Cruises offer the best of both worlds. You're basically on a small, floating city where all of your chores are done for you, you have plenty of amenities provided to you and a laundry list of activities to keep you busy.
However, there are people behind the scenes making this all possible. The staff on a cruise ship have a thankless job: catering to hundreds of guests, ensuring their safety and entertainment, and look after themselves.
Cruise ship staff are the true heroes aboard the ship and should be treated as such. And we've got a convenient list right here at your disposal. Here are some ways to ensure the best service on a Royal Caribbean cruise and show the staff that you value them.
10 A Smile (Even If You're Faking It)
In customer service, smiles go a long way. On a cruise ship, they go even longer! Cruise ship employees are running around like chickens with their heads cut off, trying to make a million passengers happy and comfortable. A smile is a great way to acknowledge their hard work. It also makes all parties involves feel great! Here's a tip: Take things one step further and tell them what a good job they're doing.
9 Learning Snippets Of A New Language
Cruise ship employees come from all walks, countries, and nationalities of life. There's a pretty good chance that a handful of them aren't native English speakers. A great way to make them feel good is to say a few words in their language, even if it's broken or a greeting. It'll make them feel more comfortable and it's a great way for you to open that Duolingo account that you've thrown by the wayside!
8 Being On Time (Believe Us, It Matters!)
Time is of the essence on a cruise ship. Excursions are set for a certain time, as well as activities and restaurant reservations. Cruise ship staff work around those time slots and if you're late, it throws them off their rhythm. It also complicates their job if they have to do a lot of running back and forth. Showing up on time to your reservations shows that you care about those that are serving you.
7 Remember That Your Mother Isn't Cleaning Up After You
You may think that vacations are for letting household chores and rules fall by the curb. And you would be right...if it were on your own time. On a cruise ship, leaving constant messes everywhere you step only makes the staff's life a living hell. Remember, they're the ones cleaning up after you! We're not saying to do their job for them, but keeping your messes contained is a great way to show consideration for them.
6 Give Them 5 Stars
No matter the industry or job, employees want to know that they're doing a good job. If you manage to get the name of an employee that made your stay that much more enjoyable, then make sure that you leave them a positive review. Shout them out in an email to customer service or cruise survey. This may even lead to them getting a bonus, which will definitely make them feel valued!
5 Don't Take More Food Just Because You Can
Vacations are for forgetting your diet and digging into new foods (as well as larger portions of them). However, you may want to rethink overstuffing your plate. Cruise staff works insanely hard to prepare enough food for hundreds of cruise-goers. Any food that you don't eat is automatically trashed (along with all their hard work). It's a small action, but being aware of your food waste demonstrates your appreciation for the staff's hard work.