Finally some Kudos to the Staff...
 

On crippled cruise ship, icky jobs fell to 'amazing' crew - CNN.com

About time....

I was on a Sun Princess cruise when we lost power for about 5 hours. There was no fire, simply a power outage. Communication from the Bridge was prompt and calm and informative.

The most crucial job was getting people out of elevators who had been in them when the power went out. Also, people using wheelchairs could not navigate stairs.

Buffets were set up in the Atrium on every deck. I saw tiny, young crew girls carrying a case of water on each shoulder, hurrying to serve people. The crew was outstanding, as I suspect they were on the Triumph. We had our share of rude, obnoxious passengers, who hoarded, cheated, took "cuts", complained loudly. They acted as if Princess had staged this just to annoy THEM.

Yes, my friends and I had some "what if" discussions, but we remained calm and thought out our plans and acted like polite adults. Toilets were somewhat working in cabins, but the crew told us where we could "go". My cabin steward held a flashlight (with his back turned) so that I could find a sweatshirt and some pants to keep warm.

I'm sure there will be lawsuits galore about this cruise, but no one got seriously injured or died. Life is full of risks - hell, it's a crapshoot from the moment you're born! I trust that Carnival will be as fair and accommodating as Princess was to me and other passengers. They did not will this, ask for it, so I have no sympathy for those who would blacken their name.

I do hope that crewmembers will receive some sort of extra compensation for their efforts, which I'm sure were "over and above".

I did read those who were near ending the contract would be sent home but paid in full. Those who had to stay for repairs or are essential I would expect some sort of small bonus.

Will the tips be paid to them as well? Or just the "joke" salary?

That's a good question. I hope the crew gets paid what they would have made in tips. One of the articles I read said that the refunds that Carnival was giving back included the gratuities. That being said that means that the only way the staff is getting anything is if Carnival pays them. I hope they do.

Without the stalwart crew, going above and beyond for "their" passengers, their misery would have been tenfold. If Carnival does not do right by their dedicated crew, I am sure you will hear the passengers outcry.

One story I read was, one cabin steward sleeping in the hallway, right by his charges, to be at the ready if needed. Kudo's indeed.

CNBC said that pax were getting comp'd all onboard expenses other than casino charges, so to me that would include tips.

Splendor engine fire they also comp'd onboard expenses.

(odd you never see this from the media when mentioning compensation and in some cases this could be a significant amount)

Hey Carnival how about a Bonus for the staff on that cruise!!! They sure do deserve it!!

Major props to the staff!