Forgive me, but what difference does it make???

[hcat]

Before Celebrity had so many ships and bigger ones , the Celebrity cruise ambiance was much more like a country club at sea. Those cruising several times a yr often ran into each other, got to know staff and officers and appreciated being able to chat with them about ships, travel, their home countries etc. Still nice to see the officers around and at events. Some of the Capts and officers are quite social and seem to enjoy the interaction.

 

Events like the bocci and putting contests, dancing with the stripes, etc have become popular...

 

Many things have changed and both staff and officers seem to have less time to chat..and of course with more ships and some with 2,500 pax or more...it can't be the same as before, but is still nice to have a friendly greeting....esp since X officers are known for being visible and engaging ....makes for a nice atmosphere.

[pris993]

I think your questions is interesting.

 

In the past, we enjoyed a dinner or two at the Captain's table, sometimes with the Staff Captain, a ship's doctor and even a Captain on X and Holland America. These evenings were in fact memorable, not so much because of the officer but for the conversations with all involved. Sometimes the officer or Captain had some fascinating stories. Generally drinks and wine flowed and sometimes there was a special menu, which we received copies of to remember our evening.

 

As crowded as the MDR is on the newer X ships, we skip the MDR entirely, so no opportunity to be invited to a Captain's table event any more, if they are still doing them.

 

We just got off the Silhouette. I found it interesting how many events were promoted with "Officers" being involved in the daily program, i.e., bocci ball with officers on the lawn, dancing with an officers in the sky lounge,

casino jacket pot spins with officers, are a few that come to mind. Just about everything modern cruise ships do, they do to add to the profit line. We did not attend any of these events.

 

I don't need a cruise director to help me enjoy a cruise, we have been cruising for 30 years.... once again the CD's job is to point new passengers to revenue adding events.

 

While on our recent cruise, folks from the spa were promoting events as we walked past them, I say no thank you, the staff persisted and I told them I recognize a "sales pitch" when I see it, she persisted saying it was opportunity... yes an opportunity for me to spend monies, LOL.

[Host Jazzbeau]

This is touted as one of the big attractions of Azamara, that the officers are very visible and friendly interacting with the passengers. Haven't experienced it yet, but must say it doesn't seem like a big deal to me.

 

One place that I (personally, IMHO, YMMV) would prefer the officers NOT attend is the Meet & Greet. I want to meet the folks I have been chatting with on the Roll Call, and a chorus line of officers passing the mic makes that impossible. A quick hello from the Cruise Director, and free booze, would be ideal. [One can hope! ;)]

[GUT2407]

This is touted as one of the big attractions of Azamara, that the officers are very visible and friendly interacting with the passengers. Haven't experienced it yet, but must say it doesn't seem like a big deal to me.

 

One place that I (personally, IMHO, YMMV) would prefer the officers NOT attend is the Meet & Greet. I want to meet the folks I have been chatting with on the Roll Call, and a chorus line of officers passing the mic makes that impossible. A quick hello from the Cruise Director, and free booze, would be ideal. [One can hope! ;)]

 

 

If they attend the M&G it should be a quick howdy all, then wander around and meet people if they want or leave.

[richsea]

Forgive me if we are just dense or somehow out of the loop that other cruisers are in but my husband and I just do not understand what the big deal is about whether or not the officers attend events. I go on a cruise to enjoy my husband and our friend's company. Why is it so important to so many where the officers are, what events they attend and who they speak too? Of course if I should come across them on board I would expect a nod or a hello, but I would expect that from any passenger. Really, I am not trying to be rude but what are we missing?????

 

I agree with you. I think some just like to feel wanted.

[fleckle]

We just got off the Silhouette. I found it interesting how many events were promoted with "Officers" being involved in the daily program, i.e., bocci ball with officers on the lawn, dancing with an officers in the sky lounge,

casino jacket pot spins with officers, are a few that come to mind........

That is all part of the cost cutting, involving officers in more "activities" to entertain passengers as a way of reducing the expenses for paid entertainers.

 

The cuts in the activities staffs on the ships have already been discussed many times.

 

 

Edited October 23, 2014 by fleckle

[gek]

Hate to tell you this but one of the things they are "supposed to be doing" is "schmoozing around". PR is a part of their job.

 

I'm aware of that but I would much rather they leave that side of things to the CD or Hotel Director. Give them some stripes and call them officers, perhaps even make Chief Schmoozer a permanent officer's position and let the real sailors concentrate on the more important job of keeping the passengers safe.

 

I would think that after the Concordia disaster the image of the "schmoozing Captain" would be something they are trying to avoid.

[d4m]

I would think that after the Concordia disaster the image of the "schmoozing Captain" would be something they are trying to avoid.

 

Sorry but there are several others working under the Captain who are as capable and professional to operate the ship in the Captain's absences. Frankly, no Captain is at the helm 24/7.

 

IMO Captains who are visable are doing their jobs as the head of the ship and employee of Celebrity.

[Caribbean Chris]

I worked for cruise lines and can tell you that it's a good thing when the captain is visible.

 

For one thing, a captain who is chatting with passengers gets a feel for what his crew is doing well and not-so-well, and can provide input to the head office on passenger satisfaction with changes. For another, a captain like the afore-mentioned Century (we sailed with last year) keeps the crew on their toes, observing the condition of the ship.

 

There used to be a term, "Show Captain" for the top guy ...the Staff Captain was the real operating captain, equally qualified and in line for a captain opening.

 

That said, Show Captains who avoided public contact or visibility, just sat back and let the Staff Captain do all the work, were the ones whose ships had less favorable comment cards. And some "Show" Captains were highly visible on board and ran a tight ship - they were highly-respected by all the crew, which filtered down to passengers in the form of a "Happy Ship."

[Tudy]

I am going to weigh in on the subject. The OP wanted to know why people might want to see the officers.

 

I like to see the officers around the ship. Here's why. To me, it says that they are interested in what is happening around their ship. They want to make sure that everything is meeting expectations. Many times in the course of the conversation, I have been asked, "How are you liking your cruise? Is there anything we could do better?" My comments are taken seriously.

 

I used to think it was snobbery that people didn't want to see the officers. BUT,t have been informed that this may be a cultural difference. I have heard that Europeans generally prefer not to see "the help" and that American prefer to see "the help." As an American, yes, I like to see my room steward in the hall. I like to know that he is right there if I need him, so that I don't have to hunt him down. (Yes, a hotel director told me that when I politely inquired why I never saw my room steward on a particular cruise. After that, I saw my room steward more.)

 

In some ways, I consider the officers my "hosts" on the ship. I would feel really awkward if I was visiting somewhere and I never saw my host. I also like to go to restaurants where the Chef/owner greets me by name. I like to go to resorts where the manager is visible and asks me if everything is ok. It's much more personable than a written survey.

 

That, in my opinion, is "The Big Deal."

[cynbar]

I am going to weigh in on the subject. The OP wanted to know why people might want to see the officers.

 

I like to see the officers around the ship. Here's why. To me, it says that they are interested in what is happening around their ship. They want to make sure that everything is meeting expectations. Many times in the course of the conversation, I have been asked, "How are you liking your cruise? Is there anything we could do better?" My comments are taken seriously.

 

I used to think it was snobbery that people didn't want to see the officers. BUT,t have been informed that this may be a cultural difference. I have heard that Europeans generally prefer not to see "the help" and that American prefer to see "the help." As an American, yes, I like to see my room steward in the hall. I like to know that he is right there if I need him, so that I don't have to hunt him down. (Yes, a hotel director told me that when I politely inquired why I never saw my room steward on a particular cruise. After that, I saw my room steward more.)

 

In some ways, I consider the officers my "hosts" on the ship. I would feel really awkward if I was visiting somewhere and I never saw my host. I also like to go to restaurants where the Chef/owner greets me by name. I like to go to resorts where the manager is visible and asks me if everything is ok. It's much more personable than a written survey.

 

That, in my opinion, is "The Big Deal."

 

I agree totally ---I like seeing the top officers around the ship, greeting guests, gives me the feeling that they care about how the cruise is going and are keeping an eye on things. Most businesses work better when the boss is visible and involved in day to day operations. And, it does give the impression of a host who i proud of his ship and welcoming to the passengers. Last May on Reflection, the captain was often seen around the ship, he even strolled through Blu one evening and spoke to every diner. Anyway, I certainly don't need my ego stroked or count how many officers turn up at organized events --- but I was impressed with the captain's accessibility and presence. Different things are important to different cruisers, of course ----I'm not sure why the OP is so concerned about other posters.

[flyingv4me]

I'll bet the officers and staff prefer the longer cruises (10+ days). They don't have to put on the "show" quite as often. ;)

 

I do like seeing the officers in my travels around the ship, and I think the Captain's toast at the beginning of each cruise is a nice tradition. That being said, I think the last night thank you to the chefs, waiters, et cetera in the MDR can be embarrassing for all involved. Just my two cents.

[cle-guy]

As crowded as the MDR is on the newer X ships, we skip the MDR entirely, so no opportunity to be invited to a Captain's table event any more, if they are still doing them.

 

Captain's table is still alive and well. Not sure if it's done every night or just formal nights, but it's still done. Generally invited are suite guests and high tier cruisers or VIP's, and then if those can't attend they start working to fill missing seats, one table I ate at (I;ve been invited 4 times) the couple next to me got pulled aside while walking to Cellar Masters and asked if they'd like to join just moments before. Likely a last minute cancellation I assume.

 

Sometimes it's hosted by the Captain himself, other nights and times by other ranking officers.

 

As another has stated, for me it wasn't so much the Officer that made the evening enjoyable, it was the other passengers at the table. I chose to go as I figured I got to eat, may as well try something new.

 

Met in Cellar Masters, had some canapés and champagne and beverages, then escorted to the table in the MDR, front and center, you can tell which it is as it is the one with flowers and fancy folded napkins on it. Some nights it goes unused. Had a special menu we got to keep, wines were complimentary, special desert and a group photo was given out complimentary as well.

[blueboro]

I think the officers being visible around the ship is good in that they are visible to staff/crew and when they are interacting with guests to find out "how are we doing". But the officers pool volleyball games and manufactured entertainment events with officers makes little sense and no difference to me.

[richsea]

I think what the OP said, & meant, about the officers attending events, not being visible around the ship. there have been posts recently about some feeling slighted by officers not attending some events, like the Elite cocktail event, or the CC get together. Seeing the ship's officers out & about on the ship, & them saying hello, or perhaps having an impromptu conversation with passengers is one thing, but if the officers do not attend a specific gathering, what is the big deal?

[Queen of Oakville]

I would rather NOT see the officers schmoozing around. I want them up on the bridge, or in the engine room, or wherever it is they do what they are supposed to be doing.

 

My favourite captain-joke, is from the DCL captains who come to the opening show and say "don't worry Captain Mickey and Captain Hook are manning the bridge".

 

I'm one who would never stand in line for a photo with the captain. If he happened to approach us, I'd shake his hand and perhaps engage in some small talk ... but i'm certainly not standing in line to meet him. On Eurodam, we had a Canadian captain, and had we seen him, we probably would have chatted, but never had the opportunity.

 

 

As for Cruise Directors, I can see how some feel it sets the vibe for their cruise. The only cruise director I could name would be John Heald, but I didnt' think he was "all that".

 

My favourite Cruise Director, is probably guy from DCL who comes out and does the Carlton dance. We had him on both Dream and Fantasy. He was fun and energetic and entertaining, but I can't say he really impacted my cruise.

Edited October 23, 2014 by Queen of Oakville

[parallax]

We do not actively seek out the officers. Their attendance at an event is not a factor on whether we attend. However, we have had pleasant interactions on the chance encounters we have had with the officers.

 

On one cruise on the Summit, we unintentionally befriended the captain and several members of his staff. Every morning we would go to Cafe al Bacio for coffee and a danish/scone. Everyday the captain and members of his crew would be there at the same time. The first morning he started talking to my daughter, as he had a kid around the same age. At first, my daughter was shy but by the end of the trip they chatted every morning for a few minutes. For some reason, we would bump into him a couple times a day and he would ask us how the trip was going. It was a nice experience but it was not something we sought out.

[Can'tstopcruising]

We often miss the events, so rarely get to know who is who.

 

On one cruise last year, I was walking up the stairs and bumped into two officers who were walking down.

 

I recognized one, so I said I know who you are, but who are you (to the other). He answered he was the captain. We had a good laugh!

 

I do think it makes a difference when officers walk around and smile at pax. Same as when crew does. It just makes for a more pleasant ambiance.

 

An aside. We were at a W hotel this summer. A young girl holding a clipboard stopped to talk to us as we got off the elevator. She asked us questions about our impressions of the hotel. The next day, she sent us a basket of the wonderful amenities that we raved about, with a note that she hoped it would put a smile on our faces. What fabulous PR!

[cle-guy]

An aside. We were at a W hotel this summer. A young girl holding a clipboard stopped to talk to us as we got off the elevator. She asked us questions about our impressions of the hotel. The next day' date=' she sent us a basket of the wonderful amenities that we raved about, with a note that she hoped it would put a smile on our faces. What fabulous PR![/quote']

 

I'm a Marriott guy, but in London, choose the W Leicester Square for my post-transatalantic stays.

 

This spring, When I arrived, they bumped me to a corner suite, and when I got to my room, made a Facebook post that said "Great to be back on dry land after my transatlantic Cruise on Celebrity Eclipse. I got a sweet suite upgrade from the W Leicester Square too!" linking my posts to the Celebrity and W Facebook pages.

 

Later that day, I had a note slipped under my door with 2 drink coupons, handwritten "welcome back to dry land - enjoy your stay".

 

W really does know how to work the PR.

[Melissa at Mohair Meadows]

Nicely said. It is nice to know they do attend social functions and don't keep themselves in their "Domain" and if you want to meet them, attend the function, if not, no big deal. This is a cruise!

 

 

Must be the free drinks. :D

[DYKWIA]

On another travel forum I participate in there is a growing trend for several users to name drop the Hotel General Manager into threads. "so I was staying at [insert name of hotel] and enjoying a coffee with [insert name of hotel manager], the charming manager of the hotel...." and so on. I tend to think that is a bit of oneupmanship - some add how they leave expensive gifts for the hotel GM in an effort of oneupmanship on the oneupmanship.

 

It doesn't bother me. The whole meeting the Captain thing is part of the tradition isn't it? One of those things that differentiates it from being a ferry crossing from Dover to Ostend.

 

After our first cruise this summer I'm sure most of our friends and family who inquired about our cruise asked "did you get to dine on the Captain's table?" We didn't, but Pete Griffin from Family Guy did, so maybe we weren't the sort of people they were after.

 

Would we find it odd if we got an a plane and it took off and landed with no chit chat from the Captain, it's what we expect. We don't expect it from our Train or Bus Driver. Less interaction may take a certain amount of the glamour away and turn it into more like a glorified form of public transport.

 

It was our first cruise this summer and my wife and I did giggle at some things which we guess are tradition.... at the Captains introduction evening thingy (that's how much attention I was paying) in the Eclipse theatre we all gave a round of applause to the couple who were given a nice big present for being the people with the highest status on the ship - "please give a big round of applause to Mr + Mrs Millionaire of Midchester who have so much money they holiday on the ship 50/52 weeks a year". Also, during the Captains welcoming introduction to his staff we could have sworn (the captain's Greek accent wasn't the easiest to understand) that we were giving a round of applause to the Head of Human Resources. whilst some of these traditions may be silly others we found quite special, even if the staff do them every cruise.

Edited October 23, 2014 by DYKWIA

[GOLDENBONNY]

Forgive me if we are just dense or somehow out of the loop that other cruisers are in but my husband and I just do not understand what the big deal is about whether or not the officers attend events. I go on a cruise to enjoy my husband and our friend's company. Why is it so important to so many where the officers are, what events they attend and who they speak too? Of course if I should come across them on board I would expect a nod or a hello, but I would expect that from any passenger. Really, I am not trying to be rude but what are we missing?????

 

good ,I am not the only one who wonder :p

[H2OH!]

It does not make or break my cruise. We actually have turned down the Captains' table on a few occassions....it was football season and DH wanted to watch the games (we had a CS so we had a big TV). We had so much fun in the cabin, eating our formal dinner, laughing and drinking/sharing a bottle of wine. :D

 

The meeting of the officers and staff is a nautical tradition....a big deal to some and not others. :)

[deise17311]

It's like the people that want to move in with the waitstaff...

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[cle-guy]

it's like the people that want to move in with the waitstaff...

 

 

Sent using the cruise critic forums app

 

lol :D

Edited October 23, 2014 by cle-guy