Meet and Greet

[pls5286]

Has anyone done a ship sponsored meet and greet. Our group is doing a meet and greet. We are considering the NCL, after knowing how it is done vs. meeting somewhere like O'Sheehans where there is a bar and we can order some snacks for those who want to munch.

 

We are sailing on the Epic

[fabnfortysomething]

Has anyone done a ship sponsored meet and greet. Our group is doing a meet and greet. We are considering the NCL, after knowing how it is done vs. meeting somewhere like O'Sheehans where there is a bar and we can order some snacks for those who want to munch.

 

We are sailing on the Epic

 

send an email to groupeventepic@ncl.com with date of sailing and approximate numbers to attend

that will help them choose an appropriate sized venue

meet and greet is usually the first sea day 11am and NCL provide refreshments and snacks

they usually send several officers along and headed up by cruise director who will introduce themselves with microphone and pass out contact cards with their direct dial numbers in case of issues on board

after they leave its time to socialise

up to you whether you arrange anything more such as slot pull cabin crawl gift exchange etc

 

nothing to stop you meeting up at pub as well

 

its quite common to set up an informal sailaway party-on Epic Spice H2O is good

in this case people wear something like mardi gras beads to identify each other as belonging to cruise critic

[casofilia]

they usually send several officers along and headed up by cruise director who will introduce themselves with microphone and pass out contact cards with their direct dial numbers in case of issues on board

You will have a contact when you are on board, I always give that person individual invitations to the senior officers.

The other thing I try to arrange, before we board I want numbers, a get together lunch in the MDR immediately after the M&G.

[don't-use-real-name]

At the Meet & Greet this is an excellent time to get issues with Shore Excursions Dining Times Priority Tender

disembarking settled/arranged and most anything else that comes to mind.

 

Note the Hotel Director is the one running the whole show on board -

the Captain runs the ship -

the HD manages the ship (hotel) -

the Cruise Director handles the entertainment functions.

There maybe a deck officer to explain ship engineering functions

Usually the Head Chef attends

with the Head of Housekeeping

the Food and Beverage manager

the CruiseNext representative

and sometimes the ships Concierge (or assistant on larger ships).

You won't find your Cabin Attendant or Butler here

 

Got a problem speak up to get it addressed and fixed (maybe).

Raves and Kudos accepted they speak well of us here at Cruise Critic !

[Medtech2]

At the Meet & Greet this is an excellent time to get issues with Shore Excursions Dining Times Priority Tender

disembarking settled/arranged and most anything else that comes to mind.

 

Note the Hotel Director is the one running the whole show on board -

the Captain runs the ship -

the HD manages the ship (hotel) -

the Cruise Director handles the entertainment functions.

There maybe a deck officer to explain ship engineering functions

Usually the Head Chef attends

with the Head of Housekeeping

the Food and Beverage manager

the CruiseNext representative

and sometimes the ships Concierge (or assistant on larger ships).

You won't find your Cabin Attendant or Butler here

 

Got a problem speak up to get it addressed and fixed (maybe).

Raves and Kudos accepted they speak well of us here at Cruise Critic !

 

Actually I don’t think this is the proper venue to bring up problems. There will likely be many in attendance with no problems who would just like to meet the Officers and other guests and then go about their day or participate in any planned group activities.

 

By all means introduce yourself and get one of the contact cards. You can call the appropriate person later about any problems that have not been addressed by the usual channels, ie your room steward or guest services.

 

As a matter of course these are called Meet & Greets for a reason. Any problems about your cruise will get more attention and results if you go through “the process” first. No need to jump to the HD if Guest Services can fix something.

 

I have been to M & G’s that were basically ruined by complainers monopolizing the event.

[don't-use-real-name]

Actually I don’t think this is the proper venue to bring up problems. There will likely be many in attendance with no problems who would just like to meet the Officers and other guests and then go about their day or participate in any planned group activities.

By all means introduce yourself and get one of the contact cards. You can call the appropriate person later about any problems that have not been addressed by the usual channels, ie your room steward or guest services.

As a matter of course these are called Meet & Greets for a reason. Any problems about your cruise will get more attention and results if you go through “the process” first. No need to jump to the HD if Guest Services can fix something.

I have been to M & G’s that were basically ruined by complainers monopolizing the event.

 

Your POINT well taken and correct.

The Meet & Greet is more of social get together with persons of mutual cruising travel interests.

 

Taking ones problems with an ax to grind is not the venue to vent them interrupting this social

opportunity to meet fellow CC guests.

 

But on another token when the NCL staff introduces themselves and their job function this is that time to

meet with that head AFTERWARD to see what can be done as a remedy.

Yes there is no need to start at the top with petty complaints - give everyone in the chain an opportunity

to offer help and a come up with a solution.

 

One thing though if several CC guests are having trouble getting together for a shore excursion or

tender to port don't pass this opportunity by to get a fix for this - NCL is very attentive to the needs of

groups being handled efficiently timely and together in these cases - reports will be made names taken

and as noted the raves and kudos applauded and the groups don't have to be in a suite with a Concierge.

 

Making NCL all you want it to be can't be all that hard - attend - speak up - make it happen - and of course

BE NICE respectful and all of us here at CC appreciate the attention that NCL can provide with a M & G party !

[Beer Belly]

I had a blast on our June 3rd sailing on the Escape....met some great people, and would occasionally run into a few during the cruise.

[newmexicoNita]

Has anyone done a ship sponsored meet and greet. Our group is doing a meet and greet. We are considering the NCL, after knowing how it is done vs. meeting somewhere like O'Sheehans where there is a bar and we can order some snacks for those who want to munch.

 

We are sailing on the Epic

If you are going to do the official M&G the ship decides where and when; usually the first sea day in the late morning. If you are just wanting to get together with others you can choose the time and place. We usually end up doing both. We have a M&G or roll call board and let NCL know when we are sailing. Then as the group grows we decide on activities we would like to do together including an informal get together, either an the poolside bar or someplace inside.

[newmexicoNita]

Actually I don’t think this is the proper venue to bring up problems. There will likely be many in attendance with no problems who would just like to meet the Officers and other guests and then go about their day or participate in any planned group activities.

 

By all means introduce yourself and get one of the contact cards. You can call the appropriate person later about any problems that have not been addressed by the usual channels, ie your room steward or guest services.

 

As a matter of course these are called Meet & Greets for a reason. Any problems about your cruise will get more attention and results if you go through “the process” first. No need to jump to the HD if Guest Services can fix something.

 

I have been to M & G’s that were basically ruined by complainers monopolizing the event.

you are completely right; please for those who attend do not bring up concerns you have. Thee is nothing that will turn everyone, including the officers off faster. keep it fun, ask questions and enjoy without any complaining. That is to be done in private.

[Shellbelle28]

Interestingly, at our meet and greet in 2015 on the Pearl on the Alaskan itinerary, the hotel director and food and beverage manager asked our group to attend a second meeting near the end of the cruise to talk about our experiences. I was impressed that they wanted the feedback.

[kskelley40]

I organize our Meet & Greets for our cruises, when available, and it is a blast. Especially on NCL. They really do it up right. We generally have about 50 - 70 people attend, depending on the cruise. Not only did NCL provide refreshments but the officers did show up and introduce themselves. They also walked around for a bit and talked with us. No one has brought up any negative comments at our M&G so I guess we have been lucky so far.

 

 

For our January 2019 Panama Canal 14 day cruise, we have the M&G planned along with a Slot Pull, Cabin Crawl/Poker Run and a group Roulette Spin. It is a long cruise, yeah!, so we have plenty of time to get to know each other.

 

 

OP - if you have any questions about organizing it, just let me know. It is really easy.

[CruisinHarvey]

To bad you're not on the Escape. They've moved the time to noon on the first sea day, and they have in the District Brew house. They have hot snack and beer tastings now. Last one I did there, everybody said it was best one they've ever been to. It has nothing to do with what I did. LOL Usually though it's in Cagney's or Le Bistro on smaller ships, based on the attendance number you give the events folks. NCL does a nice job.

[newmexicoNita]

Interestingly, at our meet and greet in 2015 on the Pearl on the Alaskan itinerary, the hotel director and food and beverage manager asked our group to attend a second meeting near the end of the cruise to talk about our experiences. I was impressed that they wanted the feedback.

Yes, we have had the Pearl Hotel manager do the same and it was very helpful. that is when minor complaints can be asked and discussed. It is still wise to keep the negatives down to a minimum and use courtesy when addressing a debatable topic Actually I just thought about it they did the same on our Dawn cruise a few months ago.

 

I have organized about 6 or 8 of them. About a year ago we did one that was very well attended, but the one we just did, on the Dawn only had about 16 show up I didn't organize it but was going to do the slot pull. We ended up cancelling it, as well as other activities because of lack of interest.

[NLH Arizona]

Actually I don’t think this is the proper venue to bring up problems. There will likely be many in attendance with no problems who would just like to meet the Officers and other guests and then go about their day or participate in any planned group activities.

I agree. Many Officers and even the Captain, at times, will attend and if the meet and greets turn into a grip session, especially issues that they have no control over, I doubt they will be happy to attend more meet and greets.

 

However, if the Hotel Directors has a secondary gathering, as the Pearl does, to bring up issues Cruise Critic passengers had during their cruise, please go and voice your opinions or bring up your issues. the Pearl does this and it is awesome.

[Shellbelle28]

Yes, we have had the Pearl Hotel manager do the same and it was very helpful. that is when minor complaints can be asked and discussed. It is still wise to keep the negatives down to a minimum and use courtesy when addressing a debatable topic Actually I just thought about it they did the same on our Dawn cruise a few months ago.

 

I have organized about 6 or 8 of them. About a year ago we did one that was very well attended, but the one we just did, on the Dawn only had about 16 show up I didn't organize it but was going to do the slot pull. We ended up cancelling it, as well as other activities because of lack of interest.

 

I'm feeling pretty sad right now, my Cruise Critic roll call for our sailing on the Pearl in September is on life support, only two others besides me have posted recently. I really enjoyed the meet and greets I organized previously and I can't see wasting NCL ship staff time to ask about a M&G for six people! It might just be me and DH for that matter LOL.

[casofilia]

Different cruise line but a similar problem!! Cruise is in September and there are 3 active posters to the Roll Call with over 150 posts each and then 3 with about 20!!!! The other 24 people who have posted average 3 posts per person. I have 5 couples confirmed interest; I am about to "pull the plug".

[df5250]

Just back from the Dawn to Bermuda and organized my first meet and greet. the onboard group services organizer did a great job.She printed a card with all the department heads names and phone numbers for everyone. Each officer introduced themselves and insisted we bring any issues to them while onboard instead of waiting until after the cruise. Our little group went from 0 to 11 in the last two weeks and then to 30 in the last week. Actual landed around 15.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Edited July 13, 2018 by df5250

[barbl123]

I have set up several -actually have one set up for Getaway 8/5 - I'm finding that they seem to be less & less people interested -and then even if they say they are coming -many don't! My last one on the Dawn we had 50+ sign up but only about 24 showed -what people don't realize is if the organizer tells NCL we have "x" amount of people -they use that as a guide for how much food to put out -I'm guessing they also realize that a certain percentage don't show and use that in their planning.

But as an organizer all I can say is - If you sign up to go -please at least come for a few minutes -you might be pleasantly surprised and even make some cruising friends!

[Von & John]

KSkelley --

How do you operate the Poker Run - it appears your are combining it with the Cabin Crawl -- it sounds like it will make it more interesting? And... I am guessing the Roulette Spin is similar to Slot Pull. We are on the Transpacific - Vancouver to Tokyo - lots of sea days!

Cheers -- Von

 

 

I organize our Meet & Greets for our cruises, when available, and it is a blast. Especially on NCL. They really do it up right. We generally have about 50 - 70 people attend, depending on the cruise. Not only did NCL provide refreshments but the officers did show up and introduce themselves. They also walked around for a bit and talked with us. No one has brought up any negative comments at our M&G so I guess we have been lucky so far.

 

 

For our January 2019 Panama Canal 14 day cruise, we have the M&G planned along with a Slot Pull, Cabin Crawl/Poker Run and a group Roulette Spin. It is a long cruise, yeah!, so we have plenty of time to get to know each other.

 

 

OP - if you have any questions about organizing it, just let me know. It is really easy.

[kskelley40]

KSkelley --

How do you operate the Poker Run - it appears your are combining it with the Cabin Crawl -- it sounds like it will make it more interesting? And... I am guessing the Roulette Spin is similar to Slot Pull. We are on the Transpacific - Vancouver to Tokyo - lots of sea days!

Cheers -- Von

Yes, I combine the cabin crawl and poker run. It does make it a little more interesting. Here is how I do it and it has worked out well so far:

** The night before the cabin crawl I walk the ship and plan the route we are going to take. I also leave a reminder on each cabin that is hosting their cabin. In the note I also ask for them to be at the meeting place 10 minutes early to get organized and receive their cards.

** At the meeting place, I give each cabin host a deck of shuffled cards.

** When we get to their cabin during the crawl, the cabin host gives each participant a card.

** After the tour, we meet back at the original meeting place and have the poker run

** Best 5 card hand wins

** If there are not enough cabins, 4 or less, then I would also give out cards at the end so at least everyone has 5 cards

** I also put 1 wild card in each deck that is redeemable for an instant prize

** So you need a deck of cards for each cabin that you are touring. I get mine at Wal-Mart or the dollar store and reuse them for each cruise. Just make sure you get them back at the end of the tour.

 

** I have an association with a company that makes and sells cruise theme merchandise and they donate the prizes.

 

 

For the roulette spin - I actually got the idea off of these message boards - everyone donates a certain amount, we are doing $20 each.

They get 4 $5 chips. For each spin of the wheel, 5 people step up and place one bet. Numbers only, they pay 35:1 if hit.

This keeps going until everyone has had 4 spins. The winning pot, if any, is then split among the participants.

[Georgia_Peaches]

I'm feeling pretty sad right now, my Cruise Critic roll call for our sailing on the Pearl in September is on life support, only two others besides me have posted recently. I really enjoyed the meet and greets I organized previously and I can't see wasting NCL ship staff time to ask about a M&G for six people! It might just be me and DH for that matter LOL.

Is there a thread on how to organize a meet & greet, cabin crawl, slot pull, etc.?

[Von & John]

Thanks -- I will add these to our potential activities for our cruise... With lots of Sea Days we are working on the activities.

 

 

Yes, I combine the cabin crawl and poker run. It does make it a little more interesting. Here is how I do it and it has worked out well so far:

** The night before the cabin crawl I walk the ship and plan the route we are going to take. I also leave a reminder on each cabin that is hosting their cabin. In the note I also ask for them to be at the meeting place 10 minutes early to get organized and receive their cards.

** At the meeting place, I give each cabin host a deck of shuffled cards.

** When we get to their cabin during the crawl, the cabin host gives each participant a card.

** After the tour, we meet back at the original meeting place and have the poker run

** Best 5 card hand wins

** If there are not enough cabins, 4 or less, then I would also give out cards at the end so at least everyone has 5 cards

** I also put 1 wild card in each deck that is redeemable for an instant prize

** So you need a deck of cards for each cabin that you are touring. I get mine at Wal-Mart or the dollar store and reuse them for each cruise. Just make sure you get them back at the end of the tour.

 

** I have an association with a company that makes and sells cruise theme merchandise and they donate the prizes.

 

 

For the roulette spin - I actually got the idea off of these message boards - everyone donates a certain amount, we are doing $20 each.

They get 4 $5 chips. For each spin of the wheel, 5 people step up and place one bet. Numbers only, they pay 35:1 if hit.

This keeps going until everyone has had 4 spins. The winning pot, if any, is then split among the participants.

[kskelley40]

Thanks -- I will add these to our potential activities for our cruise... With lots of Sea Days we are working on the activities.

 

We have a 14 day cruise in January. 6 sea days so I am also looking for some interesting activities. Did a pub crawl on our last one, but I was not really excited about it. So if you have any other ideas that you would like to share that would be great.

[Shellbelle28]

We have a 14 day cruise in January. 6 sea days so I am also looking for some interesting activities. Did a pub crawl on our last one, but I was not really excited about it. So if you have any other ideas that you would like to share that would be great.

I had a fun time when we had a cabin crawl. We had people from an inside category all the way through an owner's suite and it was a lot of fun. The folks in the bigger rooms had snacks and drinks. Got to know people better too.

[kskelley40]

I had a fun time when we had a cabin crawl. We had people from an inside category all the way through an owner's suite and it was a lot of fun. The folks in the bigger rooms had snacks and drinks. Got to know people better too.

 

We always have a fun time with the cabin crawl. We always have a suite and I get the butler to bring snacks and mimosas to the cabin. On the last cruise, there was one cabin that had so many snacks and drinks that it was a hard time to leave.

 

On our next cruise we have a good selection of cabins....still no Villa but I never expect that one to volunteer.