The importance of filling out end of cruise comment card?

[grandsix]

Having read many pro and con reviews, we almost never see any mention of the END OF CRUISE COMMENT CARD. Are the being filled out? We believe it is VERY important to let both your positive and negative comments be known. When we first started cruising many years ago, we did not believe the comment cards were loked at. As we became more experienced, our minds were changed. We now know for a fact that Waiteres, cabin stewards and others can have their careers helped or hindered by our comments. What do you think?

[Copper10-8]

Having read many pro and con reviews, we almost never see any mention of the END OF CRUISE COMMENT CARD. Are the being filled out? We believe it is VERY important to let both your positive and negative comments be known. When we first started cruising many years ago, we did not believe the comment cards were loked at. As we became more experienced, our minds were changed. We now know for a fact that Waiteres, cabin stewards and others can have their careers helped or hindered by our comments. What do you think?

For a fact, at least one HAL Hotel Manager reads those cards after every cruise before he forwards them to the individual Department heads .You're right on about career movement up or down. If the same names keep popping up, that will get somebody's attention

[elmorejj]

My husband and I ALWAYS fill out the cards. I think it is extremely important to let the powers that be know how our cruise was. We always name staff members who have been extremely kind/good to us, and don`t hesitate to mention any problems we may have had. I too know HMs who read these cards every cruise..........jean:cool:

[RuthC]

I spend a lot of time on that last day completing the Comment Card---especially that last free-form text page. I use small print so I can double-up on each line for plenty of room. I have a lot to say! :D
What I know I should do is keep notes throughout the cruise. It's so easy, right after the feel-good Love In Any Language to forget those things that need improvement. There's room for constructive criticism as well as earned praise.

[NoNoNanette]

What I know I should do is keep notes throughout the cruise. It's so easy, right after the feel-good Love In Any Language to forget those things that need improvement. There's room for constructive criticism as well as earned praise.

Just a thought, Ruth.... you might want to start a "travel journal". I've got 4 or 5 that go back probably 10 years. It's a great tool for referencing restaurants, prices, problems, etc.:) I enjoying "re living" vacations through those journals.

[NHCruisr]

We always fill out the comment cards in great detail. We mention the good things and comment on particular people who've made our cruise special. When we have compaints we also mention them. I try not to say anything negative about something unless I've mentioned it during the cruise to someone. I would never mention a particular persons name in a negative way unless I've spoken directly to them or their supervisor so that they have a chance to make things right. I think that's only fair.

I know that the cards are read onboard before they go off to corporate headquaters.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We have always fill out our cards. I know from the Automobile Industry that is is very important to have the cards filled out. They serve as a weekly report card for the crew and Officers.

I agree with John, I definitely know that they are read before they are passed on.

[bdcbbq]

Having read many pro and con reviews, we almost never see any mention of the END OF CRUISE COMMENT CARD. Are the being filled out? We believe it is VERY important to let both your positive and negative comments be known. When we first started cruising many years ago, we did not believe the comment cards were loked at. As we became more experienced, our minds were changed. We now know for a fact that Waiteres, cabin stewards and others can have their careers helped or hindered by our comments. What do you think?

I find this true of any place that provides them. I fill comment cards out quite regularly. I always add my name and contact information too. I feel this lets the readers know I am willing to put my name to the comment. If things haven't gone well, I might get a "perk" of some kind. Plus people who are praised "honestly" just work better and harder. That is good for all of us.

[legalslave]

I strongly believe in completing the comment cards. If we don't complete them, HAL doesn't know if they have a problem. Only once in 8 cruises did I make a negative comment about our cabin steward. Trust me, it needed to be done. We handed in the card before dinner on the last night. The morning of disembarkation, we went to breakfast and went back to our cabin to collect our carry on items. Our key cards would not open the door. Everyone else around us were able to open their doors. I asked another steward for help. He said only our steward could open the door and he went and found him.

When our steward arrived, he unlocked the door. As he was unlocking it, he confronted me about the comment card and not in a very nice way. By the way, we had tipped him nicely the night before. He actually set the master lock so we could not get in without him. We collected our items and immediately went to the pursers desk and explained what happened. The purser immediately took me in to speak with the hotel manager. The hotel manager knew I was telling the truth as there was no other way I would know the steward had been given a warning.

Someone who had been on the same ship a few months later, told me the cabin steward was demoted to an assistant dinning room waiter. I assume they felt they needed to keep an eye on him. In 8 cruises, that is the only time I have made a negative comment about a ship's employee. No, I don't expect perfection. I'm not perfect so why expect anyone else to be! However, he did not represent HAL in a good way at all and HAL really needed to know.

Diane

[cool change]

I am amazed to see changes made when sailing again. We always fill out the cards. I must be writing down the same thing as others because it seems that the next time I sail, there is a change made somewhere. That sort of feedback lets me know that a good deal of importance is made on those cards. I have also spoken with a few head waiters about this. They concur that they are usually imformed when a comment card mentions their name for good or bad.

[Hojo's redbeard]

Having read many pro and con reviews, we almost never see any mention of the END OF CRUISE COMMENT CARD. Are the being filled out? We believe it is VERY important to let both your positive and negative comments be known. When we first started cruising many years ago, we did not believe the comment cards were loked at. As we became more experienced, our minds were changed. We now know for a fact that Waiteres, cabin stewards and others can have their careers helped or hindered by our comments. What do you think?

Slipping a $50 bill to my cabin steward(ess) above and beyond the auto tip on last cruise, she was more intereseted in my having filled out the comment card than the cash. That spoke volumes to me.

[sail7seas]

I strongly believe in completing the comment cards. If we don't complete them, HAL doesn't know if they have a problem. Only once in 8 cruises did I make a negative comment about our cabin steward. Trust me, it needed to be done. We handed in the card before dinner on the last night. The morning of disembarkation, we went to breakfast and went back to our cabin to collect our carry on items. Our key cards would not open the door. Everyone else around us were able to open their doors. I asked another steward for help. He said only our steward could open the door and he went and found him.

When our steward arrived, he unlocked the door. As he was unlocking it, he confronted me about the comment card and not in a very nice way. By the way, we had tipped him nicely the night before. He actually set the master lock so we could not get in without him. We collected our items and immediately went to the pursers desk and explained what happened. The purser immediately took me in to speak with the hotel manager. The hotel manager knew I was telling the truth as there was no other way I would know the steward had been given a warning.

Someone who had been on the same ship a few months later, told me the cabin steward was demoted to an assistant dinning room waiter. I assume they felt they needed to keep an eye on him. In 8 cruises, that is the only time I have made a negative comment about a ship's employee. No, I don't expect perfection. I'm not perfect so why expect anyone else to be! However, he did not represent HAL in a good way at all and HAL really needed to know.

Diane

Diane..... I hope you don't mind my asking but why did you tip the steward if you were not pleased with his work? Certainly it was appropriate to make comments about him if his work was not satisfactory.

[wowzo]

After 90 days on HAL -7 cruises-I have put the same 2 'room for improvement' items on the comment card. Among everyother good things.
1-the scrambled eggs in the Lido buffet are beyond horrible
2-constant WW2 music does not take into consideration other age groups(ex. Oosterdam)

Nothing has changed, my conclusion is that some things they are willing to change and others not. Unless they get mega objections to things. In the case of the room steward problem - good for you.

M.A.

[SanDiego Single]

On several of the cruises I have been on they have asked you to fill out the comment card early and if you did they were giving away a set of luggage. I filled mine out but no luggage :(.

[kakalina]

I always fill out about 15 to 20 comment cards. I fill them out for indiviuals who are deserving of special mention, I will fill them out for departments and mention certain employees in that department. As we do many b2b sometimes I will get feedback from the person or department I mentioned in my cards. I always get lovely thank you letters from the HotMan or the GSM. I have even been asked to the HotMans office to discuss some of the things mentioned. I know they are read and I know they make a difference.
ps I even won the luggage once!

[legalslave]

Sail, that is a very good question! I know almost all of the staff support entire families in their home country. He did clean the cabin everyday, just obviously didn't vacuum. I know there were many passengers on the ship who didn't believe in tipping if it wasn't required. I just basically wanted to help his family.

I'll tell you what the biggest problem was. The first morning on the ship, the shower head had barely a trickle of water coming out. The steward was in the hallway. I nicely asked him to look at the shower head. He looked at it and said he would call and have someone fix it. Figured I'd just shower that night. When I went to shower very late that night, nothing had been done about the shower head. In the morning, I found the cabin steward in the hall and asked him nicely, if he could call maintenance again. He told me there wasn't anything wrong with our shower and that all of the showers on the ship were like that! My husband and I had been on the same ship just 1 year before this and I knew that wasn't true. We made friends with others who had cabins near ours and asked them if I could see how the water in their showers was coming out. They were working just fine. I called the pursers desk, advised them of the shower problem and they said they would send someone right away to fix it. Maintenance came within a half hour and replaced the shower head. After that, the shower worked just fine.

If the steward said he had been busy and forgot, I could understand that. I could also understand if he said he just forgot. There was no reason to lie to me.

Diane

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have always filled out the comment card at the end of the cruise.

Do we think anyone really ever reads all those cards ----NO!!!

[sail7seas]

Diane.......I'm all on your side on that one. He not only did not do what he should have to get it repaired but added insult to injury by 'insulting your intelligence' in the bargain.

[Copper10-8]

On several of the cruises I have been on they have asked you to fill out the comment card early and if you did they were giving away a set of luggage. I filled mine out but no luggage :(.

Just a heads up! It's not a set of luggage - They usually give away nine (9) of the HAL-logo'd blue & white collapsible bags by drawing comment cards out of a hat (not sure about it being a hat, could be a glass bowl or a bucket). They're not bad if your stuff runneth over (you can also buy them in the gift shops)

[sail7seas]

We have always filled out the comment card at the end of the cruise.

Do we think anyone really ever reads all those cards ----NO!!!

I really have seen it with my own eyes, KK.

I have walked into the Hotel Manager's office and seen him and about 4 other people seated at the table in his office with the pile of comment cards on the table and they were going through them one by one.

This one I'll bet the farm on. :)

They not only read them on the ship and take them very seriously but they also forward them to Seattle.

[hammybee]

Love In Any Language[/I] to forget those things that need improvement. There's room for constructive criticism as well as earned praise. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Oh my goodness RuthC. You are one of the most knowledgable and well balanced posters on this board. Now why would you want to go and keep detailed notes of every cruise, instead of having a (nother) piece of chocolate and enjoying yourself ? Yeah, it might help you recall some forgotten moments and acts of kindness, especially given the length of some of your voyages, but it might also make something not so wonderful more significant than it really was. Just a thought. Peace-Love- Joy to all.

[RJ2002]

I have not sailed on HAL yet (looking forward to my first on the Noordam!), but I will share some comments having sailed on a CCL sister line, Princess.

On a recent cruise, the CD stressed that those comment cards were important and reviewed carefully. On Princess, they apparently tabulate all the comments and present them to the hotel staff about mid-way through the next cruise - so that the information is timely and can be acted upon if necessary.

However, that same CD also stressed the importance of bringing problems to the staff's attention right away rather than waiting until the end of cruise comment card... the goal being that they could correct the problem on the spot and keep a customer happy.

[Scrumpy]

We always fill out the comment cards at the end of the cruise. More importantly, we have also turned in comments during the cruise and gotten immediate resolution for problems. I'm confident that the cards are reviewed promptly during the cruise and also believe it has been quicker than trying to resolve an issue verbally via the front desk or various departments - at least in our experience.

[JimVrhovac]

HAL dos read all of these cards and have had them call us post cruise and ask for further information on our comments

Good comments can be a big plus for crewmembers as they can help them get the assignments tey want.

Jim & Ruth

[jhannah]

... you might want to start a "travel journal". I've got 4 or 5 that go back probably 10 years. It's a great tool for referencing restaurants, prices, problems, etc. Excellent suggestion! My DW does this every cruise. She takes some time each evening to document where we went and what we did that day. I take notes, too, but nothing like her journal. And yes, it's fun to go back a few years and experience our trip all over again.

I always fill out the comment cards, but I've never had anyone from HAL contact me. When I was just a child (literally) I filled out a comment card at the Palmer House in Chicago and later received a letter from Conrad Hilton himself!

[richwmn]

Last year I had the privilege of meeting Mr.Deering at our Meet and Greet while he
was aboard the Zuiderdam. During the meeting he gave each of us his card, and said
to call with any problems. This was a cruise that ended in a Ft Lauderdale torn up
by a hurricane. Friday afternoon I called him and he said to come by his office.
When I arrived, the comment cards were neatly stacked by department for follow up.
He also showed me on his computer the report which was updated as cards were scanned
in. He, at least, takes all comment cards seriously.

[FLACRUISER99]

I have filled them out for 20+ cruises and have personally have seen no results i think if they don't like what you have to say it's to the shredder. Most of my comments have been very positive but I have noted problems when I experienced them.:eek:

[Southbound]

1-the scrambled eggs in the Lido buffet are beyond horrible

WOWZO -- Agree with you 100%, and that's why I have taken to requesting two eggs, freshly scrambled, which is graciously done. Problem solved. :)

[Copper10-8]

1-the scrambled eggs in the Lido buffet are beyond horrible
2-constant WW2 music does not take into consideration other age groups(ex. Oosterdam)

Aw come on now! So they're a little on the runny side sometimes/at times/daily - I use a straw and suck them right up ;)

Glenn Miller rocks!:cool:

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Aw come on now! So they're a little on the runny side sometimes/at times/daily - I use a straw and suck them right up ;)

Glenn Miller rocks!:cool:

:D John you never cease to amazed me with your brilliant ideas:D

[HoneyGV]

Aw come on now! So they're a little on the runny side sometimes/at times/daily - I use a straw and suck them right up ;)

Glenn Miller rocks!:cool:

Eeeewwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!:eek:

[happy cruzer]

I think that if your comments are personnel or service related the card can be handled right there on the ship with promotions or warnings. And that is what the card is best at doing.

I am always trying to figure out how to get feedback to corporate about things the staff on the ship really can't change. DH always wants to comment on the rules in the casion not be the same as land based casinos. I like to encourage a good wine policy and beverage policy. Other concerns are usually choice of music both live and recorded. These are a few examples I am sure others have pet peeves and even things that they like that they want to comment on to the powers that be. Is there another comment card or survey for that?

I would love to tell HAL that I really appreciate traditional seating and the corkage fees allowing you to bring your own choice of wine onboard. I think telling them about the things that we enjoy just like they are is important because they will definitely hear from the people who want a change.

[RuthC]

Oh my goodness RuthC. (snip) Now why would you want to go and keep detailed notes of every cruise, instead of having a (nother) piece of chocolate and enjoying yourself ?
Thank you for your kind words, hammybee:) , but I have to ask: Have you forgotten about The Happy Wanderer series? What is that if not a journal? :confused:
True, I didn't do it for the Alaska cruise, but that was so short there really wasn't time.
(oh, and I've mastered writing with one hand and eating chocolate with the other.;) )

[Sunshine91]

(oh, and I've mastered writing with one hand and eating chocolate with the other.;) )

OMG Ruth - Now its a definite. I've GOT to meet you. I've been reading this board for almost a year now & you are just the coolest person around. :)

I'll help you close down the Piano Bar on Noordam. I wonder if Kory will be there? Any interest in joining us in January?

Back on topic...John & I always fill out the cards. Boy, our cabin boy on Noordam, asked us a couple of times to make sure we filled out those cards. Of course we did. Like other posters' experiences, it seemed like Boy would almost rather have the positive comments than the extra cash. Almost. We named names, including bar stewards.

I'd like it if the cards had a no-carbon copy so I could keep one. That way I'd know what I wrote. ;)

[RlrCstr]

I have filled out the comment cards, with pros and 'concerns' on every cruise. I have Never been contacted by anyone onboard or from Seattle. But one very minor comment on Princess got lots of attention from the ship and from Santa Clarita.
I am not going to dispute all of those above who have stated that the cards are read, but on at least one card I asked them to contact me and have never heard a word from the line I give the majority of my business to.
I wish I knew how you all got someone to notice your cards.

[AAAAmerican]

Sunshine91

I'd like it if the cards had a no-carbon copy so I could keep one. That way I'd know what I wrote;)

An easy KISS answer is to have the pursers desk make a copy for youall.:D

The Noordam staff and crew was wonderful in tasks wanted needed to be done.

The comment card is vital to them so as the tracking in a DATA Base is acomplished and a numerical amount registered then.

They do tally. Wouldnt you in this age of all the ships and lines afloat ?:D

[legalslave]

I think mine was handled immediately because it involved the poor service by an employee and they wanted to immediately take care of the situation. When I handed in my card, I didn't say anything-I just gave it to the purser's desk. Maybe someone at the desk just happened to read it right after I dropped it off. I don't think the ship staff would respond to an issue or suggestion that should be handled by the corporate office.

Diane

[Aussie Gal]

Just a heads up! It's not a set of luggage - They usually give away nine (9) of the HAL-logo'd blue & white collapsible bags by drawing comment cards out of a hat (not sure about it being a hat, could be a glass bowl or a bucket). They're not bad if your stuff runneth over (you can also buy them in the gift shops)

I was one of the fortunate passengers that won a HAL collapsible bag last year when we were on the Maasdam. It was such a thrill to hear my name called over the speaker a few minutes before disembarkation. :)

That bag has become invaluable as we now take it with us on each trip. A wonderful reminder of HAL and also that it pays to fill out the survey as you could be as lucky as I was last July/August. :o

Jennie

[Hojo's redbeard]

Now if only they sent out a comment card with our documents. I'd love to comment on the process of booking a cruise with HAL...to someone at HAL that would care.

[RuthC]

I'll help you close down the Piano Bar on Noordam. I wonder if Kory will be there? Any interest in joining us in January?
Careful, Sunshine. Between you and hammybee I'm likely to get a swelled head. :rolleyes:

I know Kory could always change his plans, but when I asked him about his future he had no plans to return to HAL. :( Too bad, too. He was a lot of fun---and a heck of a nice guy. (easy on the eyes, too!:D )

January, huh? Hummmm. There's a thought. Don't know. I've got the Voyage of the Spammed in October, and the Top of the World cruise next July. I need something inbetween, but would prefer something in the March-April timeframe. I dunno. :confused:

[Copper10-8]

Careful, Sunshine. Between you and hammybee I'm likely to get a swelled head. :rolleyes:

I know Kory could always change his plans, but when I asked him about his future he had no plans to return to HAL. :( Too bad, too. He was a lot of fun---and a heck of a nice guy. (easy on the eyes, too!:D )

January, huh? Hummmm. There's a thought. Don't know. I've got the Voyage of the Spammed in October, and the Top of the World cruise next July. I need something inbetween, but would prefer something in the March-April timeframe. I dunno. :confused:

The Sea of Cortez on Ryndam in March is not a bad thing!;)

[kakalina]

I have filled them out for 20+ cruises and have personally have seen no results i think if they don't like what you have to say it's to the shredder. Most of my comments have been very positive but I have noted problems when I experienced them.:eek:
You are not too far wrong. There was a cruise when something truly serious occured. We did speak to the appropriate on board people. We did, of course, fill out a very long comment card. We requested the front office to make a copy of the card as I said it was a serious issue. After several weeks at home not hearing, we contacted HAL and they knew nothing about it. We were able to provide them with a copy of the card and document our problem.
We later learned that the person responsible for throwing away "bad" comment cards is no longer with the company. Neither is the person who was causing the problem in the first place ;)