The Squeaky Wheel at Sea
There's an old saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and on this cruise we learned just how true that can be when ship policies don't quite make sense from a guest's point of view.
Our experience
We're not naturally drawn to complaining, but when you're paying good money and a rule feels unnecessarily rigid, speaking up can become an important travel skill.
On this voyage, we had purchased a drink package before sailing — $300 with a $50 bonus. Between cocktails, wine, and surprisingly high onboard prices, that credit disappeared faster than expected.
Once it was gone, the initial response was basically that there was no way to extend the same bonus onboard. So we asked. After some back and forth with guest services, a manager agreed to offer another version of the bonus. It didn't happen automatically. It happened because we politely kept the conversation going instead of treating the first answer as final.
The same pattern showed up in the restaurants. A glass of Pinot Noir might be available for one price in one venue and nearly double that in another. Rather than simply accepting it, we asked why the lower-priced wine couldn't be brought into the more expensive restaurant. Once again, a manager stepped in and agreed. It was a good reminder that cruise policies are often designed around operations, staffing, and revenue — but that doesn't always mean every rule is absolute.
Must-sees and must-dos
- Ask when something doesn't make sense — the first answer isn't always the only possible answer.
- Stay polite but specific — explain exactly what you're asking for rather than making a general complaint.
- Compare prices across venues — similar drinks can sometimes be priced very differently around the same ship.
- Keep track of package balances — drink credits can disappear faster than expected when individual prices are high.
- Ask for a manager when needed — front-line staff may not have the authority to make exceptions.
- Know when to let it go — being persistent works best when the request is reasonable and the conversation stays respectful.
Our pro tip
Cruise ships operate with lots of rules, but not every rule is as fixed as it first appears.
If something feels inconsistent, ask about it calmly. If an option exists elsewhere on the ship, mention that specifically. And if the first person you speak with can't help, it can be worth asking whether a manager has more flexibility.
The goal isn't to complain about everything. It's to know when a reasonable question might lead to a better experience. Sometimes the squeaky wheel really does get the grease.