What do you want to have on Cruise Critics Meet & Mingle?

[birdylady]

On 2/26/2019 at 9:17 AM, Falaimalandro said:

 

The invitation is sent to a list that the website provides, there is no way to guess who is cruising from the CC if people do not sign up on the website. 

What I do, I add the information on the Cruise Compass so entire ship can see it.

thank you so much to all

Thank you SO much for all you have done and are trying to do.  Personally, I love going to the M&M. Even when there is none (like shorter sailings) I always try to post on CC to get to know others from the same saliing. And if the thread is active enough, alot of times, we try to coordinate our own events (slot pull etc..).  I know the 'official' M&M held by RCI doesn't always have a huge turnout, but I love getting to know everyone.  It feels almost like going back to summer camp and getting to see your old friends.  While I love winning prizes (who doesn't) I don't think I've ever won. But I do agree with some of the folks that suggested have each winner pick their prize of choice (we don't drink wine so that would end up being what I would win.  ).    Of course everyone loves 'free' anything (meals, massages, slot money,etc..).  So any of those are great choices. 

 

As others have said, it would be nice if the link that shows when the official party is scheduled (date, time, location) were to work again.  I know in our upcoming sailing in April, I signed up way back when, but never received an email to confirm we hit the 25 people target while others have stated they have. So, I end up hoping to get the invite in my cabin.  I have heard some people say they've been turned away from the party as they didn't have the invite.  IF you post in in the Cruise Compass, then this shouldn't happen.

 

I also agree with others, I like when, at minimum, winners of prizes say their screen name and where they are from. But I think the host(ess) of the party should pass the mic around so eveyrone can introduce each other.  

 

As far as 'other events' (slot pull, hometown gift, cabin crawl, etc..), if they are planned, the event planner should speak with the host(ess) and state they would like to have the mic for a few moments to share what they need to share. Anytime I've done that, they were more than happy to let me share the information.

 

Thank you for EVERYTHING.  I very much appreciate your efforts and caring for this process. It does help make some of the cruises we've sailed.  

Erika

[kdnurs]

On 2/22/2019 at 4:23 PM, The sea calls my name said:

Better notification of when the event is being held.  We missed the last one when we sailed on the Oasis last year.  We never recieved a notification in our cabin and quest services knew Nothing about it when I asked them.  Also try to avoid overlapping with the Top Tier or return guest event which is also usually held the first morning of the first  sea day.  We have missed out on one or the other because of the times over lapping.  I enjoy both, especially meeting the poeple I have chatted with for months on the Roll Call.  Thank you for this opportunity to put in our two cents.    

I agree totally...There are conflicting receptions going on and sometimes and you have to choose ONE. After sometimes waiting a year or more to meet your roll call friends, its crazy to have to pass it up because you want to attend the top tier event you worked for. 

[StrikeEagle]

I will say mostly the same as others.   1st sea day around 10:30 am.   Free alcoholic drinks.      RCCL emblem gifts such as caps, shirts,  jackets, glasses.   This event takes place in the area with windows/outside views instead in an enclosed area without any windows.   

Edited February 27, 2019 by StrikeEagle

[Mommags123]

People have made a lot of great suggestions and comments. 

But here are a few more from me ...I always like to give my opinion... :)

A lot will depend on the group size ...

 

Introductions could take a while if the group is over 60 people.  So name tags would be great. Plus I am a visual person if I see the name with the face it is easier for me...especially if you are going to throw drinks into the event...  I am never going to remember that many peoples names so if we get teamed into smaller groups I can meet a few, hubby can meet a few etc....

 

I think if they could do an ice breaker activity to get people mingling - and don't necessarily  let family and friends stay together.

Split the group up by what color shirt they are wearing or something. Maybe a game of simon says or quick trivia …. Ask each team 5-10 questions, they have to agree on the answer and the team with the highest number wins a small prize.

 

Speaking of prizes - it would be great to include prizes for kids too. Maybe an arcade card or a free milk  shake at Johnny Rockets....  Other prizes that would be nice would be free mat rental on Coco Cay or Labadee, free snorkel rental, free bingo card... things that would encourage people to do things they might not otherwise do.

 

If anyone is on the Navigator on the March 29th sailing, I will be at the meet and mingle... hope to see you there.

 

[StrikeEagle]

2 minutes ago, Mommags123 said:

Speaking of prizes - it would be great to include prizes for kids too. Maybe an arcade card or a free milk  shake at Johnny Rockets....  Other prizes that would be nice would be free mat rental on Coco Cay or Labadee, free snorkel rental, free bingo card... things that would encourage people to do things they might not otherwise do.

 

This is true,  I second that.   One of the past cruise when my daughter was about 11 years old.   She won a bottle of wine.  So she went up and pick out one of the wine bottles available on the table.   For children,  when they win a wine or something that is suppose for adults,  they should have an option to pick an alternative gift suitable for children.

[lotaknots]

Thanks for the opportunity for input. On the Symphony in December we were allowed to pick our prize. Gifts were displayed so first ticket drawn got first pick. Also, different gifts appeal to different people and not necessarily about the value.

[Bernie by the sea]

Thanks for the opportunity.   Not everyone drinks (or can drink) champagne, wine, alcohol.  For the gifts, it would be nice to be able to get an OBC for the wine/champagnes  or as other posters said, a beach mat, snorkel equip., or other logo materials

[maria1122]

2 hours ago, Mommags123 said:

People have made a lot of great suggestions and comments. 

But here are a few more from me ...I always like to give my opinion... 🙂

A lot will depend on the group size ...

 

Introductions could take a while if the group is over 60 people.  So name tags would be great. Plus I am a visual person if I see the name with the face it is easier for me...especially if you are going to throw drinks into the event...  I am never going to remember that many peoples names so if we get teamed into smaller groups I can meet a few, hubby can meet a few etc....

 

I think if they could do an ice breaker activity to get people mingling - and don't necessarily  let family and friends stay together.

Split the group up by what color shirt they are wearing or something. Maybe a game of simon says or quick trivia …. Ask each team 5-10 questions, they have to agree on the answer and the team with the highest number wins a small prize.

 

Speaking of prizes - it would be great to include prizes for kids too. Maybe an arcade card or a free milk  shake at Johnny Rockets....  Other prizes that would be nice would be free mat rental on Coco Cay or Labadee, free snorkel rental, free bingo card... things that would encourage people to do things they might not otherwise do.

 

If anyone is on the Navigator on the March 29th sailing, I will be at the meet and mingle... hope to see you there.

 

 

I think prizes should be adult only.  It’s the adults that join CC.  I have never seen children at any CC

 

[maria1122]

14 minutes ago, Bernie by the sea said:

Thanks for the opportunity.   Not everyone drinks (or can drink) champagne, wine, alcohol.  For the gifts, it would be nice to be able to get an OBC for the wine/champagnes  or as other posters said, a beach mat, snorkel equip., or other logo materials

 

When drinks were served orange juice was also offered.  

[rkkunk]

I know that the roll call on our next cruise is looking to be almost 200 people. Granted, I know that not everyone will show up. But, with so many in attendance, I think the whole “everyone introduce themselves”, would take up too much time. Especially if someone is planning to attend the C&A event afterwards. Maybe do the name tags instead when there are that many people.

[Dett]

Neither my husband nor I drink wine.  It always seems to be a favorite gift for some people.  Seems that it is always given last and there is nothing else left to choose.  If it was give first,  there would be other gifts to choose instead.    I would prefer to have the choice to choose something else.  Have often given it to someone else or found someone to exchange gifts.

 

When a person wins a prize, it is nice to have the host ask their screen name and where they are from.

[HOSKI]

4 hours ago, rkkunk said:

I know that the roll call on our next cruise is looking to be almost 200 people. Granted, I know that not everyone will show up. But, with so many in attendance, I think the whole “everyone introduce themselves”, would take up too much time. Especially if someone is planning to attend the C&A event afterwards. Maybe do the name tags instead when there are that many people.

The roll call does not determine the invites, everyone needs to sign up for the RCI meet and mingle on that page. 

[rkkunk]

5 hours ago, HOSKI said:

The roll call does not determine the invites, everyone needs to sign up for the RCI meet and mingle on that page. 

Yes this is true. I just did not word it right: 180 guests have signed up for the Royal Meet & Mingle on our cruise. That would take awhile for everyone to introduce themselves! I agree with what another poster said, that when someone wins a prize they introduce them selves and say what their CC name is.

[SRF]

On 2/26/2019 at 9:17 PM, mr walker said:

 

It has been this way at every M&M that I have attended - a dozen or more.

 

Not on the one we attended.

 

We missed the first one, as there was no invitation.

[PrincessBelle39]

OUr last one was about 9:30am.  We thought that was the perfect time.  If it had been any later we wouldn't have attended.  There are so many other activities to compete with as the day goes on.  I also have to say, the comments about icebreakers and games are making me nervous.  I'd rather it be exactly what the name suggests - Meet and Mingle.  Getting into groups and taking part in icebreakers is enough to keep me away.

Edited March 1, 2019 by PrincessBelle39

[Psycho and Barb]

On 2/27/2019 at 4:13 PM, Dett said:

Neither my husband nor I drink wine.  It always seems to be a favorite gift for some people.  Seems that it is always given last and there is nothing else left to choose.  If it was give first,  there would be other gifts to choose instead.    I would prefer to have the choice to choose something else.  Have often given it to someone else or found someone to exchange gifts.

Our last three cruises, we have brought gifts to be given away at the meet and mingle.  Being retired military( 28 years Air Force) the gifts are military related...F-15 and F-16 hats one time, Air Force tee shirts another time and Air Force badge holders the last time.  Still trying to decide what we will donate next month on our Allure Cruise.   Allows us to break the ice and really get to meet fellow cruisers. 

Edited March 1, 2019 by Psycho and Barb
Word correction

[island lady]

The Activity manager on Oasis indeed did ask for CC screen name when handing out prizes this week...I thanked her for that change!  :-) 

 

The one thing that was annoying however, was a family of three walked in 15 minutes late, then two of them won prizes.  When asked for their screen name on CC...they had no idea what that was...or what CC is.  Yeah, they just walked in.  

Edited March 1, 2019 by island lady

[Desert Cruizers]

This wasn't a M&M but at the beginning of our Slot Pull, the Casino Manager was doing a raffle and  a couple came up and got tickets, they were quickly spotted and told politely by our host that this was for our group and handed back the tickets. They probably thought the casino were holding a general raffle

[skiiergirl]

3 hours ago, PrincessBelle39 said:

OUr last one was about 9:30am.  We thought that was the perfect time.  If it had been any later we wouldn't have attended.  There are so many other activities to compete with as the day goes on.  I also have to say, the comments about icebreakers and games are making me nervous.  I'd rather it be exactly what the name suggests - Meet and Mingle.  Getting into groups and taking part in icebreakers is enough to keep me away.

We  have attended a few that had the "ice breaker" games.  I am not a fan. I did participate but I think the time is much better spent just having everyone introduce themselves (screenname and where they are from).  Then if I spot someone I specifically wanted to meet I know who to go see.  I agree that if there are 200 participants then that is a little time consuming and probably unrealistic.  But the times there are 50+ attendees is definitely the "exception rather than the rule".   I had not thought of it until replying on this thread a few days back but I really do like the idea of having your screen-name on the prize ticket.  That way when it is drawn the name can be announced and then the host doesn't have to remember to ask the screen-name. It also might help just a little on keeping the "party crashers" from winning prizes.  

[island lady]

20 hours ago, skiiergirl said:

We  have attended a few that had the "ice breaker" games.  I am not a fan. I did participate but I think the time is much better spent just having everyone introduce themselves (screenname and where they are from).  Then if I spot someone I specifically wanted to meet I know who to go see.  I agree that if there are 200 participants then that is a little time consuming and probably unrealistic.  But the times there are 50+ attendees is definitely the "exception rather than the rule".   I had not thought of it until replying on this thread a few days back but I really do like the idea of having your screen-name on the prize ticket.  That way when it is drawn the name can be announced and then the host doesn't have to remember to ask the screen-name. It also might help just a little on keeping the "party crashers" from winning prizes.  

 

That is what they do on Rhapsody.  Host announced that they pass the microphone around to have members introduce themselves with name, screen name, and where they are from.  Indeed he said they can't do that with high numbers.   Love it when they do that!  They run one of the better meet and mingles.  :-) 

[jean-lynd]

The one we went to last week on Allure was very disappointing. There was no meeting or mingling. They handed out raffle tickets to anyone that walked in the door. Turns out a lot of people that won never heard of cruise critic, they had come early for bingo! It was in on air. The room was dark and the seating made it impossible to even see how many people were there. Only got to talk to the couple sitting next to us. Name tags, a room where people could mingle and some time allowed to mingle would have been nice.

[katiel53]

On 2/26/2019 at 9:17 AM, Falaimalandro said:

 

 

 

At the moment we hold the party at the On Air at 10:30 am and C&A event at 11:45 am on the 1st day at Sea.

 

I am reading all the suggestions and surely will make some changes. At the moment I am on vacation, but the moment I am back, your precious ideas will be considered.

 

thank you so much to all

I think the time you have posted is far better than the time it has been on our last 4 Allure cruises.  The Meet N Greet has been held at 9:30 and I think 10:30 was the C&A top tier event.  It will be interesting to see what time it is for our next 2 Allure cruises.

[Katie H]

It used to be that the invitation that was in our cabin had the raffle tickets attached with our names printed.  We would tear them off and hand them in at the door.   If they went back to that system, there would be no problem with party crashers winning the prizes.

[sara mom]

From someone who enjoys the pool deck on the first sea day....please start after 2pm.   We were never notified on our last trip until day 5.   So, timely notification is also key.   

 

Thanks!

[OSUZorba]

On 2/26/2019 at 4:18 PM, skiiergirl said:

The link to register for the M&M is still working.  Quite a few CC members have the link listed in our signature.  If you have your "settings" "set" to show the signatures you can see the link and click on it.  I agree that the link that listed the party day, date, time, & location went away a year or so ago.  

 

I believe the problem with the invitations (for those that registered) more recently has been "mail delivery issues" onboard.  On several sailing we had trouble getting "other mail" in addition to the M&M invitations.  

 

I agree with another poster that stated it is kind of "sucky" when non CC folks just happen upon the party and win the prizes.  I am always happy to talk about CC and suggest folks come to the site to chat.  It seems somehow there are always a few that come to the party and win a prize.  Then when asked their screen-name they reply "I don't have one. I just saw the party and decided to come in."  Maybe a suggestion would be to actually write your screen name on the raffle tickets before they are put in the bucket.  That way anyone putting a ticket in would at least know they were "supposed" to have a screen-name to attend the party. (Or a member of their group have a screen name!)  Mr. Ski rarely posts and actually does have a "log in" however he prefers just to log in under me and post on occasion.  (He knows he better state it is him posting though.  LOL)  So even though he rarely posts he does have a screen=name but we just always call him "Mr Ski" since I am the one posting 99.999% of the time.  

On a cruise last year, my wife, mother and mother in law all came to the M&M, and three of us won raffle prizes. I felt pretty bad that I was the only one with an account. At least they were all connected to someone with an account though and didn't happen in at random.