UPDATED List of Current Cruise Directors (CD)

[Clarea]

Graham not Grant. Sorry

I believe Graham is still assigned to Rhapsody, though he seems to be on vacation now.

[majarosh]

Hi Donna

just heard from Luke

HAND OVER this Saturday Feb 14 2015

 

MAJAROSH. AKA SHERRY IN TAMPA

[DonnaK]

Adventure OTS - Mercedes LaFuente began November 23 for 4 months then who?

 

Allure OTS - Joff Eaton from January 18 until March 1. (Who is filling in March 1 until April 19? Jerome Sueur?) Jerome Sueur will do all of the European cruises (April 19 thru Oct 25) since he is fluent in 5 languages. He is the new regular CD on Allure until further notice.

 

Anthem OTS - Joff Eaton will be taking out the ship and continuing on as its regular CD. Ken Rush will also be onboard for the first 6-8 weeks doing behind the scenes duties to provide a smooth take out

 

Brilliance OTS - Rob McNally began on December 16 for 2 months. Clo O'Connor returns in mid-February (need handover date)

 

Enchantment OTS - Marc Walker January 19 until March 13. Who will be covering Marc's paternity leave March 13 through April 17? Marc returns from paternity leave on April 17 until May 18. Who is covering Marc's vacation May 18 through July 13? Jamie Fentimore? Marc returns from his vacation on July 13.

 

Explorer OTS - Leigh Xuereb returned Nov 1st until the ship enters drydock in March 2015 (Erky from Turkey will fill-in as CD for the Feb 12-21 sailing while Leigh attends a conference). After the ship returns to service, Keith Williams will be the CD. (Leigh has been reassigned to Indy).

 

Freedom OTS - Casey Pelter from February 1 for 4 months.

 

Grandeur OTS - Dan Whitney from February 3 until April 28. Andre the Activities Manager takes over for the February 13th sailing only. Then, Mitch Merucci will return from his break on April 28 for 4 months..

 

Independence OTS - Jamie Fentiman started November 10 through February 22, then Ricky Matthews February 22 through April 11, then Leigh Xuereb begins on April 11 for 4 months. Leigh is the new permanent CD on Indy!

 

Jewel OTS - Dennis Charles started January 17 until March 14, then John Blair starts March 14 for 4 months. (Handover date needs confirming as conflicting info has been reported- Dennis may be onboard through April and returning in June, with John Blair doing the 2 month fill in April and May)

 

Legend OTS - Paul Rutter started January 16

 

Liberty OTS -Luke Aerowsmith began on September 28 until February 14, then Dru Pavlov begins February 14 for 2 months. Luke will return in mid-April.

 

Majesty OTS - Simona Ferraiuolo started January 30

 

Mariner OTS - Ken Jones started November 27 until April(then who?)

 

Navigator OTS - John Perry started November 16 until March. He will be returning for another 4 month contract in May. *exact dates?* Who will be covering John's break from March through May?

 

Oasis OTS - Drew Devine January 24 through May 23, then Ricky Matthews returns May 23 through July 25

 

Quantum OTS - Ken Rush beginning Jan 23 to fill-in until Jimmy Rhodes returns from his break need date)

 

Radiance OTS - Amy Fickert started November 5 for approx. 4 months, then who? (Paul Rutter?)

 

Rhapsody OTS - Tim Connor from January 28 through March 29. Graham Seymour will return from his break on March 29 through early August.

 

Serenade OTS - Bill Brunkhorst started January 31 (until when?)

 

Splendour OTS - Michelle Pimentinha for the Brazilian season. Bobby Brown's next contract is on Splendour (need dates)

 

Vision OTS - Steve Davis from December 12 until April 11, then who?

 

Voyager OTS - Chris Brown (former activities manager) started December 7th until ship returns to Singapore in mid-March.

 

Carly Boileau has semi-retired, but will return as a fill-in CD from time-to-time

Rich Edwards is currently recovering from surgery and resting at home. He will be returning in April 2015.

Allan Brooks left Royal Caribbean to take a position in Celebrity corporate office.

Richard Spacey is a CD with Celebrity

Becky Thompson works for Celebrity Cruises in their corporate offices in Miami.

Dave Chapman has left RCCL. He is taking an extended break, and then he will be moving over to another cruiseline.

James Andrews is a real estate agent in Sydney

Mike Szwajkowski is a Canadian Mountie

Leo Papa at Cornell University working on a Master's degree in Hospitality Administration/Management

Anna Bass is now Client Services Manager at ISS London

Abe Hughes is Director of Port Revenue Operations at Royal Media Partners and sometimes works onboard as the port and shopping guide

João Pereira is studying Portuguese/English education and translation at Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas in Brazil

Kirk Detweiler is now CD with Silversea cruises.

Simeon Baker - married a dancer, had a baby girl and is a sales exec at a Porsche dealer in Saskatchewan

Matt Baker - Sim's brother - recently married and living in Wales. They bought a pub called the Tiddley

Kieron Buffrey - CD with Holland America

Tom Canosa - teaching 6th grade science in North Carolina

Peter Benfield and Johnny Osborne have emigrated to Thailand

Anthony Richards is living in Miami with his wife, and is working for Royal Media Partners as Manager Port Revenue Operations

Rico du Breil is now a CD with NCL

Paul Lancaster is no longer with RCI, and resides in England

Abel Jeney is International Manager at Kingswood Education and Adventure in London

Parker Cristan is living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - staging/choreographing for local theater

Ashley Kerr - married and living in Vancouver BC, working as a marketing rep for a PR firm

Karen Maybury - has a consultant/pr/entertainment agency

Jannie Cloete - leading expeditions on small ships

Where is Warren Allen? (aka Warren Melhuish)

[AOSmom]

Word from my DD aboard the Serendade of the Seas is that Bill is on until this Saturday then Katrina will be on the Serenade for a week and then Carly B. will be the CD from February 27 to ?

Edited February 13, 2015 by AOSmom
Additional Information

[packercruising]

So Katrina would be on the week of the 21st? Katrina who?

[Raxter54]

Word from my DD aboard the Serendade of the Seas is that Bill is on until this Saturday then Katrina will be on the Serenade for a week and then Carly B. will be the CD from February 27 to ?

 

So, the list says Carly Boileau is semi-retired. Does anyone have any experience with her? Looks like we will be on the Serenade for her first tour and were curious as to what she is like?

[Raxter54]

So Katrina would be on the week of the 21st? Katrina who?

 

I would assume Katrina Blair, wife of John Blair...

[pjlee3333]

So, the list says Carly Boileau is semi-retired. Does anyone have any experience with her? Looks like we will be on the Serenade for her first tour and were curious as to what she is like?

 

 

I love Carly. She's well organized, personable, and willing to take the time to talk with anyone. I met her on Enchantment in 2010 and have scheduled 4 cruises specifically to cruise with her.

[pjlee3333]

I would assume Katrina Blair, wife of John Blair...

 

Makes sense. Isn't there a meeting with the cruise directors this week so many of them will be in Miami so the activities managers are stepping up for a cruise while the cd's are in the meetings. Since Katrina has said she's from the Tampa area it wouldn't be a bad flight to New Orleans to fill in for a 1 week cruise.

[Raxter54]

I love Carly. She's well organized, personable, and willing to take the time to talk with anyone. I met her on Enchantment in 2010 and have scheduled 4 cruises specifically to cruise with her.

 

Glad to hear it. Never having been on a cruise before, not sure how the CD would affect the cruise. Nice to know she will most likely be a positive influence. :)

[DonnaK]

Adventure OTS - Mercedes LaFuente began November 23 for 4 months then who?

 

Allure OTS - Joff Eaton from January 18 until March 1. (Who is filling in March 1 until April 19? Jerome Sueur?) Jerome Sueur will do all of the European cruises (April 19 thru Oct 25) since he is fluent in 5 languages. He is the new regular CD on Allure until further notice.

 

Anthem OTS - Joff Eaton will be taking out the ship and continuing on as its regular CD. Ken Rush will also be onboard for the first 6-8 weeks doing behind the scenes duties to provide a smooth take out

 

Brilliance OTS - Rob McNally began on December 16 for 2 months. Clo O'Connor returns in mid-February (need handover date)

 

Enchantment OTS - Marc Walker January 19 until March 13. Who will be covering Marc's paternity leave March 13 through April 17? Marc returns from paternity leave on April 17 until May 18. Who is covering Marc's vacation May 18 through July 13? Jamie Fentimore? Marc returns from his vacation on July 13.

 

Explorer OTS - Leigh Xuereb returned Nov 1st until the ship enters drydock in March 2015 (Erky from Turkey will fill-in as CD for the Feb 12-21 sailing while Leigh attends a conference). After the ship returns to service, Keith Williams will be the CD. (Leigh has been reassigned to Indy).

 

Freedom OTS - Casey Pelter from February 1 for 4 months.

 

Grandeur OTS - Dan Whitney from February 3 until April 28. Andre the Activities Manager takes over for the February 13th sailing only. Then, Mitch Merucci will return from his break on April 28 for 4 months..

 

Independence OTS - Jamie Fentiman started November 10 through February 22, then Ricky Matthews February 22 through April 11, then Leigh Xuereb begins on April 11 for 4 months. Leigh is the new permanent CD on Indy!

 

Jewel OTS - Dennis Charles started January 17 until March 14, then John Blair starts March 14 for 4 months. (Handover date needs confirming as conflicting info has been reported- Dennis may be onboard through April and returning in June, with John Blair doing the 2 month fill in April and May)

 

Legend OTS - Paul Rutter started January 16

 

Liberty OTS -Luke Aerowsmith began on September 28 until February 14, then Dru Pavlov begins February 14 for 2 months. Luke will return in mid-April.

 

Majesty OTS - Simona Ferraiuolo started January 30

 

Mariner OTS - Ken Jones started November 27 until April(then who?)

 

Navigator OTS - John Perry started November 16 until March. He will be returning for another 4 month contract in May. *exact dates?* Who will be covering John's break from March through May?

 

Oasis OTS - Drew Devine January 24 through May 23, then Ricky Matthews returns May 23 through July 25

 

Quantum OTS - Ken Rush beginning Jan 23 to fill-in until Jimmy Rhodes returns from his break need date)

 

Radiance OTS - Amy Fickert started November 5 for approx. 4 months, then who? (Paul Rutter?)

 

Rhapsody OTS - Tim Connor from January 28 through March 29. Graham Seymour will return from his break on March 29 through early August.

 

Serenade OTS - Bill Brunkhorst started January 31 then Carly Boileau starts Feb 27.

 

Splendour OTS - Michelle Pimentinha for the Brazilian season. Bobby Brown's next contract is on Splendour (need dates)

 

Vision OTS - Steve Davis from December 12 until April 11, then who?

 

Voyager OTS - Chris Brown (former activities manager) started December 7th until ship returns to Singapore in mid-March.

 

Carly Boileau has semi-retired, but will return as a fill-in CD from time-to-time

Rich Edwards is currently recovering from surgery and resting at home. He will be returning in April 2015.

Allan Brooks left Royal Caribbean to take a position in Celebrity corporate office.

Richard Spacey is a CD with Celebrity

Becky Thompson works for Celebrity Cruises in their corporate offices in Miami.

Dave Chapman has left RCCL. He is taking an extended break, and then he will be moving over to another cruiseline.

James Andrews is a real estate agent in Sydney

Mike Szwajkowski is a Canadian Mountie

Leo Papa at Cornell University working on a Master's degree in Hospitality Administration/Management

Anna Bass is now Client Services Manager at ISS London

Abe Hughes is Director of Port Revenue Operations at Royal Media Partners and sometimes works onboard as the port and shopping guide

João Pereira is studying Portuguese/English education and translation at Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas in Brazil

Kirk Detweiler is now CD with Silversea cruises.

Simeon Baker - married a dancer, had a baby girl and is a sales exec at a Porsche dealer in Saskatchewan

Matt Baker - Sim's brother - recently married and living in Wales. They bought a pub called the Tiddley

Kieron Buffrey - CD with Holland America

Tom Canosa - teaching 6th grade science in North Carolina

Peter Benfield and Johnny Osborne have emigrated to Thailand

Anthony Richards is living in Miami with his wife, and is working for Royal Media Partners as Manager Port Revenue Operations

Rico du Breil is now a CD with NCL

Paul Lancaster is no longer with RCI, and resides in England

Abel Jeney is International Manager at Kingswood Education and Adventure in London

Parker Cristan is living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - staging/choreographing for local theater

Ashley Kerr - married and living in Vancouver BC, working as a marketing rep for a PR firm

Karen Maybury - has a consultant/pr/entertainment agency

Jannie Cloete - leading expeditions on small ships

Where is Warren Allen? (aka Warren Melhuish)

[packercruising]

I would assume Katrina Blair, wife of John Blair...

 

Thanks!

[Clancy14]

CDs are not an issue for us, but please explain what it is about Blair that could affect your booking.

 

To me, John Blair is a "performer" - he loves the spotlight and all the attention and fuss he gets, but is a phony. If there's no one around, or if he doesn't realize that someone is looking, he's miserable and unpleasant. Any intelligent and perseptive person can see how insincere he really is. If there's nothing in it for him, then he doesn't "perform".

 

He's never passes a mirror, without looking at himself and smiling at his reflection. He speaks degradingly to his wife, as if she's a "second class citizen" if no one is around (I was sitting in a secluded spot, reading while they were going over a daily activites schedule). He always walks about 3 feet ahead of her and she scurries along, trying to keep up.

 

He rarely participates in any onboard activity that doesn't get to put himself in the limelight. That's why he does that tired Neil Diamond impersonation (over and over and over again!!!). Just try and watch him when nobody is around - you'll see an entirely different person. Surly and unattractive.

 

I will never spend another cruise with him. But that's just me (and my family and friends!)

 

- Miriam

Edited February 14, 2015 by Clancy14

[internetwhiz]

Wow, I never saw a cruise director that would keep me off a ship I wanted to sail on. Ignore, and enjoy yourself.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[raymar63]

Those are really strong words concerning John Blair. I don't care who the cruise director is, that person has no effect on my cruise as it is up to me to make my good time. And we all know the world being what it is, the next person will love him.

[Ohiocruiser]

To me, John Blair is a "performer" - he loves the spotlight and all the attention and fuss he gets, but is a phony. If there's no one around, or if he doesn't realize that someone is looking, he's miserable and unpleasant. Any intelligent and perseptive person can see how insincere he really is. If there's nothing in it for him, then he doesn't "perform".

 

He's never passes a mirror, without looking at himself and smiling at his reflection. He speaks degradingly to his wife, as if she's a "second class citizen" if no one is around (I was sitting in a secluded spot, reading while they were going over a daily activites schedule). He always walks about 3 feet ahead of her and she scurries along, trying to keep up.

 

He rarely participates in any onboard activity that doesn't get to put himself in the limelight. That's why he does that tired Neil Diamond impersonation (over and over and over again!!!). Just try and watch him when nobody is around - you'll see an entirely different person. Surly and unattractive.

 

I will never spend another cruise with him. But that's just me (and my family and friends!)

 

- Miriam

 

I agree with you about John, had him on one of our cruises....was everything you said he was BUT did not ruin our cruise, just ignored him most of the time. Graham is still one of the best we have ever had!

[truffles2]

I thought John did an excellent job with venues such as the "Love & Marriage" and "Belly Flop". He was quick on his feet with good responses and I liked that "everybody won" and he didn't try to embarrass the contestants. I also thought that Katrina was very good. Her voice was so soothing that even the annoying announcements weren't quite as annoying:eek:.

[RichBuckeye]

Anyone have an update on Brilliance of the Seas? We are sailing on 2/19 Charter for "Buckeye Cruise For Cancer Research". I know the daily agenda is fully augmented for the fund raising activities planned and does not follow the standard RCL format. I think they even dispatch the Royal Caribbean Singers and Dancers since the "shows" planned are covered by Buckeye Celebs. Still curious if the Cruise Director and staff will be coordinating events.

 

This is going to be our 15th cruise and will be weird not following the typical scripted format.

 

Appreciate any word on cruise director for Brilliance.

[janeyzee]

Friend of mine just got off Enchantment on 2/13 and has an update straight from Mr. Bing Bong. This was her email to me: "I directly asked Marc about his being on the ship on Mon. He said he was going home when we docked but would be back for the Feb. 23 sailing. He then goes on leave and returns April 20 or 23. This comes directly from his mouth." I'll be on Enchantment tomorrow and will report back in on who we have on our cruise.

[DonnaK]

Adventure OTS - Mercedes LaFuente began November 23 for 4 months then who?

 

Allure OTS - Joff Eaton from January 18 until March 1. (Who is filling in March 1 until April 19? Jerome Sueur?) Jerome Sueur will do all of the European cruises (April 19 thru Oct 25) since he is fluent in 5 languages. He is the new regular CD on Allure until further notice.

 

Anthem OTS - Joff Eaton will be taking out the ship and continuing on as its regular CD. Ken Rush will also be onboard for the first 6-8 weeks doing behind the scenes duties to provide a smooth take out

 

Brilliance OTS - Rob McNally began on December 16 for 2 months. Clo O'Connor returns in mid-February (need handover date)

 

Enchantment OTS - Marc Walker January 19 until March 13. Who will be covering Marc's paternity leave March 13 through April 17? Marc returns from paternity leave on April 17 until May 18. Who is covering Marc's vacation May 18 through July 13? Jamie Fentimore? Marc returns from his vacation on July 13.

 

Explorer OTS - Leigh Xuereb returned Nov 1st until the ship enters drydock in March 2015 (Erky from Turkey will fill-in as CD for the Feb 12-21 sailing while Leigh attends a conference). After the ship returns to service, Keith Williams will be the CD. (Leigh has been reassigned to Indy).

 

Freedom OTS - Casey Pelter from February 1 for 4 months.

 

Grandeur OTS - Dan Whitney from February 3 until April 28. Andre the Activities Manager takes over for the February 13th sailing only. Then, Mitch Merucci will return from his break on April 28 for 4 months..

 

Independence OTS - Jamie Fentiman started November 10 through February 22, then Ricky Matthews February 22 through April 11, then Leigh Xuereb begins on April 11 for 4 months. Leigh is the new permanent CD on Indy!

 

Jewel OTS - Dennis Charles started January 17 until March 14, then John Blair starts March 14 for 4 months. (Handover date needs confirming as conflicting info has been reported- Dennis may be onboard through April and returning in June, with John Blair doing the 2 month fill in April and May)

 

Legend OTS - Paul Rutter started January 16

 

Liberty OTS -Luke Aerowsmith began on September 28 until February 14, then Dru Pavlov begins February 14 for 2 months. Luke will return in mid-April.

 

Majesty OTS - Simona Ferraiuolo started January 30

 

Mariner OTS - Ken Jones started November 27 until April(then who?)

 

Navigator OTS - John Perry started November 16 until March. He will be returning for another 4 month contract in May. *exact dates?* Who will be covering John's break from March through May?

 

Oasis OTS - Drew Devine January 24 through May 23, then Ricky Matthews returns May 23 through July 25

 

Quantum OTS - Ken Rush beginning Jan 23 to fill-in until Jimmy Rhodes returns from his break need date)

 

Radiance OTS - Amy Fickert started November 5 for approx. 4 months, then who? (Paul Rutter?)

 

Rhapsody OTS - Tim Connor from January 28 through March 29. Graham Seymour will return from his break on March 29 through early August.

 

Serenade OTS - Bill Brunkhorst started January 31 then Carly Boileau starts Feb 27.

 

Splendour OTS - Michelle Pimentinha for the Brazilian season. Bobby Brown's next contract is on Splendour (need dates)

 

Vision OTS - Steve Davis from December 12 until April 11, then who?

 

Voyager OTS - Chris Brown (former activities manager) started December 7th until ship returns to Singapore in mid-March.

 

Carly Boileau has semi-retired, but will return as a fill-in CD from time-to-time

Rich Edwards is currently recovering from surgery and resting at home. He will be returning in April 2015.

Allan Brooks left Royal Caribbean to take a position in Celebrity corporate office.

Richard Spacey is a CD with Celebrity

Becky Thompson works for Celebrity Cruises in their corporate offices in Miami.

Dave Chapman has left RCCL. He is taking an extended break, and then he will be moving over to another cruiseline.

James Andrews is a real estate agent in Sydney

Mike Szwajkowski is a Canadian Mountie

Leo Papa at Cornell University working on a Master's degree in Hospitality Administration/Management

Anna Bass is now Client Services Manager at ISS London

Abe Hughes is Director of Port Revenue Operations at Royal Media Partners and sometimes works onboard as the port and shopping guide

João Pereira is studying Portuguese/English education and translation at Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas in Brazil

Kirk Detweiler is now CD with Silversea cruises.

Simeon Baker - married a dancer, had a baby girl and is a sales exec at a Porsche dealer in Saskatchewan

Matt Baker - Sim's brother - recently married and living in Wales. They bought a pub called the Tiddley

Kieron Buffrey - CD with Holland America

Tom Canosa - teaching 6th grade science in North Carolina

Peter Benfield and Johnny Osborne have emigrated to Thailand

Anthony Richards is living in Miami with his wife, and is working for Royal Media Partners as Manager Port Revenue Operations

Rico du Breil is now a CD with NCL

Paul Lancaster is no longer with RCI, and resides in England

Abel Jeney is International Manager at Kingswood Education and Adventure in London

Parker Cristan is living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - staging/choreographing for local theater

Ashley Kerr - married and living in Vancouver BC, working as a marketing rep for a PR firm

Karen Maybury - has a consultant/pr/entertainment agency

Jannie Cloete - leading expeditions on small ships

Where is Warren Allen? (aka Warren Melhuish)

[DonnaK]

Friend of mine just got off Enchantment on 2/13 and has an update straight from Mr. Bing Bong. This was her email to me: "I directly asked Marc about his being on the ship on Mon. He said he was going home when we docked but would be back for the Feb. 23 sailing. He then goes on leave and returns April 20 or 23. This comes directly from his mouth." I'll be on Enchantment tomorrow and will report back in on who we have on our cruise.

 

Thank you for the update. Most of the CDs seem to be "off" this week due to a CD meeting at corporate headquarters in Miami, and in most cases, the Activities Manager is filling-in. I didn't incorporate this into the list because it just got too messy and overwhelming.

[Metsfan30]

Just got on the Adventure and Tino Carrillo is our CD. Not sure if Mercedes is just away for the week or what.

[Folk Singer]

Donna

 

Thank you for all the updates.

 

Don

[DonnaK]

Just got on the Adventure and Tino Carrillo is our CD. Not sure if Mercedes is just away for the week or what.

 

My guess is that he is filling in while Mercedes attends the CD conference. I decided to hold off updating the list until next week when we see which CDs return and which AMs stay on as newly promoted CDs. Otherwise, it's just too overwhelming to keep track of changes that are occurring just for this week.

 

Tino was on the activities staff on our Quantum cruise, and he does fabulous Michael Jackson impressions! He had told us that he had received a promotion and was headed over to Adventure to serve as Activities Manager.

 

Have a fun week.

Edited February 16, 2015 by DonnaK

[BillOh]

Thank you for the update. Most of the CDs seem to be "off" this week due to a CD meeting at corporate headquarters in Miami, and in most cases, the Activities Manager is filling-in. I didn't incorporate this into the list because it just got too messy and overwhelming.

 

On that note, someone just finished a B2B review on Jewel and noted Dennis was leaving soon and mentioned Elvis "was getting a well deserved promotion to CD" While I agree with that statement, I guess that doesn't mean he will be staying on Jewel. I'll be curious about that one.