Past Celebrity Employee - Answering Your Questions

[cyberhankster]

Dear Past Celebrity Employee

 

Thank you for all the great tips and suggestions. Please look past the very few who seem to have some other agenda. You are trying to provide advise and help people. You offer a rare behind the scenes perspective that is meant to help new or old-time cruisers have the best cruise experience possible.

 

I'm not the least bit interested in where you live or what you are doing now. I wish you the best.....and tip my hat to those willing to help others enjoy their cruise experience.

 

Would you provide input on how I can convey to my stateroom attendant and head waiter that I value impeccable service? Would you advise me to provide them with some "up front".....good faith capital as a resource to tap into their knowledge and help?

 

We're aboard Century Jan 2nd - 8th to the Western Carribbean. I'm much in need of the extra pampering. Our first cruise aboard Galaxy to Alaska in July 1999 was a marvelous experience. Then, we moved up the cruise feeding chain to RSSC's Paul Gaugain and Mariner. We then "back-tracked" three years ago to RCCL's Radiance......but, were posted into an owner's suite. Thence to Seabourn's Legend.

 

I've very carefully researched everything floating in the first week of Jan 2005 and came to the conclusion Century offered us the best throw weight dollar wise for quality to value. But....you may have see the very low CDC score of 79. I was concerned about this for quite some time; however, reached the conclusion that by mid-December the Century would be in great shape. I'm worried though about the impact on the crew and the fact we pull out of Ft. Lauderdale on the day after New Years.

 

So.....what can we do to send an earnest message that we are happy to be aboard Century and look forward to the best experience possible?

 

Thank you once again for your very generous time and great inputs.

 

Enjoy your holidays

[Zigster]

We were on Century 11/27/04 and something just didn't seem right about the atmosphere. Perhaps "cruise employee" has some insight as to what the scoop is. But, we're putting that experience aside and looking forward to our January cruise on the Summitt.

[CelebrityMan]

Cruiseemployee,

 

Whomever you are, my personal thanks for giving us an informative and entertaining thread. I'm enjoying your posts immensely, all of them professional and none in attack mode.

 

As to theme nights, they don't even rank on my list of what's important on a Celebrity cruise.

 

Please keep up your postings and your delightful sense of humor.

 

 

 

 

CM

[hulagirl101]

Thanks for all of the great info CruiseEmployee. I really appreciate your taking the time to answer all of our questions - most of them have been burning questions I've had as well.

 

Could you clarify though the policy about crew returning to a specific ship after a contract? If I were to sail on, for instance, Infinity 6 or 8 months from now, would I be likely to see ANY of the same crew or would most of them have moved on to other ships? The crew on my most recent cruise was SUCH fun...I'd love to be able to sail with some of them again! Again, I really appreciate your input (no matter who you are!).

[Cruising Jake]

Cruiseemployee, thanks for all your answers and insight. I have had fun reading your answers (and ignoring all the non-topic, petty comments) on this thread. Those of us who enjoy cruising are certainly curious about the behind the scenes story.

[kooltravelers]

How extensive are the shipboard spy cameras? Are they really everyplace? I've spotted them in the lobby and casino but not in certain deck areas. My husband and I have checked sprinkler heads and everything we could think of but have found no evidence that "every square inch of the ship is covered by cameras". The reason I'm asking is that sometime I'd like to "treat" my husband on deck, late at night but don't want to have to walk-the-plank if caught. Any experience or advice to the camera coverage? I know this "stuff" goes on, just don't want to get busted!! Thanks!!

[hotvwchick]

As a daughter of a ship's pilot, I've had a few opportunities to work on a cruise ship. I did not pursue any of them as I knew its a lot of work and not a whole lot of glamour. I commend you on being so candid.

Questions......

#1 I'm going on the Zenith in January and travelling with a toddler. Who does the in cabin babysitting?

#2 We have a life jacket for our daughter. Should we bring it? Last year, Carnival suppied us with a child's life jacket that was bigger then our daughter.

#3 For the most part, are the cabins reasonably sound proofed?

#4 On average, how many guests miss the ship while in port(or should I say leaving port?)?

#5 What does Celebrity do for the crew/staff/officers for Christmas?

 

Thanks in advance!

[jstrack]

One of the things I do like about cruises is when I get along with everyone....especially the staff of the cruise because they are looking for someone to tell them how much their service is enjoyed....for the most part. I've had great times learning about other peoples homes and cultures from around the world. A smile is the universal signal of brotherhood and appreciation is usaully all we can really give.

 

The other thing I really enjoy about cruises is finding funny and interesting people. I love interesting people who have been successful and I don't mean just money-wise. Its great to see people happy. Its my guess that if you are not happy on a cruise then you are generally not a happy person anywhere and at almost anytime. I'm glad the Cruse employee has taken the time to write all of this because I will now appreciate cruising and the contribution that the staff and everyone goes through to make the trip enjoyable.

 

I've been on Millenium and its a beautiful boat....but I've had good times on all the ships I've been on...even when things have not gone like I wanted....such as a crying baby next door or the party crowd accross the hall...how about the cruise where we missed three out of the four ports due to swelling seas and ? I figure there will be a bunch of unexpected things that will not go perfect and that I could notice the one day the waiter is having a bad day or the cold steak or the poor service at the bar or whatever.... It will happen because this world is not perfect...this world is run by people, organized by people and ruled by murphy's law. But I guarantee you that the cruise experience, should you choose, will be wonderful, fun and interesting. Its so easy and pleasurable and beats the alternative....now doesn't it?

 

Best wishes....

[JUST ADD WATER]

For Halloween my office staff dressed up as the cast of Gilligan's Island. Younger ladies dress as MaryAnn, glamor loving gals as Ginger, and mature ladies as Mrs Howel. Younger men were Gilligan, distingished men were the Professor, and mature men were Skipper. It was a riot and the costumes were easy to do.

MaryAnn: Capri jeans and a shirt tied at waist (hair in pigtails)

Ginger: Your (red and tight) formal with LOTS of hair and makeup

Mrs Howel: Sequined tops and lots of pearls

Gilligan: Jeans an red shirt with white hat

Professor: long arm dress shirt and Dockers

Mr Howel: Dress shirt with scarf around neck and pipe

 

Just a thought, but it would be fun on a cruise to have that theme.

[flagger]

How extensive are the shipboard spy cameras? Are they really everyplace? I've spotted them in the lobby and casino but not in certain deck areas. My husband and I have checked sprinkler heads and everything we could think of but have found no evidence that "every square inch of the ship is covered by cameras". The reason I'm asking is that sometime I'd like to "treat" my husband on deck, late at night but don't want to have to walk-the-plank if caught. Any experience or advice to the camera coverage? I know this "stuff" goes on, just don't want to get busted!! Thanks!!

There are cameras that cover every possible location on the ship EXCEPT for inside the staterooms. From the azipods themselves churning in the water to the top of the funnel, every location on the ship can been seen via camera. I know this for a fact.

[tdebolt]

I've enjoyed reading this thread.....lot's of useful info.

 

 

My Question is: What can you tell me about upgrades at the pier? Are they rare or common ( I know that this largely depends on how full the ship is)..what factors go into determining the price? ( I am sailing 11 nights Mercury 5/4/05)

 

Thanks~Happy Holidays to all

[hajekfam]

Thanks cruisemployee -

To answer your question about theme nights - I actually am glad Celebrity has done away with most of them. Of course that is my personal opinion. Hubby and I spend most of our time in the Rendez-vous dancing. We did the shows on our early cruises, now we skip them and hit the dance floor from the time it opens until it closes.

 

As far the poster who was asking about life jackets for children - Celebrity has several sizes including one for infants. I know that is a change from our early cruises where they just showed one child jacket in the lifeboat drill.

[tbelian]

I don't see Tbelian or wallie posting their real names, addresses and phone numbers either.

 

These are the kind of posters who give boards a bad name.

 

IMHO.

 

JG

 

No, the people that give out 'the bad names' are the ones who pontificate that they have 'accurate inside information', and try and convince people that what they have to say is gospel.

 

If you doubt what kind of a fiasco this 'can' be, perhaps you missed what happened with CBS news, and how much they had to back peddle recently after reporting something from 'inside sources' that was believed to be 'accurate inside information'.... about Bush and company... oh, missed that one did ya?

[fireguy091]

How would knowing CE's name and what ship he worked on make him more believable? Even if it's all crap it makes for interesting reading... :p

[HeatherInFlorida]

How would knowing CE's name and what ship he worked on make him more believable? Even if it's all crap it makes for interesting reading... :p

Exactly. Well said. Short, sweet and to the point.:)

[Dancing Gal]

I have enjoyed your responses and the questions posed by others. In response to your question about the theme nights. As a solo cruiser, I have enjoyed watching the theme nights and always enjoy dancing on deck. I don't recall a western/country night on my most recent cruise, so maybe they are being dropped.

 

It would be nice to have new dances to learn though (same ones for years and many of us are repeat cruisers). As for new themes, that is tough. If they are too cutesy, it isn't appealing. I have watched some themes on other lines and thought, "Thankfully Celebrity doesn't do that" - in one particular situation it was a contest with teams who race to the dance floor to provide certain items: red lipstick, man in a woman's bra with red lipstick, condom, etc.- just not my idea of the class that celebrity offers, so please encourage your former colleagues not to do that.

 

I also want to say thanks for posting about the MSN that crew use. Right after reading that and wondering what it was (prev. I had used yahoo IM), I received an email from a crewfriend (with Celebrity) asking me to sign-up for MSN so we could chat more easily. The information you have posted is very consistent with what I hear from friends onboard ship.

Enjoy your holidays.

Nancy

 

ps, so the activities staff (kids) where dark brown and orange shirts or beige shirts? or is it light brown khakis and beige or white shirt?

 

pps you probably stay in touch with those you worked with previously, but I will be on Constellation and Millennium in Jan...if you want to send a message to anyone, I will be happy to do it. I promise not to share your name on board (guess you would have to trust that). Lckypnny@aol.com

Nancy

[JGaleCPA]

No, the people that give out 'the bad names' are the ones who pontificate that they have 'accurate inside information', and try and convince people that what they have to say is gospel.

 

If you doubt what kind of a fiasco this 'can' be, perhaps you missed what happened with CBS news, and how much they had to back peddle recently after reporting something from 'inside sources' that was believed to be 'accurate inside information'.... about Bush and company... oh, missed that one did ya?

 

 

Thanks for the perspective.

 

I realized (until you said it) that trying to get some info. to make your cruise more enjoyable was the exact same as trying to using forged documents to influence the presidential election!

 

Any intelligent person can see this person giving info. The poster never said it was gospel. If he/she is/isn't or was/wan't an employee, and info. they

provide would be purely from their opinion and their perspective.

 

As far as I remember, the gospels themselves are subject to interpretation.

 

J

 

PS Go ahead, flame me. I can take.

[JGaleCPA]

I realized (until you said it)

 

Replace Phrase" I realized (until you said it) "

 

with "I didn't realize (unitl you said it)..."

 

J

[tbelian]

What i'm saying is a generality pertaining to believing what you read. Is the information that is being provided valuable? To some perhaps yes. But, is the source 'trusted'? Who knows (and many have said, who cares)... but as someone else pointed out 'joe schmo answering your questions' would NOT have garnered as much attention as 'Ex Cruise employee answering your questions'.

 

it's all relative.

 

Take from it what you can, or want, but as for the real source of the information, if it's not 'from the horses mouth'... it is what it is.

[wallie5446]

I never asked for a name or any personal info, one never does that over the net. Just asked some pointed questions that would give validty to the info.

There are over 100 CC regulars that have attended the DFW M&M's, inc CC Host's that know how to contact me. there are also quite a few that have met and posted pic's when they were on ship with my Daughter.

 

Being one of the first 15,000 Captains Club members I am very defensive about Celebrity and the information that is put out there. But what the heck, the Captain knows by the pin we have when he greets us on Ship, and He is the one that matters.

[RevNeal]

5. Someone who disagrees with an answer in a trivia even though we've conducted the same trivia each week for 12 weeks in a row. But they're right cause they're the expert!!!

 

On my last HAL cruise in which I served as a Chaplain I was passing through the Piano Lounge and was flagged down by the ACD who was conducting the Trivia game. Apparently someone had refused to accept an answer and so they were appealing to an "expert" in the subject. The question?

 

"Who wrote the Biblical Book of Isaiah?"

 

I kid you not.

The passenger who was refusing to accept the answer was sure that the author was: "Moses."

[madforcruising]

First let me say thank you to the OP. This is one of the most enjoyable, interesting and informable thread I ever read.

Thank you for taking so much time to answer our questions.

 

To Wallie and friends: Are you jellous that there is somebody else who has insight information from the company. Are you jellous that these are first hand information and ha don´t have to say "I know from ..."

I think all reading and posting here are grown up and able to decide what information is reliable and what isn´t. And as discussed knowing who he is doesn´t make him more or less reliable. And we all know now where your daughter works.

So please move on and let Cruiseemployee answer our questions without getting flamed by you!!!

 

Back to the topic. I´ve got a question too.

At what time is the daily programm planned. Is the plan ready prior to the cruise or are there decisions from day to day. When is the daily schedule printed? Is it on bord or are they already printed ashore and ready for the entire cruise when the cruise starts?

I´m asking this because on my last cruise (it was RCCL not X, and I know you can only speak for your expierience on X) there was a change regarding the entertainer for the evening. They knew about the change, because of health reason, at least two days in advance ( I know because they told us that early) but in the compass still the original scheduled Entertainer was advertised.

 

Thanks for answering.

[CruiserJen]

Wallie, I really dislike name droppers, and you are a MAJOR offender. Do you always talk about yourself so much & who you know & how great you are, while putting others down? Grow up.

 

Jen

[Ma Bell]

I really don't understand what the problem is here. Cruiseemployee has been very low key in his or her responses. Most people seem to be appreciative of this and just accept it for what it is...one person's experience.

 

I've been on 17 Celebrity cruises and 35 cruises over all. I never wear a pin or try to draw attention to myself aboard. Does that make my opinion worth more than someone else? Does that make me important? I don't think so. If I offer an opinion and someone thinks it provides some insight that's great, but I certainly am not offended if someone disagrees. It's nice to have the perks associated with being a frequent cruiser, but I expect everyone whether a first timer or an elite CC member to be treated well.

 

Cruiseemployee came to these boards just trying to be helpful.:)

[Renorita]

Good point. I'm out.

Your "out"? Well that sure didn't last long. :rolleyes: