One night only...carnival employee here to talk

[carnicrew]

HI , thanks for helping us out. How much of a tip is considered to be the Norm or a good tip for the Camp Carnival staff? I have 1 son age 7 now who loves I mean LOVES it. Also who should you tip Ie all of the counselors his age group etc. Thanks !!!!!

Any amount is appreciated. It depends how much you use the program. We wouldn't expect the same amount from someone who came once or twice as someone who was there all day every day!. For 1 child as little as 5-10 has been given...I've even seen tips go up to 200$-300$ ... but as I said depends how much you make use of us, and how well we did entertaining your child, meeting your expectations, etc. The tips are always divided by the whole team (10-14 counselors) each week, so as to be fair if one week a counselor is working with teens, who don't use the program as much, and usually don't tip. Meanwhile the other age groups recieved several tips for that given week. We rotate through the age groups we work with , so everyone is equally entitled to the tip money no matter what schedule we are following.

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Haha... Just read my original post...I'm not going to the Pride... don't know where that came from. I really am tired!! Can't even decide which ship im headed too. Brain lapse!

First of all thanks for answering questions.:D

And secondly do you know what ship you're headed for?:confused:

Let us know, as I'm sure that there will be lots of Cruise Critics that will be specifically looking out for you, because you have been so nice and helpful.

CJW

[carnicrew]

Ohh Also We recently found out my son has ADD and a form of Autism ( you wouldnt really know it ) called Auspbergers (Misspelled) He has cruised 2x, and did fine at camp, but was frowned upon once because he didnt want to do the group activity ( didnt peak his mind I guess) How is that handled? Do most have knowledge on how to deal with a bit differant kids at camp? His condition like I said is not too noticable ( he will do lego's for HOURS etc) so we want to mantion it, but not give him special treatment/ or make a big stink of his condition thanks again

Not every child enjoys every activity regardless of if they have a special condition or not. This is not usally anything to worry about, I'm sure he will do fine. The counselors sometimes even experience working with children with severe a.d.d or autism. We do the best we can in the circumstances given. Each child is different. So if your child usually does fine, then don't worry. Just try to give fair amounts of time in& out of camp. and keep in mind that the whole program is "activity based" so go through the caper before coming to a session of camp just to make sure he will be interested in what is scheduled!

[carnicrew]

Ok stupid question of the night... Rooms that are say on the main deck inside cabin, that have NO symbals listed for number of beds. Are we assuming I am going to fit 3 people in this room with one of us uncomfortable for 5 nights on a roll-away? If this is the case, how do I change this sleeping arrangement?

Sorry, not sure. I don't know anything about symbols for beds:o . Thats only on the site for booking i think. so I havent looked at it before. Call carnival directly and check with them. inside cabins can be pretty small.

[carnicrew]

First of all thanks for answering questions.:D

And secondly do you know what ship you're headed for?:confused:

Let us know, as I'm sure that there will be lots of Cruise Critics that will be specifically looking out for you, because you have been so nice and helpful.

CJW

i am going to the Victory....don't even know why The Pride entered my mind at all!! Ha!

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Ok stupid question of the night... Rooms that are say on the main deck inside cabin, that have NO symbals listed for number of beds. Are we assuming I am going to fit 3 people in this room with one of us uncomfortable for 5 nights on a roll-away? If this is the case, how do I change this sleeping arrangement?

Hey summergal, welcome to the boards.

But, carnicrew is way tired and busy and may not know this.

Start a new thread (there's a button to do this)

and give us the specific ship, and with what cabins you're thinking and looking at.

We need to answer this in your own separate post.

Then I and lots of other people can help you more specifically.

CJW

[Illinoisgal]

:D Thanks for the help!! He was fine like I said the last 2x, so Im not worried. We leave in 5 months and he is already bugging me

Also good info about the tips, I will just give 1 large bill to the pot instead of tons of smaller ones inside a card or something.

 

Now if I could just get one of you to come live with me ...:)

[Curt Jerome Wild]

i am going to the Victory....don't even know why The Pride entered my mind at all!! Ha!

Victory?

Will you be sailing out of New York then?

Do you actually get to leave the ship for time in NY?:confused:

Umm, umm, umm, I'm just thinking about all the great restaurants near the port area. I lived and worked there for 5 years not long ago.

Just thinking about it I'm hungry now.:D

CJW

[summergal]

Thank you I will do this tomorrow I am having to use one eye shut to see the boards so I had better get some sleep.

 

SG

[carnicrew]

Victory?

Will you be sailing out of New York then?

Do you actually get to leave the ship for time in NY?:confused:

Umm, umm, umm, I'm just thinking about all the great restaurants near the port area. I lived and worked there for 5 years not long ago.

Just thinking about it I'm hungry now.:D

CJW

Yeah , when im not working I can get off the ship there... I LOVE it there. I did this same run last summer on the Triumph. But I am biased to this run as I'm from one of the ports of call.. So I'll be cruising home every week!!! YAY!I'm hungry too!

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Yeah , when im not working I can get off the ship there... I LOVE it there. I did this same run last summer on the Triumph. But I am biased to this run as I'm from one of the ports of call.. So I'll be cruising home every week!!! YAY!I'm hungry too!

How much time do you get in each port (if any)?

Since the "home base" for Victory is in NYC, do you get more time there?

And how much time do you get in Nova Scotia to visit family?

These kinds of things we don't get to hear about will only help us appreciate the job you do even more!

[singing] Oh Canada! [/singing]:D

CJW

PS I'm catching up on The New Degrassi from the past few years that they're showing on one of the obscure cable channels here. I'm addicted now.:o

[bubbles1209]

Wow are you dedicated! I mean by spending your free time to answer questions for cruisers on your own time, thank you sooooo much!:) My fiancee, daughter & myself are going on our very 1st cruise ever leaving out of Miami this Sunday on Elation. [ Going on a cruise is something I have wanted to do ever since I was my daughter's age], (she just turned 14). I can't believe my dream is actually about to come true!:D I'm 2 excited! Our ports of call are Half Moon Cay, St.Thomas/St.John, Grand Turks/Caicos, and San Juan. Have you ever been to any of these ports? If so, what have you ever seen that you would say is a "must see"? Also 3 quick questions to tease your brain:p What is:

1. The sweetest thing a cruiser has ever done for you?

2. The worst encounter you've ever had with a cruiser?

3. The most embarrassing thing that's happened to ya on a cruise?

I know you are very tired, I appreciate the opportunity for the chance to ask questions. Good luck on your new assignment, we wish you the best!

[MilliesMom]

We were on the Spirit in Jan, what a wonderful ship. My 3 year old nephew LOVED Camp Carnival!!!! He begged to go most days. We liked the ship so much that we are going back on board next year.

 

Have a safe flight and enjoy your new assignment.

[carnicrew]

Wow are you dedicated! I mean by spending your free time to answer questions for customers on your own time, thank you sooooo much!:) My fiancee, daughter & myself are going on our very 1st cruise ever leaving out of Miami this Sunday on Elation. [ Going on a cruise is something I have wanted to do ever since I was my daughter's age], (she just turned 14). I can't believe my dream is actually about to come true!:D I'm 2 excited! Our ports of call are Half Moon Cay, St.Thomas/St.John, Grand Turks/Caicos, and San Juan. Have you ever been to any of these ports? If so, what have you ever seen that you would say is a "must see"? Also 3 quick questions to tease your brain:p What is:

1. The sweetest thing a cruiser has ever done for you?

2. The worst encounter you've ever had with a cruiser?

3. The most embarrassing thing that's happened to ya on a cruise?

I know you are very tired, I appreciate the opportunity for the chance to ask questions. Good luck on your new assignment, we wish you the best!

Whoa! Lots of questions to answer this time. Well as I said im stranded in an airport all night ..its 1:30 a.m I'm pretty much the only one around I can talk to, and that would just make me look crazier than I am! So I'll talk to you guys!. First of all, Elation is an awesome ship, I did my first contract there a year and a half ago when it was out of galveston. Loved it! You'll have to say hello to Monte the seamiles rep there, He just signed off the spirit with me today and is headed there! I have been to St. Thomas and San Juan. Both Beautiful. We didnt get into San juan til late afternoon, so I don't know of as much to do there. I usually just went to the mall. So thats not much help to you, but you should definitly go check out the fortress that is there. It's really close to the peir and looks amazing. St. Thomas there is a sky ride that takes you up to the top of the mountain overlooking the bay, its really nice. Then if your a beach person Magen's Bay is a really nice beach just on the other side of one of the mountains. theres lots of shopping right at the pier.....ummm can't remember what else I used to do there... Went to eat at the Shipwreck restaurant, It's pretty good food....I'm sure you'll love whatever you decide to do there, it's a very nice port!

Ok. #1.Sweetest thing a cruiser has ever done for me??? Hmm... don't really know. Praise, nice comment cards. I once got a comment card that I have made such a nice impact on her daughter in camp carnival, and that I had made their entire cruise.. that was nice!!We sometimes get a little gift instead of a tip which is nice, like a box of chocolates for all the girls to share... Pretty much any guest who is not complainig alllll the time, or getting angry with us about issues over which we have no control, such as our policies (we are strict for the safety of the children, not just to make someones cruise difficult!!)Some appreciate it, some don't!! Strange, i'd be happy to know my kids were in a secure environment!

#2. Worst encounter with a cruiser.. We do get a lot of verbal abuse from people sometimes. Like I said usually over something that is above our heads. Our rules/procedures all come from the Head Office in Miami... not much we can do about it, but smile, sympathise, and offer our best suggestion! Sometimes the yelling shakes you up and its hard to stand there and take. People need to relax and enjoy their vacation... If they arrive looking for fault they will surely find it.... but thats life, not just cruising!

#3. Thankfully nothing embarrassing to report (fingers are crossed)!!!

[carnicrew]

We were on the Spirit in Jan, what a wonderful ship. My 3 year old nephew LOVED Camp Carnival!!!! He begged to go most days. We liked the ship so much that we are going back on board next year.

 

Have a safe flight and enjoy your new assignment.

That's good to hear. I arrived there in February, but I worked with most of the girls who were there in January. It's a really nice team there!!... Do you remember any of the counselors names?

[bubbles1209]

What type of food does the shipwreck restauraunt have? Also, do ya have any hints to get my daughter to "loosen up" a bit? :eek: In a good way of course. She doesn't like being around strangers which is a good thing, (to a point), however, I would like her to make new friends her age. She said she would think about going to the teen meeting I have read they have. She doesn't like to dance, and is hard to amuse sometimes, but on the flip side of the coin, she's very entertaining once she knows ya.:rolleyes: Go figure. She's beautiful, smart, funny, I just really want her to enjoy herself and have fun. Any ideas?

[Curt Jerome Wild]

#2. Worst encounter with a cruiser.. We do get a lot of verbal abuse from people sometimes. Like I said usually over something that is above our heads. Our rules/procedures all come from the Head Office in Miami... not much we can do about it, but smile, sympathise, and offer our best suggestion! Sometimes the yelling shakes you up and its hard to stand there and take. People need to relax and enjoy their vacation... If they arrive looking for fault they will surely find it.... but thats life, not just cruising!

Okay, I'm pulling the curtain open on this one, if anybody reads the post, but I'm doing it just for you if you need a laugh, and want to save this for your fellow crew.

It's a totally over the top "review" on exactly the kind of thing you're talking about.

Just so you know, we know that you have to deal with this kind of thing, and hopefully this will give you a new incentive to think about when you're on the receiving end.

Because it's all about Carnival and their employees fault!;)

Link here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=362956

Shhh! Don't let people know.

CJW

[carnicrew]

What type of food does the shipwreck restauraunt have? Also, do ya have any hints to get my daughter to "loosen up" a bit? :eek: In a good way of course. She doesn't like being around strangers which is a good thing, (to a point), however, I would like her to make new friends her age. She said she would think about going to the teen meeting I have read they have. She doesn't like to dance, and is hard to amuse sometimes, but on the flip side of the coin, she's very entertaining once she knows ya.:rolleyes: Go figure. She's beautiful, smart, funny, I just really want her to enjoy herself and have fun. Any ideas?

The shipwreck is pretty much just typical american style pub food...Burgers, chicken, wings, etc... I guess I enjoyed as a change to mexican food, which you can really get tired of working on ships!!!

Advice for your daughter. There will probably be ALOT of other teens in the same mind frame as her... they think "oh I don't know anyone"... well no one does!! they're all cruising with their families. The teen program is a good way to get to meet other people. She doesn't need to dance.. the disco is one hour of the nights activities, theres something for everyone. Pick and choose what activities sound like fun for her. The counselors usually try to cater to everyone as well.... introduce people, get them involved, etc....but she should at least give it a try!!If she doenst like i she can go and try again later!! But then once you meet someone you can start hanging out with them outside of camp carnival as well!

[carnicrew]

Lol yeah I read that one!! Funny!..but in some cases, not far from reality!!!I Knew it wasn't true when it got to the part about Big carnival guys coming to carry you off the ship....haha... our security doesnt have any big guys...and im pretty sure they'd have quite the time carrying someone off the ship, although it would be funny to watch!!

[armywifefisher]

We are going on the Conquest what is the must see show during the cruise?

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Lol yeah I read that one!! Funny!..but in some cases, not far from reality!!!I Knew it wasn't true when it got to the part about Big carnival guys coming to carry you off the ship....haha... our security doesnt have any big guys...and im pretty sure they'd have quite the time carrying someone off the ship, although it would be funny to watch!!

And you know that those "Hollywood" and "Los Angeles" people were laughing at me the whole time I was being physically escorted off.

CJW

PS And seriously, like the Classical Trio can't play "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" for me?!?

[carnicrew]

We are going on the Conquest what is the must see show during the cruise?

Sorry I haven't worked on the Conquest I'm not sure what shows they have there.

[carnicrew]

And you know that those "Hollywood" and "Los Angeles" people were laughing at me the whole time I was being physically escorted off.

CJW

PS And seriously, like the Classical Trio can't play "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" for me?!?

Lol yeah ...I dont know what song that is.... but that's funny..

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Lol yeah ...I dont know what song that is.... but that's funny..

Yeah...

You're obviously not from Manitoba or Western Ontario, where they have real cowboys that know real cowboy songs!:eek:

You're going to have to find some of the band members or someone on Victory to play it for you, so you get why that "rude" Classical Trio wouldn't play it for me!

CJW

PS I've been stuck in airports before, so hopefully we're giving you something to help pass the time here.:D

[carnicrew]

Yeah...

You're obviously not from Manitoba or Western Ontario, where they have real cowboys that know real cowboy songs!:eek:

You're going to have to find some of the band members or someone on Victory to play it for you, so you get why that "rude" Classical Trio wouldn't play it for me!

CJW

PS I've been stuck in airports before, so hopefully we're giving you something to help pass the time here.:D

Nope, definitly Not from the west/cowboy part of the country...I'm an Eastern Girl!...And the classical Trio is always from Poland so that makes it more funny!