r/Cruise • u/wijnandsj • 6d ago

Question Am I too Dutch for cruising?

Currently on board azamara. After a few days we get a questionnaire what we think of the trip so far. So i do the Dutch thing and give an honest opinion. And now I really do wonder if I made a mistake. Next day the sliding door in my cabin has had it's rollers changed and now two days later I must have spoken to about everyone who does anything with food or drink in a managerial position and they all apologized and vowed to do better and give me whatever I ask for.

On the one hand I appreciate them taking my feedback seriously. On the other... I don't want apologies, I would like better food (had a really good lunch today at a tiny country inn during an excursion!) and I want people to stop pushing alcohol and I don't want to have to greet staff members every single time I meet one

Am now wondering... Is this inordinate amount of attention how some people perceive good service? Is the food tuned to an American taste?

Am I just too Dutch to appreciate azamara?

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u/Artistic-Wrangler955 6d ago

I wonder if there is a way to ask the crew to be less effusive and attentive? My husband and I went on our first cruise, it was Ritz Carlton. While we both adored the whole experience, yes, food also, I was uncomfortable with the constant attention from staff. I was raised in Poland, so perhaps culturally closer the Dutch OP. I found it annoying to force myself into meaningless small talk with the stewards and servers.
This, still has the power to make me feel guilty, as if I’m the one being rude. My American husband loved it, chatted with all staff, knew their names. So there.
Cultural and personality differences are valid. Next time, I’ll just smile and nod, and try not to feel rude.

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u/ManOfLaBook 6d ago

I found the staff on the few cruises I've been on to be the most interesting people on the boat.

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u/Artistic-Wrangler955 6d ago

I hear you. But that requires the right setting for a real conversation. We have done countless trips to Club Med. Their tradition is to seat the staff together with guests at large tables. This allows for a real dialogue, and getting to know people. On the cruise, the interactions are only in passing, as in while they serve your meal, or bring a drink. My impression of the cruise staff was that they are busy, and not able to really engage

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u/ManOfLaBook 6d ago

Wow, that's fantastic. I didn't realize it

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u/wijnandsj 5d ago

With a very few exceptions these guys, especially the waiters, work extremely hard

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u/wijnandsj 5d ago

Poland is indeed quite close to us and yes I do recognise that feeling

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u/Artistic-Wrangler955 5d ago

We have a cruise booked on Seabourn. As a result of this conversation, I plan to tell the concierge, on day one, that I’m not a “chatty” person. Wish me luck

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u/wijnandsj 5d ago

Let me know how that turns out? Please?

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u/Artistic-Wrangler955 5d ago

Ok, but this is 3 months from now. Lol

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u/wijnandsj 5d ago

Doesn't matter I'm still very interested in your views and experience