Thread: Has service on the various cruise lines slipped significantly the last few years?

I am not sure but the level of attention to detail and the service we received differed so much between our first Holland America cruise of 2001 and our latest cruise last year, that I am wondering. Has anybody else gotten the impression that in order to cut corners and expenses that service has begun to suffer?

What were some of the differences that you noticed?

I had to vote yes, but I'm not sure if it's the cruise lines which are slipping or the staff. I think the automatic tipping many lines have instituted is beginning to have a negative effect on service in some areas, but in fairness to the lines, that too could be attributed to lazy help.
I've not noticed any large decrease personally, at least on Princess, except in the dining rooms. But again, that is more likely a staff problem.

I haven't noticed any change in the level of service. It's never perfect, but nothing has stood out as a general decline in overall service.

Cabin Stewards ... Seems they are given more and more cabins ....

The service on QE2 as as good on her last voyage as it was the first time I was onboard in 1991. I can't speak for any other Cunard ship.

Originally Posted by cruiseshmooz

What were some of the differences that you noticed?

First, our cabin stewards were phenomenal like always. Where I found the difference was in the rest of the staff. Dining room help was not quite as good as it had been, but the real difference was in the front desk and the other ancillary help. As I have said several times, the front desk help was abysmal with an attitude that had changed from "can do" to not my job. My problems with getting any deviation in room service also grated on me (last HAL cruise, they would bring us anything!) Finally the staff responsible for future bookings was atrocious.

Our first cruise on HAL was one where any staff member would do anything for a guest. This time it seemed to be more of a "if it is not exactly in my job description, sorry".

I have not noticed much difference in the last few years but going back about 10 or so years, there has been significant changes.

I have been reluctant to book on HAL. We have great memories of how they were in the 80's.

Personally, I don't think service has changed all that much over the last many years. Obviously, some provide better service than others, but the service they provide hasn't changed.

I will say that, in my humble opinion, that while I feel service hasn't changed, I do feel that the quality of food has changed. I don't know whether it has to do with trying to save money, trying to shortcut the process, or just not spending the time to do a good job, but I really do feel the quality has declined somewhat.

Pete