Attitude of crew on Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival?

[illinoismom]

I am looking at Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean cruise this fall. I would love some opinions here. I have cruised only once before, and that was a Royal Caribbean cruise. I've read lots of your comments on these two lines, so I guess my question is about the service and attitude of the crews. I do not expect to be waited on hand and foot, but I don't want to deal with people who only grudgingly take your soda card, etc. I'm wondering if service varies by ship, by line or just by good days vs. bad days? I am looking at Southern or Western Caribbean out of Florida, and am working with a travel agent, but would really appreciate some opinions on this. Thanks!

[gbcheetah]

We have cruised both and without a doubt we have noticed a difference in the staff. The Carnival staff seem more friendly over all and willing to help or just talk to you. The staff on Royal Caribbean although polite are more stand offish. I can say that the three times I have had to go to the front desks or deal with shore excursion people on board Royal Caribbean they were quite curt. Kind of like what do you want I have other things to do. I never felt that way with Carnival staff and I have been on quite a few of them. Dont get me wrong, RCCL staff are not rude, I have just found Carnival staff more friendly.

[cruiser429]

And we've always found the RCI crew to be the friendliest. It's really a matter of opinion. The last ship we were on (Radiance) had the nicest crew we've ever had--from Captain down. Couldn't have asked for better. Found that the staff was there ALL the time--didn't ignore you when an activity was over--(we found that years ago on the Dawn Princess)---Highly recommend RC.

[ssantow]

I found Carnival to have a higher "bother" factor. The bar staff tends to bother you a lot more and are always asking if you want a drink.

I think the size of the ship has a lot to do with it too. The staff on the smaller RCI ships are much friendlier than on the mega ships. Overall I found a better atmosphere on Royal Caribbean.

[klfrodo]

I've only sailed Carnival and have had great service most times and sometimes someone is having a bad day.

I would imagine that people working a cruise ship are just like you and I.

Most days we're great people who can deal with anything. Then on other days, I'd rasther not be bothered.

I know someone will come on here and say "Buy they are in the customer service business, therefore, they are not allowed bad days. Well. I agree. Let's be real. Stuck on a ship for 6 -to 8 months working your tail off could bring on a bad day or two.

So, bottom line, I think it depends on the days, the mood of the workers, the moral of the team, etc,etc.

[Dave85]

I've observed bar staff on both lines acting obnoxiously towards soda card holders... there's really no difference in that regard.

I think overall, however, the crew of both lines are extremely friendly... I'd give the slight edge to Royal Caribbean though as I just feel that they're more genuine in their interaction with guests, not just acting very nice to get you to buy more drinks. I've always gotten the feeling on Carnival that they're just going through the motions more so than on Royal, where I feel that they're more willing to go the extra mile.

Everyone will have a different opinion... someone who had a single bad experience on RCI will say Carnival's better, and visa versa. I'm just judging on the basis of personal extended interactions I've had with crew on both. Either way, you'll have a great time!

[cathyz]

I can't compare the 2, but the crew on all of our Carnival criuses have been wonderful, very friendly and have always gone out of their way for us. But we treat them as people, not as servants as I have seen some passengers do. I wouldn't react very well to that kind of attitude either and they do, they have to. If you treat your 'regular crew (steward, waiter, regular bartenders, etc.) with respect they will go over the top for you.

[A2Mich]

Originally Posted by gbcheetah

I never felt that way with Carnival staff and I have been on quite a few of them.

Have you been on quite a few Carnival cruises or on quite a few Carnival staff members? Wasn't so sure reading your post!

[GORDONCHICK]

As you can tell by my signature, we cruise different lines all the time. Yes, we have favorites, but we let timing, price, and itinerary guide us more than the line or ship.

I've found CCL & RCCL to be almost identical in service. Much more hoopla in the MDR on CCL. Go ahead and try CCL - you may like it, you may not. But you will never know if you don't try them.

[Chatteress]

Originally Posted by GORDONCHICK

As you can tell by my signature, we cruise different lines all the time. Yes, we have favorites, but we let timing, price, and itinerary guide us more than the line or ship.

I've found CCL & RCCL to be almost identical in service. Much more hoopla in the MDR on CCL. Go ahead and try CCL - you may like it, you may not. But you will never know if you don't try them.

What do you mean about "much more hoopla in hte MDR on CCL"? I'm new to cruising and just trying to gather more information. Thanks.

[trayden17]

Originally Posted by Chatteress

What do you mean about "much more hoopla in hte MDR on CCL"? I'm new to cruising and just trying to gather more information. Thanks.

It's just a little more "lively" in the MDR (Main Dinning Room) where the wait staff performs a little dance, balancing things on their head....It's not a party atmosphere...

[firefly333]

I think I would narrow down the question to where services depends on the person who you get. We had a new cabin steward who finally told me she was sea sick who never emptied our trash, finally the last day got someone to vacuum for her, never replaced used items in our cabins....

Should I hold the whole RCL at fault here?

luck of the draw, do the cruise that appeals to you most.

[momofmeg]

Originally Posted by firefly333

I think I would narrow down the question to where services depends on the person who you get. We had a new cabin steward who finally told me she was sea sick who never emptied our trash, finally the last day got someone to vacuum for her, never replaced used items in our cabins....

Should I hold the whole RCL at fault here?

luck of the draw, do the cruise that appeals to you most.

I agree-it is the "luck of the draw".