RCL - They have the Asst Waiter doing everything now
I was just on RCL's Jewel of the Seas for a B2B. I had a nice table for four with friends joining us. The cruise was fabulous except for my one gripe.
They now have the Assistant Waiter also being the wine steward.
The Assistant not only does the water, the bread (which they have to serve you individually), the ice tea, salad dressings etc., but now they have them being the wine steward as well.
It takes alot of time to keep track of the wine, bottles that were not used up the night before, seeing if the party still wants the same wine or something else, checking to see if the glasses are full.
What I'm saying is that they can't keep up with their regular job. It took my hubby a few nights before the waiter had to bring his ice tea. I always wanted earl grey tea instead of coffee and I was the last one to always get it and most of the time I had to ask. Okay maybe the assistant wasn't up to par, but I felt sorry for her, how much more can they do.
RCL is really cutting corners when it comes to service?
I mostly cruise Celebrity and recently I was just on the Century. They know how to do it right.
The waiter takes your order (women first), the assistant does the water, ice tea etc. They put a basket of bread on the table (much more efficient).
The drink person comes around (martinis, beer etc), then the official wine steward does his job...takes the order, tastes the wine before serving and refilling the glasses etc.
When it came to my tea at the end the assistant waiter brought around the box of teas for me to choose. Nice touch.
Has anyone else experienced the change in service with RCL?
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2008 Liberty OTS (Caribbean)
2007 Summit (Alaska)
2006 Century, Infinity (Panama Canal), Summit (Hawaii)
2005 Millenium, Voyager of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas B2B
2004 Explorer of the Seas, Constellation (Canada/New England)
2003 Horizon (Bermuda), Summit
2002 Explorer of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (Caribbean)
Have not noticed that the asst waiter was also the wine steward... on my last cruise in Oct... our waiter took care of our order for us.
I did notice that the asst comes around with a tray of breads now... rather than a basket or two being bought to the table after your seated. I am sure they are trying to eliminate waste and throwing away rolls, but wish they would return to placing them on the table.
Other than that... I have not noticed any other changes in the dining room service.
This was not the case last week on Mariner of the Seas. I wonder why it was on Jewel? Maybe it was a one-time thing? I agree the assistant waiter has enough to do without becoming the wine steward also.
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Mary Lou Scanlon
NCL Pride of America April 24, 2010
NCL Epic February 12, 2011
RCCL Allure of the Seas - September 18, 2011
Celebrity Eclipse - February 11, 2012:razz:
Last year, it took me 4-5 days to realize that the guy doing all the work was our asst waiter. We did still have a separate wine steward. We avoided the dining room this year so I dont know if things have changed.
I thought it was the main waiter, not the assistant, who deals with the wine now - at least that was the case on our last two cruises.
The reason for the "served" bread/rolls rather than a basket is to lessen the chances of someone coming down with norovirus (you know, oh, think I'll have this roll, nope, that one looks better and puts it back). Don't think they worry too much about waste - these things get stale pretty quick and need to be tossed anyway.
We were on JOS in December and found that the asst waiter was the wine steward. They did not have the wine we ordered and she could not assist in any way in suggesting an alternative. The wine steward is only there at the beginning of the cruise when they want to sell you a package. Then they are knowledgeable and very solicitous. After that they disappear and are replaced by the usual wait staff. On the postive side, the wine list was quite extensive (of course if they don't have it in stock they could list hundres of wine.) In May we will be with a group and will probably spring for a package because we will have help with polishing off the bottles. RCCL has definitely changed, but the prices are very competitive with what they were 10 yrs ago. The sacrifices we have to make!!
We were on JOS in December and found that the asst waiter was the wine steward. They did not have the wine we ordered and she could not assist in any way in suggesting an alternative. I have found that the RCCL wine steward is only there at the beginning of the cruise when they want to sell you a package. Then they are knowledgeable and very solicitous. After that they disappear and are replaced by the usual wait staff. In May we will be with a group and will probably spring for a package because we will have help with polishing off the bottles. RCCL has definitely changed, but the prices are very competitive with what they were 10 yrs ago. The sacrifices we have to make!!
Waiter did take our wine order ... and made suggestions at each meal. Asst waiter openned and poured the glasses of wine.... as he did with all other beverages on the table.... except for bar service.
Didn't notice this to be a problem.... except if you had Sprite or 7up..... the first night he refilled the water glass in the Sprite....
Yes, I have noticed a difference in RCI's approach to meal time service. I would agree that it is definitely not like it used to be.
I was on the Jewel Thanksgiving 2004. It took the assistant waiter until the third night to sometimes and sometimes not "remember" my beverage choice. Previously it was noted and delivered (sometimes with a confirming statement in case you had changed your mind) at the second night's seating. But then again there used to assigned seating for all the meals.
I agree that the bread does not have to hand delivered to each person.
But another post explains why this is more sanitary. I have seen adults pick up a roll and put it back.
No one at our table ordered wine, but it seemed nearly impossible to have cocktail service. Again each night we had to have our waiter hunt down the bartender. By dinner four I decided it was a sign to stop drinking at dinner. Saved me money! I bet RCI did not intend for that to happen!
I am seriously planning to check out Celebrity. I am getting more and more confirmation that the higher price is absolutely worth it. [/size]
RCL - They have the Asst Waiter doing everything now
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