New UPDATED Cruise Director (CD) List - starting from April 2018 onwards

[BCCarty85]

It might be best not to discuss Royal's human resources matters in a public forum like this. We cannot possibly know all sides to any decisions that are made regarding someone's employment, and it truly is not fair (to either employee or employer) to speculate about such.

[Joe12]

It might be best not to discuss Royal's human resources matters in a public forum like this. We cannot possibly know all sides to any decisions that are made regarding someone's employment, and it truly is not fair (to either employee or employer) to speculate about such.

 

I 100% understand what you are saying, but many of us liked sailing with certain CD's and would appreciate knowing why they are no longer employed by Royal.

[internetwhiz]

I 100% understand what you are saying, but many of us liked sailing with certain CD's and would appreciate knowing why they are no longer employed by Royal.

 

 

I agree with BCCarty, and when personnel are fired, it’s not public info from the company as to why, nor should it be. I’m sure there was just cause, and they aren’t gonna rehire them. Given that, why discuss it in a very public place. Also, with the CDs you dislike, there are just as many folks that like them. Different strokes for different folks.

[Joe12]

Also, with the CDs you dislike, there are just as many folks that like them. Different strokes for different folks.

 

Of course CD's are subjective, but a pattern can emerge when one consistently receives poor reviews. If Royal had read them and made better assignment choices, maybe I would be more inclined to join you all on the Symphony TA. As I wish to be a CD myself, I would rather not spend that cruise with a dud.

 

I should also mention that it isn't just a CD's personality or style. Many argued that Ken Rush didn't have that, but he made up for it by being a great leader of his team and providing an exceptional product.

[internetwhiz]

Curious. What are you actively doing to be a CD? Applied for work with RC as activity staff? What area of expertise do you have that would get them to hire you? Practice biting your tongue if you are employed. You will be working with ADs and CDs that you deem ineffective,no doubt. That’s all I’m gonna say about this.

[Joe12]

I should also mention that I read in a review from Brilliance last year (Jerome was CD) that they had a hosted LGBT gathering. An LGBT friendly CD is really important for me and from what I read, it sounded like they did an awesome job there. Highly doubt that I would be seeing that with some other CD's (won't name them).

[Joe12]

Curious. What are you actively doing to be a CD? Applied for work with RC as activity staff? What area of expertise do you have that would get them to hire you? Practice biting your tongue if you are employed. You will be working with ADs and CDs that you deem ineffective,no doubt. That’s all I’m gonna say about this.h

 

Things on land aren't working out and I'd like to give it a shot. I do feel passionate about it, as shown by the fact that I run the list. This was one of the reasons that I wanted to do the SY TA, but I would rather spend money on a cruise where I can oversee a decent entertainment product. Remember that I am not a paying guest if I am working under a dud CD or AM.

[ncb106]

I think in the future we will have robot cruise director lol

 

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[Joe12]

I think in the future we will have robot cruise director lol

 

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I made that one up as an April Fools joke.

[ncb106]

That will be funny if it comes trust lol

 

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[EMBFlyer]

I have to agree with the others on the tone this thread has taken lately. It's become almost unreadable.

 

Joe, I appreciate the work you do to keep it updated. However, your opinions are starting overshadow the whole point of this thread. This is to be informative, not a constant bashing of CDs you don't deem worthy and of RCI Entertainment because your favorites went in other directions. I can remember vividly when you damn-near jumped down my throat because I disagreed with you that I thought Chris Hopkins wasn't worthy of the promotion. I cited examples of how he actually made more than a couple of nights on our 10-night Anthem cruise bad nights. I cited examples of how upset I was at his actions that Dru had to personally intervene. You told me that it was just a British sense of humor and went on defending him. I continued to site examples of how unprofessional he was during the entire cruise.

 

In order to keep this thread relevant and to not hurt your chances of one day obtaining a slot on the Entertainment team at Royal Caribbean, please take the above suggestions to tone it down a little.

[emdia43]

Will Jimmy Rhodes return to the Allure after Mitch Merucci’s 2 months?

 

 

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Hope not.....

[mets123]

I agree with others how the tone of this thread is changing. All I want to know is who the CD is. If you are moderating this thread, then moderate it. If you disagree with an opinion, do not force yours on the thread. Sexual preferences of lack of them do not belong here. Neither does looking for a CD job. That is just my two cents.

[Joe12]

I have to agree with the others on the tone this thread has taken lately. It's become almost unreadable.

 

Joe, I appreciate the work you do to keep it updated. However, your opinions are starting overshadow the whole point of this thread. This is to be informative, not a constant bashing of CDs you don't deem worthy and of RCI Entertainment because your favorites went in other directions. I can remember vividly when you damn-near jumped down my throat because I disagreed with you that I thought Chris Hopkins wasn't worthy of the promotion. I cited examples of how he actually made more than a couple of nights on our 10-night Anthem cruise bad nights. I cited examples of how upset I was at his actions that Dru had to personally intervene. You told me that it was just a British sense of humor and went on defending him. I continued to site examples of how unprofessional he was during the entire cruise.

 

In order to keep this thread relevant and to not hurt your chances of one day obtaining a slot on the Entertainment team at Royal Caribbean, please take the above suggestions to tone it down a little.

 

Hello - appreciate your feedback.

I understand what you are saying. I am a bit outspoken at times, so thanks for keeping me in check there. I'll tone it down a bit, but I do like to have feedback on CD's alongside it being a list. I am someone who likes to know what to expect, so if I have feedback on a CD, then that is greatly beneficial.

I never have and never will understand the logic behind Miami's assignments, as there were some who I deemed as great CD material that weren't promoted. As for the Symphony, I was going to book that as a celebration cruise and knowing who would be the CD meant that I am back at square one. There are so many fantastic CD's or upcoming CD's with a lot to offer, so they should be utilized.

 

(y)

[Joe12]

I agree with others how the tone of this thread is changing. All I want to know is who the CD is. If you are moderating this thread, then moderate it. If you disagree with an opinion, do not force yours on the thread. Sexual preferences of lack of them do not belong here. Neither does looking for a CD job. That is just my two cents.

 

Understand your points, but for the BIB - I think that LGBT representation in the workplace is important. It's not as if I am mentioning any names. I am part of that crowd and feel alienated by a few CD's.

My 2 cents.

[windjamming]

Rob was AM to Joff when I sailed Indy in 2011. I can't remember him much. Maybe someone who has had him as a CD can comment.

 

We sailed with Rob as CD on the Navigator a few years ago. It was a port intensive cruise so I can't say much about the activities/ entertainment. On the morning shows, he seemed rather mean to his Activities Director, a young woman from Australia, as she was the butt of most of his jokes. Perhaps this was their shtick that appealed to audiences, but I remember it making me feel uncomfortable.

[windjamming]

Not to stir the pot here, but I think this is an interesting discussion - and hopefully some use to you, Joe, as you move forwards in your CD aspirations.

 

For me, what sets apart the great CDs from average ones is their ability to basically host an awesome multi-day party for ALL their guests. It's a difficult job, requiring organizational skills, the ability to read a room and adapt, and a sense of inclusiveness.

 

My opinion is that Chris H may have been better suited for the weekend party cruises. We had him as AM on the Anthem with Dru as CD, and while he had tremendous energy, I remember feeling like he preferred spending time with the young partying crowd and was perhaps less invested in others. While Dru would walk around the ship amiably chatting with passengers and asking how their cruises were, I only saw Chris having fun with one of his high energy activities staff and not engaging with others.

 

I can see someone who is part of the young, fun crowd loving him and those not in that crowd having a less great impression. On large ships, though, the CD really needs to be inclusive to all types of passengers who may be sailing for different reasons.

 

And if we don't say this enough, thank you Joe for continuing to moderate this list. Clearly it's something we care about or we wouldn't post here, so we appreciate your hard work and passion!

[Joe12]

Not to stir the pot here, but I think this is an interesting discussion - and hopefully some use to you, Joe, as you move forwards in your CD aspirations.

 

For me, what sets apart the great CDs from average ones is their ability to basically host an awesome multi-day party for ALL their guests. It's a difficult job, requiring organizational skills, the ability to read a room and adapt, and a sense of inclusiveness.

 

My opinion is that Chris H may have been better suited for the weekend party cruises. We had him as AM on the Anthem with Dru as CD, and while he had tremendous energy, I remember feeling like he preferred spending time with the young partying crowd and was perhaps less invested in others. While Dru would walk around the ship amiably chatting with passengers and asking how their cruises were, I only saw Chris having fun with one of his high energy activities staff and not engaging with others.

 

I can see someone who is part of the young, fun crowd loving him and those not in that crowd having a less great impression. On large ships, though, the CD really needs to be inclusive to all types of passengers who may be sailing for different reasons.

 

And if we don't say this enough, thank you Joe for continuing to moderate this list. Clearly it's something we care about or we wouldn't post here, so we appreciate your hard work and passion!

 

Thanks for your advice. :)

I personally wouldn't wish anyone to work on the 3/4 day Bahamas cruises. That would not be my cup of tea, although I agree that the likes of Chris may appeal to a younger audience. I am on the younger side, so prefer one with comedic skills and energy. Equally, an older clientele may prefer someone more subtle and low-key. Both of those preferences are totally cool but should be a factor in terms of where CD's should be assigned. I personally wanted them to send Chris to Harmony as AM as the Oasis Class needs someone energetic, less so than the longer Anthem sailings.

 

In total agreement that a CD needs to be adaptable. I say less about a crowd itself, but more about the demographic. What is good for the Southampton market isn't what is good for the Baltimore/New Jersey market, which equally is different to what I would expect on cruises from South Florida. Another thing that I see as important is leading the team and motivating them, although the AM also plays a significant role in this. Too many of the CD Staff on HM seemed unhappy and I think that was down to the CD & AM. Knowing that particular CD is on the cruise that I planned to take means that I am changing my plans. Not sure what ship/itinerary to take yet.

Edited April 29, 2018 by Joe12

[Rogueperson]

I was talking to Mike on the Grandeur. Prior before he left, he was on Oasis. He said despite his best efforts, he felt that he was under appreciated. He felt that CDs of his style work better on smaller ships like Grandeur. He felt with a shop like Oasis, there’s so much going on, he felt like a bus driver than anything else (his words). On Grandeur, he felt his style goes a lot farther.

 

My takeaway from that is that although Symphony and Harmony are the crown jewel of cruise ships to us, it may not be the same for the cruise directors and activity staff.

 

 

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[Joe12]

I was talking to Mike on the Grandeur. Prior before he left, he was on Oasis. He said despite his best efforts, he felt that he was under appreciated. He felt that CDs of his style work better on smaller ships like Grandeur. He felt with a shop like Oasis, there’s so much going on, he felt like a bus driver than anything else (his words). On Grandeur, he felt his style goes a lot farther.

 

My takeaway from that is that although Symphony and Harmony are the crown jewel of cruise ships to us, it may not be the same for the cruise directors and activity staff.

 

 

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That's interesting. Not the first time that I have heard about a CD disliking Oasis Class, as it is very back of house as opposed to Grandeur which gives the CD more opportunities to have an impact.

I've never sailed with a good CD on a small ship. Best ones have been on bigger ships (Leigh/Explorer; Joff/Independence; Abe/Harmony), whilst it was Casey Pelter on Serenade and John Blair on Enchantment. Would be interested to take another Vision or Radiance Class cruise with a good CD. Maybe that would be a good option for an October replacement cruise.

[PH8]

Holy cow!! I just searched for this info to see who will be on my next cruise.......What kind of thread is this?? Informational or an audition for a job. I would be very leary to bash RCCL for their decisions if I wanted to work for them:eek:

[Joe12]

Happy Sunday! Thanks all for the updates!

 

 

Adventure OTS - Chris Brown started mid-April. (for 4 months?)

Allure OTS - Jimmy Rhodes returns March 11 for 4 months, then Mitch Merucci returns mid-July for 2 months. (Mitch's schedule is tentative due to his contract extension.)

 

Anthem OTS - Clo O'Connor until May 13, then Dennis Charles returns May 13 for 4 months.

Brilliance OTS - Abe Hughes started March 31 until early-July, then Clo O'Connor will be CD from July until September 1. (need July handover date)

 

Empress OTS - Hugo Arenas began November 10 for 4 months. (then who?)

Enchantment OTS - Bobby Broughton returned April 6 for 4 months. Mike Szwajkowski is rumored to be on EN for his next contract, but no confirmation yet.

Explorer OTS - Graham Seymour returned February 9 (until when?). Topi Ylönen returns June 8 until July 27. Graham is wanted to be kept on Explorer by the HD, so may be regular CD again for the rest of 2018.

Freedom OTS - Drew Devine starts March 17 until July 28, then Topi Ylönen returns July 28 until September 29, followed by Drew September 29 for 4 months.

Grandeur OTS - Mike Szwajkowski started April 14 for 2 months, then Bob Leininger returns June 2 until October 6, then Mitch Merucci from October 6 until December 1, followed by Bob starting December 1 for another 4 month contract. Mike is reported to be leaving June 2 for a 3 week vacation then returning. Any updates to this info?

Harmony OTS - Dru Pavlov returned April 21 until August 4, then Marc Walker returns August 4 until October 6.

Independence OTS - Tim Connor started March 15 until May 28, then Joff Eaton returns May 28 for the Summer season for 4 months.

Jewel OTS - Andrea Olivieri started February 25. (for 4 months?)

Liberty OTS - Mitch Merucci joined April 15 for an emergency fill-in. (until when? then who?)

Majesty OTS - Susan Adams took over February 26. (for 4 months?)

Mariner OTS - Ricky Matthews until July, then Carlos Torres joins in July for 2 months, then Ricky returns in September for 4 months.

Navigator OTS - Simona Ferraiuolo took over March 25 until May 6, then Rob McNally starts May 6 until August, then Cuddy Cudworth returns in August.

Oasis OTS - Jeff Arpin returned early March for 2 months, followed by Dan Whitney early May for 4 months. (need dates)

Ovation OTS - Mike Hunnerup returned March 23 (for 4 months?).

Quantum OTS - Paul Rutter starts April 9 for 2 months and again in the Fall for 3 months. Who will fill in for Paul's vacation?

Radiance OTS - Ken Jones joined April 17 for 2 months, then Cuddy Cudworth starts late-May/early-June for 2 months.

 

Rhapsody OTS - Elvis Pinto returned early February for 4 months. (then who?)

 

Serenade OTS - Carly Boileau returns February 5 until May, then Jamie Fentiman starts in May for 4 months.

Symphony OTS - Michele Scarpato joined March 11 and will still be onboard in mid-July. Bobby Brown will eventually return and be CD for the TA. Marc Walker takes over November 9 in Miami until February 16. (He joins Oct 23 for a 17 day handover)

 

Vision OTS - Steve Davis returned April 6 until August 11.

 

Voyager OTS - Carlos Torres began late-January until late-May.

Where is Patricio Honores?

Jerome Sueur has reportedly left RCI. He is getting married soon.

Casey Pelter is now working shoreside for Celebrity as Manager of Entertainment.

Jamie Fentiman has been cleared to return, although does not have an assignment yet.

Graham Seymour is stepping back from cruise life after July 28, 2017 except for occasional fill-ins. (Graham is filling in on Explorer from Feb 9.)

Rich Edwards has unfortunately passed away in June 2017. RIP Rich.

John Perry has left Royal and is now Operations Manager at Hyatt Hotels (per LinkedIn)

Ken Rush works at corporate in Miami as RCI's Director of Entertainment. He may occasionally fill-in as CD

Amy Fickert-Southgate has taken a job shoreside as of June 8

Luke Aerowsmith is working at the corporate office in London

Gordon Whatman is retired, but will be filling-in from time-to-time if needed.

Allan Brooks works for Celebrity in their corporate office.

Richard Spacey is a CD with Celebrity

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

Dave Chapman is a CD with HAL

James Andrews is a real estate agent in Sydney

Leo Papa is a Product Manager at Tauck Corp in Connecticut

Anna Bass is a make-up artist

João Pereira has returned to Royal Caribbean and is now the Cruise Sales Manager on the Liberty of the Seas.

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 - Has sold the Tiddly and is now a radio presenter.

Kieron Buffrey - CD with Viking River Cruises and recently became a father to a lovely baby boy

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 SilverSeas out of Italy

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

Abel Jeney is now with The World - Luxury Residence at Sea

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

Warren Allen (aka Warren Melhuish) lives in Ontario, Canada. He has retired from ship-life but still works on the stage

Thomas DeCell is no longer with RCI

Leigh Xuereb and his AM Frankie Portera are CD's for Carnival

[Joe12]

The last weekend has been a bit of a wake up call to me. The CD thing and the discussion about it has become an unhealthy obsession for me. Whilst I will strive to be the best CD that I can be, I'm not sure that posting regularly here will do me any favours. Whilst I am entitled to my opinions, I also feel that I could jeopardize my abilities to be employed by Royal.

 

I'm still quite young and would like to be my age for once. I have went through the toughest year in my personal life since I took over the list and am entering a stressful month with things as we speak. Therefore, I am going to take a hiatus from CC for a bit and consider my plans. I have had a great 4 years on the community and a great 13 months running the list (could not have done it without you) but it has turned into an obsession and to start my new life, I think that I need to cut down on some things.

 

Thanks and I hope you understand,

Joe. :)

[ncb106]

Like they said you could be anything if you put your mind heart into it

 

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[discoseabear]

I wonder who will be the CD on the Radiance for Vancouver to Hawaii in early September? Cuddy said on his Facebook page that he returns to Navigator in August.

 

Maybe Jamie Fentimen.