Cruise staff turnover rate?

[moomy-san]

So, I've been reading the trip reports and I'm getting a bit freaked out. Some people LOOOOVE their wait staff and room stewards, others say they were barely adequate. We are sailing Alaska on the Wonder next May- in your experiences, how much of the staff that is there now in 2010 will still be there in 2011?
Maybe I'm worrying about nothing, but this is our first cruise, and we have 2 kids. I want this experience to be OTT for everyone involved. If we get one of the servers that don't interact with our kids or stewards that won't help us out I'm worried it will put put a damper on things. Please, calm my fears!

 

[natale1980]

Unfortunately this is one of those things you can't plan for.
We've had amazing Cast-members and then those who are not so great. The only thing I can tell you for sure is that the really great cast-members enhanced the trip - BUT - the not so great ones didn't really ruin it.

I know they are on contracts but I'm not sure how long they last. I also know that the surveys really do count and I've heard that the better cast members move up in categories on the ship depending on how well they do.
We had a cat 9 in 2009 and had an amazing room steward, he made it seem like we were the only guests he had to take care of. He was AWESOME! This year I saw him cleaning the rooms of the higher category cabins (I guess he got promoted).

Enjoy your cruise. You'll have a great time even if your room isn't cleaned first or your server doesn't tell jokes.

-nat

 

[Melcatfish]

Also, rmeember that in recent trip reports you are seeing a lot of new staff who are either being trained or newly trained as they are preparing for the arrival of the Dream. Now it isn't an exact science but those who have been with DCL longer and are very competant at the standard job requirements then develop their "magical moments"skills.

Just to echo the previous poster - amazing over the top service can add a lot to the trip but in general the staff are all good and just plain good service won't detract from your cruise. I love the Dis but I think we read so much about peoples OTT service and experience that good somehow seems not enough when you have read about someones out of this world experience.

Mel
x

 

[htmlkid]

How was it???

 

[jkrislc]

Contracts are usuall 6-8 months. However, service will likely improve once the Wonder moves to a 7 day schedule. I think the staff get burned out faster on 3/4 day cruises then on the 7 day cruises. Just think about it from a work load standpoint of having to turn over the ship to a new group of guests. You do it twice a week with 3/4 day cruises, but only once a week with 7 day cruises.