FIND and Join Your Rollcall !!!

[Paulette3028]

My Allure roll call was huge, but the M&M on board was kind of a let down, since it was all about the AD talking and giving out prizes, and no time to actually mingle.

 

How good the M&M will be is a direct result of the AD, and Zach on our Allure cruise this past June did not do a good job, IMO. It was too much of him talking about the ship and giving out prizes, with less time to mingle....but many of us STILL did mingle.

 

For any of you who are cruising on the Valentines Day sailing of Indy, Feb. 14, 2015....join the roll call and sign up for the M&M also. Maybe you know someone else who is going...let them know.

[BillOh]

How good the M&M will be is a direct result of the AD, ........

 

I agree that is one important factor. Elvis on Jewel this past May did make an effort for the event to go well and I did note that in my review here and my survey afterward. But the people in the roll call can make or break it as well. On Allure in 2013 Royal did its frequent minimum, the Horse Doovers were there and a couple of speeches, but then we took over and had our own party. I think the key to that one was getting multiple people involved. I did a triva contest, another person did the hometown gift exchange (my first) and another did the cabin crawl. (again a first for me) Even my wife who initially didn't like the idea of the roll calls enjoyed that one.

[life_dizzy]

I'm new to cruising and Cruise Critic. I posted in my roll call weeks ago and not one person responded to my post, just skipped over, while other posts were talking back and forth.... doesn't feel very friendly to me...

 

This is probably going to sound weird...but maybe add a signature of some kind...a countdown or something. The reason I say this is that I noticed I started to get more responses when I added mine. And now I can see why...I sometimes find in the midst of all these posts with signatures, I end up scrolling right past the ones without a signature. Not on purpose of course...it just blends in too much sometimes. Just a suggestion. Happy cruising!

[DHADEN]

:confused: Isn't the M&M a CC event? Was not aware you could sign up without going through CC.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

 

See?? There's another person learning about the M&M.

John, you have to go to this link:

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/ccEntry.do

 

and "Register" for the Official Meet & Mingle on board the ship. (by the way, that's an RCI website). Royal Caribbean has a contract with CruiseCritic to throw a party as long as there are at least 25 people registered.

 

Darrell, thank you for starting this, I am sure there are many new CC Members who never thought about joining their Roll Call to receive valuable information. I thank you again also for coordinating the OLL last April, we had a great time. :)

Gay

 

HI GAY !!!

How in the world are you? It's good to hear from you. We have to cruise together again. I see you have the Serenade booked for Oct. What about 2015?

[xpcdoojk]

:confused: Isn't the M&M a CC event? Was not aware you could sign up without going through CC.

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

 

Lot's of people go on a cruise, some people post at CC. Some people sign up because someone tells them to in order to win prizes and get free stuff.

 

Doesn't mean they are active CC members. Example. I sign up my wife and I. My wife has never one time read a CC thread. She has attended a few M&M's. She thinks these forums are a waste of time. As usual she is wise.:o:D

 

jc

[Desert Cruizers]

Darrell, John & I are on the Snowbird Migration cruise for Oct 19th 2015, I will email you and tell you our plans. We are both fine and what a fabulous trip we had last Spring.:).

 

Getting back to Roll Calls I believe it is important when organizing a small group for an activity, to obtain email addresses this way you can communicate directly with those going, since as many know, not everyone chooses to use CC on a regular basis and important information being posted could be missed. We had 3 cruises booked this past Spring from Sydney and the first Roll Call was very quiet no activities planned while the latter two were very active. We enjoy making friends on & off the Roll Calls.

Edited September 11, 2014 by Desert Cruizers

[Paulette3028]

I agree that is one important factor. Elvis on Jewel this past May did make an effort for the event to go well and I did note that in my review here and my survey afterward. But the people in the roll call can make or break it as well. On Allure in 2013 Royal did its frequent minimum, the Horse Doovers were there and a couple of speeches, but then we took over and had our own party. I think the key to that one was getting multiple people involved. I did a triva contest, another person did the hometown gift exchange (my first) and another did the cabin crawl. (again a first for me) Even my wife who initially didn't like the idea of the roll calls enjoyed that one.

 

100% correct....the PEOPLE who have participated in the Roll Call and are at the M&M can make or break a M&M event....but it does take a cooperative AD like Elvis....and I believe Elvis is terrific at what he does.

 

I have gone on a cabin crawl and not so interested in doing that again...but would just to be fun-friendly, my DH likes them. Holding our own Trivia contest sounds like fun....and I don't know what a hometown gift exchange is....but that is fine.

 

PEOPLE make cruising fun....and if some want to just spend time with the people they came with fine....but for others....there are other ways to enjoy.

[BlackCat9Lives]

This is probably going to sound weird...but maybe add a signature of some kind...a countdown or something. The reason I say this is that I noticed I started to get more responses when I added mine. And now I can see why...I sometimes find in the midst of all these posts with signatures, I end up scrolling right past the ones without a signature. Not on purpose of course...it just blends in too much sometimes. Just a suggestion. Happy cruising!

 

Thanks for the tip!

[cjdixon4]

Good idea, DHADEN.

 

The Roll Call for my next sailing (1/26/15 Legend OTS) is a total snoozefest! I've never seen one slow on an RCI cruise. Keep hoping that people are just waiting to get closer to sailing before joining in.

 

C'mon, you lurkers, join in and let's have some fun!:D Oh, and don't forget to sign up for your Meet n Mingle while you're there.

 

Ellen

 

Ellen, I'm glad I'm not alone on that. My Roll Call needs to be revived as well, although we don't sail on Adventure until 5/18/15. I think I might have been the last to post something maybe 2 months ago or so...LOL!!! Guess they'll all get excited around Christmas time...:(

[Little Buddy's Mom]

This is probably going to sound weird...but maybe add a signature of some kind...a countdown or something. The reason I say this is that I noticed I started to get more responses when I added mine. And now I can see why...I sometimes find in the midst of all these posts with signatures, I end up scrolling right past the ones without a signature. Not on purpose of course...it just blends in too much sometimes. Just a suggestion. Happy cruising!

 

Not everyone likes to read all the stuff people have in their signatures. I used to scroll through all that until I learned I could eliminate it entirely. Now, if I want to see someone's signature, I just click on their screen name.

[B-52]

When two or three people conversing back and forth make up well over half the posts, it's no longer a roll call. They should move it to the friends forum. Just sayin :o

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

 

 

Agree...I've had 2-3 people totally destroy a roll call...talking about weddings, schools,.....it becomes their own private chat room...

Edited September 12, 2014 by B-52

[Paulette3028]

I did not really understand how to effectively participate in a roll call....but I have had years of experience with co-workers who dominated meetings....so I used the same tactics to get heard in the roll call that I did in business.....kept inserting ideas/comments.

 

At least in the roll call I did not have to worry about getting fired....and even in business it did not get me fired, but it did get me a 'place in the meeting'.

 

So for me, not telling others what to do, if I want to be heard in the roll call I just keep inserting myself in the discussion -- asking questions, making comments -- whatever it takes. What is the risk, NONE.

[preschool teacher]

I always join my roll call for a cruise...I have no issues with whatever is discussed.....I'm on one now that only has 14 members and is no too active.

 

I wish you well!!!

[EmpressofPurple]

I love cc roll calls and m&ms...

 

On roll calls I learn about (and share my own research on) port stops, private shore excursions, transportation, restaurants, and often save money by sharing rides/tours, or learn about hidden gems from cruisers who have been to that port before...

 

If it's a new ship to me I learn about special ship features, or share my experience if it's one I've been on before...

 

People often organize a roll call list, some basic with just name, hometown and screen name, some with lots of details including cabin numbers, celebrations, pre and post cruise plans/hotels, shore excursions planned, etc. (I've even managed some of those!!)...

 

People often exchange emails and phone numbers if they learn they live nearby, or will be traveling to each other's hometown, to meet up before (or after) the cruise.

 

Those with fixed dining, solos or couples or even groups, may link their dining reservations so they know at least one person at their table...

 

Some roll calls organize one (or half a dozen) activities of their own, beyond the ship-sponsored meet & mingle... I have participated in sailaway gatherings, gift exchanges, cabin crawls, casino slot pulls, pub crawls (which are often poker runs, too)... and on my upcoming explorer repo, a new (to me) dice game played poolside on sea days... there's a trivia group, too, though I usually set up my own team...

 

Yes, sometimes the chit chat is a little heavy (boring about the weather, coffee, pets, children, depressing about illness, work, finances, disasters, cheerful about weddings, graduations, reunions, etc etc)... but as many have noted, it is a way to get to know each other. It's mostly only been a problem for me when I join a chatty roll call late and have pages and pages to wade through in order to extract a few nuggets of information about the cruise... or as others have mentioned, feel left out since all the people know each other already and tend to ignore my posts (I do my best not to take it too personally)... but if I'm current with my roll call, I'll check in regularly, ignore (or sometimes even contribute!!) to the chit chat, and keep up with any substantive information or developments... I actually like that cc and rcs are like a (mostly) cruise-related chat room!

 

The meet & mingles, as mm noted, can go either way. I must say, it's been quite some time since I attended one with cd staff that knows how to host "break the ice" events, and if folks are not socially inclined, they often sit in their own little groups, and no meeting or mingling occurs, just a cold raffle of increasingly less valuable prizes (usually won by folks who never once posted to the roll call) and a serving of cold juices. Also, m&ms used to be held in the afternoon, often attended by senior ship staff... nowadays they seem to be early in the morning (reducing attendance as many folks like to sleep in on their cruise!... and reducing alcohol consumption as well, a social lubricant for many)... scheduled right before another ship event in the same venue so we have to hustle out at the end, rushing any post m&m socializing, gift exchange, etc. Also, roll calls often schedule the cabin crawl or slot pull right after the m&m, making people feel like they've spent enough time with their cc friends and want to move on to their own cruise... Sometimes it's better to spread these events out over the course of the cruise, even though it's challenging to find convenient schedules for a large group.

 

But despite the changes and limitations, I love roll calls and m&ms, and all the other roll call events, and try to participate in as many as my schedule permits. Indeed, while I have many friends here at home, from choir, family, marathon training, yoga, work... I am so happy to have made great, lifelong friends on cruises, and I hope I continue to do so. :D

 

Sent from my SM-G900P using Forums mobile app

[xpcdoojk]

I believe EmpressofPurple has just written a definitive description of Roll calls and M&Ms.

 

jc

[Folk Singer]

Good post. We enjoy the roll calls and the chat back and forth made some really great friends.

[EmpressofPurple]

I believe EmpressofPurple has just written a definitive description of Roll calls and M&Ms.

 

jc

 

*blush*:)

 

Sent from my SM-G900P using Forums mobile app

[beerman2]

Thanks for the dissertation. LOL I don't think you left any stone unturned.

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[DHADEN]

Thanks for all the input;

 

The main reason I started this Thread was to inform those who are unaware of the Boards so more will participate.

 

I wish there was a way to get RCI to post a link so whenever someone books a cruise on line or with their call-center that they would tell them:

 

"Thanks for Booking - Here's a link to finding others on the same cruise:"

 

Has that ever been attempted? Has Cruise Critic tried to get them to do that?

[beerman2]

There are a lot of other people 113 to be exact on another app who are on our cruise in Oct. And only 3 of us are on CC.

 

DHaden so what you said would be nice if when booking they let people know about CC.

 

It's also kinda funny that 2 people who have responded to this post talked negatively about roll calls, as they have talked negatively about other posts.

[Paulette3028]

I love cc roll calls and m&ms...

 

On roll calls I learn about (and share my own research on) port stops, private shore excursions, transportation, restaurants, and often save money by sharing rides/tours, or learn about hidden gems from cruisers who have been to that port before...

 

If it's a new ship to me I learn about special ship features, or share my experience if it's one I've been on before...

 

People often organize a roll call list, some basic with just name, hometown and screen name, some with lots of details including cabin numbers, celebrations, pre and post cruise plans/hotels, shore excursions planned, etc. (I've even managed some of those!!)...

 

People often exchange emails and phone numbers if they learn they live nearby, or will be traveling to each other's hometown, to meet up before (or after) the cruise.

 

Those with fixed dining, solos or couples or even groups, may link their dining reservations so they know at least one person at their table...

 

Some roll calls organize one (or half a dozen) activities of their own, beyond the ship-sponsored meet & mingle... I have participated in sailaway gatherings, gift exchanges, cabin crawls, casino slot pulls, pub crawls (which are often poker runs, too)... and on my upcoming explorer repo, a new (to me) dice game played poolside on sea days... there's a trivia group, too, though I usually set up my own team...

 

Yes, sometimes the chit chat is a little heavy (boring about the weather, coffee, pets, children, depressing about illness, work, finances, disasters, cheerful about weddings, graduations, reunions, etc etc)... but as many have noted, it is a way to get to know each other. It's mostly only been a problem for me when I join a chatty roll call late and have pages and pages to wade through in order to extract a few nuggets of information about the cruise... or as others have mentioned, feel left out since all the people know each other already and tend to ignore my posts (I do my best not to take it too personally)... but if I'm current with my roll call, I'll check in regularly, ignore (or sometimes even contribute!!) to the chit chat, and keep up with any substantive information or developments... I actually like that cc and rcs are like a (mostly) cruise-related chat room!

 

The meet & mingles, as mm noted, can go either way. I must say, it's been quite some time since I attended one with cd staff that knows how to host "break the ice" events, and if folks are not socially inclined, they often sit in their own little groups, and no meeting or mingling occurs, just a cold raffle of increasingly less valuable prizes (usually won by folks who never once posted to the roll call) and a serving of cold juices. Also, m&ms used to be held in the afternoon, often attended by senior ship staff... nowadays they seem to be early in the morning (reducing attendance as many folks like to sleep in on their cruise!... and reducing alcohol consumption as well, a social lubricant for many)... scheduled right before another ship event in the same venue so we have to hustle out at the end, rushing any post m&m socializing, gift exchange, etc. Also, roll calls often schedule the cabin crawl or slot pull right after the m&m, making people feel like they've spent enough time with their cc friends and want to move on to their own cruise... Sometimes it's better to spread these events out over the course of the cruise, even though it's challenging to find convenient schedules for a large group.

 

But despite the changes and limitations, I love roll calls and m&ms, and all the other roll call events, and try to participate in as many as my schedule permits. Indeed, while I have many friends here at home, from choir, family, marathon training, yoga, work... I am so happy to have made great, lifelong friends on cruises, and I hope I continue to do so. :D

 

Sent from my SM-G900P using Forums mobile app

 

Great job with the summary.

 

And yes from the cruisers POV who is in a roll call that isn't going the way they may want it to go.....get more involved, not less; see if you can get the roll call more active, if it is flat; or back on track (so to speak) if two people have made it there private conversation (that won't stop, but you could be helping others get involved again).

 

Looking forward to my cruise on Indy in February 2015.....and the roll call and the M&M.....they are just streets that lead to vacation.

Edited September 14, 2014 by Paulette3028

[xpcdoojk]

Thanks for all the input;

 

The main reason I started this Thread was to inform those who are unaware of the Boards so more will participate.

 

I wish there was a way to get RCI to post a link so whenever someone books a cruise on line or with their call-center that they would tell them:

 

"Thanks for Booking - Here's a link to finding others on the same cruise:"

 

Has that ever been attempted? Has Cruise Critic tried to get them to do that?

That would be super awesome. So, when I stand around trying to talk to CC members at the M&M even more people would look at me like *** is CC.

 

Most M&M are already loaded with friends of members who never ever post here.

 

My goal ultimately is to meet the people here in this forum and others, not to have a chance to eat cookies and tea with people who have no idea what it is really all about, but hey that is just me.

 

jc

[BillOh]

Agree...I've had 2-3 people totally destroy a roll call...talking about weddings, schools,.....it becomes their own private chat room...

 

Only if you let it.

[beerman2]

Billohio

 

Exactly. People like the news tend to over exaggerate.

 

OH IO!

[Folk Singer]

Only if you let it.

 

True. And when you see some of the numbers of posts. Whoo makes you wonder how they find the time.:):) Although to be fair most of them are great posts and full of information. Considering all the Cruisers World Wide and 21000 + are only posting on CC. It is a small community.