Service with an American smile

I have just recently spoken to a client of mine, she has just got back off a Regent Cruise and she was comparing this cruise to a previous Regent cruise a few years ago.

Me calling her was for this very reason, to see what she thought to her cruise and to see how it went.

As expected with the cruise she had a great time, was well fed, serviced, cabin spotless, excursions great, BUT, she felt in general the staff were not as polite or friendly as on her previous cruise.

Whilst chatting to other guests she met 1 that had been on the previous cruise before this current 1, a cruise that was full of Americans. This guest had noticed a difference in the 2 cruises, the previous cruise the staff were a lot friendly and happier, seemed to make that little more of an effort and always on hand. Interesting.

Why? All I can think of is that the Americans do like to tip extra.

With Regent tips are included in the cost, as well as free flights, all drinks including Champagne, all excursions so for us Brits on Regent no bill at the end of the cruise. However with tips still included I know the Americans will still tip the staff, us Brits tend not to.

Is this the reason? Have you ever noticed a difference in attitude towards the guest based on nationality?