Cruise Life Experience

The role of Cruise Director and how the new big ships are changing the duties and responsibilities. We also dive into why cruise ships are not flagged in the US.

Special Guests: Cruise Directors “Hello Clo” and one of our favourite Comedians, author and creator of “You Just Have to Laugh”, David Naster.
Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about.
Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
[email protected]
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch
www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch
Show Notes

0:01
Welcome, introduction & show summary
1:25
The role of a Cruise Director and how the new ships are changing those duties and responsibilities.

4:53
Those with aspirations of becoming a Cruise Director, how do they get there?

6:00
Special Guest - one of RC’s friendliest and most recognized; Cruise Director Clo O’Connor

7:17
Clo shares her story and discusses how the CD role has changed over the years for her.
9:37
Clo tells us what it was like coming up as a female Cruise Director.

12:43
Many believe that working on a cruise ship means you can’t have a family life. Clo essentially raised her son onboard and explains some of the benefits and retractors.

16:08
Trivia Time: Which countries are cruise lines registered/flagged?

19:40
Misconceptions segment - Why ships are not flagged/registered in the US?
19:50
Jones Act / Merchant MarineAct information / official definition
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Marine_Act_of_1920

More information on the Jones Act and if it hurts the industry
https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/is-this-old-law-hurting-america-s-cruise-industry.html

22:06
Mitch talks about the Jones act and river cruises including smaller American cruise lines
https://www.workboat.com/news/government/jones-act-hurdles-not-stopping-us-river-cruise-growth/

22:43
Special Guest - Comedian, award winning Author and creator of the brand series, You Just Have to Laugh, which speaks about how to get through life’s difficult times through humour. Please welcome David Naster.

23:38
How David got started within the cruise industry

24:10
What is the Naster Blaster!?
https://naster.com/product/the-naster-blaster/

26:06
David discusses “You Just Have To Laugh” and the value of humor in tough times.

31:20
How can we use humor with the current situation happening around the world?

32:55
David discusses how to “own the emotion” with humor.

34:55
What about sports?

37:17
This is affecting many Entertainers worldwide, are we going to get back to it?

39:59
Word Association with David Naster - Entertainers and Cruise Directors
42:23
Contact David & find his podcast, books, web series or Master Blaster. Thank you David.
www.yjhtl.com

46:12
Next Episode Preview

30+ year cruise industry veteran & popular Hotel Director Robert Taggart shares fun stories from the past, his experience at sea during Covid-19, and great advice for crew looking to move their way up the management chain.

Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions, topics and guests you would like to hear from. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch

Show notes:
0:01 - Welcome & Intro: Episode 9
Mike & Mitch share information on the Executive Committee onboard and introduce our guest, veteran Hotel Director, Robert Taggart.
4:05 - Robert discusses his journey and how he achieved the position of Hotel Director with Royal Caribbean.

6:20 - Robert shares his proudest memory at sea.

8:28 - Any advice or words of wisdom for new Hotel Directors or potential young managers who are looking to work their way up?
Robert is known for being very popular with both guests and crew and we wanted to get his advice for young aspiring managers and upcoming HD's. Our favourite quote from Robert "You can't be friends with everyone, but you can be friendly with everyone".
11:00 - What does a Hotel Director do? Differences between land and ship based?
Some guests and crew don’t always know what the Hotel Director does. Robert explains a little about his role and why some crew be scared or intimidated by a Hotel Director. Also Robert shares how the job of Hotel Director onboard a ship versus a hotel on land differ.

13:35 - Could you see a Cruise Director transitioning to Hotel Director one day?
Most Hotel Directors come from a Food & Beverage background. Robert is asked about a Cruise Director progressing to the HD role.
17:15 - Robert shares a few stories from his time on ships and some of the best pranks fun may have happened.

21:40 - Robert walks us through a typical “Day at Sea” morning for a Hotel Director.

23:05 - Robert shares how many more years he has left on ships and what long-term plans after life at sea.
24:15 - Rapid Fire fun

25:58 - Thank you Robert!
26:40 - Mike & Mitch wrap up the show - Special shout-out!
Happy Birthday Carolyn Scieszka on May 31st

Thank you for listening! Subscribe and we'll see you next episode.

Episode 4 discusses myths & misconceptions of cruising which means we get to debunk some things that just aren’t true...or are they? Plus stories from Special Guest Paul Baya (Oceania Cruises), who was on one of the last ships with guests in March 2020.
Get In Touch!
Any more myths, misconceptions or questions? Send us to discuss in future episodes. Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch

Show notes:
0:01 Intro and show description
Myths & Misconceptions about the Cruise industry

00:35 If I go on a cruise, I will get seasick...Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stabilizer_(ship)
Link: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/cruise-secrets-how-ships-mostly-keep-you-from-124815777812.html

1:06 Isn’t cruising for senior or older people?
Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/douggollan/2020/03/08/cruisings-silver-lining-only-13-of-customers-are-over-70-years-old/#1d03268c2bc0
Link: https://www.cruise1st.co.uk/blog/cruise-holidays/how-old-is-the-average-cruise-passenger/
5:08 Link: https://www.carnival.com/onboard/bolt-ultimate-sea-coaster

5:53 Are we going to eat in buffets all week long?
Link: https://travelnoire.com/virgin-voyages-says-goodbye-buffet-a-cruise-ship-tradition

8:06 The rooms (cabins) are all small right?
Link: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-rooms/royal-suite-class

9:50 Mailbag questions:
Jen: What happens with the food waste? Do they just throw everything into the ocean?
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-symphony-seas-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-deals-with-waste-2020-3
Sean: Can you divulge the actual work schedule and responsibilities of crew so guests understands what happens behind the scenes?

12:58 Special Guest Paul Baya of Oceania Cruise Lines
- Was on one of the last ships at sea with guests in March 2020. - Any interesting stories from your life at sea?
- What was it like being one of the last ships at sea in March during the outbreak?
Link: https://www.facebook.com/paul.baya/posts/10163527777765434

31:55 Before we go, one last story - Mikes great sign off prank

Cruise ship cleanliness and the lengths Cruise Lines go to in co-ordination with the CDC to keep guests safe and healthy. Also we get an update from crew-member (Activities Manager Nick Huffman) onboard the worlds largest Cruise Ship Symphony of the Seas.

Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about.
Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
[email protected]
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch
www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch
Show Notes
0:01
Top of show - welcome!

0:45
Introduction and information about the Cruise Life Experience Podcast
Hosted by Cruise Directors Mitch & Mike

1:45
Thank you and shout out as we kick off our first episode

3:40
Misconceptions of cruising
Why aren't ships flagged in the USA? Next episode!
4:15
Sanitizing efforts onboard ships
CDC VSP link - Vessel Sanitization Program
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/pub/pub.htm

6:30
Amazon testing fogging machines like ships use
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-amazon-com-warehou/amazon-testing-disinfectant-fog-at-new-york-warehouse-after-coronavirus-protests-idUSKBN21P384

7:35
More people booking cruises for 2021
https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-ship-bookings-are-increasing-for-2021-despite-coronavirus-2020-4

8:00
CDC Extension of no sail order
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0409-modifications-extension-no-sail-ships.html
9:10
Where are all the ships now?
11:30
Special Guest - Activities Manager (from California) Nick Huffman who will give us an update on the current life onboard the largest cruise ship in the world - Symphony of the Seas

24:10
Richard Fain - Chairman & CEO not taking salary for the foreseeable future
https://www-businessinsider-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.businessinsider.com/royal-caribbean-cruises-ceo-foregoes-salary-executive-pay-cuts-coronavirus-2020-4?amp

Contact us!
Send us your questions and comments for the Podcast and what you would like to see & hear. You can also catch the show on YouTube (captured via ZOOM)
[email protected]
@cruisedirectormike (Instagram)
@cruisedirectormitch (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
Next episode
Why are ships not flagged in the USA?
What is the Jones Act?
What does a Cruise Director actually do?
Special Guest Entertainer

The emerging health guidelines being released by cruise lines and how they will affect and change the global cruise industry. Special Guest Abe Hughes (former Cruise Director) and Virtual of the Seas creator discusses his new project and shares memories of Cruise Life.
Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
[email protected]
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch
www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch
Show Notes:
0:13
Introductions & Show Description
Health protocols and future of global cruising, our favourite ports and Special Guest Abe Hughes - Former Cruise Director and Virtual of the Seas creator + surprise guests?

1:05
Changing Health Protocols
How cruise some lines will change health procedures for cruising when we get back into operations. Citing information from Princess and Genting cruise lines.

1:32
Genting preventive measures press release
https://www.dreamcruiseline.com/en/media/press-release/2020/press-release-20200407-gcl-announces-enhance-preventive-measures/

6:40
Princess Health Advisory updated press release
https://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/plan/Health-Advisory-and-Travel-Safety-Procedures.pdf

7:15
Updated: Cruise lines extend pause in global operations
https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/posts/2826475277389053

8:49
Special Guest Abe Hughes - Creator of Virtual of the Seas - virtual cruise experience

Abe shares stories on how he grew up in the cruise industry, his first day onboard, favourite places cruising has taken him and his new project Virtual of the Seas.
https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/highlands_sun/why-not-take-a-virtual-cruise/article_679e8852-738d-11ea-966c-934de561cae1.html

39:15
Special Surprise Guest #1

47:40
Special Surprise Guest #2

57:25
Virtual of the Seas - follow online and join Abe onboard!
https://www.facebook.com/cruisedirectorabehughes/
https://twitter.com/royalcaribbean/status/1244425447225450497

58:38
Closing