My second cruise was on RCCL and the reason I cruise Carnival was because of a couple rude waitstaff  on RCCL.  Some thing as simple as not getting any sugar for my coffee.  Asked 4 differant people for sugar because the bowl was emty.  Went 45 min w/o.  Even asked a bartender for sugar and was told to go ask someone else.  I didn't let it ruin my cruise.  I had a great cruise.  But my next cruise was back to CC and my next is  the Splendor.  You don't mess with the morning coffee.

Just got off of the Splendor today...  had a great time!  Staff was wonderful and friendly... we didn't want to get off and go home.  Everytime we turned around someone was there to take care of us (with a smile on their face) and the staff we encountered on a daily basis always greeted us by name.  Don't worry - your trip will be fabulous!

crazeekroozer:

Just got off of the Splendor today...  had a great time!  Staff was wonderful and friendly... we didn't want to get off and go home.  Everytime we turned around someone was there to take care of us (with a smile on their face) and the staff we encountered on a daily basis always greeted us by name.  Don't worry - your trip will be fabulous!

So glad you had a good time.  Some people set them selves up to not enjoy their cruise for some reason that I have never figured out.  I really enjoy being pampered.  Thats why I'm getting ready for my 4th cruise.

We sailed on 8/16 and did not have a great waiter or bar staff.  Like another poster stated they shoved drinks in our face without knowing your name and then stood there waiting for you to sign the slip.  The first few days I added extra gratuity and got no better service.  Our waiter couldn't be bothered to be outgoing or friendly.  He rushed us through dinner and never made any attempt to go out of his way.  We did tip him the first day $40 extra- which I assumed would get us some extra service...  no.  I also had a horrible expereince with Leslie the customer service manager- I would NEVER sail on Carnival again- when I pay over $4000 for a cruise I expect exceptional treatment. 

waterwitch:

ajbrickell:

I am on this board every day and I am starting to get a bot concerned about so many bad reviews not only about the ship but also the unfriendlyness of the staff. I have cruised 2 times, both times on Mariner of the seas on RCCL. I have been nothing but perfectly happy with my entire experience on those cruises. I am going with several family members who have never cruised before and I am scared if its a bad experience i will never be able to  get them to come with me again. So really at this point id really really like to hear some good splendor stories.

 

Thanks

Aaron

Aaron, I neglected to add in my previous post that I have read some posts from past cruisers who were on my whip talking about how fun their waiter was.  So, maybe you will be lucky!  I just wanted to warn you, because RCCL sets a high standard.

 

This whole post is a true laugh. if you like tiny cabins, NO Night Life  and boring ships, than RCCL is exactly where you shoudl be!

RCCL sets high standards??? For what? Sub Par experiences???? RCCL is and always will coem in second place when compared directly to Carnival.. and you know what second place is, right? The first loser!!  And yes, I have sailed RCCL, and will never make that mistake again. Rhapsody Of The Seas was very disappointing!

Aaron,

In my opinion the trip will be what you make of it! I work in customer service and notice that you get what you give. with that rule in mind I usually try to "butter up" the staff and make friendly with them so my family and I get the same in return.

In addition, Most of the negative feedback I have heard/read is around the swine flu or other passengers.....Carnival is not at fault for these experiences and other guests seen to take it out on the staff and blame Carnival for things out of their control.

I hope you enjoy your cruise on Carnival!

My husband and i are the same way.  We try and get to  know the stewards and the waiters also.  I have not had a bad experience yet on Carnival with the staff.  They were very attentive and they were very comfortable with us talking about their country.  Very good experience.

 Aj, don't worry about our family not having a good time. It is going to be so special to all of us that we are doing this as a family! Thank you for thinking of this and talking everyone into it. It will be wonderful!!!