The other day I asked Mr. S how many cruises he thought we’d been on. I’d lost count. We’ve been cruising for over 20 years regularly, and I think that I’ve probably been on around 20 different ships (many of them multiple times). It’s one of the few ways that I can get my husband to vacation with me as it’s his favorite mode of travel AND we live within a quick drive to 5 cruise ports, making hopping on for a cruise easy (sometimes we just want to get away for a long weekend, other times we go on 10-day vacations). It also makes an inexpensive vacation because not only is everything we need included (minus the WiFi and drink packages – although some include these or have specials including them), but living nearby also means we can grab those last-minute deals that are less expensive (without the added cost of buying airline tickets).
A Miami Vice minus Don Johnson (and minus the alcohol at this point)
Add to the fact that I can work from anywhere (no need for Wifi as I can post later or in port – or buy a Wifi package onboard) and it even makes a great getaway if you’re a remote worker or a freelancer and want to work while staring out at the ocean while sipping a Miami Vice.
When you think of a cruise vacation, what comes to mind?
Perhaps it’s the stunning ocean views, gourmet meals, and exciting destinations. But what I learned this week on the Celebrity Apex is that the heart of the cruise experience is the incredible staff who work tirelessly to ensure every moment of your trip is extraordinary.
Caught in the act of a dancercise class.
As much as I love that I don’t have to pack and unpack each time I visit a new place on the itinerary. We all know that I’m not the best cook, which means having dinner made for me every meal is pure heaven. The visiting countries you’ve never been to before or those activities that you don’t have to be embarrassed to do because EVERYONE is huffing and puffing as they learn new dances turning in the wrong direction and hoping they don’t bang into the person next to them (yes, there is proof of my doing this last week). There is ONE THING that transforms a vacation into an incredible EXPERIENCE.
I am a HUGE fan of the artwork on the Celebrity Cruises ships that I’ve been on.
This past week, I felt like family on the Celebrity Apex. Not because the ship is beautiful (it is), not because there’s so much to do (there is), and not because the ports were fun and I was able to explore them the way that I love. It was because of the people that I had the honor of meeting. The people who take care of everything behind the scenes, and those you’ll interact with daily. Crew members on a cruise ship are more than just employees—they are the lifeblood of your vacation. From the friendly steward who remembers your name and delivers your morning coffee to the entertainment team that has you laughing until your sides hurt, the staff goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and memorable atmosphere.
Dinner at the Cosmopolitan on the Celebrity Apex
It’s Melvin, the Maitre’d at the Cosmopolitan Restaurant who remembers your name, not only after seeing it on the ticket at the restaurant, but when walking by you as you are heading to do something the next day and takes a moment to chat for a second. Or Jojie, whom you seek out as your dinner waiter because he lights up the room with a smile and remembers the conversation from the evening before and makes you feel like you’ve known him your whole life.
Cafe al Bacio on the Celebrity Apex
It’s that bartender who remembers your favorite drink when you step up to place your order or the barista or server like Reymundo at al bacio -the coffee bar, who knows that you want a cortadito that’s lactose-free and you wish he lived nearby so you could be besties because he can make you smile even if you’re having a bad day.
It’s the sommelier who after one or two seatings with you knows EXACTLY what kind of wine you’d appreciate based on what you ordered the night before and suggests something new that’s perfect.
The Martini Bar!
What sets Celebrity Cruises apart is:
1. Personalized Service: A great mix of cruise ship staff have an uncanny ability to make you feel special. They will learn your preferences, anticipate your needs, and greet you with genuine warmth. Whether it’s recommending the perfect wine at dinner or remembering your name without it being in front of them, these small touches add a personal flair that elevates your trip.
2. Around-the-Clock Dedication: The crew often works long hours to make sure that your vacation is seamless. While you’re enjoying the pool deck or an exciting excursion, they’re behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly. Their dedication ensures your days are filled with relaxation and joy rather than worry.
3. Cultural Ambassadors: Cruise ship staff come from all over the world, bringing their unique cultures and stories to your experience. Whether it’s learning about their home countries or enjoying the flavors of their regional dishes, these interactions add depth and richness to your journey. One of the things that I always do is to try to eat foods from the kitchen staff’s home countries. Imagine enjoying the chef’s favorite dinner that his mother used to make for him from her recipe. When I go to a buffet on a ship, I ALWAYS make sure to head to those dishes and am never disappointed.
Choosing Ships with Exceptional Service
Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to staff. Some prioritize training, morale, and hospitality more than others. Here’s what to look for when choosing a cruise line that puts its people first:
- High Guest-to-Staff Ratios: A lower ratio ensures more personalized service, as staff can dedicate more time to each guest.
- Positive Crew Reviews: Websites like Cruise Critic often highlight the quality of a ship’s crew, so do some research before booking.
- Reputation for Hospitality: Lines like Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Viking are known for their exceptional staff who consistently deliver world-class service.
- Happy Staff = Happy Guests: Look for cruise lines that treat their crew well. Companies that prioritize crew well-being tend to foster more engaged and enthusiastic employees.
Show Your Appreciation
While cruise staff work hard to make your vacation unforgettable, showing your gratitude can make their day brighter. A kind word, a smile, or a thoughtful tip can go a long way. Many cruise lines also allow you to recognize exceptional service through comment cards or digital feedback. I asked Jojie after dinner one night if they know when someone gives feedback about them and he told me that they get a newsletter (or something like that) with things that people say about them and that reviews do help.
The People Behind the Magic
At the end of the day, the ports you visit and the activities you enjoy are all enhanced by the people who make them possible. Cruise ship staff are the truly unsung heroes of the sea, transforming your vacation into an unforgettable experience. So, the next time you set sail, take a moment to appreciate the individuals who make it all happen—and maybe seek out the ships known for their extraordinary crew.
After all, it’s the people who truly make a cruise great.
It’s the perfect time to book a cruise as there are great sales and discounts happening RIGHT NOW.
- Check out Celebrity Cruises to see what specials they’ve got running and PLEASE if you are on the Apex, say hello to some of my favorite staff members.
