The internet has been reduced to tears after a Royal Caribbean cruise guest detailed how a worker made their vacation extra special.
Cruise vacations have long been a way for families to unwind and make lifelong memories, all while waking up in a new destination each day.
And for many, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have become more than just a brand; they’re part of cherished family traditions.
One recent cruise ship passenger took to social media to share how a staff member went above and beyond for their family.
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Taking to the Reddit R/Cruise community, they began: "I get asked a lot why I like to take cruises. Sometimes, I even wonder myself."
They listed 'declining' food quality, larger ships and 'microtransactions' among the reasons the industry as a whole appears to be going downhill.
The user continued: "Cruising has definitely lost some of its luster over the years. But last week reminded me exactly why I continue to cruise."
They went on to explain how their parents were 'avid cruisers' after they retired, embarking on up to five trips a year.
Last year, their mom sadly passed away and it was the family's first cruise without her.
The Redditor explained: "When we got on the ship and sat down, a waiter (who wasn't even assigned to our table) recognized my father from a cruise a few years back.
"He came over to greet us and spoke with my father for about five minutes before asking where my mother was that night. When my father told him she had passed, the waiter's reaction was as if a friend of his had died.
"He sat down next to my father and talked about the last cruise he served them on, remembering some details with crystal clarity."
The story then took an emotional turn as the social media user revealed what happened next: "After that night, a special empty table setting was placed next to my father at every dinner. It had a flameless candle and a flower in a vase. Each night, they filled her water and cleared the extra utensils after every course."
They concluded: "This is the reason I cruise. These are people who, in every moment, go above and beyond whenever they see a chance. You don't see this kind of service almost anywhere anymore."
Hundreds of others responded to the tear-jerker Reddit thread.
"That made me tear up. So glad your mother was honored in that way. I hope it was a balm for your dad’s heart," one person said.
"This is one of the sweetest and much heartwarming stories I’ve read in a while," a second wrote. "I’m glad I’m not the only one tearing up. I'm sitting here crying like a baby."
Somebody else added: "So sorry for your loss and I’m glad you and your dad were able to experience that.
"Make sure you write a formal compliment for the waiter, those mean so much to them and they get tangible perks."
Others shared their own similar stories of kind-hearted cruise workers.
Turns out the heart of cruising isn’t the ship or the sea - it’s the people who make you feel seen.
Topics: Cruise ship, Travel, Royal Caribbean
Ellie Kemp