You learn a lot about people driving a bus. My husband, Bernie, and I both drive buses for the city of Vancouver. We deal with people on their daily commutes—not exactly their finest hours—steering our buses through congested rush-hour traffic.
Getting a cheerful comment, a friendly hello or a thanks-for-the ride makes such a huge difference. It sets a sunny tone that seems to permeate the entire day. I always say to my passengers, I remember the good ones and the bad ones and they have to figure out which ones they are! They are mostly good, of course.
When it comes time to book a vacation, Bernie and I are off on a Princess Cruise. We bring with us our keen antennae for customer service and an extra suitcase filled with chocolates and small gifts, treats for crew members who work so hard. I realize this might seem excessive, but Bernie and I really appreciate service professionals and know how much a thank-you means.
Bernie fills his pockets with wrapped chocolates from Purdy’s, Vancouver’s best chocolatier, and we’ll leave a candy on our receipt at the International Café, put one on the purser’s desk, give one to the masseur and cabin attendant. It’s a turndown chocolate in reverse. The delighted reactions we receive from the crew always exceed our efforts.
Doing this has opened the door to many friendships with the crew, none greater than the one we share with the funny, charming and caring Peter John. We go out of our way to book cruises with Peter John and now, after knowing him for a few years later, we consider him to be like family. He’s that special to us.
We met Peter just after he’d been promoted to Captain Circle Host on Island Princess, so he was extra attentive to his charges, making sure everyone was happy and well entertained. By coincidence, we sailed with him again a few months later on Emerald Princess, and that’s when we really clicked and started spending time together.
Peter is a riot. We’d find ourselves laughing over everything from Botox to his love life. It doesn’t matter what we talk about, he radiates good cheer. We started to keep in touch.
A year later, he proved what a true friend he’d become. I took an Alaska cruise on Diamond Princess with a girlfriend. Without being asked to do so, Peter stepped into Bernie’s shoes and joined us for every dinner, escorted us on port visits, took us to the shows and sipped afternoon tea with us. He was the consummate host and we felt cared for and pampered.
Vickie, Peter and Bernie in Vines
The next time I boarded with Bernie, it was for a month-long cruise on the Star Princess going from San Francisco to Mexico and on to Hawaii. It was so wonderful spending an entire month with Peter. Every day, we would surprise him with a small gift to brighten his day as he had brightened ours. Our extra bag was filled with candy, coffee mugs, stuffed animals, fancy moisturizers. Every day, we’d put something on his desk to surprise him.
Of course, that bag is also packed with treats for other crew members, but we do go above and beyond for our friend Peter.
Our working lives are marked by long days—my shifts start at 5 a.m. and I’m in bed most nights by 9—so we don’t have much of a social life in Vancouver. When we get away with Princess Cruises, we are there to relax. But, as Bernie and I came to realize, we are also there to connect.
The relationship we have with Peter and those with others we’ve bonded with over the years have made a real difference in our lives. We keep in touch with Peter and other crew by email, phone and Facebook as we save and plan for our next Princess cruise. These connections have added a lot to our lives and it’s amazing when you realize that it all starts with a friendly word and a surprise piece of chocolate.
Vickie and Bernie, thanks so much for sharing your story and for your generous kindness to our crew members!
That is so nice you mentioned how wonderful for sharing Vickie and Bernie’s story. It seems they are very happy to sail with Princess and also they care very much about your crew and staff.
Tzyrel
I am very thankful for the story. I am planning on a cruise in 2014, I will be more appreciative of the crew. They are always so nice and make you feel like family. They deserve to be shown appreciation.
Hi Vickie,
Nice story, Princess crew are the best.
I love your blog. It is so nice you can meet new people while on your holiday. I am sure working long hours is hard and taking cruises is fun. Glad you met Peter because it is a great thing for you and Bernie.
I was amazed by your long month cruise. I wish I could do that and go to HI no less. Maybe one day. I wish you and yours the best and happy cruising…
Be safe,
Tzyrel
I had read Vickie’s blogs and finally met her and Bernie on our January cruise. They are such a down-to-earth couple and it was a pleasure to finally meet. Hopefully our paths will cross again!
That is great you met Vickie and Bernie. It is so wonderful to meet people you hear about. Maybe your paths will cross again..
Tzyrel
A great story! And a very thoughtful couple! (most people wouldn’t think about packing a suitcase full of “treats of appreciation”)
That sounds absolutely tremendous that you and your husband take such great care before your trip to make sure that you can give thanks to the crew on your cruise. They work so extremely hard, and I know it is not expected and that is what makes it nice. I can’t believe you pack a whole suitcase ahead of time so that you can spread a little cheer and thanks on your vacation to the people who are there to support you. I love this idea and I want to do something like this on my next cruise. It may not be much but the gesture says a whole lot and I’m sure it absolutely made their day knowing you took the time to say thank you in that way. Throughout the years cruising with Princess there hasn’t been a voyage that I didn’t find a crew member or two that really stood out and we became chummy with. I wish I would have thought of this then, but you have inspired me for future cruises! Way to go!!
it should be noted we only brought a suitcase full of stuff when we sail out of Vancouver as it is easy then. But we always bring stuff for the crew.
What a generous, thoughtful thing to do. I have to admit….my suitcase is full of “me” stuff. I do appreciate the staff and a kind word, smile and piece of chocolate can go along way in making someone’s day. Great story. I need to find a way to do something good. Thanks for the inspiration.
I agree with everyone who posts. Vickie and Bernie are very thoughtfu and they don’t have to do the things they do. It is coming from their heart and soul. I never cruised with Princess but I see that so many like it very much. I am going to be sailing on the Ruby this year and can’t wait. I have only sailed with NCL and yes, I like it..but time for a change. I can’t wait to meet the staff and crew…
Giving chocolates from Purdys is great. However in todays sue happy world, espically the USA , i would only give store bought wrapped chocolates that a person can tell by looking at have not been tampered with. This is protect yourself and the person you give it to. The person recieving it could say you did something to it, and your gift then turns into a nightmare with legal action. Its a world that is NOT getting better , and need to protect yourself. Better to give cash or non edible stuff to be safe. That is what i would do.
‘Bernie fills his pockets with wrapped chocolates from Purdy’s’
great insight loved your blog thanks
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I think what you do is kind and generous , however I’m inclined to agree with Gary , it is risky behaviour , and believe ” cash is always best “…
we always leave our tips in tack and tip even more, the chocolates and token gifts are extra – just because
don’t think it is too risky, chocolates are wrapped no different than the princess chocolates, only better tasting. Crew love them