Pushy drink slingers

[dvrdude]

It really grinds my gears when I'm lounging pool-side and have to rebuff the bar wait staff almost constantly. I encountered this behavior most recently on an NCL cruise, but suspect this practice of constantly swooping in to offer another drink is widespread. I realize, of course that the bar wait staff are payed/tipped based on quantity of drinks sold, but SHEESH! I feel like I have to constantly wear my shades in order to avoid inadvertant eye contact with the staff. Anyone else encountered this?

[DayvidB]

Nope, but yes as it is usually done on all ships in a way that looks like a service and a mild interruption to me reading my book.

Swooping, now that a different scenario, that would pee me off.

How bad was it?

[rinker250]

The only memory I have of being asked if I wanted a drink was while I was eating in the Lido.
It was welcome.

[mehawk]

Just say no.

[davidb08]

I know someone who was lead to belive that the drink offered to him was a free promotional drink but discovered on his bill that he had been charged for it.

[Paul B]

Not unless he signed for it.

[IBCRUZIN']

People have often complained on these boards about the waiters who push the drinks on the pool decks of just about every cruiseline.

For me, I am not bothered by it. In fact, when I want a drink, water, ashtray, etc., I appreciate that all it takes is some quick eye contact and I have the attention of a crewmember. I have found that a quick shake of my head or a quiet no will send the waitstaff on his or her way. I don't tend to read on the pool deck (too noisy) so I have never had my reading interrupted. Nor have I been overwhelmed by the staff.

IMO, they are there is you want a drink but can be ignored if you don't.

[justgr8fl2cruise]

Atually I did experience that on NCL and not just by the pool but all over the ship. The first thing they did when we were boarding was try to sell us wine.

The entire week was like that.

Looking back it's the only real complaint though. It was an awesome ship and and awesome trip.

[dvrdude]

Amen. NCL is the worst offender I've seen. "Just say "No"" is great in theory, but on my last NCL cruise it wasn't one offender it was an army of them. I've run the Rasta gauntlet at the pier in Ocho Rios without having to say "no, thank you" as much. I was told by fellow PAX on the Spirit that the waitstaff dips into the communal tip trough according to their sales rating. I don't know if it's true, but that would explain a lot

[thasic]

I noticed a lot of constant attempts at sales of various items on the Freedom. Mostly drinks but also jewelry, clothing items and the like. The people were not pushy or obtrusive, so I did not mind the gestures. I did kind of feel like they were going overboard with the number of offers.

[elfster]

Originally Posted by thasic

I noticed a lot of constant attempts at sales of various items on the Freedom. Mostly drinks but also jewelry, clothing items and the like. The people were not pushy or obtrusive, so I did not mind the gestures. I did kind of feel like they were going overboard with the number of offers.

The worse pushers are on land IMO. I've stayed at many time share resorts here in FL, and they are the worse at being intrusive and pushy...even calling your room early in the AM and trying to sell their pitch to come to a resort tour and buy.

I now leave detailed and strict instructions upon check-in that my family and I are NOT to be disturbed with any type of sales pitch.

[richstacy]

I've never experienced 'pushy drink slingers' on a ship, but if I did, I don't believe I would ever cruise that Line again.

[LynneeW]

Originally Posted by mehawk

Just say no.

Yeah, but you shouldn't have to say "No" every 5 freaking minutes!!!!

[rinker250]

In the Lido on HAL the server would come to our table each time we went there. He would point at where he would be standing and watching. All I had to do was raise a finger and boom!...he was there. And never before. It was perfect.

[richstacy]

rinker, that has been my experience on HAL too. I think it is is typical of HAL, Princess, Crystal the old Royal, and I understand Cunard, and Celebrity and I'm sure the more expensive lines as well.

I think the 'drink slinging' may occur apparently mostly on carnival and RCL.

[dvrdude]

I've never experienced the pushiness on HAL either. Their staff seems to have an inate sense about being "johnny-on-the-spot" without being intrusive. Wish more lines would train their personnel accordingly.

[Mike L]

Originally Posted by rinker250

In the Lido on HAL the server would come to our table each time we went there. He would point at where he would be standing and watching. All I had to do was raise a finger and boom!...he was there. And never before. It was perfect.

On the Veendam, after the first night, my drink was on the table each night when I arrived. Great service in the restraurant and I was never bothered at other times

[Ron n Jon]

This problem is simply solved when aboard Oceania. After the waiter/waitress asks if you would like a drink and you decline, he/she places a coaster on the table in front of you and turns it over so that the company logo is face down. That's it, when servers see that, no more soliciting.

[Mean Dean]

Ron,

I suppose if you changed your mind later, you could just flip the coaster for drink service.

Dean

[Ron n Jon]

Originally Posted by Mean Dean

Ron,

I suppose if you changed your mind later, you could just flip the coaster for drink service.

Dean

Yes sir, and I have been know to change my mind on many an occasion...

But seriously, a wave of the hand would do it. I really did apreciate this control system. Other lines should try it.

[rinker250]

I think the "less pushy" (pricier) lines have most of their costs covered.
It's the great rate ones that push additional purchases.

[Ron n Jon]

Originally Posted by rinker250

I think the "less pushy" (pricier) lines have most of their costs covered.
It's the great rate ones that push additional purchases.

Oceania contracts out it's bar service. Whomever implements the bar service does so as to not annoy the passengers with excessive and unwanted service which we all feel is self defeating. Those who have seen our previous postings on this subject know that we are not happy with the volume of the pouring by this group. But they at least know how to approach the customers if and only when they are ready.

[rinker250]

"this group"?

[Ron n Jon]

Originally Posted by rinker250

"this group"?

The group of employees who have the "franchise" to run the bar system. You seem to infer some sort of discrimination while I refer to those who operate the bar system.

[rinker250]

Was just asking.
To infer would be to assume...like you did

[Ron n Jon]

As with most of the world today, we withdraw to your superior firepower.

[rinker250]

I will speak for our many, many men and women in uniform.


You're welcome.

[DougR.]

OK!!! Time for confessions..........step into the booth please and tell Father Doug the truth ......How many of you would complain just as much if, at poolside, you had to constantly scan the horizon for an available waiter or worse, trudge to the bar?.....thought so!!!

Your penance: Attend the Art Auction and drink their cheap swill champange and you will be forgiven.

[justgr8fl2cruise]

I don't drink so I guess there's no hope for me at all......

[Surfguyxxx1]

No thanks!!!!