Stateroom host Duties

[Oodalally13]

Totally off topic but gathering info should I ever want to do a cruise....is a room attendant and their services exactly the same as the staff that cleans a hotel room?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Totally off topic but gathering info should I ever want to do a cruise....is a room attendant and their services exactly the same as the staff that cleans a hotel room?

Can't speak to "exactly", but they clean the room, make the beds, clean the bathrooms, leave fresh towels/toiletries, and assist with baggage distribution/pick up on embarkation/debarkation days.

They also help out in other areas onboard (like the muster stations, for example), when necessary, so it's possible you will see them elsewhere.

 

[Oodalally13]

Can't speak to "exactly", but they clean the room, make the beds, clean the bathrooms, leave fresh towels/toiletries, and assist with baggage distribution/pick up on embarkation/debarkation days.

They also help out in other areas onboard (like the muster stations, for example), when necessary, so it's possible you will see them elsewhere.

Wow. And they EXPECT tips? And get annoying when they think they are going to get less? Dang, already puts a sour taste in my mouth about cruises. I consider those services part of the cost of a hotel and would think the same of a cruise.

 

[flyersfan1129]

Wow. And they EXPECT tips? And get annoying when they think they are going to get less? Dang, already puts a sour taste in my mouth about cruises. I consider those services part of the cost of a hotel and would think the same of a cruise.

The cruise cabin attendants are paid a very, very low wage. We tipped our cabin host every day, and gave extra in his envelope on BOTH cruises. They were nothing short of amazing in our opinion. We asked for ice every day on the first day, and had it. In fact, everything we asked for was never a problem. They really do provide so much more than just housekeeping. We also tip housekeeping when we stay in a hotel.

 

[Starwind]

Thank you so much Starwind for taking the time to explain your reasons and I appreciate that!
Allergies were never even a consideration when I was thinking so why not?! Everyday is a school day!

Wishing you all the best for your stay in the hyatt Pure room and an amazing cruise!

Thank you, and you're welcome. Always good to gain new perspectives / learn new things !

-SW

 

[owensamo]

When we travel to hotels, we usually put out the Do Not Disturb sign for the duration - mostly because we're messy, we like to know no one's been in our stuff, and we have no idea day to day who will service our room.

But we rarely use the door sign on a cruise. The Stateroom Hosts do so much more than what I've had land hotel host/hostesses do.

The stateroom host will take care of your room for the duration of the cruise, so you have an opportunity to get to know them - and for them to get to know you. Whenever we've cruised, not only have they made up the beds and done turn-down service, but they also tidy up things (organizing things on the desk, hanging lanyards on the lights, etc). They deliver stateroom gifts - both on the first day, and throughout the cruise (for DVC members, etc). They provide the next day's navigators, any other paperwork/documentation you need throughout your cruise (tip envelopes, etc.), as well as creating awesome towel animals at turn-down. They get to know your habits and timing, and get into a schedule quickly to work around the times for the cabins they clean.

Our room hosts have always been personable, friendly in the halls, kind to our children, and interested in making our stay enjoyable. There are few hotels on land where I can genuinely say I've enjoyed similar service - and that includes Disney hotels.

 

[Starwind]

The chair will have to be removed from the room if you are going to be able to get into the drawers.

I was thinking maybe putting the big chair parallel alongside the sofa, with the open end facing the murphy bed where my sister can put things on it.

But really not sure.

-SW

 

[C6PT7]

Wow. And they EXPECT tips? And get annoying when they think they are going to get less? Dang, already puts a sour taste in my mouth about cruises. I consider those services part of the cost of a hotel and would think the same of a cruise.

With respect, it's most likely no less annoying than those that book a cruise, do no research and do not realize that tipping is a part of cruising and not staying at a hotel and refuse to pay the standardized and recommended tip.

At least you know $12 per day, per person is expected as a tip split between your cabin attendant, head waiter, main server and assistant server.

I think I read they earn somewhere around $50 a month from at least DCL. Not sure about other lines?

 

[dittymau]

Wow. And they EXPECT tips? And get annoying when they think they are going to get less? Dang, already puts a sour taste in my mouth about cruises. I consider those services part of the cost of a hotel and would think the same of a cruise.

An example - On the Magic, our room host Calvin was awesome. The beverage coolers were lame, but I heard to put ice in Gallon zip bags and place them on the wine and beer, perfect and would not leak (coolers not allowed). When I had asked Calvin For ice, he knew exactly what I was up to and then for 7 days, twice a day he replaced the ice. My wife likes to hang everything. So as many hangers as the closet would hold. Our TA had sent us a magnetic message board, we would leave him a note on the door, and consider it done. I was amazed how often he would appear at the right time, never obtrusive, and the most courteous steward I have ever experienced. I have traveled the world, and used to consider the service in Asian hotels to be spectacular (Ritz Carlton for one) fantastic, but the service by Calvin on the Magic? Spectacularly Magical! BTW my wife insisted we tip Calvin double the recommended amount, as his service was greatly appreciated.

 

[lbgraves]

I was thinking maybe putting the big chair parallel alongside the sofa, with the open end facing the murphy bed where my sister can put things on it.

But really not sure.

-SW

You could put it in front of the sofa, but there won't be room next to the sofa when the murphy bed is out since that takes up the space between the sofa end and the wall/porthole. The coffee table/storage chest will be in that space as well. You could put it next to the bed in front of the night stand then get in and out of the bed on the other side I suppose.

 

[bumbershoot]

Wow. And they EXPECT tips? And get annoying when they think they are going to get less? Dang, already puts a sour taste in my mouth about cruises. I consider those services part of the cost of a hotel and would think the same of a cruise.

Many people do not feel that those are "part of the cost of a hotel", and they tip housekeeping.

On cruiselines YES it is expected. By the attendants *and by the cruise line*. That's why they include tips automatically on your onboard charges (if you haven't prepaid them). With cruise lines, tips are part of the actual compensation of the person, and if you go and remove those tips, their managers are going to wonder why, and you could very well end up getting that person fired. All because you philosophically don't like it. So please don't do that.

assist with baggage distribution/pick up on embarkation/debarkation days.

They also help out in other areas onboard (like the muster stations, for example), when necessary

And those things are very much NOT part of a hotel's service. You have attendants hauling everyone's luggage to/into staterooms then the oppoisite on the last night. You have them helping in many others ways. They work nonstop, what seems like 24/7. You don't see that at hotels; at hotels they generally work a set number of hours and then they are gone.

Room attendants also have the beds pretty when you get onboard the ship, then in the evening while you're at dinner/shows/out they get them ready for you to sleep in. This means pulling Murphy beds down out of walls and/or ceiling beds down from there (and making them and making them pretty), getting the Navigators out for you, maybe if they have time making a towel animal for you, etc. Next day while you're out for the day, they put all that away so the room is day-ready for you. In the evening, it comes back out again. etc. It's a LOT of work.


My aunt worked as a housekeeper at one point in her 50s, in a timeshare type of place. She couldn't do it; it was too much work in too short a time, and they only had 3 rooms. My aunt is a hard hard worker, but physically it wasn't possible for her. From her I learned how hard it is to be a housekeeper at a hotel, and on a ship I would say it's about twice the world. And they go MONTHS without seeing their families.

 

[Oodalally13]

The cruise cabin attendants are paid a very, very low wage. We tipped our cabin host every day, and gave extra in his envelope on BOTH cruises. They were nothing short of amazing in our opinion. We asked for ice every day on the first day, and had it. In fact, everything we asked for was never a problem. They really do provide so much more than just housekeeping. We also tip housekeeping when we stay in a hotel.

With respect, it's most likely no less annoying than those that book a cruise, do no research and do not realize that tipping is a part of cruising and not staying at a hotel and refuse to pay the standardized and recommended tip.

At least you know $12 per day, per person is expected as a tip split between your cabin attendant, head waiter, main server and assistant server.

I think I read they earn somewhere around $50 a month from at least DCL. Not sure about other lines?

An example - On the Magic, our room host Calvin was awesome. The beverage coolers were lame, but I heard to put ice in Gallon zip bags and place them on the wine and beer, perfect and would not leak (coolers not allowed). When I had asked Calvin For ice, he knew exactly what I was up to and then for 7 days, twice a day he replaced the ice. My wife likes to hang everything. So as many hangers as the closet would hold. Our TA had sent us a magnetic message board, we would leave him a note on the door, and consider it done. I was amazed how often he would appear at the right time, never obtrusive, and the most courteous steward I have ever experienced. I have traveled the world, and used to consider the service in Asian hotels to be spectacular (Ritz Carlton for one) fantastic, but the service by Calvin on the Magic? Spectacularly Magical! BTW my wife insisted we tip Calvin double the recommended amount, as his service was greatly appreciated.

Many people do not feel that those are "part of the cost of a hotel", and they tip housekeeping.

On cruiselines YES it is expected. By the attendants *and by the cruise line*. That's why they include tips automatically on your onboard charges (if you haven't prepaid them). With cruise lines, tips are part of the actual compensation of the person, and if you go and remove those tips, their managers are going to wonder why, and you could very well end up getting that person fired. All because you philosophically don't like it. So please don't do that.



And those things are very much NOT part of a hotel's service. You have attendants hauling everyone's luggage to/into staterooms then the oppoisite on the last night. You have them helping in many others ways. They work nonstop, what seems like 24/7. You don't see that at hotels; at hotels they generally work a set number of hours and then they are gone.

Room attendants also have the beds pretty when you get onboard the ship, then in the evening while you're at dinner/shows/out they get them ready for you to sleep in. This means pulling Murphy beds down out of walls and/or ceiling beds down from there (and making them and making them pretty), getting the Navigators out for you, maybe if they have time making a towel animal for you, etc. Next day while you're out for the day, they put all that away so the room is day-ready for you. In the evening, it comes back out again. etc. It's a LOT of work.


My aunt worked as a housekeeper at one point in her 50s, in a timeshare type of place. She couldn't do it; it was too much work in too short a time, and they only had 3 rooms. My aunt is a hard hard worker, but physically it wasn't possible for her. From her I learned how hard it is to be a housekeeper at a hotel, and on a ship I would say it's about twice the world. And they go MONTHS without seeing their families.

Sorry but I don't go for this pity party of "oh it's part of their wages" or "oh they are away from their families". They took on the job. There are a million others. Im a teacher and Compared to other states and schools get paid less but no one tips us. we don't even get gifts. Stay late after school and tutor Johnny? That's nice, no extra pay or time off. Susanna wants help filling out scholarship and fafsa papers? How kind of a teacher to help, but no tips! Spend hours or days away from family chaperoning student trips? Part of duties, no extra pay. Please don't tell me "oh but it's because you love your kids, that's the real pay" because then I'll gladly say that they should love their sheets, towels, vacuum and get over the wage.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Sorry but I don't go for this pity party of "oh it's part of their wages" or "oh they are away from their families". They took on the job. There are a million others. Im a teacher and Compared to other states and schools get paid less but no one tips us. we don't even get gifts. Stay late after school and tutor Johnny? That's nice, no extra pay or time off. Susanna wants help filling out scholarship and fafsa papers? How kind of a teacher to help, but no tips! Spend hours or days away from family chaperoning student trips? Part of duties, no extra pay. Please don't tell me "oh but it's because you love your kids, that's the real pay" because then I'll gladly say that they should love their sheets, towels, vacuum and get over the wage.

Yes, they took the job. They took the job knowing that tips are part of the payment package. That's how it's always been in the cruise industry. They take minimal pay jobs, with long times away from their families, knowing that if they do a good job, they'll get "extra" pay. That's why most crew members onboard ships are so good. They know that they have to be.

So, just because you don't get tips, you don't tip anyone else? Maybe cruising isn't the vacation for you.

 

[tink too]

I don't tip because I pity the staff, I tip because I appreciate them and all they do on board for us.

 

[dittymau]

Sorry but I don't go for this pity party of "oh it's part of their wages" or "oh they are away from their families". They took on the job. There are a million others. Im a teacher and Compared to other states and schools get paid less but no one tips us. we don't even get gifts. Stay late after school and tutor Johnny? That's nice, no extra pay or time off. Susanna wants help filling out scholarship and fafsa papers? How kind of a teacher to help, but no tips! Spend hours or days away from family chaperoning student trips? Part of duties, no extra pay. Please don't tell me "oh but it's because you love your kids, that's the real pay" because then I'll gladly say that they should love their sheets, towels, vacuum and get over the wage.

Oh wow, that is some post!!! Let's get into he nitty gritty details and how cruise "tipping" came to be... Ships are registered in foreign ports so the cruise line can advantageously have the tax advantages of being offshore and also abod by much lenient maritime law. Cruise staff are not paid a "wage" because let's say they were paid when docked in a us port, would be subject to us taxes, employment law, and on and on... Since the 50's as best I can tell, crew is paid by tips so as to 1) relieve the cruise line from paying taxes and such and 2) passing the increased cost to the paying passengers. Perhaps you would just raise the fare to cover all expenses for crew??? This is common business practice for the industry for decades, if you wish to re-write the book, but a cruise line and go for it! That is why gratuities are paid out in international waters before docking. I am sorry, but you reap what you sow, when I vacation, I spread the "blessing" of my earnings so we can enjoy the most wonderful experience possible, and if spreading cash around makes that happen, make it rain!!! I always go on vacation with $100 in singles an $2 bills, because it's not tipping I believe in, it's Overtipping!!! (Stole that one from Steve Martin). Sorry, but the world is not about you, people take care of you, you take care of people...

 

[Dug720]

Yes, they took the job. They took the job knowing that tips are part of the payment package. That's how it's always been in the cruise industry. They take minimal pay jobs, with long times away from their families, knowing that if they do a good job, they'll get "extra" pay. That's why most crew members onboard ships are so good. They know that they have to be.

So, just because you don't get tips, you don't tip anyone else? Maybe cruising isn't the vacation for you.

Agree 100% Shmoo! I also hope that the poster doesn't eat out at restaurants or participate in any other activities where tipping is standard.

Tips uses to be a lot more. I remember when we went on the Emerald Seas back when I was in 6th grade they weren't automatically charged to the room...there was a suggested amount and no one even thought of not tipping. My parents had envelopes set aside just for that, and while I don't remember the exact amount, $12/person/day wouldn't even begin to cover it.

FWIW, I teach also, so no tips for me. But I knew that going in. Tips are NOT part of a teacher's job. They ARE part of certain cruise line jobs. As has been stated, removal of tips DOES reflect badly on the server or attendant - management is not going to assume someone would remove the tips without reason...and they are never going to assume that it was just someone who didn't believe tips were required, especially with them automatically added to your account. The assumption will be that the server or attendant did something wrong. Best-case is they will be much more highly scrutinized on future cruises, even if they got stellar reviews from all their other cabins. Worst-case is they are separated from the company.

 

[C6PT7]

Sorry but I don't go for this pity party of "oh it's part of their wages" or "oh they are away from their families". They took on the job. There are a million others. Im a teacher and Compared to other states and schools get paid less but no one tips us. we don't even get gifts. Stay late after school and tutor Johnny? That's nice, no extra pay or time off. Susanna wants help filling out scholarship and fafsa papers? How kind of a teacher to help, but no tips! Spend hours or days away from family chaperoning student trips? Part of duties, no extra pay. Please don't tell me "oh but it's because you love your kids, that's the real pay" because then I'll gladly say that they should love their sheets, towels, vacuum and get over the wage.

Well touche Oodally13,

You signed a contract that said you were paid a certain wage to perform the duties of a teacher at X number of hours for this amount of money and that overtime was expected to support your pupils and no pay.

Those that sign a contract with most cruise lines sign a contract that states you will earn X amount or as little as $50 as I read a month and your salary is based upon your performance for tips working every day. We (the cruise line) suggest to the passenger that you should receive X amount per day per passenger.

Sorry, you sound like a disillusioned teacher annoyed with the world.

You both signed contracts, so why is your argument about being paid OVERTIME more important and valid than them being paid a SALARY because of your ignorance to researching about the cruise industry standards?

Now either you signed your contract in ignorance of what "extras" were included, or you are just bitter about it.

Sorry to call you out on this but your attitude towards this is reprehensible towards others being someone that is in charge or shaping young peoples minds.

 

[cashe]

we also usually put the DND sign up at hotels for the duration of our stay yet we ALWAYS leave note for housekeeping with AT LEAST $5/day of our stay. I always travel to vegas and even though I never have them clean my room, I will usually catch them in the hallway and ask for towels and a 4 day stay in a suite I will leave $20 at least. The typical tip is $2-3 a day for housekeeping, $1-2 per drink if drinks are included, $1-2 per bag for a porter (yet I always give $10-$15 if they are at the bell desk and I will be leaving my luggage till the room is ready) and *gasp* i tip the guys in the taxi line who just GET the taxi and open the door, typically a couple of dollars and if I'm in a good mood I'll throw a $5.

It's the tipping for the Sonic girls/boys who bring my food to the car or the starbucks barista in the drive thru that irks me. I do it (I'll leave the change leftover or give the sonic kid $1) but it ticks me off b/c I don't consider fast food a tipping position.

eta: I tip the pool attendants at pools who set up my chairs by the pool w/ towels also. $2-3 pp that they are setting up for. I've learned it gets you better service and remembered and ultimately it's not about WHAT you know, it's WHO you know

 

[kuhltiffany]

Our room host on the Magic had 15 staterooms to take care of I can't even imagine how she juggled it all!

 

[cashe]

Our room host on the Magic had 15 staterooms to take care of I can't even imagine how she juggled it all!

i can barely handle a 3k sq ft home. i can NOT imagine