I was wondering if anyone has learned any tricks or methods that they use to get better service while on a cruise. Some people tell me that they tip their cabin attendant at the beginning of the cruise and they think that helps them get better service. Others tell me that they offer the cabin attendant some beers on the first day. I am sure that some creative people probably offer other things and have other ideas on how to get better service. Please share.

Sal<BR><BR>What is it you exactly want when you say better service? I find the service just fine from the cabin stewards I have had on cruises.

Merle, Sal's question was not too confusing. Better service is a relative term, but who cares if you have always gotten good service. Some people don't getthe best service. <BR><BR>Sal, maybe try tipping the cabin steward on the first day a buck or two for something small (like getting you an extra bucket of ice).

My girlfriends and I went on a cruise for Spring Break and one of my friends flashed the guy (male cabin steward) and he seemed to always be hanging around for the rest of the week always asking us if there was anything that we needed.

Well Sal, there's your answer!<BR><BR>LOL!!

I agree with the poster who said tip them something small if you tip them at all at the beginning of a cruise. I read on the Cruise Critics board that someone did this on a Carnival cruise and the guy still didn't perform well - did not put ice in ice buckets daily, did not empty the frige, once left room unmade...<BR><BR>I have never tipped ahead of time, but I have taken time to meet my room steward on boarding day. This has usually done the trick.

I find I get the best service when I treat the staff as people and not doormats. Courtesy works wonders. Also, if I encounter Spanish-speaking staff I use their language. I have never met a staff member who even came close to being rude. The other passengers, on the other hand...

If you want good service, don't buy price. It's that simple.

Jo is exactly right. Treat people as people and as you would want to be treated and talked to and you most likely will not have a problem.<BR>You need to first understand what "good service" is. Do you expect someone to be there to pick up something you drop before it hits the floor- do you make excessive demands, and not understand that the staff has a good many people besides you to cater to? If you come in drunk at 3:30 a.m. and ring for ice, don't expect it there in one minute.<BR> As you walk down the hallways, have you ever noticed inside some of the cabins and think "god, what a mess"?<BR>I think if you are a clean person at home you will be a clean person on a trip. Keeping your cabin neat is partly your responsiblity too.

How about take a better cruise line?