When to make server requests?

[Dug720]

I've never actually put a request for a server on my reservation, but since I'm going back on the Fantasy in August, I would love to request my assistant server from my last Fantasy cruise. (I would love to request my whole service team, but I especially liked my assistant server).

Obviously it would depend on if she's still with DCL, on the Fantasy, and not on vacation - and would be only a request - but at what point should I put it on my reservation? ASAP? Or closer to the cruise? Also, do I call as I do other requests and/or dietary needs (gluten-free)? Or is there an email to use?

(Also, speaking of gluten-free... When you have it on for one cruise does that go on your account with DCL so that it is automatically there? Or do you need to call each cruise to verify and/or have it put on?)

Thanks!

 

[missyp]

You can put your serve request in at any time. If it is the assistant server you were most hoping to have again just put in a request for the assistant. Teams are changing all the time and chances are they are no longer a team. Putting in a request for both will probably get you the main server.
I would re-request gluten free before every cruise. If they do store that info it couldn't hurt to remind them.
I always put these types of requests in shortly after I make my reservation.

 

[clten]

You have to add your gluten-free request to every reservation, it does not carry over. We e-mail special services to note our allergies and server request. They seem to put the requests in the right place every time (before we started doing that, we would call in and request that they add the allergy/server request and it was 50/50 that it was put in the right spot so that the onboard team could see the request. I think some just put it in a notes section and that doesn't get seen onboard.) The res agents may have gotten better about putting the requests in the right spot but we don't chance it.

We put our request in about a month out but you can put it in earlier, once it's on the reservation, it will be there. The onboard team doesn't set up the seating arrangements until a couple weeks before the cruise so we just make sure it's there at the one month mark.

 

[Dug720]

Thanks! I'll go ahead and do it when I get home because I didn't bring the little slip with her full name on it to school with me. (I figure it can't hurt to put first and last name since I have it.)

And yeah...I'm just putting in the request for Maureen because of the team I had more interaction with her and liked her just a tad more. Besides...who knows? She might get promoted before August!

 

[Sytrace]

I sent it via email "contact " form on the DCL website a month or so before the cruise.
The first time I requested was a few cruises ago and I made the error of asking for them as a team. They had switched it up in between and of course vacations etc. so we did not end up with either.
The last time I requested the server (Ian) and we were thrilled to get him back again. They sent the usual response about my request NOT being guaranteed based on vacation schedules, promotions etc, but said they would do their best.

 

[Dug720]

I sent it via email "contact " form on the DCL website a month or so before the cruise.
The first time I requested was a few cruises ago and I made the error of asking for them as a team. They had switched it up in between and of course vacations etc. so we did not end up with either.
The last time I requested the server (Ian) and we were thrilled to get him back again. They sent the usual response about my request NOT being guaranteed based on vacation schedules, promotions etc, but said they would do their best.

Thanks! Yeah...I know the no guarantee thing. But if you don't ask you WON'T get. (Plus I know that she asks my sister about me a lot, so it would be super fun to get her again!!)

 

[ludari]

I usually don't request a server until I am actually on the ship (if my favorite server happens to be on that particular ship).

 

[Chirple]

I put in my request not long after I pay in full. I wait until it's "official".