Should I take care of any key personel upon boarding to insure top service. We are traveling in a group of 22 people.

When we cruised on NCL - which adds tips to charges at end of cruise - we left a gratuity after a few days for our cabin steward. We were already getting top cabin service, but it got even better after that.

We have been on 14 cruises and have found if you give a small token up front the service is usually top notch. I always tell them there is more to come.

We have had good cabin service on our cruises without giving a tip at the beginning of the cruise.We have given it the last night.
Our stewards have been very nice. I think the only "extra" thing we asked for was another pillow and robes we had requested before boarding that weren't in the cabin when we arrived.
We are not high maintenance people. As long as the bed is made, bathroom cleaned and we have clean towels we are happy.
Is there more? What am I missing?

Simply try to to nice to the crew. Dole out thanks, smile and be friendly. Strike up a conversation when you can. Treat them as you would like to be treated. You'll get good serivce anyway but if you're nice to them it'll be better. Its easy to take care of a passenger who is polite than one who demands and/or complains all the time.

Jacketwatch- I couldn't agree more!
BUT what is SPECIAL service people talk about getting ? I can't think of one thing we could need or want!!! I guess we have been very lucky.

Agree with jacketwatch... just be pleasant.. remember these people are on call 24/7 cleaning up after you.. twice a day anyhow plus special requests..and be grateful and thank them.