Activity Staff Reduction (3 Threads Merged)

[richsea]

Small correction - I didn't (and likely wouldn't) spend my time on an amazing ship playing such games but I've certainly had my fill of them on land in a variety of settings both in the old fashioned style and with some degree of automation so I'm not completely ignorant on the subject. My comment about interest waning was based on comments I have read on here made by experienced cruisers - maybe I've been misled. Changes will come - surely they have to. I'm simply offering some thoughts on ways of minimizing the impact to those opposed to the changes.

 

I fail to see what the small correction is, but in any event, that's what makes cruising so great. You spend your time on an amazing ship doing what you choose, while others might choose to spend their time on an amazing ship doing what they want to do. It's all about choice, isn't it!

 

Here's hoping that we both enjoy our future cruises.:)

[wpgcycler]

 

Here's hoping that we both enjoy our future cruises.:)

 

Thanks Rich! Wishing the same - and I have no doubt we will! :)

 

Ian

Edited April 16, 2014 by wpgcycler

[snorklinbarb]

I guess we might as well stay home on our computers rather than actually interacting with human beings. It's bad enough watching people out to dinner with each other not even looking at the other person and on their phones texting or playing games. YUK I've enjoyed many of the new things Celebrity has offered but am hoping they don't lose the human interaction that has always made them special. My next couple of cruises will tell the tale for me. I'm willing to wait and see how it plays out but I'm not really thrilled with what I'm hearing. It's always about the people for me. Both staff and passengers we have met and enjoyed.

 

Hi Ma Bell,

 

Couldn't agree more!

 

Having participated in electronic trivia on Silhouette, it's just not the same as interacting with team mates, struggling to find the right answer. Typing in your pick of 4 multiple choice answers individually into a handset was simply not the same and certainly not very enjoyable!:(

 

Guess we'll have a chance on this Oct.'s Equinox TA to see how these activity staff cutbacks play out. Even less obvious activities like cooking demos, guest lectures, etc. have had cruise staff roaming the audience with microphones during Q & A.

 

I don't see how contract employees (someone mentioned) would save $ nor add to the "bonding" that occurs from the personal interaction with the CD team throughout a voyage.

 

Hope we'll be proven wrong but this doesn't look very encouraging.

Edited April 16, 2014 by snorklin'barb

[pumpkin 11]

Yep that's right. We just got off a 5-night on the Connie and there was the cruise director and two assistants. That's it. So trivia, deck games scrapbooking were fewer in the number of times offered. Apparently they weren't getting enough people attending and wanted a larger crowd per activity. You'll notice in the celebrity today that activities were fewer. Please change this back celebrity!!! we can't all just spend money at the bars and casino all day long!! But otherwise it was a very pleasant cruise. :)

Edited April 19, 2014 by pumpkin 11

[miched]

I think that your assessment is correct. Very few passengers are involved or interested in what they were doing so they decided to eliminate those activites.

 

There are many areas that also seem to be under utilized and they were eliminated or changed. Michaels club, and the wine bar. Next will probably be Bistro on 5 as it always seems to be empty, and the Gelato counter.

 

 

🌅🚢🇺🇸

[TommyD3]

Yep that's right. We just got off a 5-night on the Connie and there was the cruise director and two assistants. That's it. So trivia, deck games scrapbooking were fewer in the number of times offered. Apparently they weren't getting enough people attending and wanted a larger crowd per activity. You'll notice in the celebrity today that activities were fewer. Please change this back celebrity!!! we can't all just spend money at the bars and casino all day long!! But otherwise it was a very pleasant cruise. :)

 

We were on the same cruise. The first sea day there was not one trivia session! The second sea day had one. Maybe many people complained and they added one back?

 

Sent from my LG-E980 using Forums mobile app

[pumpkin 11]

We were on the same cruise. The first sea day there was not one trivia session! The second sea day had one. Maybe many people complained and they added one back?

 

Sent from my LG-E980 using Forums mobile app

 

Right!! We loved the trivia, and it doesn't seem like RCI is cutting their staff... Weird. We asked the CC hostess and she said they are adding new activities to appeal to more passengers at a time. Not sure how I feel but I guess well see eventually. But it was certainly a downer.

Edited April 19, 2014 by pumpkin 11

[travelingirl70]

We were on the same cruise as well. Perhaps the lack of activities caused the near fist fights by the pool (tongue in cheek). But seriously, I've never witnessed such appalling behavior by guests. Two instances where security had to be called within a half hour. Chair hogs, chair stealers, name callers and bullies. What an interesting cruise.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cruisingsince94]

We did our 1st Celebrity cruise on Connie last month after 16 with RCI. We noticed right away that the activities were more limited right away. Even on RCI we have noticed less interest in trivia and the like. Cruise lines don't make money on trivia or game themed shows in the theatre. If they can get by with less staff the cruise line again saves money. They hope that us passengers will spend that time in the bars, casino, playing bingo, anything that brings them revenue. I expect we are going to see more of this on all lines in the not so distant future if not already being done.

[dorisis]

If it were profitable the cruise lines would do it!!!

[NLH Arizona]

If it were profitable the cruise lines would do it!!!

Or if more participated in the activities, maybe they would continue them. That is why they need newer, fresher activities.

Edited April 19, 2014 by NLH Arizona

[wallie5446]

Yup, times they are a changing.

 

3 for $20 t-shirts, $10 watches that break before you get em home, and gold by the inch that will leave a green ring around the collar, all pull us in week after week.

 

And it is not the 'W' crowd the cruise line is targeting my friends:D:eek:

[OceanCruise]

I think a reason for low attendance for trivia etc is the times they are scheduled. We love trivia but on our last Summit cruise some of the times were when we had to get ready for early dinner or at 10 am on a port day. On sea days the times would sometimes conflict with other scheduled activities. People love the "name that tune" trivia but it is hardly offered anymore.

[wpgcycler]

I didn't partake of any of these activities on my cruise. What size of crowds show up for trivia, bingo etc.?

[Classynfun1]

Just off the Century and had the same experience. Luckily this was a very port intensive cruise, but the only trivia was hosted by the CD himself late each evening (10:30pm). The CD is one of the best Celebrity has (John Grantham), but it is obvious they have a very small team trying to do everything now...

[Iamthesea]

We were on the same cruise as well. Perhaps the lack of activities caused the near fist fights by the pool (tongue in cheek). But seriously, I've never witnessed such appalling behavior by guests. Two instances where security had to be called within a half hour. Chair hogs, chair stealers, name callers and bullies. What an interesting cruise.

 

We had Trivia on our Connie cruise last month. It was blasted all over the pool decks for all to hear, whether one wanted to or not. I did not. :(

 

We didn't see any near fights on our cruise, but surprised that we didn't. Many of the passengers for the 5 night cruise was certainly different from others that I have sailed on. :eek: I'm sure that the low prices and free flowing alcohol had something to do with it.:rolleyes:

 

Looking forward to my upcoming 12 nighter. I am anticipating a big difference in cruises. :)

Edited April 19, 2014 by Iamthesea

[d4m]

Or if more participated in the activities, maybe they would continue them. That is why they need newer, fresher activities.

 

I don't think that's always the case, but lack of participants is used as an excuse. Our last cruise in November-December, trivia was held three times a day and was PACKED. Just Celebrity's way of justifying what they want & way to cut staff and expenses.

[pumpkin 11]

We were on the same cruise as well. Perhaps the lack of activities caused the near fist fights by the pool (tongue in cheek). But seriously, I've never witnessed such appalling behavior by guests. Two instances where security had to be called within a half hour. Chair hogs, chair stealers, name callers and bullies. What an interesting cruise.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Really?! I thought for a 5-night spring break cruise it was a really calm cruise, few kids running around ect. The average age was younger but the amount of kids IMO seemed surprisingly low. I didn't hang around the outdoor pools to much but it looked crowded. obviously no surprise there.

I do agree with you all that it certainly seems like they are trying to get by with less staff to once again save money. Will they be able to get away with it, I'm not sure. Let hope the so called new activities they are trying to bring onboard don't cost too much! :o

[TLCOhio]

As noted in the live/blog below, we got off of the Solstice in February. Compared to our June 2011 Solstice cruise in the Med, it did seem that there was less in speakers, such activities, etc. BUT, our cruise was very active with lots of port stops and being busy, busy!! It was not a problem for us. Plenty to do and keep us busy. We had four sea days out of the 14-days total. For us, it would have been more challenging if we had less to do in ports versus many more sea days. Many some adjustments have been made, but it was not a big issue with us and the six other couples in our Central Ohio group traveling together.

 

Check out these postings for more info/background on this nice ship, its entertainment, food options, port stop, etc.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Just back from doing a 14-day Celebrity Solstice, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure on this ship and getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for much more information and lots of wonderful pictures on these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 53,374 views for this fun posting.

[mcrcruiser]

We addressed the issue of less activity personnel with a Cruise Director whom I have known for some time . Yes there has been a reduction in activity staff & supposedly that Celebrity will redirect the funds to other activities .:rolleyes:

 

The proof of new activity functions will no doubt be seen on future Celebrity cruises ,if Celebrity does not drive that savings to the bottom line :eek:

[hcat]

Wonder if they'll continue port shopping program....I know that's a revenue area but most experienced cruisers know how to shop and what to shop for in various ports.....

 

it was nicer when the port maps and info focused more on history and culture .... now it is mostly about the shopping...

 

not sure if these reps are activity staff???????

[NLH Arizona]

I don't think that's always the case, but lack of participants is used as an excuse. Our last cruise in November-December, trivia was held three times a day and was PACKED. Just Celebrity's way of justifying what they want & way to cut staff and expenses.

What about the other activities, how many participated in them?

[RDC1]

I noticed when I was on the Solstice cruise last month that there seemed to be fewer activities in the evenings then on other cruise lines. You basically had the main theater, the band or DJ in the Atrium, the casino and the bars. That was pretty much it.

 

The activities seemed less like a cruise line in structure and more like a large land based resort hotel. That nighttime is more dining, bar focused, and less focused around traditional cruise ship activities.

Edited April 19, 2014 by RDC1

[NLH Arizona]

I noticed when I was on the Solstice cruise last month that there seemed to be fewer activities in the evenings then on other cruise lines. You basically had the main theater, the band or DJ in the Atrium, the casino and the bars. That was pretty much it.

 

The activities seemed less like a cruise line in structure and more like a large land based resort hotel. That nighttime is more dining, bar focused, and less focused around traditional cruise ship activities.

What activities didn't they have in the evening that you missed.

[RDC1]

What activities didn't they have in the evening that you missed.

 

On Princess after 6pm they would have a number of activities in addition to the main theater. These include, but are not limited to, multiple trivia events with different subjects and formats (usually atleast 2 each night), movies up on the MUTS, dance classes, karoake, and an entertainer doing shows in addition to the main theater (often the entertainer that was in the main theater the day before would do a different show). Some kind of show in the Piazza (often juggler or body balancing type act). This is all in addition to the music, dancing, etc in the various lounges/bars.

 

I could go through other examples on other lines as well. The key point is the variety and options. So for example we would usually watch the show in the Piazza, go into dinner, after dinner go to the main show, then go to the secondary entertainment, and then either to one of the trivia contests or go up and catch the movie outside.

 

On celebrity the trivia was a daytime event, not a nighttime event.