What kind of server are you looking for? Outgoing and very interactive/entertaining, or a team that’s efficient and friendly but not over the top? We had a great pair last week. We requested our main server from our last cruise and were lucky enough to have him again but with a different assistant. He was very friendly and did ask about our day and converse with us throughout the meal, but wasn’t over the top like some others I saw- and that was just right for our family (2 older teenagers, no small children). He gave us some puzzles to figure out with crayons. On our last night he had them make us an authentic Indian dish from his country which we thoroughly enjoyed! He was very efficient and things ran perfectly smooth all week. His assistant server was awesome. Very funny and personable with a lot of energy. We actually liked her even better than the main server. Main server- Xavier Mendez from India. Assistant server- Tanya from South Africa. As a pair they were perfect. I can’t comment on how they would be with little ones though if you have children in your group.
You raise good questions about servers. Each has their personality/serving approach that often isn't a match with what a cruiser is looking for.
For me, on our first 3-4 cruises we always enjoyed servers who were interactive, fun and attentive during the time our DD was 5-10. the kind of server that does magic tricks, cuts the meal, etc.
For that, Agus (Indonesia) and Maria Peters (Barbados) are amazing. Fun, entertaining, attentive.
Lately we prefer servers who are efficient and business like, not being over the top.
We're not big MDR fans, and are not there to socialize, just want to eat a nice dinner and go.
For that, my vote goes to Toto (Indonesia) and Isabel (AS-Mexico)
They don't chit chat a lot, aren't over the top. Buy they incredibly efficient and professional.
Toto brings the food fast, and if you like the food he'll ask if you want a second serving and bring it asap. You're in and out of the MDR in a little over on hour.
