"Who are the officers"....why?

[Heidi13]

The Captain doesn’t just sail the ship. He’s the CEO of the ship. The attitude of the crew starts with his attitude, and is implemented by the Hotel Director (and the Staff Captain, but most passengers don’t deal with the back of the house staff much.)

 

So, if you find a ship you enjoy, it may be the tons of steel, but it is also the crew that waited on you, helped you find stuff, lead the games and so forth.

 

I’ve noticed that some Captains are ambassadors for the line, and are visible during the cruise. Some drive the ship and come out for twenty minutes for photos. To some people, it will make a difference which type you have.

 

 

Having started my career at sea as a cadet and junior officer on cruise ships, followed by almost 30 yrs in command of passenger Ro/Pax vessels, I am probably more experienced than most to comment on the differences.

 

Back in the 70's & 80's we started as cadets on cruise ships, no officers and certainly not Captains were hired off the street. We therefore were trained in the art of small talk and had to be extroverts. Socialising with pax was an equally important part of the job, as navigating the ship. Attending cocktail parties was compulsory, unless on watch and being on deck every night was expected. If you couldn't handle the socialising, you did not get a deck officer job on cruise ships.

 

To put it into perspective, on SS Uganda we had 4 cadets - 3 on watches and 1 assisting a Chief Officer managing the school kid's activities - playing deck games, running evening disco, etc. Could we socialise - most definitely yes.

 

Promotion was also much slower, after spending 3 yrs as a cadet, I expected to be 3rd Officer for 7 to 10 yrs, then another 5 - 7 yrs as 2nd Officer. We were highly trained and experienced and rarely saw the Captain on the Bridge.

In current times, Officers are much younger and less experienced - our son was 3rd Officer after 1 yr at sea and Senior 2nd Officer before he was 24. With the huge increase in ships, they regularly hire officers, even senior officers with zero passenger vessel experience, off the street. The other consideration is the Company Bridge Team Command & Control Procedures written into the ISM Manual. On many Lines these include minimum Bridge manning for Green/Red zones. Basically the Captain is on the Bridge for way more hours every day, than when I was a Deck Officer. Add additional admin responsibilities & Captains today have very limited time to be out meeting pax.

 

Therefore, many Captains & Senior Officers do not have the experience of making small talk, a skill which is much easier to gain when a young cadet than Chief Officer or Captain.

 

With respect to the Captain being the CEO, while the Captain's primary focus is the safety of navigation, he/she is still de facto the CEO. They still hold Department Head meetings and as Cheng mentioned, it is critical that the Captain is visible, at least to the crew. Management by Walking About is a critical component of the Captain being visible and in addition taking an interest in the crew. As Captain, you set the tone for the crew and if your crew is happy, as passengers you will generally get a better experience.

 

Some Lines still want the Captain to be Ambassadors, but others want the focus to be the Bridge Operations & crew. Some Captains just aren't comfortable with the language or making small talk, so use the excuse of nav safety to make fleeting appearances.

 

Am I interested in knowing in advance who is the Captain & Senior Officers? Used to check the Captain, since I knew most of the Brits, with Princess, but most are now retired. We have since moved to a new cruise line, so basically, now I don't spend any time checking who will be working aboard the vessel. If I meet the Captain/Staffy/Ch Engineer, I would be more than happy to chat, but no desire to discuss marine issues, since I enjoy retirement.

[mnocket]

I'm much more interested in my interactions with the bar staff:D That said, I suspect for some cruisers interacting with senior officers makes them feel special. Nothing wrong with that - different strokes...

[cruisemom42]

However, it is funny to note that the same crowd that doesn't care who the officers are, and can't see the benefit of knowing any of them are the loudest voices looking for the CEO's email address for every grievance that they've experienced...and they are the most shocked by the fact that the CEO doesn't immediately drop everything to address their "issue".

 

I am curious how you've managed to ascertain this "fact".

 

I've been cruising for more than 40 years and have never asked for a CEO's email address or expected anyone (at a high or low level) to "drop everything" to address an issue.

 

:rolleyes:

[AmberCascades]

I'm much more interested in my interactions with the bar staff:D That said, I suspect for some cruisers interacting with senior officers makes them feel special. Nothing wrong with that - different strokes...

 

LOL Agreed. I'm much more interested in the people who directly impact my enjoyment - the cruise director, the bands, the DJ, our favourite waiter if we are back on "his" ship, etc. But we don't see postings about the waitstaff or Sven in the engine room.

[SeaShark]

I am curious how you've managed to ascertain this "fact".

 

I've been cruising for more than 40 years and have never asked for a CEO's email address or expected anyone (at a high or low level) to "drop everything" to address an issue.

 

:rolleyes:

Well, just because you've never asked or experienced in 40 years of cruising doesn't negate or invalidate the experiences of others. There are experiences that you have had that others will not. Likewise there are those who will have only cruised once yet have experienced things that you never will.

[cruisemom42]

Well, just because you've never asked or experienced in 40 years of cruising doesn't negate or invalidate the experiences of others. There are experiences that you have had that others will not. Likewise there are those who will have only cruised once yet have experienced things that you never will.

 

Exactly so, but your statement previously made it sound as if you were basing this on more than just your own observations. If that's the case, then I guess our observations cancel each other's out. "N of 1" studies are notoriously inaccurate.

[ldubs]

 

However, it is funny to note that the same crowd that doesn't care who the officers are, and can't see the benefit of knowing any of them are the loudest voices looking for the CEO's email address for every grievance that they've experienced...and they are the most shocked by the fact that the CEO doesn't immediately drop everything to address their "issue".

 

Oops. Someone already asked what I was going to ask.

Edited September 1, 2018 by ldubs

[ldubs]

I am curious how you've managed to ascertain this "fact".

 

 

 

:rolleyes:

 

I think the statement was based more on imagination than fact.

 

I have no overwhelming need to meet officers or cruise directors. I respect what they do and hope they do a good job. Sure, I chat with them in passing. But, I don't seek them out. I do not need a photo with them. After a week or so I couldn't tell you a single name.

[K32682]

Some folks love the idea of knowing officers as they feel like they are high and mighty to know them.

These "high and mighty" types are quite insufferable. "Well, when we were having drinks with the captain..."

 

The people in charge of the boat have serious responsibilities. Amusing the pompous and self-important shouldn't be among them.

 

I have no more interest in who is steering the boat than who is flying the plane.

[XBGuy]

These "high and mighty" types are quite insufferable. "Well, when we were having drinks with the captain..."

 

The people in charge of the boat have serious responsibilities. Amusing the pompous and self-important shouldn't be among them.

 

I have no more interest in who is steering the boat than who is flying the plane.

 

I am in among the group that has no concern about who the 3rd Electrical Officer is. Like everybody else, here, my primary requirement is that the officers and crew on any ship be very competent.

 

I am going to quibble a bit with the general attitude expressed several times in this thread, most recently, in the one I am citing, here.

 

Anybody, both officers and crew, working on a cruise ship, is employed in the hospitality industry, "Amusing the pompous and self-important" is, in fact, a part of the job description. I will, of course, agree that the safety of the ship and the passengers is much more important. However, officers who are are uncomfortable with the hospitality part will gravitate away from the leisure industry to other merchant marine or military opportunities.

[K32682]

Anybody, both officers and crew, working on a cruise ship, is employed in the hospitality industry, "Amusing the pompous and self-important" is, in fact, a part of the job description. I will, of course, agree that the safety of the ship and the passengers is much more important. However, officers who are are uncomfortable with the hospitality part will gravitate away from the leisure industry to other merchant marine or military opportunities.

At the very least I hope they are well remunerated for having to paste on a smile and endure the droning of officious busybodies while fielding questions and complaints they've heard hundreds of times before.

[evandbob]

I get to snack or dine with the Captain and usually the Hotel Director or other top officer when I cruise as a Diamond on Carnival.

 

Previously, as a new cruiser I never bothered with knowing any of the officers, couldn't care, and as a Platinum, I just suffered through the officers' introductions at the past guest parties.

 

Now that I get to have a regular conversation with the Captains, I find it to be an interesting part of my cruise experience. Sitting with them at a brunch table and chatting for 30 minutes is a unique experience, and not just about the Captain's life as "Master of the Ship", but also about our Grandmother's homemade Italian recipes..

[Velvetwater]

As a bit of a nautical geek I have quite a lot of admiration for them so it's interesting to see where they are from and if theres a session on board there experience and history. I would never leap on them as their job is important but if there is an organised opportunity to chat then I will take it.

 

The hotel and entertainment staff are fab but they are the face of the ship. The real work devils are the officers and it is always fun to play the 'Guess the nationality' of the crew game.

 

I also like it when they walk past and I have a good look at their stripes to see what rank they are.

 

Eh...thats just me then. :D

[sail7seas]

I was thinking that on a recent NCL cruise. They shut down the Haven (annoyingly) to set it up for a Captains cocktail party. And I just was thinking "There is no way the Captain and the officers truly want to do this every cruise."

 

That said, the Cruise Director is an Officer and I could understand wanting to know who that person is and interacting with them, but that IS their job.

 

 

That is alsoa PART of the Captain's job... some socializing is expected .

[Heidi13]

At the very least I hope they are well remunerated for having to paste on a smile and endure the droning of officious busybodies while fielding questions and complaints they've heard hundreds of times before.

 

Compared to jobs ashore they are probably reasonably remunerated, however compared to other classes of vessels they get paid peanuts.

 

About 10-12 yrs ago, as a 3rd Officer, our son received US $5,000 per month. This was paid in cash and only when aboard ship. Nothing at home and no benefits. At the same time, the Shore-Ex Manager was paid US $3,500 - same conditions, except he worked 4 months to get 2 off, she worked 6 months to get 2 off.

 

Our son left cruise ships as S/2nd Officer and now works on very large private yachts. His annual salary as Chief Officer/Staff Captain is significantly higher (> 2x). Also works a day for day schedule, about 10 wks on & 10 wks off.

 

Therefore, compared to other areas of the marine industry, cruise ship officer wages & terms and conditions are very poor.

[BruceMuzz]

YMMV -

Some officers on cruise ships do not have to pay any income taxes anywhere,. which adds quite a bit of value to their salaries. They also receive free medical and dental care from their employers, so do not need to pay for insurance.

 

\Why would you want to get to know a Senior Officer on a Cruise Ship?

They have some amazing dinner parties in private locations on the ship. Some people find that fun.

They enjoy showing parts of the ship that most people never see. Others find that fun.

They have large expense accounts to entertain passengers. Some people like that.

They know all the best restaurants, bars, attractions on shore and are happy to share that knowledge.

They have visited more places than you will ever hope to. They enjoy sharing that knowledge.

They have all the inside info on other cruise ships and lines, and can give you valuable info on what is good and what to avoid.

They can explain to you why cruise lines do some of the seemingly crazy things we do.

They can tell you which cabins on which ships are desirable, and which should be avoided. Some people like that.

They can give you inside information on future cruises that even the travel agents are not yet aware of, giving you a heads up on anything special you might like to book.

They can get you onto tours and into restaurants that are officially sold out.

While cruising in the tropics at Christmas, they can invite you to attend the Officers Christmas Party in a giant walk-in freezer, below decks, with all the music, lights, decorations, and special drinks.

[lenquixote66]

So Im relatively new to cruising, just 4 so far. I see alot of people post asking who the officers etc are on a ship. Im just wondering why? Ive never even noted who my officers were until they were introduced during the cruise. I just never gave a second thought to who they were and it certainly wouldnt have made a difference in any of our cruises.

 

I have been trying to figure that out for 19 years.

[Heidi13]

YMMV -

Some officers on cruise ships do not have to pay any income taxes anywhere,. which adds quite a bit of value to their salaries. They also receive free medical and dental care from their employers, so do not need to pay for insurance.

 

 

In my experience, when based in UK, I did not pay tax provided I was out of the country over 6 months. However, in Canada we must pay tax on all world wide income, regardless of how long we are in or out of the country. Not sure of the US requirements.

 

Medical & dental benefits vary by both employer and type of contract. All seafarers, on departure from their home airport to return must receive medical & health care from their employer, which has costs covered by the P&I Club. Very few, if any, are provided health insurance, or benefits when not aboard the ship.

[Aquahound]

So Im relatively new to cruising, just 4 so far. I see alot of people post asking who the officers etc are on a ship. Im just wondering why? Ive never even noted who my officers were until they were introduced during the cruise. I just never gave a second thought to who they were and it certainly wouldnt have made a difference in any of our cruises.

 

The only times I have cared about the officers were on my Celebrity cruises. On Celebrity, the officers are constantly out mingling with the passengers, and they get involved in passenger-participation game shows. Some of them are hilarious!

 

Otherwise, I don't really give a crap as long as they are providing the service I paid for.

[Joebucks]

On my last cruise, I attended the officer introduction ceremony. I learned a brief overview of who does what and then gave them a round of applause. Then I left.

 

Most people won't admit it, but they just want to feel important. They sure make a point to tell someone that they met the Captain. If I meet him, so be it. I'm not going out of my way to bother anyone.

[sail7seas]

YMMV -

Some officers on cruise ships do not have to pay any income taxes anywhere,. which adds quite a bit of value to their salaries. They also receive free medical and dental care from their employers, so do not need to pay for insurance.

 

\Why would you want to get to know a Senior Officer on a Cruise Ship?

They have some amazing dinner parties in private locations on the ship. Some people find that fun.

They enjoy showing parts of the ship that most people never see. Others find that fun.

They have large expense accounts to entertain passengers. Some people like that.

They know all the best restaurants, bars, attractions on shore and are happy to share that knowledge.

They have visited more places than you will ever hope to. They enjoy sharing that knowledge.

They have all the inside info on other cruise ships and lines, and can give you valuable info on what is good and what to avoid.

They can explain to you why cruise lines do some of the seemingly crazy things we do.

They can tell you which cabins on which ships are desirable, and which should be avoided. Some people like that.

They can give you inside information on future cruises that even the travel agents are not yet aware of, giving you a heads up on anything special you might like to book.

They can get you onto tours and into restaurants that are officially sold out.

While cruising in the tropics at Christmas, they can invite you to attend the Officers Christmas Party in a giant walk-in freezer, below decks, with all the music, lights, decorations, and special drinks.

 

Indeed.....

 

 

Oh, some of the parties we enjoyed and the very fond memories I hold dear.

 

 

 

Most senior officers are such ingeresting people, oh, the places they have been, the people they have met, the fun stories, some tell, some of the time. Don't knock those friendships and acquainitances. if you have never experienced same. I MO

 

Most are such gracious hosts and the dinner parties are fabulous.

 

 

 

Like friends anywhere, we always looked forward to the next chance we would have to be with them. we were always so happy go learn that a n officer friend from previ ous cruises was to be aboa rd a ship we had just booked. We knew some for many years and a great many cruises. Friends are friends..... these ones happen to work on cruise ships a number of months a year.

 

 

We saw eachoher off he ships more than you would expect but we grabbed every opportunity. It was FUN Don't knock it if you haven't 'done it'.

Edited September 4, 2018 by sail7seas

[squick64]

I too have wondered tho why people want to know, say, the head chef or hotel manager.

I just got back from a cruise where an entertainer said he was thrilled to see the head chef's name for that run, that any cruise is way better with him in charge. So people who are on there a lot get to know that certain people are really good, I guess.

[julie3fan]

I got friendly with the Hotel Director on one cruise due to me hosting the Meet & Greet. He added my name to the list to be able to eat in the restaurant for breakfast and lunch normally available only for suite guests. And we received a different treat delivered to our cabin every afternoon. Cheese & crackers, chocolate covered strawberries, canapes, etc. If I were to ever cruise with him again, I have little doubt he'd remember me, and it would be nice to reconnect with him.