Last Night of a Cruise.

[moniquet]

I hate the last night of a cruise for obvious reasons but there also seems to be a different atmosphere amongst the crew, as if their minds are on getting ready for the next load of passengers. The last day seems to be taken up with packing, form filling etc.

On a cruise with Carnival the ship was going into dry dock and the preparations started on our last day at sea. Areas cordoned off, corridors full of crew packing up and moving stuff. On QM2 this year every time we tried to get into our stateroom on the last full day the card didn't work, had been fine for 9 days! Crew were preoccupied and all appeared to be grinding to a halt as if their main aim was to get everyone off the following morning. Does anyone else feel the same or is it just me?

[Alexis]

Originally Posted by moniquet

I hate the last night of a cruise for obvious reasons but there also seems to be a different atmosphere amongst the crew, as if their minds are on getting ready for the next load of passengers. The last day seems to be taken up with packing, form filling etc.

On a cruise with Carnival the ship was going into dry dock and the preparations started on our last day at sea. Areas cordoned off, corridors full of crew packing up and moving stuff. On QM2 this year every time we tried to get into our stateroom on the last full day the card didn't work, had been fine for 9 days! Crew were preoccupied and all appeared to be grinding to a halt as if their main aim was to get everyone off the following morning. Does anyone else feel the same or is it just me?

Fortunately, I have never found that to be true on any line I sailed.
The only thing I have come across is there might be an elevator or two closed off for use of taking all the luggage down after it goes out in the hallways later that night.
My cabin attendants have always done the usual job in my cabins and left me all the important things I needed for disembarking. If I did not see them to give them their tips, I left it on the desk. They have always appeared to thank me before I left the ships, either that night or the next morning.

[PROCRUISE]

Originally Posted by moniquet

I hate the last night of a cruise for obvious reasons but there also seems to be a different atmosphere amongst the crew, as if their minds are on getting ready for the next load of passengers. The last day seems to be taken up with packing, form filling etc.

On a cruise with Carnival the ship was going into dry dock and the preparations started on our last day at sea. Areas cordoned off, corridors full of crew packing up and moving stuff. On QM2 this year every time we tried to get into our stateroom on the last full day the card didn't work, had been fine for 9 days! Crew were preoccupied and all appeared to be grinding to a halt as if their main aim was to get everyone off the following morning. Does anyone else feel the same or is it just me?

We've never had this experience. In fact, I've always been amazed at how great the crew members are right up to the point of our walking off the ship.

We are, however, surprised at how many guests seem to think that getting ready to leave the ship the next morning requires the entire day before to get ready. We take about 20 minutes after dinner to pack up and then go out and enjoy ourselves for the rest of the evening!! I also always spend a few moments on the balcony, the last evening, reflecting on my many blessings and the great cruise we've just completed.

[moniquet]

Well, packing 4 large suitcases takes me more than 20 mins. Wasn't the point I was making I was posting about the general atmosphere of the ship, empty bars, queues at the purser etc. But as I said maybe it's me

[cb at sea]

I've found that around midnight, the "feeling" changes, too. By morning, all that lovely service is gone...and they want you gone, too! Time for them to start over with a whole new batch of vacationers.

[eandj]

I agree that it seems the last dinner is often a let down for us. Not the food neccesarily but just the "cooler" attitude of servers we have had. Not all, but some for sure seem distracted.

[aruvqan]

So ... what would you suggest to do for breakfast the debarcation morning? Room service or windjammer?

We have been sort of planning a very early am pot of coffee and pastry while figuring out the plans of the day, with a medium late breakfast of eggs benedict during the cruise ...

I was hoping to continue that for the final day, as we do not need to be off first thing and were figuring on rolling me off as one of the final people off ... so we don't impede anybody in a rush to get off and make connections.

[Alexis]

In my above posting I never thought of commenting on the servers in the Dining room too. Ours have always taken pictures, given hugs and expressed pleasure of having us on board and serving us.
We have never been treated like they were in a hurry to get rid of us or are preoccupied.

[Alexis]

Originally Posted by aruvqan

So ... what would you suggest to do for breakfast the debarcation morning? Room service or windjammer?

We have been sort of planning a very early am pot of coffee and pastry while figuring out the plans of the day, with a medium late breakfast of eggs benedict during the cruise ...

I was hoping to continue that for the final day, as we do not need to be off first thing and were figuring on rolling me off as one of the final people off ... so we don't impede anybody in a rush to get off and make connections.

There is no room service on the last day on a lot of them. The food venues are open for a short period of time and then everyone is expected off before a certain hour. Fairly early, like 10 ish at the lastest.

[Azure Moon]

I've experienced that change of feeling once. It was on the Carnival Liberty while I was sitting on the Lido deck watching the big screen television. Made for a sadder than normal last night for me. .

Few people around, crew closing bars, cleaning, all normal things I'd seen at times during the week, but the mood just seemed different than usual.

But on an up note, on another Carnival cruise, one of the waiters who'd visited our table and others around ours, while working in the Lido Buffet on debarkation day talked with us and the others sitting at the table while he refilled items. It was great because he talked about his family and home. . It made for a happier than normal debarkation day.

[printingchick]

I always feel sad when I place my luggage outside the door - along with all the other luggage out there. It's a symbol for the vacation being over and that can't help but change one's mood.

[G'ma]

It's understandable that the crew will try to get a headstart when and where they can.

However, I don't find anything personally different.

I can pack in about 1/2 hour and usually take my own bag off when leaving the ship. So, there's no time involved at all in that activity.

I take advantage of every last minute of relaxation and enjoying the cruise experience.

Those of us who pack light know that the last day is a breeze.

My suitcase is a 22" roll-on-board weighing under 40 pounds......takes no time at all.....

[pris993]

Originally Posted by moniquet

I hate the last night of a cruise for obvious reasons but there also seems to be a different atmosphere amongst the crew, as if their minds are on getting ready for the next load of passengers. The last day seems to be taken up with packing, form filling etc.

On a cruise with Carnival the ship was going into dry dock and the preparations started on our last day at sea. Areas cordoned off, corridors full of crew packing up and moving stuff. On QM2 this year every time we tried to get into our stateroom on the last full day the card didn't work, had been fine for 9 days! Crew were preoccupied and all appeared to be grinding to a halt as if their main aim was to get everyone off the following morning. Does anyone else feel the same or is it just me?

No you are not alone in my book. We have noticed that often crews are focused on getting ready for the next cruise - sometimes even 1-2 days before the end. This is not unique to any given line.

On our last cruise the cabin steward told us 2 days before our last port, that she would be leaving the ship at that port. We thought that was strange and suspected she was looking for us to give her extra money in addition to our auto tip. Since we had tipped her in cash every time she did something we asked for throughout the cruise we did not tip her more and she did not leave the ship early as she stated.

We do use our cabin right up til we leave, we leave it clean and don't mind telling the cabin steward to wait til we leave to prepare it for the next passengers.

This might be something we need to comment on in questionnaires.

When we disembarked on our last cruise - on the Celebrity Equniox in Rome - we walked off the ship into 3-4" deep puddle of water, right at the end of the gangway because it was raining. It was so bad our pants legs were all wet. I thought I bet the cruise line made an effort to sweep the water away before passenger embarked later in the day. There was no effort by the cruise line or the port authority to make getting off in the rain more pleasant. Can you imagine rolling carryons through a hugh puddle of water? Sure was not a nice way to end a cruise.

I plan to make some comments on this in the future on questionnaires, so that cruise lines begin to realize we do notice these things.

[Langley Cruisers]

In general, I'd agree. I know "turn-around day" is particularly hard on the room stewards, who not only have to tear apart each room but then make them up again and possibly configure the beds differently for the next passengers. I'm sure it's their least favorite day of the cruise.

We've never had poor service the last night in the Dining Room; on some lines, that's when they get their tips! It's usually a nice evening for all involved.

[sjcruiser]

Never experienced that on a cruise. The last night, I'm too busy taking in the ship one last time, packing, and enjoying the entertainment. While packing my room steward and other staff were in the hallways assisting guest and cleaning rooms.

[pg.]

I have noticed it,, not on every cruise,, but I most definately have noticed it. Its like we( all outgoing customers) don't count anymore.. its not just about the "turn around" day work load,, its almost like "hey,, we either have your tips by now or we don't" sort of an attitude.