Awkward Moments...

[PumpkinPatches]

On my last cruise, on the Statendam.. I encountered some pretty awkward moments in regards to staff being reprimanded right in front of me.

Situation #1: In the casino, I was playing Roulette (and I was the only one at the table). The casino supervisor came over, and started getting angry with the roulette dealer for not stacking the chips correctly, etc..
It was so awkward!!

Situation #2: I won something at the art auction. As I was discussing framing options with the art director, she asked a young man to grab some framing samples from the back. He couldn't understand her english (probably becaus she spoke with an accent) and she was so frustrated with him for not understanding her.. I just wanted to get up and say "Forget it, I'll frame it at home".


Anyone else experience similar situations? What have you done about it?

[Essiesmom]

Two things. I would pull the person aside and tell them that it is their prerogative to correct an employee if they perceive theneed, but they should not do it in public because...not only does it humiliate the employee, BUT IT MAKES THE PASSENGER VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. If I was that uncomfortable, I might even go to their supervisor and state the same.
Second. Color are very attractive in posts, but the pink, unless you do it in bold print, is very difficult to read. Many people will glance at your post and pass over for that reason. EM

[baggal]

On my last cruise, on the Statendam.. I encountered some pretty awkward moments in regards to staff being reprimanded right in front of me.

Situation #1: In the casino, I was playing Roulette (and I was the only one at the table). The casino supervisor came over, and started getting angry with the roulette dealer for not stacking the chips correctly, etc..
It was so awkward!!

Situation #2: I won something at the art auction. As I was discussing framing options with the art director, she asked a young man to grab some framing samples from the back. He couldn't understand her english (probably becaus she spoke with an accent) and she was so frustrated with him for not understanding her.. I just wanted to get up and say "Forget it, I'll frame it at home".


Anyone else experience similar situations? What have you done about it?

In any casino, its absolutely required that the chips be stacked correctly so that the "eye in the sky" as well as the pit boss can see at a glance how many chips are being transacted. The pit boss was well within his right to correct the dealer as soon as he noticed the problem and not wait until later.

[PumpkinPatches]

In any casino, its absolutely required that the chips be stacked correctly so that the "eye in the sky" as well as the pit boss can see at a glance how many chips are being transacted. The pit boss was well within his right to correct the dealer as soon as he noticed the problem and not wait until later.

I'm sorry... what exactly does "eye in the sky" mean?

[PumpkinPatches]

Second. Color are very attractive in posts, but the pink, unless you do it in bold print, is very difficult to read. Many people will glance at your post and pass over for that reason. EM

How's this colour? Easier to read?? :cool:

[PartyAllDaTyme]

I'm sorry... what exactly does "eye in the sky" mean?

In any casino, there are cameras overhead, monitoring the action, looking for cheating.

[PumpkinPatches]

In any casino, there are cameras overhead, monitoring the action, looking for cheating.

Ohh I see... never knew that!

Obviously, I understand that there is a certain way things are done in the casino.. but I think if there is a passenger right there.. the supervisor shouldn't get angry at the employee, rather, the supervisor should be polite and correct him without making the passenger feel uncomfortable.

In that situation, it's hard not to feel like it's partly YOUR fault the employee got embarassed and yelled at.. because if I wasn't playing roulette, he wouldn't have made that mistake.. You know?

[baggal]

Ohh I see... never knew that!

Obviously, I understand that there is a certain way things are done in the casino.. but I think if there is a passenger right there.. the supervisor shouldn't get angry at the employee, rather, the supervisor should be polite and correct him without making the passenger feel uncomfortable.

In that situation, it's hard not to feel like it's partly YOUR fault the employee got embarassed and yelled at.. because if I wasn't playing roulette, he wouldn't have made that mistake.. You know?

How do you know that he hasn't already made that same mistake several times earlier in the day? You obviously are very sensitive to other people's feelings, which is very kind. But in my opinion, this is no biggie. If the dealer had continued to stack the chips incorrectly and overpaid you the player, he would have gotten into bigger trouble.

[PumpkinPatches]

How do you know that he hasn't already made that same mistake several times earlier in the day? You obviously are very sensitive to other people's feelings, which is very kind. But in my opinion, this is no biggie. If the dealer had continued to stack the chips incorrectly and overpaid you the player, he would have gotten into bigger trouble.

I guess that makes sense.. I think I was just VERY sensitive to this situation because I was the ONLY player at that table... it was me, the dealer, and the supervisor.

If there were other passengers at the table, I probably wouldn't have been so affected.

[kakalina]

I felt very awkward after asking a fellow passenger when she was due only to discover she was not pregnant. Won't ever make that mistake again. Embarrassing for both of us.

[PumpkinPatches]

I felt very awkward after asking a fellow passenger when she was due only to discover she was not pregnant. Won't ever make that mistake again. Embarrassing for both of us.

Ohhh my!! Good rule of thumb is to never ever ever ask a woman when she's due unless she mentions to you she's pregnant!! :p

[Essiesmom]

Ohhh my!! Good rule of thumb is to never ever ever ask a woman when she's due unless she mentions to you she's pregnant!! :p
Especially if she has grey hair...But I have been known to ask a man with a big beer belly when he is going to deliver his triplets...
Yes, that's a much better color. EM

[tomc]

Never ask a woman when she's due unless she mentions to you she's pregnant!

Did that once; she was rubbing the preg spot. "Oh, you're pregnant?" "No, I'm just fat." Quick; find a hole in the floor and fall through it.

Awk moment #1: Listening to a cook in the Lido telling another cook how hammered he got in port that day.

Awk moment #2: First time with AYWD, seated at a deuce with a drunk. Finally I said, "You're pretty drunk; do you realize that? You've said the same things over and over. I guess I'll leave now."

Awk moment #3: Last time out, night before leaving, a nice-looking gal was out in the corridor wrapped up in a large towel, looking through her luggage. She was covered better than had she been at the pool, but the circumstances were different and she glanced up at me as I stood there, alternately bemused and wondering how I could get by without touching her.

Possible, but fictional awkward moments:

1) Asking a Caribbean native if he dives for coins and finding out he's a Ph.D. college professor.

2) Telling a real rotten ethnic/racial joke in port and finding one of them behind you. A big one.

3) Jokingly making a pass at a 12-year-old in the Lido and, minutes later, being approached by the head of security and the little girl.

4) Arrogantly telling a crew member to obey him, saying, "I happen to be close friends with the captain," only to find out you are speaking to the captain.

[babyher]

Did that once; she was rubbing the preg spot. "Oh, you're pregnant?" "No, I'm just fat." Quick; find a hole in the floor and fall through it.

Awk moment #1: Listening to a cook in the Lido telling another cook how hammered he got in port that day.

Awk moment #2: First time with AYWD, seated at a deuce with a drunk. Finally I said, "You're pretty drunk; do you realize that? You've said the same things over and over. I guess I'll leave now."

Awk moment #3: Last time out, night before leaving, a nice-looking gal was out in the corridor wrapped up in a large towel, looking through her luggage. She was covered better than had she been at the pool, but the circumstances were different and she glanced up at me as I stood there, alternately bemused and wondering how I could get by without touching her.

Possible, but fictional awkward moments:

1) Asking a Caribbean native if he dives for coins and finding out he's a Ph.D. college professor.

2) Telling a real rotten ethnic/racial joke in port and finding one of them behind you. A big one.

3) Jokingly making a pass at a 12-year-old in the Lido and, minutes later, being approached by the head of security and the little girl.

4) Arrogantly telling a crew member to obey him, saying, "I happen to be close friends with the captain," only to find out you are speaking to the captain.


Not only possible but actual, and unfortuneately non- fictional awkward moments.

For several years I bartended at aplace that had a "Nurses Night" happy hour every Thursday night. (The owner had a very serious operation and a lengthy hospital stay to recuperate . the nurses were so wonderful to him , that when he opened the bar he made nurses night with cheap drink specials)

As a result of working there, most of the women in my life during that period were nurses.


Finally start dating a girl that wasn't a nurse. She was teaseing me about dating all nurses "Did we play doctor ?" ha ha ha

Joking along with her I said "Yeah I guess I have done more nurses than Richard Speck ."

OK OK

I want someone to calculate what the odds would be that this girls aunt was one of his victims BEFORE I had made that joke!!!!!

What 700 Trillion to one ?

But NOOOOOOOOOO not with me

[PumpkinPatches]

Not only possible but actual, and unfortuneately non- fictional awkward moments.

For several years I bartended at aplace that had a "Nurses Night" happy hour every Thursday night. (The owner had a very serious operation and a lengthy hospital stay to recuperate . the nurses were so wonderful to him , that when he opened the bar he made nurses night with cheap drink specials)

As a result of working there, most of the women in my life during that period were nurses.


Finally start dating a girl that wasn't a nurse. She was teaseing me about dating all nurses "Did we play doctor ?" ha ha ha

Joking along with her I said "Yeah I guess I have done more nurses than Richard Speck ."

OK OK

I want someone to calculate what the odds would be that this girls aunt was one of his victims BEFORE I had made that joke!!!!!

What 700 Trillion to one ?

But NOOOOOOOOOO not with me

OMG..... That is SUPER awkward!!
How did she react?.. And how did you respond?!?

[Typhoon1]

Second. Color are very attractive in posts, but the pink, unless you do it in bold print, is very difficult to read. Many people will glance at your post and pass over for that reason. EM

I don't think you're in any position to be telling others what color to use in their posts.

[sevenseasnomad]

Possible, but fictional awkward moments:

3) Jokingly making a pass at a 12-year-old in the Lido and, minutes later, being approached by the head of security and the little girl.




Not on the same level as your #3, but on one cruise we could not locate our then 10-year-old son. We had left him at the kids' club and returned to pick him up for afternoon tea. One of the staff said he had left several hours earlier. (The child's Asperger's so there's no holding him if he wants to go somewhere.)

We hunted from the top deck down. Not finding him in the usual hangouts, we were becoming concerned. Okay, frantic. I suggested we check the lounges. DH thought that was ridiculous, since adults would chase him out of one. I insisted. We started looking through the lounges.

Viola! There's the child, sitting with two men at a table. Spread across the table are cards and money. When I inquired what was going on, these two characters jumped up and said they were playing 21 with our son. I pointed out that he was only 10.

They looked at us and in all seriousness said, "You could have fooled us, lady. He's won 40 bucks of our money!"

They beat a hasty retreat, leaving various small denominations of bills on the table. Our not-so-innocent little child grinned and said, "I forgot to tell 'em that I can count cards."

I nearly fainted! Not a skill that poor Mom ever knew he had developed, since neither DH or I gamble at all.

The kid is 23 now, but rarely plays 21. When he does though, watch out.

Anyway, tomc, your comment brought back this memory.

[KaraokeMusic]

I don't think you're in any position to be telling others what color to use in their posts.

The poster DID NOT tell her what color to use. He/she only stated how hard it was to read the color she used. You should fully read and understand what you read unless you are a "JA."

[babyher]

OMG..... That is SUPER awkward!!
How did she react?.. And how did you respond?!?

After I made the remark, she just said it very matter of factly . Didn't get upset of angry . So I actually thought she was making a joke herself sort of like a "Gotcha".

I of course apologized and how in a million years could I have known such a thing, it was just a stupid off hand remark.

She either wasn't born when it happened or was really little so it was only something she knew about through family stories , so she was able to let it pass.

But it just goes to show that you never know who you are talking too.

[Tamaracboy]

Just a thought:

In your two examples it is interesting to note that both the Casino and the Art Auctions are run by concessioners and NOT by HAL.
Perhaps this accounts for a difference in style or class in their approach to dealing with the employees.
I can not imagine a HAL officer doing anything like that in front of a passenger.

Not that this excuses any concessioner for their total lack of discretion.
Even in the case of the casino worker, the "guidance", no mater how serious or urgent, from the supervisor should/could have been done in a manner unnoticed by the customers.

JMHO,

r.

[Stevesan]

On my last cruise, on the Statendam.. I encountered some pretty awkward moments in regards to staff being reprimanded right in front of me.

Situation #1: In the casino, I was playing Roulette (and I was the only one at the table). The casino supervisor came over, and started getting angry with the roulette dealer for not stacking the chips correctly, etc..
It was so awkward!!

Situation #2: I won something at the art auction. As I was discussing framing options with the art director, she asked a young man to grab some framing samples from the back. He couldn't understand her english (probably becaus she spoke with an accent) and she was so frustrated with him for not understanding her.. I just wanted to get up and say "Forget it, I'll frame it at home".


Anyone else experience similar situations? What have you done about it?

In both "situations" the employees and supervisors are contract employees, not HAL staff, so complaining to the Hotel Manager does little or no good. If the rude behavior isn't directed at me, I don't intefere. I have enough problems without adopting someone else's. :p

[Typhoon1]

The poster DID NOT tell her what color to use. He/she only stated how hard it was to read the color she used. You should fully read and understand what you read unless you are a "JA."

The bottom line is this is a public forum. People are free to use whatever color they choose. If it was hard to read, then don't read it. Those type of suggestions are unfounded.

[Opinions]

The bottom line is this is a public forum. People are free to use whatever color they choose. If it was hard to read, then don't read it.

Since this is a "public forum" one is free to suggest a color is hard to read...One is also free to ignore the suggestion.

[tomc]

This thread itself is becoming an awkward moment. Meanwhile, back to the topic...

[kcteach12]

Here's an awkward moment. I was on a cruise on the Zaandam 2 weeks ago. While waiting in line at the dessert extravaganza, a young girl (no more than 24, I'm 54) tapped me on the shoulder and told be I had butted in line and I needed to go to the back of the line. I know I did not butt in line, so I told her I had been in line for a while. She then started making comments to me and tried to push me over to the side, so she could get ahead of me. When I refused to give in, she said loud enough for others to hear. "You really look like you need these desserts. Hurry, Hurry and run to the desserts. We wouldn't want them to get away." I was embarrassed and mad, but I knew this could keep going if I made a comment, so I said "Whatever!!" and I turned away. I did tell her she needed to grow up!!!

[European_CruiseGirl]

This happened on our Maasdam cruise in 2006 (if I remember correctly).

At the aft pool area a HAL employee approached me and told me "You are very lucky to have your dad take you to a cruise". I assume he had seen me and my "dad" hang out by the pool area and now my "dad" had gone to get a drink for me.

Yes you guessed it right. "Dad" was my DH. :eek: The moment was awkward only for me because I could not bring myself to tell that poor guy who my "dad" really was. ;)

[Randyk47]

My favorite story is about our honeymoon. In 1995 my ex and I cruised on the Ryndam. Four years later and the ex and I have parted ways and I've gotten remarried. My soon to be bride had never been on a cruise and was excited about the possibility. I contacted my TA and she recommended a cruise on the Ryndam. I was kind of.....oh me...but so many years had passed I figured it would be fine. So off we go on our honeymoon and the Ryndam. The very first night, before dinner, I decide to introduce my bride to the Crow's Nest. We take a seat and here comes one of the staff to wait on us. He looks vaguely familar....so he walks up and says immediately "Dr. Randy! Good to see you again. And Miss....ah....Miss....oh....not same wife." :eek: Four years later mind you! I'll never forget Ronald and he obviously didn't forget me. :D

Sorry to repeat this story again as it came up four months ago but it is actually one of our fond memories from our honeymoon and other cruises.

[Balliett]

On a rocky night on the Rotterdam, dinner table for eight. Mostly chatty group, until I shared a few lines from "Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald" (Gordon Lightfoot). Older gentleman (way older than 65 year old me) said, "MY COUSIN DIED ON THE EDMUND FITZGERALD." Table became way less chatty.

[tomc]

I just thought of another time, which the others at supper may not have noticed. I'm not sure how to phrase this, as the initial event still bothers me a lot.

They got onto the subject of the September 11 attacks, specifically the Towers. I had a loss on United 175. I think they were being a bit negative about things, the aftermath, maybe the survivors and/or families. I forget.

During the meal, I just got quieter and quieter, couldn't look up and wasn't able to tell them not to continue. Finally I said I was going to the theater, or something, and got out of there.

[DizzyDallasDi]

Politics is never good table conversation. On my last cruise, at an 8-top, my table consisted of a British couple, an Aussie mom and son, a solo Canadian lady, an American couple and myself. The wife of the American couple carried on endlessly about her views (not happy ones) about the current administration....trying very hard to engage me in her discussion. Her husband never said a word, only nodding and smiling when she would look to him for confirmation. I followed suit hoping that she would get bored and move on to another subject. No such luck. It was most unpleasant and when I tried to converse with others at the table, she would only get louder to try and pull me back into her lair.

Perhaps I should have tried to shift her conversation to religion? At least the rest of the table could have contributed to that subject. ;)

[Travalot]

I just thought of another time, which the others at supper may not have noticed. I'm not sure how to phrase this, as the initial event still bothers me a lot.

They got onto the subject of the September 11 attacks, specifically the Towers. I had a loss on United 175. I think they were being a bit negative about things, the aftermath, maybe the survivors and/or families. I forget.

During the meal, I just got quieter and quieter, couldn't look up and wasn't able to tell them not to continue. Finally I said I was going to the theater, or something, and got out of there.

We just got off the Amsterdam, and while on board I was thinking of you and my parents sailing out of New York in that September and what that experience was for you...

[Taxguy77]

I just thought of another time, which the others at supper may not have noticed. I'm not sure how to phrase this, as the initial event still bothers me a lot.

They got onto the subject of the September 11 attacks, specifically the Towers. I had a loss on United 175. I think they were being a bit negative about things, the aftermath, maybe the survivors and/or families. I forget.

During the meal, I just got quieter and quieter, couldn't look up and wasn't able to tell them not to continue. Finally I said I was going to the theater, or something, and got out of there.

Sorry for your loss.
We were on a cruise which began the day before. Some people came aboard in France (missed connections in Chicago) but didn't get their luggage until Iceland. :eek:
Stop in Ireland: we met another couple and took a taxi to a larger city. Radio was on the whole time, giving names of people from the area who were OK or pronounced dead. Stores ALL had signs saying they would be closed the next day in memorium. People stopped us on the street (everybody can spot an American) to say how sorry they were.

[sapper1]

On a rocky night on the Rotterdam, dinner table for eight. Mostly chatty group, until I shared a few lines from "Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald" (Gordon Lightfoot). Older gentleman (way older than 65 year old me) said, "MY COUSIN DIED ON THE EDMUND FITZGERALD." Table became way less chatty.
I would not have felt too bad. The "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" was actually a very tasteful tribute to those who died.

[Stevesan]

Politics is never good table conversation. On my last cruise, at an 8-top, my table consisted of a British couple, an Aussie mom and son, a solo Canadian lady, an American couple and myself. The wife of the American couple carried on endlessly about her views (not happy ones) about the current administration....trying very hard to engage me in her discussion. Her husband never said a word, only nodding and smiling when she would look to him for confirmation. I followed suit hoping that she would get bored and move on to another subject. No such luck. It was most unpleasant and when I tried to converse with others at the table, she would only get louder to try and pull me back into her lair.

Perhaps I should have tried to shift her conversation to religion? At least the rest of the table could have contributed to that subject. ;)

I had a somewhat similar experience on my Britiish Isle cruise (Princess cruise ship).
A "lady" seated next to me wouldn't shut up. She not only talked incessantly, but with an annoying nasal tone:mad:.
I solved that real quick by switching to Anytime dining. You might try that next time.:D

[iancal]

As the OP said, casino issues can involve significant amounts of money and need to either be addressed immediately with the dealer OR have an immediate change of dealer to rectify the situation. If no relief staff are available, then the only choice is to correct immediately or close the table.

[dockrocker]

As the OP said, casino issues can involve significant amounts of money and need to either be addressed immediately with the dealer OR have an immediate change of dealer to rectify the situation. If no relief staff are available, then the only choice is to correct immediately or close the table.

I'm not sure why the distinction between "correcting" and "getting angry at" (the latter are the OP's words) is being blurred? It is perfectly possible to correct an employee without showing anger. In fact, those who can't do it aren't particularly good managers.

[dockrocker]

Possible, but fictional awkward moments:

...2) Telling a real rotten ethnic/racial joke in port and finding one of them behind you. A big one...

A few people have discovered awkward moments when they made racist remarks thinking that just because I'm the same color as they, I share their biases. The looks on their slack-jawed and rather bovine faces have been priceless.

[chesbev]

I'm sorry... what exactly does "eye in the sky" mean?

It refers to the security cameras that watch all areas of casino floors.

[tomc]

DizzyDallasDi -- Politics is never good table conversation. The wife of the American couple carried on endlessly about her views about the current administration, trying very hard to engage me in her discussion.

Happened to me one time. I did not join in the conversation until someone asked me about my feelings. I said, "I left my politics at the dock." She replied, "Oh, so you don't believe in what we are saying?" I answered, "Maybe and maybe not; I just left my politics at the dock. I'm on a cruise and left my political feelings at home."

Never heard a word on that topic for the rest of the week. You just have to remind people the reason you are on a cruise.

[Randyk47]

I just thought of another time, which the others at supper may not have noticed. I'm not sure how to phrase this, as the initial event still bothers me a lot.

They got onto the subject of the September 11 attacks, specifically the Towers. I had a loss on United 175. I think they were being a bit negative about things, the aftermath, maybe the survivors and/or families. I forget.

During the meal, I just got quieter and quieter, couldn't look up and wasn't able to tell them not to continue. Finally I said I was going to the theater, or something, and got out of there.

Tom - Fully understand and our shared and mutual sympathies to you and all of us who experienced that day whether it was up close and personal or not. My wife and I were working in the Pentagon on 9/11 and were only a few hundred feet from the impact. Lost seven friends that day though luckily my wife and I escaped with no physical injuries. We occasionally run into people who are not sensitive about the issue, the families, or whatever dealing with that horrible day. We've pretty much given up debates or exchanges and like you just find a way to extract ourselves from the situation.

[jtl513]

I don't think you're in any position to be telling others what color to use in their posts.FWIW - I also usually skip posts in pink. Not worth the eye strain. :p

[Typhoon1]

FWIW - I also usually skip posts in pink. Not worth the eye strain. :p

FWIW-- You should probably discuss that with your Optometrist.

[tomc]

Being somewhat color blind, it's hard to tell the difference.

[Taxguy77]

I asked to join a trivia team one time when a 'lady' told me I had acted horribly on her team the day before and was unwelcome! :eek: I assured her I had not played trivia the day before and she called me a liar! :mad: Another team asked me to join them and said the lecturer had a white beard cut the same as mine. I had been to his lecture during the trivia time the day before and had also seen one or two other men who resembled me on board.
Good ending, the team that invited me won! :):cool:

[PumpkinPatches]

Just to clarify..

I didn't feel awkward by the casino supervisor CORRECTING the dealer, I was just uncomfortable at the way she did this: She used a tone with the dealer that sounded angry, and it was more than obvious that the dealer was embarassed and made to look stupid by the supervisor.