my point.

Most people are on vaca and just want to have a good time - there are jerks in every crowd - learn to laugh at them and try not to get your blood pressure up - not worth the hassle.

Yes, most crew members work extremely hard and smile while doing so. I few kind words or ask about there family/country etc - goes a long way.

 

[alyssamma]

Wow...so I did not mean to start such a discussion about smiling. I was just trying to point out a difference...one that has been pointed out by others.

 

It's been my experience that service staff in europe smile less than those in the US. The level of service is the same, but in the US tips are a large part of their salary so there is more pressure to appear outwardly friendly 

 

Staff on ships that have a large US pax level have learned to smile, so you'll see that more now.

 

The fact that so many have commented about servers smiling is my point. What difference does it make if someone smiles? At your work do.you go to everyone who isnt smiling to ask if they are ok?

 

Anyway, sure people will get upset and disagree with this post so, flame away 😀