Great Service Feature Article Discussion Forum

One of the trademarks of cruising is service that goes above and beyond what you might experience on a land based vacation. Many cruisers choose this vacation style because they appreciate the little extras that make cruising so special. While many people have differing opinions on what constitutes excellent service, I thought it might be helpful for me to detail the kinds of exceptional service I've experienced on a cruise ship that makes me want to return again and again.

They Know You By Name
Usually by the second day of the cruise, all of your dedicated service personnel will know you by name. Some times is it simply by you last name. Other times, especially in the dining room, they know your first name. Sometimes the waiter will write down my name the first night when he takes my order, other waiters have learned it by simply remembering it. I'm sure this is all part of their training. The cruise lines surely emphasize the importance of learning passengers names, but it really does make passengers feel special when, for example, passengers are leaving for their excursion and their cabin steward says "Enjoy your time ashore, Mrs. Smith." If you attend ship's sponsored activities like trivia or karaoke, often the members of the entertainment staff will get to know your name as well. Perhaps you might experiences something similar at an all inclusive resort, but the compact space of …