Past Celebrity Employee - Answering Your Questions

[CruiserJen]

Does Celebrity prefer employees with college degrees for most positions that deal with the public? Just wondering what type of background most of the employees have. Surely they must be outgoing & customer oriented, but is there a specific educational level they prefer when recruiting staff?

[SisZ]

When you say most first time cruisers only "stumble" upon half the things you offer, what do you mean?

 

We will cruise on the Millennium in one week and I would be so grateful if you could offer us some tips on what not to miss. This will be our first cruise and I really want to make the most of it...!

[cruiseemployee]

CruiserJen - You really wanna sit at the captains table huh...lol...as far as I know, (not too sure) the social hostess only knows everyone's age and the country they're from. They don't actually know your occupation. That info is found out when the social hostess goes around and meets everyone usually during the first night. The problem here for the social hostess is that usually the first night is a very slow night for cruises. People have travelled all day to get to the ship, they're very tired so they go to bed early. Less people for the social hostess to meet. Less to choose from... As far as the attractiveness issue, it has happened before, but it depends on the captain and the pressure put on the social hostess.

 

Gizmodog - GREAT QUESTION!!!! Here's the truth. It depends on the cruise director. For some CD's, we've drawn names out of a hat; some just pull right out of the audience when you raise your name. But for some cruise directors, we take down names and then go backstage. The key here is that taking down the names is just a facade. We actually have about 10 seconds when we take down your names to decide if you are funny or not. Again, judging character. The Newlywed game is one of the funniest games on board a ship and so cruise directors have different views of how to guarantee it is funny. I've seen so many of them, some were so boring but some were the funniest things I've ever been a part of. Not too sure if it's a result of selection, but you can tell when someone signs up if they are outgoing, or if they are very tightarsed. So the trick if it's a signup is to be outgoing and crazy in front of the people signing up. You'll stick out and have a better chance of getting chosen. Also, you have a better chance of getting picked if you have done something prior to the gameshow that has made you stick out of the crowd. Maybe you participated in a poolside game. King of the (insert shipname here). Whatever. If you stand out, you have a better chance. Thanks for asking that, always wanted to tell people!!!

 

bales - On average, I'd say they work between 2-5 contracts. If you work longer than that, then you wanna be Cruise Director. The ladder to become cruise director goes act.staff, ass. cruise director, then cruise director. Assistant cruise director is a VERY stressful position cause you are the technical behind the scenes person. CD gets all the exposure and ultimately makes the decisions, but the ACD makes sure everything goes smoothly. So anyone who is an ACD is in it to become CD. Cruise staff will know their next assignment usually about 2 months before they leave the ship. Depends on the person in head office. It's been really quick lately. As far as ship selection for next contract, seniority does have pull here. The more contracts you do, the more of a choice you have. Also, you can't usually come back to the same ship you just left. Most contracts are staggered so when you leave someone is there to take your spot. You have to usually go to another ship before you can come back to the first one. I'd say the average age of an Activity Staff member would be about 26. Down time is huge in this position. That's why it is one of the most sought after jobs. We get our time off when most guests are off the ship (usually only one person works during the day doing trivias, sporting events). So we spend the day at the beach and exploring. So that means that we work from around 5 till 1am when the majority of people are back on the ship. Great job, believe me...

 

CruiserJen - Depends on the position. Most positions just need some experience. Youth staff is supposed to have a degree but some just have lots of experience. I did have a degree but it didn't really have anything to do with my position. They just want friendly, outgoing people.

 

Sisz - I mean that most first timers don't find their daily events guide so the first day or two, they don't know what's going on. Also they don't know the ship at all so through exploring, stumble across bingo or a trivia, or wine tasting. They'll do what the majority of people seem to be doing. 1st cruise huh....don't miss the shows in the theatre. Of course don't miss dinner. Don't miss the specialty dining restaurant. It is an extra fee, but well worth it!!! If you thought the normal restaurant has great service, check this place out!!! Not to be missed. Karaoke, pool events. Not too sure what you're into but the wine tasting is always a hit. Great way to learn about wines. There's so much. Tell me what you enjoy.

 

 

Well that's everything. Never realized keeping this thread updated would be so much work...lol...am enjoying it though.

Cheers

[gizmo]

Do you know if the cruise line buys the booze served in the bars, duty free?

 

Thanks,

Giz

[Bisous3]

Cruisemployee

Are you sorry yet that you volunteered your services??LOL

We are leaving on Xmas Eve on the Century and wanted to give out some phone cards as Christmas gifts to staff. I have been advised on this board that the crew can buy cards on the ship and that I can buy these cards for them via the SO HO or asst CD.

Sound right? Any other gift ideas that might make these hard working people smile while they are working so hard uring these holidays?

Suzanne

[Deb in Cali]

Thank you giving us "insider info". It has been posted on several other threads that some people give gifts instead of tip or in addition to tips. The one thing mentioned was phone cards, are those truly a valued gift to an employee? Is there something else that is prized by the employees?

 

BTW my Mom is a seasoned cruiser and she has been on Celebrity several times. She also has been on Carnival and RCCL. On her cruises w/ Celebrity she feels that the officers treat the employees like dirt and are very snotty to the passengers.

 

For example on a Celebrity cruise she and her friends were in an elevator with one of the officers, not only did he didn't speak to them, he looked right through them At that point she started paying attention to this little detail. She thought that perhaps he was having a bad day, nope not the case. All of the officers on that ship and on the next Celebrity cruise ship did the same thing when she encountered them. She even took notice of how the interacted with their staff and it was the same if not worse.

 

When she has been on other cruise lines the officers engage the passengers and staff in a friendly manner. They would banter with the passengers about what they did that day or how lovely they looked as they headed to formal night.

 

I know that it sounds petty but at this point Celebrity has lost a customer. She feels that if the passengers are ignored and treated poorly by the officers then the staff must really be treated even worse behind the scenes.

 

So my other question is do the officers of Celebrity treat the staff poorly?

 

Deb

[sweetair]

cruisee,

have a great holiday season and happy new years!

i realized the moment you decided to help, you would become innundated in questions. People are curious. Thank you for all the insight! I hope this thread stays fun for you and you continue.

I was wondering if the "auxillary staff" (like members of the orchestra or casino staff)are under the same strict guidelines about passenger fraternization as the rest of the staff?

Also i was on celebrity when it was owned by chandris,then after royal caribbean took over...If you were also...did you notice major differences in the way things were handled? Did chandris treat the staff better? I had noticed many changes in the beginning(staff rarely smiled..it was like the rug had been pulled out from under them) The food has become more mass market(cheaper cuts of meat) Now i think its settled in a bit more. I just got off the constellation(4th time) and found this particular staff EXCELLENT but for the first time i didn't recognize anyone from past cruises except sudi (i didnt think they changed everyone on the staff..is this a royal caribbean policy?)

*sweet*

[Lois R]

Hey Sweet:D you are well known on the Connie!! Corey said to tell you hello:D

[MrBill64]

Thanks for a very informative thread. I love reading it.

 

Here is my question. Not sure if this applies to someone working ON a ship but maybe you would know. Have you ever had an experiance with a cruise being overbooked? Any stories as to what deals were offered to get people to give up their cabins or what the hotel manager may have had to do to make sure everything worked out?

 

Bill

[mr green]

Thanks for a very informative thread. I love reading it.

 

Here is my question. Not sure if this applies to someone working ON a ship but maybe you would know. Have you ever had an experiance with a cruise being overbooked? Any stories as to what deals were offered to get people to give up their cabins or what the hotel manager may have had to do to make sure everything worked out?

 

Bill

Your T.A. calls you with a 4 cabin upgrade, at least that what happened to us. I turned it down! Our cabin was selected for a minimum of walking.:)

 

:confused: I have a question as a first time X cruiser,[i have been on twelve cruises prior to this]. How is the 'Formal Dress Code' handled at dinner, and subsequent entertainment? We always dress up for formal dinners, but, after I like to change into somthing lighter due to heat. Would white pants and a Hawaiian shirt be acceptable for a man? Many thanks, I appreciate your uncalled for efforts, you must have been a great employee.:) john taylor

[Renorita]

Seriously thinking about our first booking on the Celebrity (the Galaxy for Oct. 31, 05) Will get a call tomorrow and want to know a few things before booking. What is the difference between a Veranda cabin and Concierge class cabins?

The cruise is to the Panama Canal and the following rooms are available? For the Veranda: 9130,44,46,48,50 and 59. The concierge class includes Skydeck 1200, 1240,and 41. Penthouse, 1076,80,83 and 87. I am not always pleased with the Consultants choices, so thought I would ask an expert. Our main concerns are a good view to see the locks, making sure we are on the best side of the ship for viewing, not being in a cabin that is near a very noisy public area. oh and it would be nice having some privacy on the balcony like we had on the Sun Princess. I have heard that on some, people can see you from above. :eek:

Thank you in advance for responding! Would enjoy anyone who has been in any of these rooms input also. :)

[Ships R Great]

what a great thread. My question is this: Some years ago it was popular to bring T-shirts from your local state/city for the crew as a little something "extra". Since 9/11 would you recommend this or would it be inadvisable? I live in the D.C. area and would bring Washington, D.C. type shirts. Yes or no? I would not want to offend.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Cruiseemployee, I want to thank you so much for this thread. I am fascinated by your comments and consider it a real learning experience. On our Millie cruise in Dec. '03 the CD and Asst. CD sat down with us for a chat about "behind the scenes" life on a cruiseship. Of course, that was not as open as you're being now, but I loved that get together with them.

 

Working in the "activities" area, you must have experienced enormous stress from so many of "us" passengers (yes, we know we can be annoying:rolleyes: ). Did you ever find yourselves pinning nicknames on some of the really obnoxious pax and sharing that during "downtime" with other crew members? Or were you just happy to be away from us:D ?

[ingrid295]

Great thread. Thanks for all the info.

 

Comment Cards --- does Celebrity really put much stock in what pax are saying on the comment cards at the end of the cruise?

 

Ingrid

[sweetair]

hiya lois,

welcome back Cant wait for your ship review!!!

wow i think im a celebrity thanx to corey hahahaha(the impression i must have made! ;) )

If anyone is going on the connie...just keep telling corey SWEET says hi! tell him should sign onto cruise critic to chat!!

*sweet*

[crookedstick]

My last cruise was about 10 years ago so I need as many tips as I can get.

My question is on "tipping". I once heard some advice that if you tip 'half the money' upfront on the first or second day that you can EXPECT better service throughout the voyage. My wife and I are booked on the Zenith (Jan.2) and it's a 14 day trip.

Will doing this be advisable?

[JUST ADD WATER]

Cruiseemployee: Again thanks for your replies. Now that my most burning questions have been answered, I am just reading all the others posts :) .

 

I did notice one thing in several replies: there is always a distinction made when refering to a cruise employee such as Officers, Staff, Crew, etc. Is there a big difference between these groups behind closed doors? Would an officer have a beer with a crew member who let's say washes the windows (not that there is anything wrong with that job)? I do know on lines we have cruised there are seperate areas "behind the scenes" for Officers vs the rest of the employees. I have seen Officers and Staff speaking socially, but never Officers and Crew and rarely Staff and Crew.

 

One last question: How much do you HATE :mad: Bingo....LOL!

[LadeeBug100]

I have a couple of questions concerning tips. If we were to not dine in the dining room at all , how should we handle the tipping situation?

Should we inform the maitre'd from the very first night not to expect us. Should we tip the full amount at the end of the cruise , should we tip less, or not at all?

Also, concerning tips, do the waiters and asst waiters get to keep all of their tips for themselves, or do they have to pool their tips to share with others?

Thanks for answering all of our questions, this thread has been very informative.

[tuggers]

LB100,

 

Just curious, but why would you cruise and never eat in the dining room?

[gkm]

I too am enjoying your posts, and thank you for sharing this information with us.

 

My question is: What "in a passenger" makes a staff member say to themselves "I'm glad they are with us this cruise." Do they look for particular behavior, smile or excitement? Do they look at their posture when they board and as they explore the ship? Do they look at the way they dress and present themselves to others? In other words, what can we, the passengers do, to make the cruise have a spark that on some cruises you feel between the staff and the passengers. I have been on both flat cruises and cruises where there is a spark, which seems to start with the crew, but know that first impressions have to make some of the difference.

 

Thanks,

 

Garry

[LadeeBug100]

I know that sounds strange, but I am mostly asking concerning RCCL.

We are doing a cruise next month, just to get away and relax, not to have any pre-set times for anything. Early seating is too early and late seating is too late.

 

We have been on RCCL numerous times and quite frankly , the dining room is not one of the highlights of our trip. We have tried everything on the menu , more than once.Our plans are to eat in the windjammer or solarium , room service, or maybe even not at all. Also, to lighten our load we are not planning to carry any formal clothes.

 

I know this does not suit everyone and I will probalby be flamed for it, but for this trip, this is the way we will go.

[tuggers]

I'm not going to flame you. Does RCI have sushi? I could eat that and be happy!

 

My concern would be for the waiters. They are assigned a certain number of people and they depend on that. I would probably tip them anyway. Even when I got off the cruise after 4 nights, I left tips for everyone...it wasn't thier fault!

 

And the tips just don't cover dinner. They work all day for those tips serving breakfast and lunch, just not to assigned passengers. So wherever you are eating, you are still eating. I would tip. (Now they'll flame me! LOL!)

[LadeeBug100]

TUGGERS,

I agree, I plan to tip them, because I know they work other venues throughout the day.

My husband thinks we should not tip the full I amount, I think we should (but I handle the envelopes, he will never know).

 

There was sushi, I think it was on the Mariner, but it could have been the Jewel.

I get my ships mixed up. They had one area in the Windjammer called Jade. It had all kinds of Asian/Oriental food. Now, that I think about it, I am pretty certain it was on the Mariner.

They had sushi on the Jewel, also, but not in a special station like JADE.

I don't know if sushi was offered at every meal, I don't like it , so I didn't pay attention. Maybe someone else will remember.

[Lois R]

Hi:) Not sure if the original poster ever worked on the Constellation....just returned home and that ship is beautiful.

There is a new young man there...his name is Daniel and he is "Captain's Club" person. They don't have a "Social Hostess" anymore.

 

He worked for Disney for a long time and is now on X. He and I had more than a few chats together and he told me the people who are invited to sit with the Captain now come from Corporate.

 

When the decision was made to change from Ship to Shore I don't think it sat very well......but that is the way the sail goes.....I know that sounded corney;)

Most of the people invited are now only suite passengers....if Daniel had a say in it, it would not be "Only Suites" but they don't give him much input about it anymore.

Just an FYI for those interested.

[Zigster]

Thank you for your response. This really is an interesting thread. It will be interesting to see if I get a response from Celebrity. My complaint had alot more to do with than embarkation. We had an issue with not receiving an invitation to any of the events on our cruise, as well as a few other things. You would think that 3 Celebrity cruises within a year would mean something to them.