Connections Between Cruise Guests and Crew Members
A whole lot goes on behind the scenes of a cruise experience. From the welcome aboard photo, to nightly dinners, to fun by the pool—there are crew members every step of the way contributing to the inclusive experience. You’ve heard the saying “It takes a village…?” Well, this is accurate relating to cruising experiences. There is nothing ordinary or average about the ultimate sailing vacation. Every detail is planned with one aspect in mind—you, the guest.
It’s important to remember, although these crew members are working to serve while simultaneously creating a unique guest experience, they are people just like you, deserving the utmost respect and courtesy. In fact, with many vacations, the crew is so memorable and positively impactful that they “make” a vacation.
Carnival Cruise Line Video Series
To support the amazing crew of Carnival Cruise Line, the brand has launched a campaign highlighting how the gratuities truly make it possible for crew members to fulfill their dreams, aspirations and family goals. "We want everyone who watches these videos to connect with our crew members and see how the gratuities they pay truly make it possible for them to fulfill their dreams, aspirations and family goals," said Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing. Visit Carnival’s Trade YouTube page to watch the series.
For your next cruise, remember, the crew is hustling behind the scenes to keep you entertained, fed, and pampered so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. Remember to be the BEST GUEST on your next sailing trip and share love right back to the crew.
What does it mean to be the BEST GUEST?
Be polite
Enjoy little surprises
Smile
Aim to be on Time
Greet your crew
Exude CrUisitude
Remember namEs
Say thank you
Tip your crewmembers
1. Be polite
Being polite is the foundation of the being the best guest. Sincerely being polite radiates positivity and kindness that will soar throughout all your relationships.
2. Enjoy little surprise
On cruises, room stewards are the creative crew members who design the cute towel animal surprises when you get back to your cabin. Utilizing cruise gratuity programs is a nod to these crew members—thanking them for those simple stateroom surprises we all know & enjoy.
3. Smile
A simple smile can go a long way. Whether it’s just in passing or at your regular dinner table, a smile sets the mood in the positive direction—making everyone’s day a little brighter. Smiling, backed by scientific research, has been shown to improve the sender’s mood as well as benefiting the receiver.
4. Aim to be on Time
If you have a dinner reservation window—abide by it. Although the rules and meal accommodations are different on each cruise, try your best to be on time. It keeps everyone on schedule meanwhile, having courtesy for guests waiting to eat after your reservation. If the cruise offers freestyle dining, live it up and arrive whenever you wish— buon appetito.
5. Greet your crew
Whether you are at the pool or being seated at your dinner table, it’s common courtesy to greet your crew member with the same regard they have for you and your family. Your genuine greeting will surely brighten each person’s day, complimenting their cruise experience.
6. Exude CrUisitude™
"Every day, the world becomes closer as we create new ways to connect with each other regardless of geogrpahy, job titles, nationality, sexual orientation or time of day," said Vicky Garcia, Cruise Planners COO and co-owners. That is how the brand defines Cruisitude.
And according to one Cruise Planners travel advisor, “Cruisitude is leaving your work and stress at the dock while sailing away on the cool blue ocean into the relaxing orange sunset!” And a traveler said “Cruisitude is the excitement when you start planning your cruise with your travel agent, looking through the catalogs and choosing your ship, destination, cabin location, port of call and island excursions.”
No matter where you travel, exude Cruisitude every step of the way.
7. Remember namEs
This may seem like a lot to ask at first glance. Now, we don’t mean remember everyone’s names, primarily just a few. On some ships, you may have the same server at different meals. Since you may be interacting with these crew members every night for the next 3-14 nights, or more, it would be nice to recognize and address them by name. Knowing a person's name is a form of validation and respect—this is recognized among many cultures.
8. Say thank you
General manners are essential to be the best guest. Say please and thank you throughout your cruise experience. Remember that your actions (or lack thereof) may affect other people. Reading this already puts you ahead of the game—now you are aware and can use simple manners with intention. Your positive attitude will reflect on everyone with whom you encounter thus creating a mutually pleasant experience.
9. Tip your crew members
There is some confusion about tipping on cruises. Some people wonder if they are only supposed to tip some crew members, some not at all—how much cash to bring to prepare for tipping? Nowadays, most cruise lines, like Carnival, offer the choice for auto tipping or pre-paid gratuities, which your travel advisor can help you plan for. This is a convenient way of covering all your bases while making sure everyone involved throughout your experience who are customarily tipped, receives the tip from you, leaving out the hassle of carrying cash.
Tipping is the main source of income for many crew members—a little cash on the side for a waiter or housekeeper can make a substantial difference to a hardworking crew member who might have family back home to support.
Watch how Gratuities Impact Carnival Crew Members
Thank you, Carnival Cruise Line, for highlighting the importance of appreciation via gratuities between guests and crew members. The onboard team is a vital part of the cruise experience whom Cruise Planners is honored to support.
