Tried Royal Wonderful Except Disappointed One Thing

[lyndamarie6]

Hello,

 

We are 43, I have cruised on many Carnival ships, NCL and Princess. We finally tried Royal Caribbean and admit it exceeds even Princess only one thing very much dissapointed us which reminded us back on Carnival.

 

It was a 5 night cruise on the Enchantment and they do the singing, and the dancing and it was more horrible than the Carnival ships as it was louder for some reason to a point where we walked out two nights and skipped dessert. I thought Royal didn't do this hearing from others before booking this cruise but has anybody had this happen on their Royal Caribbean cruise unless it is just done on the shorter cruises, we were on the 5 night.

[CMurph]

I don't think the length of the cruise has anything to do with it. Our latest cruise was 12 days and they did the usual songs. I have read several comments, particularly from frequent cruisers, that have grown weary of this event. The singing and music is a recording and the volume & quality can vary. We, however, still get a kick out of it. It is a fun opportunity to clap and laugh along with our wait staff. So, I guess you can blame us for adding to the noise level. I can't imagine finding it so offensive that we would actually walk out.

[masterbaker]

The singing dancing waiters are my one major complaint too. As a seasoned cruiser, I find it as interruptive as I did on our first experience with it. It's the main reason we either excuse ourselves early (and have dessert at the buffet) or dine in an alternative venue.

[GMoney]

After 30+ cruises, I still love the singing in the dining room. It's corny and usually poorly performed, but it's a part of my cruise experience. I think it's also a good indicator of how well the dining room staff performs as a team and how long they've been together.

 

With that said, I can totally understand how these performances might drive people nuts, but I'm surprised that people call it a complaint. :)

[Joie58]

I agree with Murph

 

The wait staff works hard for the people and stuck with the dining duty, filling glasses carrying food, being your servant for tips.

 

Let them have fun and entertain you, probably their only time to shine and try to impress. Personally we enjoy it, and walking out on them would be alittle rude.

[cam2488]

Yes, it's a bit corney but it doesn't take that long. Seems it was at the end of the meal anyway and it didn't interfere with our service at all. I guess it's what you want to make of it.

[lyndamarie6]

I thought the clapping and singing was more tasteful on the Carnival ships, the noise level was lower and if I compare the singing and dancing I have to say overall Carnival outbeats it because the staff are more talented most of them balancing things on their heads, juggling items and more active in moving to a point you say wow and you knew they were having fun. Royals singing was louder and more dull to a point where you say these guys just aren't into it.

 

I do find it distasteful when dining for "dinner", I do understand it is entertainment to some but I guess I got bored of that stuff and now find it tacky after taking 15 Carnival cruises in the past 10 years. Princess and NCL did not do this and thought Royal would be the same, just rather experience a nice dining experience with friends and family without the need for the noise and waiting for that to end to get dessert. They should at least serve dessert then do their thing, my opinion....

[KJHorton]

I don't mind the singing and dancing. Some of the waiters make it really fun, balancing dishes, juggling, funny glasses, etc.

 

The thing that drives me nuts is those photographers in the dining room. Unlike every night at home, I have a chance to sit down and enjoy a nice dinner with my entire family. Then we have to be interrupted to have our picture taken with some pirate or just taken because it is formal night. Some of those photographers are so pushy too, even when you say no. It drives me nuts.

[Nliedel]

I don't like the singing waiters, they always look miserable, but not enough to walk out of dessert. I suspect if you are warned in avance you can put your, "I'm not trying to cringe" face on. Which I have to do everytime it happens.

[pinkrosesdeb]

I think a lot of the staff aren't too happy doing this either but I think it is great to have the opportunity to give them a standing ovation for their hard work. Everyone loves recognition and it takes such a little piece of your vacation time.

[Joie58]

Hope we didn't open a powder keg on this subject!!!:eek:

 

It is very trivial let it drop!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

If not, I will start a "what should I wear to dining room" question and really get the ball rolling :D

[Nliedel]

My waiter last fall on the Mariner asked me to hide him (he had a big smile on his face so I asked him to please bring me a coffee. Thereby sparing him).

[cds2423]

I always get a charge out of the singing dining room staff, unfortunately it usually signifies the end of the cruise, I may be a wimp but it always makes me a little sad, the last dinner being waited on has come to an end, how sad is that. I'm not sure that the staff really enjoys themselves as much as some of them appear to though, I always figure that it's just another opportunity to "entertain" the people that they've been waiting on all week, i usually end up feeling sorry for them. I often wonder what they think of us cruisers. ;)

[Nliedel]

cds2423, you're right. Nothing sadder than the end of a cruise. Of course the only cure is to book another.

[crusinmama06]

I actually looked forward to it. :D

 

It was the one thing I missed on the Disney ship. I thought the end of the meal needed a little entertainment number...lol.

[dzboss1]

Lynda ~~~ If the singing was all that bothered you on the cruise, I would say then you had a PERFECT CRUISE!! You should not let something as small as this cloud the big picture, as you may well have already done by finding the need to mention it here. I also have my little grips on each cruise (as we all do) but they are so small and minuscule, that they become just a passing comment to my hubby. I adore cruising and love RCL and I would not allow something like this to become such a negative. You need to enjoy every moment of those cruises, because they are over in blink of an eye!! I hope that you continue to cruise on RCL and focus on all the wonders of cruising, and accept that some things, minor things, are what they are. Enjoy!!!!!!!!

[texancruzer]

HMMMMM

 

If I got this OP posts right - he/she is basically complaining that the waiters are not as talented as the ones on Carnival..... and louder.

 

Also got the idea that he/she is getting bored with this since he/she has cruised soooo many times.

 

As one who has only been on 2 cruises.....third is booked..... I have to look at the situation from the point of view of someone who has either never cruised or is not tired of the "same old thing". For those who are newbies.....I think it is something they have not experienced and therefore fun..... I can however see how it would be old hat if after 15 cruises you are experiencing the same thing.

 

I guess you have two choices..... don't cruise (try a land based vacation) or dine at a different venue on those nights..... ooops third choice: sit through it or leave the dining room.

 

I found the first time fun....the second time (on Serenade) very entertaining as everyone balanced SOMETHING on their head and all were very "into it". We also had our best friends with us and they were on their first cruise so it made it even more fun to watch them.... next cruise will be my daughter and myself (her first) so looking forward to experiencing all the "new" stuff with her.

[PAISANO]

It guess to some it's a little corny but I have a niece that just returned

from her first cruise. If you could of heard her explain the singing waiters.

She loved it, telling everyone about it.

 

For me I don't mind, I wouldn't walk out.

[CruiserTK]

Based on my experience, the waiters perform only twice on a seven-day cruise. Each time, the cruising audience appeared to get caught up in the mood. I believe that it gives but one more opportunity to acknowledge the servers for their hard work. I quite enjoy the event. One thing I remember from the first cruise -- but was done away with on subsequent cruises -- was the baked Alaska parade. I wish they would bring that back.

[trishalee]

From what I've heard, they hate having to do it way more than we dislike being the captive audience. This being said, they sure do a good job of seeming very enthusiastic each time, week after week after week....:D

[lyndamarie6]

Dzboss1- Your right, it really was my only complaint, that was the only part that Royal disappointed me as the past boards I read spoken of Royal not doing the dance and singing "thing" in the dining room, to finally take my first Royal Caribbean cruise to be stunned they do. But no complaints at all in fact, we booked up the Mariner of the Seas along with my brother in law and his family and father in law coming along with us. We are excited about it as I told them they must try Royal.

 

CMurph:

It is ok you added to the noise level I expect that during these things of course. If they have to have these I say at least there are people who enjoy it. :)

I didn't expect it though as I am tired of the singing and dance thing in the dining room from all the Carnival cruises. We go out dining at fine restaurants and enjoy the anviance and elegance of fine dining, I am not saying the food on cruise ships are the best but they do a great job considering of all the thousands of meals they must prepare each day, but I do expect the dining experience to be fine and not loud and noisy with dancing and singing like I used to take the kids to chuck e cheese or TGI Fridays or similar. I take a cruise and expect my dinner at least to be fine and enjoyable with peace, great conversation and people. I was late on getting reservations at Chops so I will do that first thing when I board the Mariner and also try Portofino's on those "loud" evenings.

 

KJHorton- I totally agree what is even more aggravating are those photographers that bother you constantly during dinner and the flashes that go off in the dining room espeically around the tables where we sit. I love photo's don't get me wrong but I find it distasteful taking those photo's when one is in the middle of their meal and to have the photo's show the dishes and glasses which are all eaten on the table or halfway with food in drink, yikes, who would want those pictures, not a nice picture TO ME.

 

Pinkrosesdeb:

I feel my tipping will show them my gratitude of their hard work and effort they make. :)

 

Josie58- another board on what to wear in the dining room I am for that!! hehehehehe

[Alexis]

From what I've heard, they hate having to do it way more than we dislike being the captive audience. This being said, they sure do a good job of seeming very enthusiastic each time, week after week after week....:D

 

That is what we have been told also. I actually do feel a little sorry for them each time they have to do it.

But, they always smile, laugh and love it when their tables go wild for them as they pass. It is plain and simple good fun for new cruisers, as well as some of us seasoned ones. ;)

[sgttami]

After a few times of seeing it, it does seem a little hokey but tolerable.

 

Only time it was truly memorable was a few weeks after 9/11 when the crew did a number of patriotic songs.

 

I don't think there was a dry eye in the dining room...

[nosmothj]

The singing dancing waiters are my one major complaint too. As a seasoned cruiser, I find it as interruptive as I did on our first experience with it. It's the main reason we either excuse ourselves early (and have dessert at the buffet) or dine in an alternative venue.

 

We have been on several trips and they alwys do the dance thing. If you ask your waiter ahead of time they will be happy to let you know what is happening. It seems Italian & international nites are the main two. Then skip out after main course. On one trip they ask for dessert to go and they brought it just before!

[happy cruzer]

I started working in the service industry after 25 years of technical work. what I learned is that you must make every service fresh and genuine. must learn the entire job and perform it all like you love every minute if you want to be the best service provider. and if you do that then you will start enjoying your work more. So if the formal parades are part of your job, I would hope you would do it the best you can.

 

I enjoy the parades that are designed and executed well. The last ones on RCI were not. They did not happen at a good time in the meal, usually while I was still trying to eat my entre. They did not have good music and the only half the staff seemed to be performing. On other lines, the parades are very well orchestrated. They happen right after dessert orders but before dessert service. And the entire staff participates from the most senior to the most junior, it is well done usually.

 

I think it's just another thing that varies by design and training.