Buckaroo's Dad
<font color=green>Will suffer in happiness rather
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2002
- Messages
- 1,960
Yes, the second family in line. We traded war stories with the first family (no, their name wasn't Bush) and eventually entertained an ample section of early arrivees willing to listen to anything just to make the time pass. I was going to test this theory by pivoting from the story of our travels into a lecture on quantum physics, except for the fact that I don't know what the word "quantum" means. And my one and only run-in with physics took place as a senior in high-school. If you look at it like a contest, physics won...
Early arrival to port is well worth the pre-sunrise effort. The magnificence of the DCL terminal itself is all too often lost within the whirlwind of activity generated by the cruise components housed within its mammoth frame. Much like viewing the heavens at night, the sheer magnitude of the cruise terminal is humbling. The two rows of pillars, reminiscent of larger-than-life Tara-esque chestnut trees, line the hallowed halls of mousedom with a grandeur far surpassing all other cruise lines. Of course, my only two cruises have been on the Disney Magic Western Caribbean, so my opinion offers more bias than fact...
"Buckaroo" was more excited than I was, and I could barely stand still. Looking at me, people probably thought nature was screaming in my ear - so to speak. Although second in line, we were not the second family to board the Magic. We elbowed the family ahead of us into a different time zone and boarded first. Just joking! Actually, even the first family in line isn't the first to board any given sailing. You see, DCL allows for all disabled passengers and concierge-level guests to enter first. I can understand the segregation of those with disabilities, especially individuals suffering mobility issues. But I cannot fathom any justification regarding category 1 through 3 cruisers being equivalently challenged. Those people with handicaps should be permitted to board before the concierge crowd, not with them. The courtesy of early boarding should never be a matter of how much someone paid. Such a philosophy would place the unethical WorldCom executive ahead of any of their victims. Just a thought...
We walked along the gangway, my heart pounding like a young lover about to ask one of life's milestone questions, "You wanna supersize that?" Ok, ok. Enough with the contrived statements. As we approached the Magic's threshold, a CM sporting a mostly- virgin-white uniform greeted us with a smile and a "Welcome aboard! Your name please?" When she announced our arrival over the speaker system, our family was struck with thunderous applause. Feeling like a religious icon attaining rock-star status, I waved into the spotlight of adoring fans. A breathless entrance, if I do say so myself. Yeah, yeah. So, it wasn't really "thunderous" applause. A couple of claps. And those were probably left over from the disabled and concierge cruisers...
Well, at least we were now underway.
Having been associated with the Dis boards since prior to booking our second cruise, I didn't have to stand around with the proverbial thumb tucked vertically up the proverbial crevice trying to figure out what our next move should be. "Buckaroo" came with me so I could schedule spa appointments while DM headed over to Topsiders. We were, again, the second family in line at the door to the Vista Spa. I could almost smell the fresh creams and herbal essences emanating from the treatment rooms - since there was no way those scents could have been coming from the woman standing in front of me. All she was missing was a fire under her feet and an apple in her mouth...
I got the spa appointments at the times I wanted on the days I wanted - our two at-sea days. The massage therapist I had during our first cruise was no longer onboard the Magic. The spa hostess who helped me with the reservations emphatically recommended Erin from Canada. Without hesitation, I agreed. Not for a want or need of all things Erin, but rather, there was a shrimp buffet waiting for me in Topsiders and I was getting anxious. What if Andy quickly changed his cruise reservation to today? The shrimp would already be history! Or what if Rae snuck onboard in a hugh "Fidelio" display. The shrimp would already be history! As you can plainly see, there is a not-so-subtle common denominator in this regard. A new line of Gump advertising might well be: SHRIMP - IT MATTERS...
Our first night's dinner was in Lumineres - same as last year. We don't entertain any dining rotation preference, so our family was content just to begin the pampering! Our table (#72 I think) was located mid-rear of the restaurant: halfway from pretty much everything. It provided an obstructed view with nothing to see save the heads of fellow cruisers row upon row. Our tablemates so far were a mother/daughter duo. I'd guess the mother was in her late 60s and her daughter, late 40s. They both looked horny.
After introductions I glanced around our immediate area. The 10-to-12 seat table to our starboard was quiet. Too quiet. "Ah ha, better be careful," I thought. "Must be mindreaders!" They all turned to look at me. Nah, not really. Another stretch of imagery for entertainment purposes - and, to check and see if you're still with me...
Turns out the cruisers at the quiet table were hearing impaired. I can remember when such souls were called "deaf." My, times have changed. Too politically correct for me to ever run for public office. Besides, I'd just as soon run from public office! Anyway. An interpreter accompanied them in order to assist their serving team who we shared.
A family of 3 was soon ushered over to our table. Disers! TiggerUK. The lovely Gaynor, her dashing DH Simon and their absolutely delightful DD Emily. During introductions Gaynor said to Simon, "THIS is the gentleman I was telling you about from the message boards." I had visions of yet another British offensive launched against the US. Well, that's a bit overdone - eh Simon? lol. What I really meant was I thought perhaps Simon had been offended by at least one of my posts (anyone missing a remark?), and was now prepared to do cream pies at no paces. But that didn't happen, thank goodness. Nor did Simon ask for an autograph. So I'd say our first meeting was a comfortable distance between a revival of The Boston Tea Party and The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth...
Time passes quickly when Disers meet. Our mother/daughter tablemates were receiving their entrees. As a matter of fact, all the other tables in Lumineres had already been served the main course. Except TiggerUK and us. Last time we had any interaction with our server was when she brought over the menus. Looking around, I noticed she was trying to communicate with the quiet table. The meals were continuing as we sat in awe at the utter lack of service. The mother/daughter team advised us they had complained - prior to our arrival - which was why they had been served ahead of us. After bringing us water, the assistant server literally disappeared. Geez - her last name wasn't even Copperfield!
The server (whose name I still don't know) finally appeared at our table. It was apparent that she was overwhelmed working the quiet table - whose interpreter had disappeared. (Humm - with the assistant server perhaps?). I almost felt sorry for the server, but seeing as the cruise wasn't free, my sympathy dissipated before it began. Finally the head server arrived. We were just being served our appetizers. "Buckaroo" and Emily - both exceptionally tolerant children with matching behaviour - were hungry. They had yet to receive anything. Not even some bread! The mother/daughter duo were now finishing their dessert. Our head waiter smiled. That friggin smile - it was an immediate warning that I was about to receive the verbal equivalent of a $10 Rolex. He stated that since the two women were among the first to enter Lumineres that evening, and since they had complained first about the service, the servers had been directed to take care of them before anyone else. Needless to say, my feelings were correct, but $10 was vastly expensive for the BS this guy was trying to feed us...
It became painfully apparent that Gaynor and I were not communicating at all with the head waiter. We were speaking English. He was speaking bullship. Even the non-dynamic mother/daughter duo insisted their request was for the entire table. Eventually, we received dinner. It wasn't fun.
A capable server and assistant server can transform your cruise into a magical experience. A lackluster server and assistant server can fulfill your basic dining needs. An inept server and assistant server belong on Carnival Cruise Line...
The mother/daughter team bid us farewell before our main fare arrived. After dinner, we joined Gaynor and Simon at guest services to register our complaints regarding our serving team/dinner. The CM at guest services was surprisingly adept at handling controversy. He immediately contacted the diningroom supervisor. This gentleman had already been alerted to the problem. I believe the tip-off was when part of our table was 4 courses behind everyone else on a 3 course meal, so to speak. The supervisor asked what we would like. I glanced around and didn't see any potentially naked ladies, so I figured THAT wasn't going to be an option...
The TiggerUK party and the Buckaroo's Dad party were in agreement. We wanted to remain as tablemates but have a different serving team with a more suitable head waiter. TiggerUK was on their first cruise. This was our second. I told the supervisor my preference was a server like Richi - someone who took the time to make everyone feel "at home." As soon as I mentioned Richi's name, the supervisor smiled and said, "Ah, yes. An excellent server. Very attentive." I was sorry when Richi advised us at the conclusion of our first cruise that he would be leaving the Magic to complete his schooling in the hospitality sciences with the intention of then returning to the Disney family. Imagine my surprise when the supervisor replied that Richi had just left after the previous sailing and would eventually be returning. Darn! (to have missed him). He is beyond terrific and most assuredly made our first cruise the most memorable in Buckaroo's Dad's family history...
I didn't know we had to specify "capable" as far as choosing a server/assistant server was concerned. Having requested to be as far away from the initial team/head waiter as possible, TiggerUK and us were blessed with Mack at a table within spitting distance of the first. We were also assigned a new head waiter. I don't recall his name, but the dear gentleman sported rather distinct black-rimmed eyeglasses. After the first night's fiasco, EVERYONE stopped by to make sure our dinner and service was satisfactory. In the capable hands of Mack everything was, as Richi would have had me say, excellent...
Like most Disers, I think upon my DCL experiences in fond hope of continuing next year where my family and I left off this year. On our first cruise, we didn't have to contend with less-than-satisfactory anything. However, the server situation was rectified both immediately and to our complete satisfaction. Improvements or other recommendations? It would be appreciated if a compassionate crew member was to send me information concerning the when and where of that orgy. I trust it's not a concierge-only event! If so, in the spirit of fair play, I wonder if disabled cruisers are also allowed to attend? Well, enough about orgies. Besides - if I were to continue, yours truly would have to be his own moderator and lock the thread on himself...
Happy cruising to one and all...
Early arrival to port is well worth the pre-sunrise effort. The magnificence of the DCL terminal itself is all too often lost within the whirlwind of activity generated by the cruise components housed within its mammoth frame. Much like viewing the heavens at night, the sheer magnitude of the cruise terminal is humbling. The two rows of pillars, reminiscent of larger-than-life Tara-esque chestnut trees, line the hallowed halls of mousedom with a grandeur far surpassing all other cruise lines. Of course, my only two cruises have been on the Disney Magic Western Caribbean, so my opinion offers more bias than fact...
"Buckaroo" was more excited than I was, and I could barely stand still. Looking at me, people probably thought nature was screaming in my ear - so to speak. Although second in line, we were not the second family to board the Magic. We elbowed the family ahead of us into a different time zone and boarded first. Just joking! Actually, even the first family in line isn't the first to board any given sailing. You see, DCL allows for all disabled passengers and concierge-level guests to enter first. I can understand the segregation of those with disabilities, especially individuals suffering mobility issues. But I cannot fathom any justification regarding category 1 through 3 cruisers being equivalently challenged. Those people with handicaps should be permitted to board before the concierge crowd, not with them. The courtesy of early boarding should never be a matter of how much someone paid. Such a philosophy would place the unethical WorldCom executive ahead of any of their victims. Just a thought...
We walked along the gangway, my heart pounding like a young lover about to ask one of life's milestone questions, "You wanna supersize that?" Ok, ok. Enough with the contrived statements. As we approached the Magic's threshold, a CM sporting a mostly- virgin-white uniform greeted us with a smile and a "Welcome aboard! Your name please?" When she announced our arrival over the speaker system, our family was struck with thunderous applause. Feeling like a religious icon attaining rock-star status, I waved into the spotlight of adoring fans. A breathless entrance, if I do say so myself. Yeah, yeah. So, it wasn't really "thunderous" applause. A couple of claps. And those were probably left over from the disabled and concierge cruisers...
Well, at least we were now underway.
Having been associated with the Dis boards since prior to booking our second cruise, I didn't have to stand around with the proverbial thumb tucked vertically up the proverbial crevice trying to figure out what our next move should be. "Buckaroo" came with me so I could schedule spa appointments while DM headed over to Topsiders. We were, again, the second family in line at the door to the Vista Spa. I could almost smell the fresh creams and herbal essences emanating from the treatment rooms - since there was no way those scents could have been coming from the woman standing in front of me. All she was missing was a fire under her feet and an apple in her mouth...
I got the spa appointments at the times I wanted on the days I wanted - our two at-sea days. The massage therapist I had during our first cruise was no longer onboard the Magic. The spa hostess who helped me with the reservations emphatically recommended Erin from Canada. Without hesitation, I agreed. Not for a want or need of all things Erin, but rather, there was a shrimp buffet waiting for me in Topsiders and I was getting anxious. What if Andy quickly changed his cruise reservation to today? The shrimp would already be history! Or what if Rae snuck onboard in a hugh "Fidelio" display. The shrimp would already be history! As you can plainly see, there is a not-so-subtle common denominator in this regard. A new line of Gump advertising might well be: SHRIMP - IT MATTERS...
Our first night's dinner was in Lumineres - same as last year. We don't entertain any dining rotation preference, so our family was content just to begin the pampering! Our table (#72 I think) was located mid-rear of the restaurant: halfway from pretty much everything. It provided an obstructed view with nothing to see save the heads of fellow cruisers row upon row. Our tablemates so far were a mother/daughter duo. I'd guess the mother was in her late 60s and her daughter, late 40s. They both looked horny.
After introductions I glanced around our immediate area. The 10-to-12 seat table to our starboard was quiet. Too quiet. "Ah ha, better be careful," I thought. "Must be mindreaders!" They all turned to look at me. Nah, not really. Another stretch of imagery for entertainment purposes - and, to check and see if you're still with me...
Turns out the cruisers at the quiet table were hearing impaired. I can remember when such souls were called "deaf." My, times have changed. Too politically correct for me to ever run for public office. Besides, I'd just as soon run from public office! Anyway. An interpreter accompanied them in order to assist their serving team who we shared.
A family of 3 was soon ushered over to our table. Disers! TiggerUK. The lovely Gaynor, her dashing DH Simon and their absolutely delightful DD Emily. During introductions Gaynor said to Simon, "THIS is the gentleman I was telling you about from the message boards." I had visions of yet another British offensive launched against the US. Well, that's a bit overdone - eh Simon? lol. What I really meant was I thought perhaps Simon had been offended by at least one of my posts (anyone missing a remark?), and was now prepared to do cream pies at no paces. But that didn't happen, thank goodness. Nor did Simon ask for an autograph. So I'd say our first meeting was a comfortable distance between a revival of The Boston Tea Party and The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth...
Time passes quickly when Disers meet. Our mother/daughter tablemates were receiving their entrees. As a matter of fact, all the other tables in Lumineres had already been served the main course. Except TiggerUK and us. Last time we had any interaction with our server was when she brought over the menus. Looking around, I noticed she was trying to communicate with the quiet table. The meals were continuing as we sat in awe at the utter lack of service. The mother/daughter team advised us they had complained - prior to our arrival - which was why they had been served ahead of us. After bringing us water, the assistant server literally disappeared. Geez - her last name wasn't even Copperfield!
The server (whose name I still don't know) finally appeared at our table. It was apparent that she was overwhelmed working the quiet table - whose interpreter had disappeared. (Humm - with the assistant server perhaps?). I almost felt sorry for the server, but seeing as the cruise wasn't free, my sympathy dissipated before it began. Finally the head server arrived. We were just being served our appetizers. "Buckaroo" and Emily - both exceptionally tolerant children with matching behaviour - were hungry. They had yet to receive anything. Not even some bread! The mother/daughter duo were now finishing their dessert. Our head waiter smiled. That friggin smile - it was an immediate warning that I was about to receive the verbal equivalent of a $10 Rolex. He stated that since the two women were among the first to enter Lumineres that evening, and since they had complained first about the service, the servers had been directed to take care of them before anyone else. Needless to say, my feelings were correct, but $10 was vastly expensive for the BS this guy was trying to feed us...
It became painfully apparent that Gaynor and I were not communicating at all with the head waiter. We were speaking English. He was speaking bullship. Even the non-dynamic mother/daughter duo insisted their request was for the entire table. Eventually, we received dinner. It wasn't fun.
A capable server and assistant server can transform your cruise into a magical experience. A lackluster server and assistant server can fulfill your basic dining needs. An inept server and assistant server belong on Carnival Cruise Line...
The mother/daughter team bid us farewell before our main fare arrived. After dinner, we joined Gaynor and Simon at guest services to register our complaints regarding our serving team/dinner. The CM at guest services was surprisingly adept at handling controversy. He immediately contacted the diningroom supervisor. This gentleman had already been alerted to the problem. I believe the tip-off was when part of our table was 4 courses behind everyone else on a 3 course meal, so to speak. The supervisor asked what we would like. I glanced around and didn't see any potentially naked ladies, so I figured THAT wasn't going to be an option...
The TiggerUK party and the Buckaroo's Dad party were in agreement. We wanted to remain as tablemates but have a different serving team with a more suitable head waiter. TiggerUK was on their first cruise. This was our second. I told the supervisor my preference was a server like Richi - someone who took the time to make everyone feel "at home." As soon as I mentioned Richi's name, the supervisor smiled and said, "Ah, yes. An excellent server. Very attentive." I was sorry when Richi advised us at the conclusion of our first cruise that he would be leaving the Magic to complete his schooling in the hospitality sciences with the intention of then returning to the Disney family. Imagine my surprise when the supervisor replied that Richi had just left after the previous sailing and would eventually be returning. Darn! (to have missed him). He is beyond terrific and most assuredly made our first cruise the most memorable in Buckaroo's Dad's family history...
I didn't know we had to specify "capable" as far as choosing a server/assistant server was concerned. Having requested to be as far away from the initial team/head waiter as possible, TiggerUK and us were blessed with Mack at a table within spitting distance of the first. We were also assigned a new head waiter. I don't recall his name, but the dear gentleman sported rather distinct black-rimmed eyeglasses. After the first night's fiasco, EVERYONE stopped by to make sure our dinner and service was satisfactory. In the capable hands of Mack everything was, as Richi would have had me say, excellent...
Like most Disers, I think upon my DCL experiences in fond hope of continuing next year where my family and I left off this year. On our first cruise, we didn't have to contend with less-than-satisfactory anything. However, the server situation was rectified both immediately and to our complete satisfaction. Improvements or other recommendations? It would be appreciated if a compassionate crew member was to send me information concerning the when and where of that orgy. I trust it's not a concierge-only event! If so, in the spirit of fair play, I wonder if disabled cruisers are also allowed to attend? Well, enough about orgies. Besides - if I were to continue, yours truly would have to be his own moderator and lock the thread on himself...
Happy cruising to one and all...
