How do I set up a meet and greet?

[Ladyarli]

I've been to a few, but never organized one before. It looks like the other folks in our Roll Call group haven't done it either. So I thought I'd be proactive and ask what the procedure is. I would assume that first I go on the roll call, and get a list of interested people (so we have an approximate head count.) Then we canvas the group as to what day would be best. I assume early in the cruise, late morning on the first day, which will be a sea day. Then what? How do I ask Carnival for the use of a lounge? Host Mach, are you out there? Thank you all for your patience with these questions.

 

Regards,

Cheryl D.

[DpTxQt31]

I've been to a few, but never organized one before. It looks like the other folks in our Roll Call group haven't done it either. So I thought I'd be proactive and ask what the procedure is. I would assume that first I go on the roll call, and get a list of interested people (so we have an approximate head count.) Then we canvas the group as to what day would be best. I assume early in the cruise, late morning on the first day, which will be a sea day. Then what? How do I ask Carnival for the use of a lounge? Host Mach, are you out there? Thank you all for your patience with these questions.

 

Regards,

Cheryl D.

 

I have arranged Meet and Greats for the this cruise and the last. I did take a poll of our roll call and picked the place and time. For example, this year we will be meeting on Monday at the Casino bar. You want to pick a location that will be easy to remember and to find. NOW, last year we did have in the capers a Cruise Critic Meet and Greet set out at a certain time in one of the lounges that was not in use at that time. I did not set this up but I think one of the Hosts contacted carnival on our behalf and arranged this without us knowing.

 

I know from the past that it is easier to meet up on the day after you board so everyone is there on the boat and refreshed. :D

[bills blasters]

We've have usually met on the first sea day, about 11 in the morning. I have had ones on our roll call meet the first day at sail away, but I have never attended them. Seems like sailaway is a hard time for us. We like to be with our own group, out on the balconies.

One time we picked the piano bar to meet, figuring that it would be empty that time of day. When we were all there we wondered out to another bar for some drinks.

If you are the one arranging it, pick a time and place and just let everyone know.

I will tell you tho, lots will say they are coming, but when the time comes they will be busy or forget. Usually about half shows up.

Claudia

[kaleighsgram]

I will tell you tho, lots will say they are coming, but when the time comes they will be busy or forget. Usually about half shows up.

Claudia

 

 

Cheryl, this is why you have to collect the money a month before sailing. If they've already paid and don't show up, so what. If they haven't paid yet, and they don't show up for the Open Bar option, YOU end up paying for them. (Make sense?)

Pat

[ccruisequeen]

We arranged a "casual" one through Roll Call- decided on a place to meet (aft bar), & how to recognize each other (Mardi Gras beads). Those who wanted food or drink could order it themselves, so there were no pre-charges. It was very casual & easy

 

Also, Carnival is setting up M&Gs http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1431064

[bigsmooth]

Cheryl, this is why you have to collect the money a month before sailing. If they've already paid and don't show up, so what. If they haven't paid yet, and they don't show up for the Open Bar option, YOU end up paying for them. (Make sense?)

Pat

You are so right. Been there done that.

[jetskier]

Keep in mind that there is a difference between a Meet & Greet, Meet & Greet with a cash bar, and a Cocktail Party ($11.44pp billed to your S&S account).

 

Dave

[Ladyarli]

Thank you all for your prompt replies. I was just talking about a meet and greet. Everyone is on their own for drinks. :) After I posted this, I saw a reference John Heald made on his blog, talking about how he has asked all of the Carnival Cruise Directors to arrange space on either embarkation day, or the next day, and to put the info into the Fun Ship Times. I think it was really nice of him to do that. I've been on a couple of cruises where they had the m&g on embarkation day, and despite everyone's best efforts, a lot of people didn't make it. I think the first full day is best, especially if it's a sea day. Thanks again!

 

Cheryl D.

 

PS Hi Jetskier! I met you and your wife when we were all on the 2nd Bloggers cruise, out of NOLA.

[ChefSusan]

We've done M&G's both ways - at the Aft bar & pool immediately after the muster drill, M&G's with a cash bar during one of the sea days, and M&G's with an open bar for one hour during one of the sea days.

 

We always collect an additional tip for both the bartender and bar server and give it to them right before leaving.

 

Good luck organizing it!