What do you think of the gentleman “dance host” program?

[greatam]

I still feel they could eliminate dance hosts, a crew member could fill that position. On the evenings where there are captains receptions the officers could dance with guests.

 

Not only would this be a MAJOR imposition on the officers, but on some cruises, the Captain is not even allowed (or chooses not to) shake hands, due to Noro.

 

Dance partner-I don't think so.

[skandls]

While there are some ballroom dance enthusiasts many of us boomers never got beyond chacha lessons in high school. The 'dances' we have grown up on don't require a real partner. I see many women on cruises hitting the dance floor for 70's night and the twist. Often with other female friends. Now days who cares if you want to dance by yourself.

 

Except for formal night and maybe the Captains party I rarely see the waltz or fox trot. Even the ballroom dance classes are not very well attended unless there is bad weather and nothing else going on. Many more people seem to show up for line dancing.

[C 2 C]

Except for formal night and maybe the Captains party I rarely see the waltz or fox trot. Even the ballroom dance classes are not very well attended unless there is bad weather and nothing else going on. Many more people seem to show up for line dancing.

 

I don't think we have ever been on the same ships. Every dance class I have attended at sea on Celebrity has the entire dance floor covered with people practicing on the surrounding carpet. The rendezvous before and after dinner is usually packed with people trying out their latest steps. There is always an opportunity to waltz or "trot" every evening. Perhaps the longer sailings attract more dancers.

[greyblueseas]

While there are some ballroom dance enthusiasts many of us boomers never got beyond chacha lessons in high school. The 'dances' we have grown up on don't require a real partner. I see many women on cruises hitting the dance floor for 70's night and the twist. Often with other female friends. Now days who cares if you want to dance by yourself.

 

Except for formal night and maybe the Captains party I rarely see the waltz or fox trot. Even the ballroom dance classes are not very well attended unless there is bad weather and nothing else going on. Many more people seem to show up for line dancing.

 

I was thinking that as I read through this thread :) I have experience of the hosts, having done the dance classes for fun on my last cruise, and having then been approached by them in the Rendezvous Lounge when I was listening to music before dinner (late seating). I am of the turn of mind that separates dancing into "old style" (can't do it without a male partner) and the post-war kind where you dance to music by yourself, in a group, or whatever you fancy. I'm definitely not a fan of being expected to wait until selected! Even though I couldn't have participated in the dance classes without them, I'm not bothered that the dance hosts may have abolished. For various reasons, it wasn't something I felt at all comfortable with, and I had already resolved not to get involved in that kind of thing in future.

 

I'm also puzzled that everyone is concerned about lack of partners for women, but no-one has apparently ever been concerned with dance partners for men travelling alone. I'm sure there must be men who would like to ballroom dance; what have they always done? Just gone without :confused:

[C 2 C]

I'm also puzzled that everyone is concerned about lack of partners for women, but no-one has apparently ever been concerned with dance partners for men travelling alone. I'm sure there must be men who would like to ballroom dance; what have they always done? Just gone without :confused:

 

I have yet to see a (non-chartered) cruise where the men outnumber the women. Nature has collaborated against that being a frequent issue. Perhaps someone is planning a lawsuit about inequitable treatment. There might be other issues as well such as friends of dorothy partners.... but I would not be able to speculate on whether that issue has ever arisen at corporate HQ:confused: Should there also be women dance hosts for women seeking female dance partners or men seeking male hosts as dance partners? I don't know the legal implications or cruiseline obligations for that issue.

The Times They Are A-Changin'

[lucky white heather]

We regularly dance every cruise..mainly our reason for cruising as we don't get the opportunity at home.

Single male PAX can choose from any of the single or partnerless women who are happy to sit between dances when the dance hosts cannot dance with them because they are already up on the floor taking someone else for a turn round the floor. On our most recent X cruise , B2B Caribbean and T/A ML April 06 we had no dance hosts on the Caribbean leg which was just as well as they would have been redundant... a dance club from California was aboard (30 odd of them) and they monopolized the entire dancing space doing their "stuff" so that with three of their couples up there was no room for anyone else unless you wanted to be kicked and pushed around by those 3 competing to outdo each other as in competitive dancing. We were thrilled when they left as they were entirely, knowingly and boastfully selfish!!!!!!When the dance hosts came on ...all 6 of them for that trip... they were all kept busy every evening and the women they danced with turned up EVERY night to avail themselves of the chance to dance and get more out of their cruise than just sitting elsewhere. After early but before late seating dinner you could not get on the floor for couples including dance hosts and partners of the moment, and there were no seats in the Rendezvous either as many PAX enjoyed the chance to mingle and chat, pre dinner cocktail and dance . So if the dance hosts are superfluous requirements for some they definitely aren't for others and as some others have commented already we don't all use all the other facilitiies aboard so why pick on dance hosts to cut????

[debjac]

As a baby boomer who has sailed Celebrity 11 times since the age of 38 I just wanted to say that I will miss the dance hosts. My husband & I always enjoyed watching them dance (good & bad) and I especially loved it on one cruise where a host was a delight to watch and made every woman look like a ballroom dancer. So they not only entertain the "single ladies"

[Liv4cruzin]

I am encouraged by the (mostly) positive feedback for the dance host program. And it's all fine & well to show your support for it here on this forum. I hope those of you who are in favor of it will take the extra few minutes to let Celebrity know your feelings by whichever method you choose.

[hajekfam]

I also have found the Rendez-vous and other dance venues to be quite crowded on my recent Celebrity cruises. They weren't like that in the 90's. The dance floor has gotten so crowded that hubby and I sometimes can't really dance ballroom steps until after 10 when others hit the show and casino.

[lucky white heather]

I am encouraged by the (mostly) positive feedback for the dance host program. And it's all fine & well to show your support for it here on this forum. I hope those of you who are in favor of it will take the extra few minutes to let Celebrity know your feelings by whichever method you choose.

Have followed your suggestion and used the link to write X to say they should reconsider and retain the programme . Because I am UK based the link took me to X Uk/ HQ which was a disappointment as I have never found them anxious to take much notice of any complaint / enquiry etc . I had hoped it might have got to Adam Goldstein in Miami and really make him take notice of PAX comments regarding proposed cruiseline changes.

[claud925]

A single cruiser does not pay double, although there is single supplement, they don't tip double so how did they pay for a dance host.

 

As a single cruiser, yes, I do pay double. And I tip double, as well.

 

Why would you assume that solo cruisers don't tip double?

 

You would do well not to be so quick to jump to assumptions.

[Lois R]

As a single cruiser, yes, I do pay double. And I tip double, as well.

 

Why would you assume that solo cruisers don't tip double?

 

You would do well not to be so quick to jump to assumptions.

 

Hi Roxanne..nice to see you:)

 

Yes, many of us solo cruisers tip that extra amount!

[Cruising is my passion]

First, let me say, that X never had dance hosts until about one year ago. I am a very seasoned cruiser with 26 with X and noted on my Fall trip last year, that there were dance hosts. I was very surprised but very glad. Two wonderful gentlemen who really got the ladies up. I am married, but generally travel solo and I do appreciate a good dance. I, personally, would not like to see this perk discontinued. I believe it does cater to a certain clientele, and why should that clientele not be catered to as well. We take up very little room on the floor and it does serve to the "pampering" and attention that X has become known for.

 

Has anyone heard the news that Celebrity Cruises has just decided to cancel their Gentleman Dance Host program? One of my best friends knows several of the dance hosts. They have confirmed that the decision was just made this week to cut the program because they want to “appeal to a younger market.” They are going to phase out the hosts through the fall; and they’ll be gone altogether as of January. I personally haven’t sailed w/ Celebrity; & I’m not much of a dancer. Since I cruise as a single a lot of the time; I have seen the benefit of having this type of program on other cruise lines. There are a lot of (even middle aged) women traveling alone that appreciate being asked to dance. Even some married women whose husbands don’t/won’t dance, enjoy a spin around the dance floor. And the host program is one tradition that I’m really sad to see (in principle) come to an end. So, I’m asking you….. what do you think?

 

I’m not going to assume that Celebrity has someone who monitors the C.C. boards (as is the case w/ a few other lines). So, I’m going to e-mail Celebrity; & ask them to reconsider this move. If anyone else feels the same way, I’ve posted contact info below. Who knows… if enough people write, they might change their minds.

 

To contact the Captain’s Club (Past Pax Program) via e-mail, click below:

https://secure.celebritycruises.com/contactus/custSvcsForm.do;jsessionid=0000Dm61CsbX6uuKxyyU4VTm9Rg:1051tg0lk

 

Contact Captain's Club in North America by phone: 1-800-760-0654

Contact Captain’s Club outside US/Canada by phone: (316) 554-5961

 

Or the “snail mail method” by writing:

 

Dan Hanrahan, President

Celebrity Cruises

1050 Caribbean Way

Miami, FL 33132

[Cruising is my passion]

As a single passenger is her own cabin, I may pay 150% but never 200%. If you are being charged double, you need to find another TA.

If a single cruiser doesnt pay double tell that to my aunt and her friends who allways have to pay double the cruise fare to get there own cabins!!!:( Any one who is willing to pay twice what you pay should at least be able to enjoy the dance floor as much as you.

The cigar bar is a perk but we don't smoke cigars.:( Also, nobody pays the dance hosts they still have to pay for there cruise they dont sail for free. just my opinion that not every perk is going to please every body so just have a lot of them and good variety to keep every one happy.:)

[Cruising is my passion]

Lois-

 

I have travelled solo for over 2.5 years and while I may pay 150% as a single supplement, I have never paid 200%. Maybe you need to ask about that the next time you book.

Single cruisers don't pay double?:eek: :rolleyes: :confused:...Karyn, yes the do.

If a cruise is for example.....an inside cabin 600.00 per person....

double occupancy......that would be 1200.00......total.

Well a single person pays 1200.00..with taxes for 1 person.

 

Now, if there happens to be something on a HAPPY HOUR and

a person can get a price break, then that applies but overall,

you are paying double on X.

 

As for the dance hosts, I have never seen them but they are

probably for longer cruises. I only go for 7 days.

[Merry_Sea_Witch]

As a single passenger is her own cabin, I may pay 150% but never 200%. If you are being charged double, you need to find another TA.

 

My sister is my TA and she is NOT dishonest!!!:) In fact she always rebates her commissions to any one in our family we are very close and help each other and doesnt try to make money off her relatives. But my aunt and her friends sometimes also book directly with RCI and others and MOST of the time they are charged 200% but not if theres a single suppliment promotion!!!:(

[Lois R]

Merry and Cruising is My Passion, looks like we all have different

views on how singles are charged.....

Well, Merry and I seem to be in agreement about the double...

 

I have had 2 or 3 of my sailings on Happy Hour and got fantastic

prices~for a single. I know many people don't think it is appropriate

to talk pricing...but this is just one example...

I sailed on CONNIE in Dec 2004...my only balcony ever solo...because

it was on HAPPY HOUR Price...the balcony offered was the same

price as a window~it was a no brainer to take it in that case.

It was 920.00 solo. I know that is an excellent price.

Otherwise, I always sail inside..cheapest cabin.

 

Cruising, I have been using the same TA for 3 years and she has

always specializied in helping "Solo" cruisers. Maybe your TA

is just eating some of her own salary to give you a better price?

I can't say as I don't know.

 

Maybe my math skills are just out of sync:eek: but when you say

you always pay 150%...maybe there are other sailings that

are less but I can't go at the time offered....etc, etc.

 

Anyway..this got a bit off topic.....sorry.

[grandsix]

Getting back to the origianal question. We have always found the dance hosts to be professional in their actions. They serve a very important function for the single women who like to dance. Having a satisfied guest is an important asset for any cruise line.

[hajekfam]

First, let me say, that X never had dance hosts until about one year ago. I am a very seasoned cruiser with 26 with X and noted on my Fall trip last year, that there were dance hosts.

I know there have been dance hosts on all my Celebrity cruises since our 2001 cruise. As my husband and I ballroom dance, we have spoken with the gentlemen many times on our cruises.

[claud925]

Hi Roxanne..nice to see you:)

 

Yes, many of us solo cruisers tip that extra amount!

 

Hiya, Lois! Great to "see" you, too!;)

[greyblueseas]

I have yet to see a (non-chartered) cruise where the men outnumber the women. Nature has collaborated against that being a frequent issue. Perhaps someone is planning a lawsuit about inequitable treatment. There might be other issues as well such as friends of dorothy partners.... but I would not be able to speculate on whether that issue has ever arisen at corporate HQ:confused: Should there also be women dance hosts for women seeking female dance partners or men seeking male hosts as dance partners? I don't know the legal implications or cruiseline obligations for that issue.

 

There were quite a few on the cruise I was on. And no, I don't see why solo women need dance hosts while single men are apparently free to ask any woman present. It seems obvious that dance hosts reflect a set of attitudes towards women that many no longer find appropriate; I certainly won't have anything to do with them. Maybe X are reflecting that in their decision. I'm far more likely to write to them congratulating them on removing an anachronism than I am anything else.

[C 2 C]

There were quite a few (men outnumbering women) on the cruise I was on. And no, I don't see why solo women need dance hosts while single men are apparently free to ask any woman present. It seems obvious that dance hosts reflect a set of attitudes towards women that many no longer find appropriate;

 

SO did you ask them to dance?:confused:

[claud925]

SO did you ask them to dance?:confused:

 

I like your style, C2C . . .

 

Lord knows I certainly would have.:cool:

[l929]

We just booked a cruise on the Constellation and after having read this thread, and in light of my mother's ballroom dancing obsession, I asked the reservationist from Captains Club about whether they were cancelling the dance host program. His response was, "what dance host program?" He emphatically denied that there ever was one, let alone that it was being cancelled. I told him I read about it on Cruise Critic, his response was an audial sneer and remarked that CC was as reliable as Fox news.

I really hope there are dance hosts for my mother as that was one of the perks on Celebrity that I used to get her to agree to change our RCI trip.

[C 2 C]

I really hope there are dance hosts for my mother as that was one of the perks on Celebrity that I used to get her to agree to change our RCI trip.

 

Perhaps you can post that question on an upcoming Constellation roll call. I know that when I called Captain's Club a couple of weeks ago, they were unaware of Infinity arriving late from its engine problems nor the delayed departure of the following cruise. It's a call centre on a mushroom farm.:cool: