Voyager Laundry Backup

[WC11]

Ah, the first hitch. Due to the fact that this ship is full they have announced that only 4 pieces of laundry will be accepted a day. I have not seen my laundry in 3 days. They have also added a formal optional night tonight. It's going to very optional for me because they have my laundry. There are long lines at the self serves. I don't know if something has broken down as they are not saying.

[Travelcat2]

What do they tell you about the laundry you haven't seen in three days? Also, is that four pieces per suite or per person?

[Wendy The Wanderer]

That's too bad. You'd think they would announce why this was happening--after all, if it's some kind of equipment breakdown then perhaps folks would be more sympathetic.

[WC11]

I'm told it's now 4 days to get 4 pieces done. There are lines in the Laundromats. This can't be normal. There must be something wrong with something. Plus they have added a formal night tonight I learned this morning. Wearing the same clothes for two days in this humidity? This can't end well.

Otherwise this cruise is perfection.

PS, I think it's 4 pieces per person.

[WC11]

My stewardess says because there are not enough people downstairs, whatever that means.

[Travelcat2]

Fortunately it's Formal "Optional". It will be interesting to hear how many people were not able to dress formal -- even though they wanted to:confused:

[WC11]

Apparently they have staffing problems which they will correct in Sydney. We have 264 WC'ers and we all had all our laundry done the day we got on the ship which set them behind. That's the deal.

[jhp]

WC11, I'm sorry, but you were at sea for what, 6 days after you boarded in San Diego? Seems like a lot of time for the staff to catch up on laundry. I'm sorry, but this "staffing problem" should have been well known to Regent, having done WC's for many years, especially since a lot of pax already get "free" laundry. They know what to expect, this itinerary repeats all the time. I'm glad you are a "go with the flow" person, as you will likely face these blips without letting them ruin good times for you in the weeks ahead. Enjoying your posts, by the way!

[WC11]

Ok I have a complaint. I wish the room stewardess would use the doorbell. Especially when I am getting dressed or asleep. It's a concept that fails her as I stand there covering myself with the curtains.

Why do they lock the Laundromat doors at 10 pm? Do people get drunk and pass out in there?

Anyway it's hoot. I think that was the politically correct answer about the laundry. Who knows?

[PaulaJK]

TC

I'm not certain about the methology required to determine who wanted to dress formally but couldn't!! Anyway agree w. previous poster that Regent had the experience to anticipate laundry personnel needs. Regent appears to frequently staff too thinly. Happily they plan to correct the laundry problems for segment 2.

Our WC bloggers who have recently been depriving us sun and cruise starved folks, have written some long & interesting posts now that they are at sea after days in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. They seem to have enjoyed most of their tours & there's lots of info there as they chose different tours. One blogger notes that about 1/3 of the men have been wearing sports jackets each evening. This would be consistent w our experience on the New Year's cruise. And the entertainment sounds varied; I would love to see tonights Platter show.

Paula

[PaulaJK]

WCII

I think that they close the laundry so that surrounding cabins are not disturbed by noise. Similar hours and closing times exist on other lines.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Ok I have a complaint. I wish the room stewardess would use the doorbell. Especially when I am getting dressed or asleep. It's a concept that fails her as I stand there covering myself with the curtains.


So talk to your stewardess and tell her to ring the bell? Is there a security bolt that you can lock when you're inside?

I have a funny image in my mind of all these WC'ers filling their suitcases with dirty clothes so they can get them laundered for free when they board! :p

Really, Regent should have anticipated this problem. My thought is that there's a laundry staff member who kicked over the traces and is currently in the brig!

[sea lover]

WC11 just a suggestion but when I am sleeping or am in the room and don't want to be disturbed, I put the do not disturb sign on the door.
Sorry about the laundry problem but I am sure it will be corrected as soon as possible. Hope it is before I come aboard in HKG.
Have a great cruiser.

[dfb]

Warren, here's hoping that the laundry issues get sorted out soon. It has been a problem historically on Regent's WC though as I recall.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=732968&highlight=laundry
I remember blogging from our '06 WC (before free laundry/dry cleaning perks were available!) that doing laundry in the laundry rooms was nearly a blood sport.

As to the help just coming in the room, we found that true on all our Regent cruises. They just come on in, if you don't put out a Do Not Disturb sign! It is weird, but the sign should stop it. You'll just have to get in the habit of sticking that sign out there as soon as you enter the room.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

That's weird. I'm trying to remember whether our stewardess did this on Voyager recently. Our butler certainly did not (our rare, treasured butler), but always rang the bell.

I concur about using the signs--very valuable, especially if you're sleeping, or otherwise indisposed!

[traveller333]

WC11, if you have your do not disturb sign on they won't be returning your laundry unless you're out of your cabin. Wouldn't it just be easier to ask your stewardess to please ring your bell first? I have never had a stewardess just walk in as you're experiencing.

Laundry can be a problem on the WC because the full WCers are likely all Platinum or Titanium and getting free laundry.

[WC11]

I'm not the only one that reports the stewardess problem. The are all from the Philippines it's the language thing. We don't quite understand each other. I am just going to start feeding them 4 pieces a day and roll with the flow.

We are doing some rolling to day. It's a twister. I will have to check the weather.

[RachelG]

Our stewardess last 2 cruises (same wonderful stewardess) was from the Phillipines and always rang the bell. It was probably self-preservation instinct as the sight of my DH naked would have traumatized her for life!

[bennett2005]

We have been on the Voyager several times and on the other Regent ships as well. Never had an issue with the staff coming in without ringing the bell. Seems odd that this is an issue.

[jhp]

Warren, just put out the Do Not Disturb Sign. It will keep them away, and you can call for your cleaning later if this is a problem. We want to hear more about what is going on with the rest of the ship!

[Travelcat2]

We have not had a problem with anyone entering our suite without ringing the bell. The Do Not Disturb signs should work as well as the sign asking to have your suite cleaned.

Back to the subject of the thread. . . . WC11, have you received your 4 pieces of laundry back yet, or, is it really going to take one more day:confused:

[sevenseassailor]

We have a wonderful stewardess who is from the Philipines. She told us more laundry people will board ship in Sydney. I just got back some laundry that I sent out on the 22nd and today is 27th. I'm certain Regent will fix the problem. Rest of cruise is great.

[Travelcat2]

We have a wonderful stewardess who is from the Philipines. She told us more laundry people will board ship in Sydney. I just got back some laundry that I sent out on the 22nd and today is 27th. I'm certain Regent will fix the problem. Rest of cruise is great.

More laundry people is good news. Just wonder why they are apparently understaffed in that area. It's good to hear that your cruise is going so well:-)

[Hambagahle]

I would talk with either the Head of Hosuekeeping or the GM himself. Explain that barging into a suite is not normal -either on a ship or in a hotel!! And request politely that something be done to stop it...I bet it will stop!!

[WC11]

I don't want to get her in that much trouble.

There is a language barrier here. Some act like they understand you and they really don't. It's frustrating. That's managements fault but I don't know what can be done about it now.

[xrvlcruiser]

Going back to WC11's original posting: This is the second or third year that we've had a letter at the start of the WC asking us to limit the number of pieces of laundry we send out at one time. Problem is that before the letters, we'd all wait till our laundry bag was full and then send it and the guys were over whelmed. More smaller bags seems to work better.
Also, since many of us on board get free laundry, we send virtually everything out which increases the work load. And yesterday's bad weather slowed things down too.
I was told that there will be more guys coming in Sydney. Hopefully that will help get things on a better footing.

[Hambagahle]

I don't want to get her in that much trouble.

There is a language barrier here. Some act like they understand you and they really don't. It's frustrating. That's managements fault but I don't know what can be done about it now.


I don't think she will get into trouble - it is a question of training...and what you refer to as a "language barier" might be that but, from my experience in working in Asia it is more likely that Asians do not like to say no, nor do they want to admit they have not understood. So they nod, and you think they understand, but they don't!! As your stewardess gains experience and time with Regent she will understand more. Meantime it is really a management question and you would be helping them with their staff if you pointed out this problem - in a positive and helpful way, of course. The Head Housekeeper (or whatever she is!) needs to know this is happening so she can address it!

[traveller333]

WC11,
Each stewardess is responsible for about 6 suites. Have you talked to your neighbors to see if your stewardess is also walking in on them? Hard to believe if this is a language problem, it's only happening to you.

[Pam]

Isn't there a lock knob on the inside that keeps the stewardess' key from working? Mark and I both remember there being one, at least on Navigator.

[WC11]

I don't think she will get into trouble - it is a question of training...and what you refer to as a "language barier" might be that but, from my experience in working in Asia it is more likely that Asians do not like to say no, nor do they want to admit they have not understood. So they nod, and you think they understand, but they don't!! As your stewardess gains experience and time with Regent she will understand more. Meantime it is really a management question and you would be helping them with their staff if you pointed out this problem - in a positive and helpful way, of course. The Head Housekeeper (or whatever she is!) needs to know this is happening so she can address it!

She is a nice girl but your right, I sat in the cabin watched movies and drank a few beers yesterday. But then we had a 5 minute conversation about that won't happen everyday and I don't need a half a case of beer a day. I see if i can run into HH

The not knocking I will let slide, I lock the door and put out the no service sign

[WC11]

I am going to have a talk with the Head Housekeeper. I have no idea where half my laundry is and am wearing the same things two days in a row. It's not funny anymore. If they had said the day we left San Diego that it was only 4 pieces at a time that would have been fine. But saying it a week into the cruise just is unacceptable. I want some credit elsewhere for this too!

I bought all these nice clothes for this trip and I can't wear them because Regent fouled up. That's on them, not me. This is a World Cruise.

[Travelcat2]

I am going to have a talk with the Head Housekeeper. I have no idea where half my laundry is and am wearing the same things two days in a row. It's not funny anymore. If they had said the day we left San Diego that it was only 4 pieces at a time that would have been fine. But saying it a week into the cruise just is unacceptable. I want some credit elsewhere for this too!

I bought all these nice clothes for this trip and I can't wear them because Regent fouled up. That's on them, not me. This is a World Cruise.

I am trying not to laugh -- because it isn't funny -- just strange. I would escalate your concerns to a level above the Head Housekeeper. Regent officers (and the head office) need to know about this issue. What you are experiencing is not acceptable -- especially on a world cruise (JMHO).

[WC11]

I met with house keeping and this is settled. They asked me if I wanted to change Stewardess and I said no. We just need to get her to push the bell before she enters When she doesn't understand she should ask again on what I meant. The language barrier exists but if she doesn't understand me she should say so.

She is a sweet hard working girl and I think she will make a good stewardess for Regent. I told them that. As some else said she needs training. But for now I am happy as I hate going over people heads

[Travelcat2]

I met with house keeping and this is settled. They asked me if I wanted to change Stewardess and I said no. We just need to get her to push the bell before she enters When she doesn't understand she should ask again on what I meant. The language barrier exists but if she doesn't understand me she should say so.

She is a sweet hard working girl and I think she will make a good stewardess for Regent. I told them that. As some else said she needs training. But for now I am happy as I hate going over people heads

Glad to hear that this is resolved. Just want to clarify that I wasn't suggesting that you go above housekeepings head about your stewardess. . . . I was talking about your clothes. If the laundry doesn't improve, you'll be able to recognize the world cruisers -- they will be the people wearing bathrobes;)

[Suite Travels]

Agreed Rally, I hate starch on my shirts. Now we are back on topic. BTW, love your posts. You are entitled to post anywhere on these boards. Sorry I got off topic.

[Rally]

Agreed Rally, I hate starch on my shirts. Now we are back on topic. BTW, love your posts. You are entitled to post anywhere on these boards. Sorry I got off topic.

I hope this qualifies as a laundry topic and thus acceptable . . . . . one of my favorite little things (sung to the tune of "The Sounds of Music") is, months after a cruise, to pull something out of the closet and find that little Regent laundry tag tucked inside somewhere. Takes me right back =)_

[ededmd]

On the topic of laundry -

First,
WC11: Condolences on the laundry mishap. Any progress?
I still don't quite understand why Regent would not be prepared for the laundry volume if historically the WCers are exuberant in their use of complimentary laundry? Did they think you all would wait until the second segment to send anything?

Second,
I'm a cold water wash, delicate dry kind of gal for pretty much all my clothes. Seems to preserve the color and probably as importantly the size / shape of the clothes.
Is the Regent laundry (send out) to be trusted by someone like me or would I be better off doing my own in the guest laundry?

And parenthetically (2 a.), I understand one needs to specifically press a button to add detergent in the guest washers unless one wants a "rinse and spin".
Can you add your own detergent instead? I know this sounds a little picky but one too many encounters with a Tide allergy in the underwear leaves one a bit "sensitive" to these matters.

Thanks for the input.

[Suite Travels]

I use cold water for all our clothes and they do preserve color and size. If you send it out just write down how you want them to be cleaned. Hot water wash will shrink your jeans or other fabrics. Many people are allergic to Tide. Including me.

Another hint is to take a Tide stick in case you spill something on a shirt or dress just to get the stain out and just let it dry not wearing it.

[Goofyisme]

I hope this qualifies as a laundry topic and thus acceptable . . . . . one of my favorite little things (sung to the tune of "The Sounds of Music") is, months after a cruise, to pull something out of the closet and find that little Regent laundry tag tucked inside somewhere. Takes me right back =)_

I know I get the same feeling. Sure hope they get the snafu on the WC fixed quickly.

[JMARINER]

On the topic of laundry -


Second,
I'm a cold water wash, delicate dry kind of gal for pretty much all my clothes. Seems to preserve the color and probably as importantly the size / shape of the clothes.
Is the Regent laundry (send out) to be trusted by someone like me or would I be better off doing my own in the guest laundry?


I have no problem with their laundry and have them wash my TB silk shirt. They have always come back great and are pressed to perfection. My wife and other do not trust them for some of their "delicates" and hand was h them.

And then there is the "tag" placement problem. Most times it no problem, but sometimes those stiff canvas tags show up in the weirdest places........

j

[sevenseassailor]

All of our laundry on the Voyager has came back in perfect condition. Prior to reading this thread I had remarked to my wife what a great job they are doing. It seems to be coming back to us sooner also.

[ededmd]

All of our laundry on the Voyager has came back in perfect condition. Prior to reading this thread I had remarked to my wife what a great job they are doing. It seems to be coming back to us sooner also.

Bravo!

[Hambagahle]

On Navigator in May over 75% were SSS. I was told this by none other than the esteemed John McNeil, but could see for myself when we went to the reception. The theatre was full to the brim!!

Back to the stewardess/communication problem. The fisrt thing that needs to happen is to make her comfortable in admitting she didn't understand. And getting to that step, for an Asian, takes a lot of time...so I doubt it will happen even on a World Cruise!!

[basedow]

Does it take longer for an Asian to admit to not understanding something? Particularly when a job may be at stake?

This I hadn't noticed.

[WC11]

On Navigator in May over 75% were SSS. I was told this by none other than the esteemed John McNeil, but could see for myself when we went to the reception. The theatre was full to the brim!!

Back to the stewardess/communication problem. The fisrt thing that needs to happen is to make her comfortable in admitting she didn't understand. And getting to that step, for an Asian, takes a lot of time...so I doubt it will happen even on a World Cruise!!

Your right. She really is a pleasant gal. I just look her in the eyes and nod my head. She gets it. As for the laundry I have it all back. Every cruise has it's issues but I'm finding that Regent really tries. Last night we had 3 waiters in Compass Rose, but it's all good.

[Suite Travels]

Well at least some cruise lines in the five star category hire staff that can speak and understand English and go through a strict training program regarding service and yes that does include laundry.

As a side remark to TC, I have been on Regent in the last five years when it became all inclusive and took five cruises with RSSC/Regent. Also I have been on SS and the other line that I favor which will make sixteen next month. Seabourn is next for us.

We have friends who are or should I say were avid Regent fans but after their last cruise which was their 10th they commented for what they paid they were going to try some other luxury lines because the service and food on Regent was not the same.

I don't understand how you can say you know the product when you have not ever sailed the other lines.:confused:

Ok, back to the topic of laundry. I certainly understand finding laundry tags on shirts or pants at a later date when you need them. I would find a few and realize the last time I had worn them was on a cruise.:eek: I was amazed that I could fit into the clothes that were getting tight while cruising and now they fit perfectly.

[Travelcat2]

I am a a bit confused about the "Asian" comments. Is this in reference to crew from the Philippines. . . . or, new hires from another Asian country? We have not encountered anyone on the Regent staff that did not understand English. There could be cultural differences and slips in the training they received. . . . but, it would surprise me if they did not understand English.

[jhp]

and what you refer to as a "language barier" might be that but, from my experience in working in Asia it is more likely that Asians do not like to say no, nor do they want to admit they have not understood. So they nod, and you think they understand, but they don't!! As your stewardess gains experience and time with Regent she will understand more. Meantime it is really a management question and you would be helping them with their staff if you pointed out this problem - in a positive and helpful way, of course. The Head Housekeeper (or whatever she is!) needs to know this is happening so she can address it!

I was afraid this question might arise as this moved from one page to another, and some may have missed the first page. Hambagahle was speaking from his/her experience from working in Asia. I actually took it as a positive comment about the fact Asian service personnel on the ships are eager to please. Service so much more valued in that part of the world. Who knows, but I see no reason for this thread to dissolve into such a discussion as if Hambagahle was making a disparaging comment about them. All I know is that I surely would not do well if I had to learn the language of any Asian nation. Had enough problems with college French!

I have been lucky that all my cabin stewards were able to understand my needs and wants, and you can almost "read" a face when they don't.

[Rally]

Well at least some cruise lines in the five star category hire staff that can speak and understand English and go through a strict training program regarding service and yes that does include laundry.

Ok, back to the topic of laundry. I certainly understand finding laundry tags on shirts or pants at a later date when you need them. I would find a few and realize the last time I had worn them was on a cruise.:eek: I was amazed that I could fit into the clothes that were getting tight while cruising and now they fit perfectly.

We have never encountered anyone on Regent, from low to high, that does not speak and understand English. Any comments to the contrary are rubbish.

[basedow]

I feel people should be very cautious when posting in a public and rather anonymous forum and in ascribing traits to other races and nationalities.

I think all the staff tries very hard to be gracious and helpful, not just the Asians.

I'm sure the OP is a lovely person (based on all previous postings) but that kind of statement is pretty open to misinterpretation. I feel these kind of remarks are just best left unwritten.

[Rally]

Well at least some cruise lines in the five star category hire staff that can speak and understand English and go through a strict training program regarding service and yes that does include laundry.

As a side remark to TC, I have been on Regent in the last five years when it became all inclusive and took five cruises with RSSC/Regent. Also I have been on SS and the other line that I favor which will make sixteen next month. Seabourn is next for us.

We have friends who are or should I say were avid Regent fans but after their last cruise which was their 10th they commented for what they paid they were going to try some other luxury lines because the service and food on Regent was not the same.

I don't understand how you can say you know the product when you have not ever sailed the other lines.:confused:

Ok, back to the topic of laundry. I certainly understand finding laundry tags on shirts or pants at a later date when you need them. I would find a few and realize the last time I had worn them was on a cruise.:eek: I was amazed that I could fit into the clothes that were getting tight while cruising and now they fit perfectly.

You can't help it, can you? =)

[Travelcat2]

On Navigator in May over 75% were SSS. I was told this by none other than the esteemed John McNeil, but could see for myself when we went to the reception. The theatre was full to the brim!!

Back to the stewardess/communication problem. The fisrt thing that needs to happen is to make her comfortable in admitting she didn't understand. And getting to that step, for an Asian, takes a lot of time...so I doubt it will happen even on a World Cruise!!

Really glad to hear that 75% of the passengers on your May cruise were SSS. Regent needs to be reminded sometimes of just how loyal their customers are.

In any event, things seems to be going just fine on the Voyager in terms of laundry and stewardesses. Life is good (wish we were there:-)

[WC11]

This isn't about race, it's about service. If people don't understand you things go wrong fairly quickly. It's not that big of a deal but it could be a deal breaker when considering your next cruise.

One thing I do like about Regent is when you complain they go out of their way to make you happy. but the fact that you have to complain is worth noting too.

[Travelcat2]

This isn't about race, it's about service. If people don't understand you things go wrong fairly quickly. It's not that big of a deal but it could be a deal breaker when considering your next cruise.

One thing I do like about Regent is when you complain they go out of their way to make you happy. but the fact that you have to complain is worth noting too.

We rarely find the need to complain on our cruises. . . however, when we have, things have improved dramatically. I agree that the fact that a complaint has to be made is worth noting.

Note: We are enjoying your blog. Thank you for taking the time to share your cruise with us.