ignorance - CD question.

[jgiczewski]

I have never been on a cruise - first one is the Mariner on May 18th! YEAH!

But what exactly does a CD do that makes them so enjoyable? Is it just their attitude? or do they interact with passangers? Can they be bothersome?

Just curious.

[emilygrace]

From what I understand, the CD is in charge of scheduling all the "fun" activities....trivia games, karaoke contests, Quest, Love and Marriage Game, etc. If the CD isn't tuned in to the demographics of that particular sailing, it could get boring. I've been on cruises where there were only a few of these types of activities and I've been on others where you had to choose because there were so many fun things to pick from. I asked a CD about this once and she told me the first day was usually pretty tame while she sized up the passengers and then she scheduled things accordingly. It was true too....the rest of that cruise was chock full of activities. Best 12 days ever!!!

 

Went on one cruise (NCL....enough said) that had a real sad sack for a CD. It was like every activity he attended was torture for him. I don't know why he even wanted to BE a CD.

[cb at sea]

Not all folks even care if there is a CD, let alone if they're any good!* If you don't really participate in "group" activities, it won't affect you one way or the other!

[vickiw0318]

They also coordinate all the music/shows. I got to know one of the orchestra directors on one cruise during a transition week - i.e. a new CD on board for the week prior to his taking over for one going on vacation. The new one was requesting band changes. The new one was also concerned about the way a Centrum entertainers voice was being miked. They've got their fingers into anything that could entertain us. Sounds like if there's problems with the way the CD interacts with his/her staff, you can really have morale problems.

[RetireeWannabee]

CDs can be annoying. Our first cruise had the CD everywhere, making announcements all the time.

 

We aren't people that go in for the planned activities - contests, shows, audience participation stuff, continuous shopping "classes" and stuff...

 

I'm not one that cares who the cd is, mostly I just want to do my own thing and not be bothered with announcements unless the ship is sinking.

[jerick]

Generally the CD will have a staff of activities people. One might call the bingo games, another might MC the pool activities, etc., and they will often work in pairs or groups. The CD will probably personally MC the shows each evening, the Love and Marriage show, etc. Sometimes you will see the CD everywhere, and sometimes you will not see the CD but will see their staff people. Its always different.

 

I agree with vicki that hopefully the CD gets along with his staff well. After all, that is an important part of their job (happy staff, happy customers), but I'm sure they can have off-days like anyone.

 

All of the RCCL CDs we've had have been fine.

 

Jeff

[cruzincurt]

Some say the "CD" coordinates everything, actually, he sees that what happened last week happens again this week, no originality required.

 

However, some are in your face irritating, others hardly heard from. For us, we have no use for a CD especially when he is running the raffle in the casino.

 

To others, new to cruising, he is the person to follow to learn the cruise ship schedule and routine. I couldn't even name one if I had to.

 

He's really the "party" leader to those that need lead and acts as the master of ceremonoies at events. To each his own.

[aloha of the seas]

You may be "Virgin Cruisers" but you don't have to act like them. The best way to not be a "Virgin Cruiser" is to make the most of your vacation without overdoing it. You don't have to be part of every activity to have a great time. You just need to do the things you want to do: and if that includes people watching, so be it. Its your hard earned money and your time. Use it any way you chose. Your here to relax. If that means running around all day, do it. If it means laying on deck, do it. Don't let someone else tell you what you like. Take suggestions and then plan your days and have a great trip. In no time you will be experienced cruisers. Good Sailing, Murf.

[negc]

Not all folks even care if there is a CD, let alone if they're any good!* If you don't really participate in "group" activities, it won't affect you one way or the other!

You don't necessarily have to participate in "group" activities to appreciate a good CD. He or she is the person who can set the tone for the cruise and see that whomever on the cruise staff that you do encounter adds to your enjoyment of the cruise. Some can be annoying, others barely noticeable, but still others make their mark on the cruise in ways that may be difficult to describe. We have been fortunate to have sailed with some special CDs who added to our cruise enjoyment and have also had the misfortune to experience a very few who were either too over the top or boorish and who detracted from the cruise experience. Fortunately there have been more of the former than the latter. Read enough posts on these boards and you should be able to identify those that get the best ratings, and if you sail with them you may see why they rated so highly.