Cruise Directors

[byondthesea]

What makes a good Cruise Director stand out from the rest?

Does anyone have any past experiences (good & bad) with a cruise director that stands out in your mind?

Hope this sparks some fun and interseting stories/comments.

[Sueseb]

We had a wonderful cruise director on the old Premier Line. Unfortunately, I don't recall her name. She was the most interesting woman who had worked for a few cruise lines. In our group we tried to guess her age but as she kept telling us about her experiences ( and when) she kept getting older and older. I do recall her keeping us enthralled with her stories about working and studying whales and their language; and trying to talk with them while in a one person submersible.

None of the others, although they did their jobs well, lived up to our experience with her.

[Randyk47]

OK...let me put on my fireproof clothing before I say this..... My favorite CD is the one I don't know. Quite frankly it's one of the main things we like about HAL. If you want to do lots of stuff and things....the organized happenings....then HAL probably has enough to keep most happy. On the other hand the CD, at least our favorite unknown unnamed ones, are not in my face trying to get me to participate in the ping pong ball throw or newly wed game or putting contest or whatever. Under threat of punishment or banning from cruising I couldn't name more than one CD.....and I'm perfectly happy! :rolleyes:

[sail7seas]

Randy..... :) :)

 

We, too, are 'independent cruisers' and never participate in organized shipboard activities.

 

We have, however, enjoyed several CD's with whom we enjoy a drink and a chat. We've been aboard a number of times with the same CD's and after enough days aboard, they start to recognize they've seen us before although never participating in activities. Most of them are very friendly folks (duh!!) and their pleasant Hi, Welcome Back has turned into nice friendships.

 

One of our very favorite CD's, who we think very highly of, is John Challenger. We had some wonderful cruises with him. He recently left the ships and is pursuing other interests. We'll miss not seeing him.

 

 

 

 

 

[judithbiggs]

I agree with you Randy. Who cares as long as they do their job and don't bother you. I don't cruise to socialize with the crew or throw their names around as having sailed with them or had a drink. If I have a drink, ok but it is not a priority of my cruise. I have taken cruises over five weeks in length, and I couldn't tell you the name of any of the crew including the officers. Not my bag to get involved with them.

[sail7seas]

We enjoy meeting whoever it is we happen to meet during our cruises. Fellow guests, crew, officers, locals in port......People.

 

It certainly has nothing to do with throwing names around. The people we meet are most often the highlights of most of our vacations whether on a ship or whevever we go.

 

Unless I am mistaken, the subject of this thread is Cruise Directors. The OP who started this thread wanted to talk specifically about CD's.

 

 

 

[RuthC]

What makes a cruise director "stand out" is not necessarily the same thing that makes them good at their job.

A good cruise director has to organize activities and motivate their staff to do the best job possible. (S)he needs to get a feel for the differences on different cruises and adapt quickly and seamlessly. If they are very, very good at that they most likely will not "stand out" for those reasons.

They stand out by being out and about---available, personable. Someone who does the "mix and mingle" routine. On a negative note, they could "stand out" for doing an obviously poor job, I suppose.

"Good" and "stand out" are not mutually exclusive, thankfully.

[judithbiggs]

I believe everyone is talking about their feelings on cruise directors. Some feel they make or break their cruise. Others don't care that much.

[mrskmirolla]

byondthesea,

 

I absolutely loved Calvin (don't know last name), he was on our Panama Canal on the Maasdam a couple of years ago. He was very personable and always a wit and polite. If he passed you in the hall if he knew your name he always used it. He support staff were great too! In Bingo he was hilarious (yes I play bingo well sometimes).

 

Now on our last cruise (Maasdam-Canada/New England-Maasdam) Carey Boton was the CD and she was not the least bit personable. You rarely saw her and she did a very poor job in the Mariners get-together but was saved by the HM Kees Streuding. She seemed so unorganized and just maybe she should go get some more training.:o

 

Sorry,

 

Kathy

[bepsf]

Kathy--

Not a reason in the world to be sorry for your opinions - that's why we're here: to share the good and the bad.

I enjoy CD's who not only remember you around the ship and from cruise to cruise, but are socially adept at making conversation and introductions to staff, crew and other passengers, and also have a way of making their daily public announcements/prefab speeches come off as individualized, entertaining and informative instead of contrived and cheesy advertisements for revenue-generating activities.

I feel that it's important that a CD realize that cruisers come aboard for many different reasons - but snowball bingo, casino tournaments, art auctions and daily announcements for these aren't necessarily at the top of everyone's list.

A really good CD also knows that they are only as good as the cruise staff they lead - they need to be good managers and make sure that their staff gets the support that they need to provide effective service and quality events for their guests as well as being a sounding board for the crap that they get subjected to by unhappy people.

My favorite CD/ACD is Steve Gayda - he seems to get it.

[Copper10-8]

A cruise director is not just someone who organizes scheduled activities. He/she is responsible for all the shipboard entertainment and acts like a master of ceremonies. They are not there to make or break your vacation but to make you, as passenger, aware of what is available onboard to keep you busy. You, as a passenger, can then decide to partake in those activities or to comepletely ignore them. That's the great thing about cruising: do as much as you want or do nothing at all. If you don't care to learn the name of your CD, or for that matter of any crew member, hey more power to you, no hurt feelings!To each his/her own! Some of the really good CD's don't need to be loud and/or constantly be on the PA system. Those that come to mind are Susan Wood, Linda Konarski, Bruce Allen Scudder and Dottie Kulasa! With appologies for throwing those four names around here! ;)

[KAYEF]

Stand out can really mean two things, for sure.

We had the most amazing one (Jason Venner) on Veendam last Dec. but they took him for the new Noordam.

We also had a woman on the "O" who was forever on the loud speaker.......on and on and on and she always shouted into the mike. She must have loved to hear herself; she drove everyone nuts. When one talks ALL the time, people just begin ignoring ALL the time!

[kakalina]

I think what makes a good cruise director stand out from the rest is the ability to personlize. We have sailed with some that were terrible at both their jobs and dealing with pax. On the other hand a truly "good" CD will quietly work behind the scenes, through their staff and make everyone's stay more enjoyable. The fact that one can be more than personable and truly care about a passengers concerns is wonderful to encounter. John Challenger is such a person. As Sails said we will miss him on board. We know he still checks the boards and I'm sure he will be pleased to be remembered.

 

A really bad experience was with a "Marco" on the Veendam in '03. This man was so bad at his job. He could not control the crowds when there was an event of any type. He let games get out of hand and pax were actually hurt. There can be a huge difference in the way different folks approach this job.

[Randyk47]

John - Just so there's no misunderstanding....I didn't mean to imply we don't learn the names of crew members or enjoy chatting with and getting to know them. The CD is just not one of the "crew members" we typically interact with, but there are others, some of whom we maintain contact with even after the cruise. We're not hermits.... :o

[Copper10-8]

John - Just so there's no misunderstanding....I didn't mean to imply we don't learn the names of crew members or enjoy chatting with and getting to know them. The CD is just not one of the "crew members" we typically interact with, but there are others, some of whom we maintain contact with even after the cruise. We're not hermits.... :o

 

Not a problem Randy! Take care!

[kryos]

One of our very favorite CD's, who we think very highly of, is John Challenger. We had some wonderful cruises with him. He recently left the ships and is pursuing other interests. We'll miss not seeing him.

We had John on our 30-day Amsterdam cruise, and I agree ... he's one of the best.

 

I have a "running bet" with Kakalina ... he's gonna be back. It's obvious he loves his job ... the seafaring life is in his blood. I think he'll spend a year or so on land and then come running right back to HAL. No one can give up a job they love as much as he obviously loved his.

 

I'll be anxiously awaiting his return, so that I can book a cruise that he's on.

 

Not just a great cruise director, but a really wonderful person too.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[ANSalberg]

On our Rotterdam cruise several years ago- and again this spring on the Amsterdam -Susan Wood was the CD. What a LOVELY lady she is. It seems her goal in life -is to put the passengers at ease, and she surely does that! From relating stories about her castle in England with its dry-rot problems [ We were in hysterics listening to her; she's SO skilled at interviews/entertaining] to meeting and greeting during the various parties. She is a lady! And I'm a fan!!! Anne

[aaerobear]

There was a thread a few months ago about CD's and I voiced my opinion of some of the ones mentioned above ans was soundly trounced. I think that it is totally subjective what one thinks about a CD, you can think they are the best and the next one thinks they stink.

 

 

Ed

[sail7seas]

We had John on our 30-day Amsterdam cruise, and I agree ... he's one of the best.

 

I have a "running bet" with Kakalina ... he's gonna be back. It's obvious he loves his job ... the seafaring life is in his blood. I think he'll spend a year or so on land and then come running right back to HAL. No one can give up a job they love as much as he obviously loved his.

 

I'll be anxiously awaiting his return, so that I can book a cruise that he's on.

 

Not just a great cruise director, but a really wonderful person too.

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

 

 

I don't know. :cool: He's quite excited about his new venture. We wish him huge success and happiness no matter what he choses to do with his future. It's understandable he'd want to be 'on land' .

 

We'd be delighted if he returned.

[byondthesea]

Some really great feedback here. I have been sailing with HAL since I was a little kid and now do so with my wife and kids. I would agree that some of the Cruise Directors mentioned are great such as Susan Wood. One thing I have noticed during the past two years is that there are a lot of new, young CD's being promoted and it is nice to see that they are not all "in your face" as some might be on other lines. To me a good CD is someone who is visable, approachable and genuine.

[TampaMike]

There are many great CDs floating about. A few 'old guard' and a few new entries. The CD role varies from cruise line to cruise line in some degree and has changed dramatically in most cases, however the expectations of the CD seem to be fairly common.

 

As cruise lines and ships grew larger, the onboard management team has subsequently expanded and diversified. Many functions once relied upon as the CD responsibility are now managed by others onboard or even pre-determined by shoreside operations. As a result, generally speaking, the CD role has greatly dimished from operational and logistical control. In most cases, CDs are more a host to a pre-formatted product, showroom MC, information disseminator and monitor of canned program activities. Further, cruise staffs are often younger, less seasoned and frequently turn over. In many cases the CD does not design, perhaps even contribute to daily programming and onboard social events.

 

The CD role had evolved from liner days where the chief purser was charged with organizing social events. As cruising became more popular, the ships increased (in size and volume) the Hotel Manager and CD positions evolved and pursers became the strictly onboard bankers and administrators (now often called Front Desk or Guest Relations). The CD was integral not only in activities, entertainment and the social catalyst, the CD may also be key in dining venues, tour dispatching and sales (evolving to Shore Excursions Departments nowadays), managing guest lecturers, arts & crafts, local entertainment, cruise staff, dance hosts, embarkation / debarkation logistics, VIP & Concierge support, etc, etc.... He/She was the pointman for passengers (guests).

 

Today, much of those logistical operations have been removed from CD authority, although we passengers expect they are still managing them. As a result, long term CDs are rare and career paths are short / limited. Not all, but most. A few names mentioned in this thread are exception people I have crossed with. But take HAL for example (being a HAL forum), there is no longer a Social Hostess, cruise staff are very young (as are many CDs!). The ACD is primarily Bingo guy / gal. Dance Hosts are only on longer cruises. I personally, think HAL needs to look at the clientel and align the 'social' staff to be more social and less activity (which is slight on this line anyway). We all enjoy some trivia, a deck sport or even a daily quiz. But a staff (CD & company) that is social and visable to HAL's mature clientel would be much more successful and valuable (IMHO).

 

When I sail now, I rarely see CDs and Staff except at specific published functions or heard on obligatory announcements. Those activities were the least of my responsiblility when I was CD with several lines. But times have changed, salaries and time off have diminished and I must just be getting old. I think we all still have a common expectation that the Cruise DIRECTOR is in authority and is charged with execution of the cruise product. Contrary, I feel many cruise lines investment into CDs & Cruise staff is where they are 'missing the boat' meeting that expectation.

[Jim Gallup]

I have been amazed for many years by the number of cruisers who "just don't get it".

The Officers and Management on a cruise ship have seen it all and been there / done that. The insight they have and the stories they tell can make all the difference on a cruise.

Getting to know them is not only a really enjoyable experience; once you are "in", nothing is too much trouble. Free cabin upgrades, drinks, wine, invitations to VIP events, Bridge and Engine Room Tours, Back of House Tours, great souvenirs, crew parties, the list is endless. Any problems you encounter are fixed instantaneously. These ladies and gentlemen have cruised just about everywhere. Do you have any questions about where to cruise next - and when? They are usually happy to give all kinds of free advice, and usually over a glass of wine. After that it just gets better. For your next cruise - even on another ship or another cruise line - those same officers can email or telephone ahead to ensure that you get the same great attention on the next ship.

You can have a very good cruise without ever speaking to them; but you can have the cruise of a lifetime by getting to know them.

[Djptcp]

In 10 cruises, I coudn't tell you who any of the cruise directors were! We don't do any shipboard activities that involve the CD and do not have any contact with them except to see her or him on the TV doing the dembarkation talk, etc. How good or bad one is doesn't seem to influence the great times we have on our cruises.

Holland America - 2004, 2006

Carnival - 1995, 1998, 2006, 2006, 2006

NCL - 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003

Royal Caribbean - 2002

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Tom and I are a lot like Sail, we actually do not really participate in any ship activities but have in fact gotten to know several of the Cruise Directors. Maybe we look at the employees on the ship a little differently than most but we actually enjoy talking to many of them. So many of them have different stories and adventures to tell. On our last cruise on the Ryndam we kept running into Bobby our CD and then when it came time for the Suite Luncheon we felt honored that he sat down with us to talk. I think we were the last ones in the Crow's Nest because we had so much to talk about. I don't think one has to be active do get to know these fine folks. I like getting to know these great people as friends. You figure they see a over a thousand new passengers week after week. Yes, they have fellow crew they see daily but that is more like family sometimes it's good to get away from family and talk with friends:)

[Timethief]

Since I haven't been a on HAL cruise yet (October can't come fast enough!), my DW and I have had a couple of really good CDs and a couple that were, ah, let's say, lacking. To answer the original question, I have to say that what makes a CD stand out is good personality, the ability to convey information without sounding like an advertisement, confidence in their skills (and those of their CD staff), and a degree of showmanship.

 

Probably my favorite CD of the ones we have seen is Brett Alan, from the Carnival Legend. And while I am not sure what is going on with his hair, he apparently started his career as a magician onboard ships, and worked his way up. And it shows. He has his act as a CD, which includes what can only be described as pre-designed jokes and stories, but they work well. He encourages his people to have personalities of their own, and knows how to play off against them to create a fun enviornment. And the activities that he and his staff offer passengers are varied, and well scheduled. While I understand that corporate may dictate what those offerings are, I know that we have been on other cruises where there were mostly spa "activites," and where anything interesting all happened at the same time (kinda sucks when there is only 3 things on the daily schedule at sea that sound really good, and they all start within 15 minutes of eachother! That actually happened on the Radiance!).

 

I also find it quite annoying when a CD is still introducing himself at the last show of the cruise. On the Dawn, the CD would say "I'm Ricky Martin, and I'm your cruise director." On the Legend, they'd have the band leader close the show with "Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Brett Alan, your cruise director!" Actually, I'm not sure if they put in the title part, but it wouldn't have surprised me. Like I said, it was a showman thing, and I appreciated it.

 

There was one Assistant CD named Chris who was great. He'd do bingo (I know, I know), but if he wasn't calling off spaces you liked, we'd all go "C'mon, Chris!" It became the standard call for when anything glitched. The micrphone wasn't turned on, too loud, too soft, we'd all be saying, "Aw, c'mon Chris!" He'd also host some of the kareoke sessions, and after someone sang, he say, "What does he/she deserve?" and we'd all call back "A free cruise!" and clap. It was great. It was hysterical when he did that at the guest talent show on the last night.

 

Another thing that was well done on the Legend was the giving of stupid free things, and how it was done. If you performed at the guest talent show (or anytime you were in front of your fellow guests), you were given a "24 karat, gold plated looking, plastic trophy, and a bottle of the cheapest champagne we could find at the gift shop!" Yes, the trophy was plastic, but it had a cruise ship on it, and most people couldn't tell the difference between a $2 and $50 bottle of champagne, anyway. But you felt like you got something neat. On the Dawn, the contestants of the trivia contest heard "Here's a pen" and "Here's a keychain" for answering something right. Its amazing how much a little showmanship raises the level of the experience.

 

I think part of it for me is that I am a professional photographer, and I can do 40-50 weddings over the course of a year, and I know I have my little floor show I do during the formal pictures and such. I know the jokes don't change much from week to week, but I know how much it means to my clients that it all be interactive, and that they are laughing and joking with me. I guess I understand the position the CDs are in, and I appreciate it when the CD does for me what I try to do for my clients. There are alot of them out there who see being there as enough, and its great to see someone who can entertain and inform on a grand scale, while also being gracious and personable on a more intimate level.

 

Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now. Anyone know anything about the Noordam's CD?

 

Keep Smiling!!!