Being escorted to cabin

[ladymacwilly]

Like PaulNH, on the April crossing we were asked if we wanted an escourt to our cabin. Since I diligently study every deck of any ship before I cruise, I knew exactly where our cabin was located. We also declined, (didn't want anyone slowing me down to the race to our cabin...) :D

 

Upon arriving at our cabin our maid immediately introduced herself and asked if we needed any assistance. Again, we declined, (assistance for what? Oggling my cabin?) LOL

 

In any case, the staff was very attentive and quite friendly. Also, as Karie mentioned, the QM2 is an extremely easy ship to manuever.

[pepperrn]

Sometimes typos can be quite revealing. But, to paraphrase Mr. Freud, Sometimes a typo is just a typo!

 

 

Karie,

who found the QM2 the easiest ship to navigate that she has EVER been on!

 

Karie, that WAS a typo, and yet... maybe (thinks "Freud" for a moment) it wasn't.... WOW, I'm so deep when I don't know it!

 

Yep, looking back over the past years, "many tears ago" was right!

 

Pepper.

[dougnewmanatsea]

I think on most cruise ships they offer this "escort service" (that can have a quite different meaning in English English!)

It means that in American English too ;) !

 

Seriously, as ships have gotten larger a lot of lines seem to have discontinued this service. This is especially as many passengers are now allowed to board before cabins are even ready for occupancy, in which case passengers are usually directed right up to the buffet/"casual dining" restaurant.

[travel-to-go]

It means that in American English too ;) !

 

Seriously, as ships have gotten larger a lot of lines seem to have discontinued this service. This is especially as many passengers are now allowed to board before cabins are even ready for occupancy, in which case passengers are usually directed right up to the buffet/"casual dining" restaurant.

 

Which one? Which service have they discontinued? The original meaning or the "different one" in American and English English!

 

And they send them up to the Buffet!

Wow`

Talk about Freudian!

 

Karie,

Who knows what you REALLY meant, but is having fun with you! ...so to speak.

[LM1]

On both our crossings on QM2, April 15 and April 23, we were asked if we needed assistance upon boarding. We declined, but it was nice to be asked. As we always board with smiles that go miles, both on QM2 and QE2, I think those crew members that greet guests coming aboard are much more accomodating to those that look friendly and/or look, or ask, for assistance. But that's only my opinion after 7 transatlantic crossings.

[dtwtraveler]

There may be a more relaxed proceedure (especially when it is so easy to find your way around) but unless they are mind readers - how could the crew know who is from which class????

 

I think that your color-coded luggage tags on your carry-on luggage might be a big indicator for where your stateroom is located! We were in Britannia and had an escort to our stateroom. However, I think that anyone paying so many $$ to stay in a Queen's Suite should always receive an escort.

[pnhmrk]

Which one? Which service have they discontinued?

 

Have they discontinued either on QE2? They'll escort you to your cabin on arrival and there are still "Gentleman Hosts" to escort the ladies. :D

[KenC]

I think that your color-coded luggage tags on your carry-on luggage might be a big indicator for where your stateroom is located! We were in Britannia and had an escort to our stateroom. However, I think that anyone paying so many $$ to stay in a Queen's Suite should always receive an escort.

 

I for one never use luggage tags on carry on luggage .... didn't think many people do these days???? The usual request when approached by a crew member at embarkation, is to see your cruise card for your cabin number - they can then hardly decide whether your cabin grade rates assistance after they have approached you ..... can they????

 

Ken

who thinks this class nonsense and the 'S' word has been done to death.

[LMB1503]

No - It just shows that the steward wants a tip! When you've been on the ship once you will know where your cabin is, you don't need a steward to take your hand baggage and show you the way. Equally, if you travel with a lot of hand baggage, it can be useful:D If you don't know the ship I would think it very useful, especially if you're not on deck 2 and have to get a lift.

 

Firstly, it doesn't just show the steward wants a tip! In line with Cunards White Star Service it is part of their job to ask embarking guests if they need assistance.

 

Secondly, a lot of the crew that assist with leading guests during embarkation are not actually stewards, instead they are Pantrymen, Bathroom Boys, or Piccolo's. They work all the extra hours they can because their general monthly salary is so low - $300-$500 and this includes Gratuities!

 

Generally they work the same hours as a steward - 16 hours a day, 7 days a week - but get paid a lot less. Most guests are only aware of their presence during embarkation. They are a great help to the stewards, though, and stewards often show their appreciation to their Pantryman, Bathroom Boy, Piccolo every month by actually giving them some of their own salary!

 

Thanx

 

p.s Did you know only $50 of a stewards monthly salary is paid by the company? The remainder of the $1,450 is pre-paid gratuities! So gratuities are important!

[Kindlychap]

Secondly, a lot of the crew that assist with leading guests during embarkation are not actually stewards, instead they are Pantrymen, Bathroom Boys, or Piccolo's.

 

Forgive my ignorance but what do these job titles mean?

 

I assume "pantryman" is some sort of backroom catering position - but the others?

[Bollinge]

It means that in American English too ;) !

I seem to remember being told that there was a full (English / American English) "escort service" offered aboard the French Line in general and S.S. France in particular.

 

How standards have declined. I don't see such facilities being offered even on the Sea Dream 6****** vessels!