Suggestions on how to do a Meet & Greet

[lilkrz]

My group has asked me to host our Meet & Greet.

 

I've never done one so looking for some guidance on who to contact for a room and if it can be done before we sail to communicate with someone on the ship.

 

I'd like to get a time and place coordinated with Carnival before we sail so I can relay the information to group while I have the boards to do it on.

 

Are there activities that could be planned for the group?

Will Carnival provide anything for the group other then a room?

 

Any suggestions on what other people have done would greatly be appreciated.

[RWolver672]

Read this posting. It tells a lot. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1994311

[malisainok]

I've been working on ours and I can tell you it's A LOT of work. Contact event planning through Carnival and they can tell you all the details. Good luck!

Malisa

[PROCRUISE]

Just an observation - no need for nasty replies.

 

We've been to two meet and greet get togethers on CCL. They appeared to be put together by some kind fellow passengers. Basically we came to the announced location, were given name tags, at one nothing was served, at another there was some orange juice provided. A lot of children were running around at one, the other was primarily adults who talked to one another for awhile and then everyone seemed to just leave. Not a soul from CCL staff was at either one. In very marked contrast are the same get togethers we've attended on NCL and Celebrity. Again, some kind fellow passenger(s) organized the event. The cruise lines provided drinks, cookies, pieces of cake. The senior officers from the vessel, including the captains, attended, greeted everyone and took time to answer questions about the vessel etc from those attending. Additionally, they made it clear that their cruise line paid close attention to CC and comments concerning their vessel and their crew. Totally refreshing and worth attending as opposed to CCL.

[rrraydon]

The problem with doing a M&G with the per person charge for the bar is that everyone that walks through the door is charged to the organizers account. Whether they are drinkers or not.

 

These are just some ideas I'm thinking about for the M&G I'm organizing for my Pride cruise next year. I'm open for other suggestions too.

 

I plan on purchasing 10 or 12 gifts for door prizes. I also will message John Heald on FB to see if he would like to donate for door prizes. He has been known to donate a couple bottles of champagne and a couple of ships on a stick.

 

Some of our RC members have shown interest in doing a gift exchange. Everyone who brings a wrapped gift (around $10) gets one in exchange. Some ideas for gifts is something that represents yourself, your town or your state. I've been at M&G where there have been some really neat gifts brought.

 

If anyone else has ideas please post them. :)

[Jifner]

I did a big meet and greet for our group last year on the Magic. We did a 2 hour cocktail party, paid to me in advance. I coordinated through event planning as mentioned above. I had a cutoff date that money had to be to me before we sailed. I issued armbands to all who had paid when they arrived (we were in the nightclub ) and there were signs posted that it was a private party. Waitstaff was instructed not to serve drinks to anyone without an armband

 

We hard a great time, but we had a large group. And the open bar we had paid for was great! We had so much fun we all through in cash and did it again on the last sea day. We played games, danced, and just had a lot of fun. We had all been very active as a group before we sailed, and had had a couple go get togethers before the cruise (many of us were from Texas) so we knew a lot of our group before we sailed. Others organized group t shirts and ball caps.

 

John Heald sent 2 bottles go champagne and 2 ships on a stick. We played games for them the first party. Second party we played for bottles of liquor.

 

I guess it depends on your group, but you can do as much as you want to plan (yes, it's a lot of work but not too bad if you are somewhat organized). We had a great time and made some great new friends that we are cruising with again this year.

Edited February 22, 2014 by Jifner

[rrraydon]

The price has since doubled from last year and now they limit the drinks. It's not as simple as it once was, sadly. :(

[seashinesunshine]

RCCL does a great job if you get enough people together they throw you a party, everyone gets a little gift and there are drawings for bigger gifts. Fun. Ours was scheduled for one of the last days of the cruise, which to me was silly because we all wanted to meet up so we could recognize each other during the week.

 

So what we did was on CC here we just told everyone to meet in a certain place on embarkation day. Someone suggested everyone wear mardi gras beads so we could recognize each other, but it was easy enough to go to the bar on deck where we met and find a big group of people standing around visiting. If you wanted drinks you could buy them, if not it cost nothing. Since it was on deck the kids could be in the area too.

We also had noticed a bunch of us were all staying at the same hotel precruise so we all met at the free breakfast at a certain time.

It was really fun to put faces to names on the first day, we ran into people we knew on the ship, saw people we knew on the beaches and even shared taxis etc to save money.

I think its a fun idea to have the gift exchange, limit it to a small price and make it something local to your area. With people from all over the world meeting up, you can see some great local crafts, food, or maybe a college team tshirt or something.

[rubysmom]

My friend and I did this on the Glory at the beginning of the month.....We had approx 34 adults.....she made name tags with 2 truths and 1 lie.....we had every one email us that info... everyone had goofy stuff on the tags for a fun ice breaker to try to figure out the lie....had a three type of drink selection and dry snacks....had a BLAST...we didn't do games we bought Carnival merchandise from the gift shop with the left over money...a few small items.....Mr Heald sent us 2 ships on a stick and 2 bottles.of champagne to raffle off and one guest brought 2 more.....that was generous!!!! We got in right before the price went up so.we.were.lucky.....lasted an hr and they had to kick the last 6 people out of the Bar Blue....met some great people!!

[Shipbound]

The price has since doubled from last year and now they limit the drinks. It's not as simple as it once was, sadly. :(

 

You are correct there is a limit on the drinks whether it is a standard or premium package so I guess you would look at the math and ask the question will you make out if you buy the package or pay as you go. That is what I would do, I will guess if you buy either package you'll break even. Since Carnival is a business they will not loose $$$$$. The house always makes out.

 

Gary

[chasinraynbowz]

We are having an informal M&G at an Aft Lido deck bar at Sailaway. A few of us will be wearing beads so we can find each other. I also posted a picture of myself and DH so people would recognize us.

 

We are also having a "formal" M&G on our first sea day. We are meeting in the morning and will be having a gift bag exchange. I will be providing name tags to everyone can put their screen names and real names. We really don't have anything planned with Carnival, but there are several bars nearby so if anyone wants anything to drink, they can go there.

 

We leave in 2 weeks. I will let you know how it goes!!

[lilkrz]

Those that contacted John Heald and received stuff to give away at their M&G how did you get your stuff. Does John have it sent to your cabin or do you pick it up and where?

 

Thanks

[Almost Packed]

I have organized, and been to others there were organized.

 

yes, the cocktail m&g were fun but can be a lot of work. who wants to stress before vacation? not me.

 

currently, i'm in charge of our informal m&g we are doing on our next cruise. We have set it for 2:30 until sail away...it's a come & go kind of thing. We picked the aft pool. there's a bar, hot tubs, pool, ice cream etc all nearby. there's something for everyone of all ages. we can meet each other and mingle and then do our own thing for sail away, or stay and hang out together. We will be wearing leis to help distinguish us.

 

We'll just pull a few chairs together.

 

We have a cabin crawl, poker run and slot pull planned for the next day.

 

On one m&g I did a trivia contest over our roll call...things that were said and things we learned throughout the span leading up to our cruise. then I gave out a prize that I purchased to 1st and 2nd place.

 

Examples

What is X celebrating on this cruise?

 

How many years has Y been married to Z?

 

What state am I from?

 

It was fun. I did tell everyone in advance there was going to be an exam lol.

 

Have fun with whatever you decide to do, but let it be your choice if you have to do all the work, and do what you are comfortable with.

[Rounder]

The price has since doubled from last year and now they limit the drinks. It's not as simple as it once was, sadly. :(

 

Hi, rrraydon,

 

When, you combine the Cocktail Hour with your M&G, you are correct, the prices have doubled , didn't know the drink's were limited ? Everyone that comes thru the door will pay, drinkers or not, you have to collect, all monies in advance, real pain in the butt :eek:

 

There is a much better way to set up bar service. Call Carnival, and ask for Group Services for your ship. They can set everything up for you, very easy.

You just have to tell the rep, that you want Bar service for your group, ask that the drink's are charged to everyone's S&S Card. Then for those that wish to drink can, and those that don't want to don't. Two week's prior to sailing send them an e-mail with the number attending and there you go, very easy.

 

When you board, go to Guest Services, and ask to speak with the Group Event's Person, you can let them what you will need, ie: microphone, or anything else. Ask about prizes from Carnival. We did this on the Miracle, and the Breeze. For about $5 we bought a roll of drink ticket's, to use for the draw's, rip in half, one in the bucket, the other half to the guest. We also did a 50/50 draw, half to the winner, the other half we split between the bar staff, they will get their 15% tip's, but were very surprized to get that little extra.

This may or may not work for you, just a thought. ;)

Enjoy your cruise, hope this help, somewhat

Vic

[rubysmom]

Hi, rrraydon,

 

When, you combine the Cocktail Hour with your M&G, you are correct, the prices have doubled , didn't know the drink's were limited ? Everyone that comes thru the door will pay, drinkers or not, you have to collect, all monies in advance, real pain in the butt :eek:

 

There is a much better way to set up bar service. Call Carnival, and ask for Group Services for your ship. They can set everything up for you, very easy.

You just have to tell the rep, that you want Bar service for your group, ask that the drink's are charged to everyone's S&S Card. Then for those that wish to drink can, and those that don't want to don't. Two week's prior to sailing send them an e-mail with the number attending and there you go, very easy.

 

When you board, go to Guest Services, and ask to speak with the Group Event's Person, you can let them what you will need, ie: microphone, or anything else. Ask about prizes from Carnival. We did this on the Miracle, and the Breeze. For about $5 we bought a roll of drink ticket's, to use for the draw's, rip in half, one in the bucket, the other half to the guest. We also did a 50/50 draw, half to the winner, the other half we split between the bar staff, they will get their 15% tip's, but were very surprized to get that little extra.

This may or may not work for you, just a thought. ;)

Enjoy your cruise, hope this help, somewhat

Vic

Mr Heald had it sent to the room before hand...they called my room first and told me......ours was a 35 person meet and greet.....collecting money surprisingly was easy.....it was almost all Canadians and they paid through pay pal since my cruisemate and other Large Marge in charge had an account.....I only had Two people send checks....the worst was trying to make a few non drinkers understandably you have to pay regardless......one person got a little inflamed when I told them that......he told me that....."They didn't drink and are watching their weight so they won't be partaking in the chex mix" in the bowls on the table.either.....ahhhhh buddy.....its $11.50......he never showed at the sail away drink at the aft bar FREE OF CHARGE to meet anyone beforehand either....Another person just said she was going to stop in and say hello and meet everyone....again.....NO SORRY... because there were people there who drank pop and never complained about paying that FAIR amount......just didn't think $11.50 was unfair regardless if you're on a diet or you're just plain cheap....

[rubysmom]

Hi, rrraydon,

 

When, you combine the Cocktail Hour with your M&G, you are correct, the prices have doubled , didn't know the drink's were limited ? Everyone that comes thru the door will pay, drinkers or not, you have to collect, all monies in advance, real pain in the butt :eek:

 

There is a much better way to set up bar service. Call Carnival, and ask for Group Services for your ship. They can set everything up for you, very easy.

You just have to tell the rep, that you want Bar service for your group, ask that the drink's are charged to everyone's S&S Card. Then for those that wish to drink can, and those that don't want to don't. Two week's prior to sailing send them an e-mail with the number attending and there you go, very easy.

 

When you board, go to Guest Services, and ask to speak with the Group Event's Person, you can let them what you will need, ie: microphone, or anything else. Ask about prizes from Carnival. We did this on the Miracle, and the Breeze. For about $5 we bought a roll of drink ticket's, to use for the draw's, rip in half, one in the bucket, the other half to the guest. We also did a 50/50 draw, half to the winner, the other half we split between the bar staff, they will get their 15% tip's, but were very surprized to get that little extra.

This may or may not work for you, just a thought. ;)

Enjoy your cruise, hope this help, somewhat

Vic

Vic....really good organization!!!!! Nice informative post!!!!

[Rounder]

Mr Heald had it sent to the room before hand...they called my room first and told me......ours was a 35 person meet and greet.....collecting money surprisingly was easy.....it was almost all Canadians and they paid through pay pal since my cruisemate and other Large Marge in charge had an account.....I only had Two people send checks....the worst was trying to make a few non drinkers understandably you have to pay regardless......one person got a little inflamed when I told them that......he told me that....."They didn't drink and are watching their weight so they won't be partaking in the chex mix" in the bowls on the table.either.....ahhhhh buddy.....its $11.50......he never showed at the sail away drink at the aft bar FREE OF CHARGE to meet anyone beforehand either....Another person just said she was going to stop in and say hello and meet everyone....again.....NO SORRY... because there were people there who drank pop and never complained about paying that FAIR amount......just didn't think $11.50 was unfair regardless if you're on a diet or you're just plain cheap....

 

It is no longer $11.50, and hasn't been for sometime, heard it was around the $20 mark. Glad it went fairly well for your group, ya, can't please everyone I guess. All the best. :)

[Rounder]

Vic....really good organization!!!!! Nice informative post!!!!

 

Thank's , I really try to follow the KISS principle LOL Hopefully it will help other's, it is really easy to set thing's up. ;)

Happy cruising .

 

Vic

[golfadj]

My friend and I did this on the Glory at the beginning of the month.....We had approx 34 adults.....she made name tags with 2 truths and 1 lie.....we had every one email us that info... everyone had goofy stuff on the tags for a fun ice breaker to try to figure out the lie....had a three type of drink selection and dry snacks....had a BLAST...we didn't do games we bought Carnival merchandise from the gift shop with the left over money...a few small items.....Mr Heald sent us 2 ships on a stick and 2 bottles.of champagne to raffle off and one guest brought 2 more.....that was generous!!!! We got in right before the price went up so.we.were.lucky.....lasted an hr and they had to kick the last 6 people out of the Bar Blue....met some great people!!

 

It was an awesome party and think we were two of the kickees. DW certainly was suffering no pain and couldnt quite walk a straight line.

 

They have just about doubled the price and now you are limited to I think two drinks and beer.

[Sue Do-Over]

We have had informal M&G -- usually on the Serenity Deck, around the time of Sail Away. Mardi Gras beads identify us - most people brought extras. John Heald (message him on FB 3 days prior to cruise) provided wine and SOAS that I picked up at guest services. We did not schedule a paid party from CCL.

 

On our Med cruise, our very active roll call leader created a stand-alone spreadsheet/website where we coordinated shore excursions. At the M&G, it was easy to identify our tour partners.

 

Mid-cruise, we had a poker run, from the smallest cabin to the largest. Participants chipped in $5 or a small gift (photo album, disposable camera, candy/treats from home, etc) Make door signs -- CC has a template somewhere.

 

With 35 people, there were 10 gifts plus the cash jackpot. Several rooms offered shots -- we had booze from Australia, UK, Spain, and a couple others. We packed into the interior cabin for a laugh, worked our way up deck by deck, and then lounged in the aft balcony for the prize drawing. What fun!

[maldenmusic]

My daughter and I did a very informal one a couple of cruises ago. It was posted on theship's Roll Call and everyone who wanted to participate exchanged info and then emails went out. We just agreed to meet outside the casino bar prior to the muster drill. Probably 25 people showed up. We met another mother-daughter duo and we found out they didn't live too far from us. We shared a taxi on one of our port days and have kept in touch since then.

[smwc71alum]

It was an awesome party and think we were two of the kickees. DW certainly was suffering no pain and couldnt quite walk a straight line.

 

They have just about doubled the price and now you are limited to I think two drinks and beer.

 

I have been to two Meet and Greets...on the Magic in the last four months.

Both were between 17.00 (1.5 hours) to 22.00 (2 hours).........both so much fun !!!! Drinks were not limited.....on the one in November a 50-50 Raffle (tickets) was organized.....1/2 to winner and 1/2 to be divided among the servers and bartenders....VERY SUCCESSFUL AND VERY APPREICATED.

[golfadj]

I have been to two Meet and Greets...on the Magic in the last four months.

Both were between 17.00 (1.5 hours) to 22.00 (2 hours).........both so much fun !!!! Drinks were not limited.....on the one in November a 50-50 Raffle (tickets) was organized.....1/2 to winner and 1/2 to be divided among the servers and bartenders....VERY SUCCESSFUL AND VERY APPREICATED.

 

About two months ago they changed it by doubling the cost and limiting the type of drinks you could order.

[Skeetersmom]

Our group on Breeze in December went the informal M&G route. We met in the Red Frog Pub, wore leis so we knew who was with the group. One of the gals in the group contacted John Heald and he supplied a number of the following: champaign, chocolate covered strawberries, ship on a stick, and some Red Frog Pub t-shirts. We gave them out as prizes-who traveled the farthest, who was celebrating a b-day, anniversary, etc. a lot less stressful than going through Carnival. People also brought little items to give away. I brought little lapel pins of cruise ships that light up. Another girl brought little cards that you could use for your lights when entering your cabin. We had a great time.

 

 

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[Skeetersmom]

About two months ago they changed it by doubling the cost and limiting the type of drinks you could order.

 

 

Love the idea of the 50/50 raffle.

 

 

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