Joe12

What do you mean you are scared of Galveston? We sailed from there in January. Easy/breezy.

Why does your group not like South Hampton? I'm considering a cruise from there.

Without getting into politics, I find it a bit conservative for my liking, not to mention that Galveston is a fair distance to Houston Airport.

They dislike Southampton because it is full of tacky Brits (their words not mines) who aren't always the best guests to sail with. A lot of drinking, smoking, sunbathing etc. It's compared to a floating Benidorm.

I'm still loving it here, but am not happy about walking off the gangway on Sunday morning without an idea of where/when my next RCI cruise will be. I am unable go solo for a number of reasons, as I would otherwise do the Independence which could possibly compare to Harmony and Symphony as she's had a major refurb. Caribbean and Western Med have been ruled out, so I am totally stuck. I should also mention that I am celebrating something special next year, so want to do something enjoyable.

Less Americans onboard this week. I believe that Captain Rob said that the top 6 nationalities were Canada, USA, UK, Israel, Spain and Norway (in no particular order - can't remember the exact numbers).

Tonight was formal night. I don't really dress up as I am on vacation and like to keep casual, but I always look forward to seeing some well dressed eye candy. Never went to my own high school prom, so formal night is the closest that I have gotten in my life to seeing everyone all glammed up.

Tomorrow is Marseilles. Staying onboard this week.

so how's the second week?

different mix of passengers?

that reminds me, what is the mix of passengers? majority english speaking? majority spanish speaking? other?

have you noticed if this has impacted the feeling of the cruise?

Last week, there was nearly 3000 Americans. Probably just over half of the ship had English as a first language. Then, some Spanish speaking (perhaps 25%) and then the rest is a mix of nationalities. I'm personally shocked at the number of Americans on here given that SY is arriving in Miami 4 months from today. I will hear more about this week at the Captain's reception tonight.

Just back from the Sailaway. Great fun as always! Making me hungrier than ever to be CD.

Going to see an Ice Show tonight. Cannot wait. I've heard that it is worth booking SY just to see this show.

Answering the question about B2B process:

Meet 9.30am at Bolero's.

Shortly after everyone arrives, you are taken through the forward gangway.

They then take you to a section of the jogging track between the gangways where you hand in the old card (although return them to you later) and give you new SeaPasses.

Then, you are back onboard through the aft gangway and all is good! Free to do what you want.

Easier than FLL where you have to go through customs and actually leave the ship. No B2B lunch or meeting on prior day.

Turnaround day on SY. Just saw Gianluca in the Promenade and haven't seen Fernando in a while, so assuming that the turnover took place in Rome or today.

Joe:

 

I assume the formal nights are based out of Barcelona, day #2 and #6; i.e. Palma and Naples?

You are indeed correct!

:D:DThanks Beth!

 

Just waiting for Joe to confirm that he is sure he wants to "resign", and then I will start a new thread.

If you want to take it over again, I am very happy to hand it back to you.

Even on Quantum Class as well. Could they convert SeaPlex into Studio B and keep the Bumper Cars and Trapeze if the Ice is covered?

Just back from some Ice Skating on Symphony. Aside from loving the skating, I think that Studio B is a great venue (especially for Quest) and wish that all of the ships had it. Do you think it is possible that Radiance and Vision Class could be refitted and Studio B being added in the refurb? Not that I think it would happen, but do you think that the ships themselves could be modified for it?

I told him about cruise critic and he'd never heard of it!!

 

He has a book and all the proceeds go to autism.

I'm sure he has heard of CC. I just don't think they like it much.

As for the proceeds to autism - What a great guy!

I was really deeply thinking about this while in the pool this morning and I have made the decision to resign from doing the list effective today. Hoping for someone else to take over the list from me. Please say if you are interested.

Marc Walker will now be joining Liberty on July 20 in Cozumel.

 

 

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Thanks for the info.

Joe12

Thanks for keeping the cruise director list as up to date as possible I think you do a great job long may you continue.

Thanks! :)

First time ever I even questioned who would be CD on the Grandeur. We got off on Thursday and knowing we had Bob Leininger beforehand made it all the more exciting. He was a true class act.

Glad that you had a great experience with Big Bob. GR seems to have a regular fan club on CC, so I am glad that there is positive feedback for him.

Bringing this conversation up again as I was having the 'next cruise' conversation with one of the group in the hottub tonight.

I am loving it here on Symphony, just as I loved all 3 of her sisters. However, we agreed that we don't want to do Western Med or Caribbean next summer, so that rules Oasis Class out. Rules out Liberty as well. As said previously, I don't care for Quantum Class which rules out either Anthem or Ovation. Also worried about a Radiance or Vision Class having a lack of activities.

I also don't want to do a land vacation either. Need my yearly cruising fix alongside the fact that land vacations are exhausting.

Really not sure what to do. FYI - It has to be early to mid July.

I'm the first person to admit that I am very hot-headed and opinionated, but some of you do not recognize that I voluntarily keep up this list of my own free will, even during really difficult times in my personal life or while I am on my own vacation.

I've questioned for a while whether or not it is in my best interests to continue doing it. My opinions are not out to offend anyone or to promote myself, but rather as something to share with the community and give my fellow cruisers an insight into what to expect, alongside as feedback.

I'm happy to continue doing this, but if people don't like it, I'm happy to accept any volunteers who would like to take the list over which would allow me to focus on my ultimate ambition.

All that said - I am off to enjoy my evening on the Symphony. As Michele says, Ciao Ciao for now! :cool:

Exactly that Joe! What have you been up to? Where have you eaten? Have you tried any of the activities? Laser quest? Escape room? Have you watched any of the shows? What are your thoughts so far?

I'll answer question by question.

1. Will cover this in a separate post. Been doing a lot.

2. Mostly Windjammer and snacks from Cafe Promenade and Sorrento's. Did Playmakers on Tuesday for wings and visited Park Cafe and Dog House yesterday.

3. Sailaway Party, Captain's Reception 80's night, 4th of July celebrations, Ice Skating etc. Hoping for Belly Flop and Captain's Corner tomorrow. Doesn't seem to be L&M or Quest on this itinerary. 50's and 60's night is tonight, but probably will give that a miss.

4. Nope.

5. Nope.

6. I've watched a bit of the Aqua Show (which is fantastic, BTW) from the balcony.

7. Absolutely loving it! Having a great time on this ship. Really enjoying it. Very few issues.

Just back from gym and Ice Skating. They are only offering Ice Skating in the latter parts of these sailings due to Studio B also hosting Laser Tag.

Sorry for the lack of blogging during the last few days.

Does anyone have any questions about what I have been doing or about any events?

On another note, it would be great if could you please stick to keeping this list without the 'personal' CD bashing, personal CD love-ins and speculation on CD's family situations regarding their assignments. If you have a problem with a CD relay your views direct to RC. Yes I know this is Cruise 'Critic' but I feel it's not fair being so critical of someone's work on an 'incognito' forum when they cannot respond. You aspire to be crew one day and if that happens for you then you will realise how hurtful these comments can be.

Anybody is free to respond to any comment. If anything, I would keep my CC account if I worked on a ship as it is a great way to find feedback. I would like to think that anyone can post their feedback on a CD here and that it can be used as feedback for Royal to ultimately provide a good experience. That's why I provide my opinions, no personal offence is ever intended. Also, there never was any 'love-in's'. That's way too strong as all praise is deserved and should be recognized.

FYI - Marc himself had said on FB that he would be away from his daughters for 4 months so it wasnt speculation. I feel sympathy for him as it is hard to be away from family for such a long time.

FYI to anyone - please do provide info, but I am the manager of the list and will try to update as often as possible and ask others to refrain from posting full list updates unless I am offline for a prolonged time (over 2 weeks). If you do feel the need to update yourself, please quote my most recent update and add in the changes rather than making up a different format. It's akin to a permanent CD returning to their ship after vacation and finding that their vacation relief CD has changed the way things are operated, which does aggravate them.

Much appreciated, Joe.

Happy Friday! Thanks all for the updates!

Allure OTS - Jimmy Rhodes returns March 11 for 4 months, then Mitch Merucci is scheduled to return August 12 for 2 months.

Anthem OTS - Dennis Charles returns May 12 until September 6, then Chris Brown starts September 6 for 4 months.

Brilliance OTS - Mike Szwajkowski started July 3 (for 2 or 4 months?).Empress OTS -WHO is the current CD?

Enchantment OTS - Bobby Broughton returned April 6 until early-September.

Explorer OTS - Topi Ylönen returns June 8 until July 27. Graham Seymour is wanted to be kept on Explorer by the HD, so may be regular CD again for the rest of 2018. Dennis Charles is also said to be joining Explorer (needs confirmation).

Freedom OTS - Drew Devine starts March 17 until July 28, then Topi Ylönen returns July 28 until September 29, followed by Drew September 29 for 4 months.

Grandeur OTS - Bob Leininger returned June 2 until October 6. Bob returns December 1 for another 4 month contract. Mitch Merucci is unsure if he is joining GR in October as planned. It may be Mike Szwajkowski instead.

Harmony OTS - Dru Pavlov returned April 21 until early-September then Abe Hughes returns early-September for 4 months.

Independence OTS - Joff Eaton returned May 28 until September 22, then Tim Connor returns September 22.

Jewel OTS - Simona Ferraiuolo returned June 16 until August 19, then Andrea Olivieri returns (for 4 months?)

Liberty OTS - Jeff Arpin started May 27 until July 22, then Marc Walker starts July 22 for 4 months.

Majesty OTS - Patricio Honores started late-June (for 2 months).

Mariner OTS - Ricky Matthews until July 9, then Carlos Torres joins July 9 for 2 months, then Ricky returns in September for 4 months.

Navigator OTS - Rob McNally started May 6 until late-August, then Cuddy Cudworth returns in late-August.

Oasis OTS - Dan Whitney returned early May for 4 months.

Ovation OTS - Mike Hunnerup returned March 23 (for 4 months?). Joff Eaton returns November 28 for the Australian season.

Quantum OTS - WHO is the current CD? Fang Lixin? Paul Rutter returns in the Fall (Sept/Oct) for a few months.

Radiance OTS - Cuddy Cudworth starts June 15 for 2 months followed by John Blair in August until January.

Rhapsody OTS - Tim Connor started June 23 for 2 months, then Elvis Pinto returns mid-August for 4 months.

Serenade OTS - Jamie Fentiman started May 13 for 4 months.

Symphony OTS - Michele Scarpato joined March 11 until late-July, then Bobby Brown returns through the TA November 9.

Vision OTS - Steve Davis returned April 6 until August 6, followed by Ken Jones for 2 months.

Voyager OTS - Michelle Oliveira began late-May (for 4 months?).

Jerome Sueur has left RCI and is reportedly joining Carnival and getting married soon.

Keith Williams has been cleared to return from medical leave, but does not currently have a ship assignment.

Casey Pelter is now working shoreside for Celebrity as Manager of Entertainment.

Graham Seymour is stepping back from cruise life after July 28, 2017 except for occasional fill-ins. (Graham is filling in on Explorer from Feb 9.)

Rich Edwards has unfortunately passed away in June 2017. RIP Rich.

John Perry has left Royal and is now Operations Manager at Hyatt Hotels (per LinkedIn)

Ken Rush works at corporate in Miami as RCI's Director of Entertainment. He may occasionally fill-in as CD

Amy Fickert-Southgate has taken a job shoreside as of June 8

Luke Aerowsmith is working at the corporate office in London

Gordon Whatman is retired, but will be filling-in from time-to-time if needed.

Allan Brooks works for Celebrity in their corporate office.

Richard Spacey is a CD with Celebrity

Becky Thompson works for Celebrity Cruises in their corporate offices in Miami.

Dave Chapman is a CD with HAL

James Andrews is a real estate agent in Sydney

Leo Papa is a Product Manager at Tauck Corp in Connecticut

Anna Bass is a make-up artist

João Pereira has returned to Royal Caribbean and is now the Cruise Sales Manager on the Liberty of the Seas.

Kirk Detweiler is now CD with Silversea cruises.

Simeon Baker - married a dancer, had a baby girl and is a sales exec at a Porsche dealer in Saskatchewan

Matt Baker - Sim's brother - Has sold the Tiddly and is now a radio presenter.

Kieron Buffrey - CD with Viking River Cruises and recently became a father to a lovely baby boy

Tom Canosa - teaching 6th grade science in North Carolina

Peter Benfield and Johnny Osborne have emigrated to Thailand

Anthony Richards is living in Miami with his wife, and is working for Royal Media Partners as Manager Port Revenue Operations

Rico du Breil is now a CD with SilverSeas out of Italy

Paul Lancaster is no longer with RCI, and resides in England

Abel Jeney is now with The World - Luxury Residence at Sea

Parker Cristan is living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - staging/choreographing for local theater

Ashley Kerr - married and living in Vancouver BC, working as a marketing rep for a PR firm

Karen Maybury - has a consultant/pr/entertainment agency

Jannie Cloete - leading expeditions on small ships

Warren Allen (aka Warren Melhuish) lives in Ontario, Canada. He has retired from ship-life but still works on the stage

Thomas DeCell is no longer with RCI

Leigh Xuereb and his AM Frankie Portera are CD's for Carnival

Here's a current Cruise Director list as of 6th July as it has not been updated for a few weeks, feel free to copy/paste/add/correct so that we can keep up-to-date where these hardworking guys are in our cruising world.

Adventure OTS – Clo O’Connor until September

 

Allure OTS - JimmyRhodes then MitchMerucci is scheduled to return August 12 for 2months.

Anthem OTS - Dennis Charles then Chris Brown starts September 6 for 4 months.

Brilliance OTS - Mike Szwajkowski

 

Empress OTS - ?

Enchantment OTS - Bobby Broughton returned April 6 until early-September.

Explorer OTS - Topi Ylönen returns June 8 until July 27.

Freedom OTS - Drew Devine then TopiYlönen then Drew

Grandeur OTS - Bob Leininger until October 6.

Harmony OTS - Dru Pavlov returnedApril 21 until August 4,

 

Independence OTS - Joff Eaton until September 22,then Tim Connor returns

Jewel OTS - Simona Ferraiuolo returnedJune 16 until August 19, then Andrea Olivieri returns

Liberty OTS – Marc Walker from 15 July

 

Majesty OTS – Patricio Honores

Mariner OTS -Carlos Torres

Navigator OTS - Rob McNally

Oasis OTS - Dan Whitney

 

Ovation OTS - Mike Hunnerup then Joff Eton for the winter season

Quantum OTS - Paul Rutter startsApril 9 for 2 months and again in the Fall for 3 months. Who will fill in forPaul's vacation? Fang Lixin?

Radiance OTS - CuddyCudworth followed by John Blair inAugust until January.

 

Rhapsody OTS - Tim O’Connor

Serenade OTS - JamieFentiman started May 13 for 4 months.

Symphony OTS - Michele Scarpato

 

Vision OTS- Steve Davis until August 6, followed by Ken Jones for2 months.

 

Voyager OTS - Michelle Oliveira beganlate-May

Always a ship on the horizon.........

Hi - I didn't ask you to do that, nor do I want the operation of the list changing. Please keep it to me unless I say otherwise.