functions of the Cruise Director and Hotel Director

HI, There have been many threads and posts about the functions and services of the butlers but I find nothing about the functions and interactions between the Cruise Directors (CD) and hotel directors (HD) and the guests. What do these folk do and what interactions - except problem solving I guess- with the on board guest? Some posts laud a particular person as CD or HD but for what reason?

Many thanks - 16 days and we're on board!

I'll be a bit simplistic, as these functions vary some between cruise lines.

Cruise Director: works for Hotel Director, in charge of all onboard entertainment. Generally the "voice of the ship" making the lion's share of daily announcements, and leading some of the entertainment as master of ceremonies.

Hotel Director: in charge of the Hotel Department, generally all of the "non-ship type" operations, so Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, CD all report to the HD (so, cabin cleaning, laundry, restaurants, galleys, provisions, entertainment, concessions like the spa, casino or auction). While the Deck and Engine departments do a lot to make your cruise actually happen, the Hotel Department is what makes your cruise. So, the personality and management style of the HD will be reflected in all the departments that deal with your onboard experience, and in particular with the front line crew you see every day. Typically you may see the HD around the ship (he/she will be there, but you may not catch them) daily, but unless you have a problem that cannot be solved by one of the department heads, you won't have too much interaction with the HD.

Chengkp75’s did a good job above describing HD and CD roles. Somewhat personality driven but generally speaking the CD and HD will be the most public face of the senior staff. The amount and type of interface is also somewhat driven by the passenger. It can be everything from addressing some kind of issue with the HD to just casual conversations with the CD. We have our favorites but not necessarily the same favorites as others here. Nothing right or wrong with that, that’s just human nature.