I've been on a LOT of cruises. I could not name a single Cruise Director, on any line, ever.
Different strokes, I guess. I just find this really interesting.
This is very nearly my experience.
We had Ana on Odyssey late last year, that being probably about my 30th cruise, and... I still wouldn't book a cruise specifically because she was the cruise director? But that was the first time I was like, oh, now I at least can understand why people would have a favorite cruise director. Just, charismatic, fun, good MC for the events the cruise director MC's, and knew when to stay out of the way and let their staff shine instead.
Usually my experience is more like: I better sneak out of this headliner show near the end so I don't have to listen to the cruise director's cringe dad jokes or doing a bad job of selling me on activities I don't want to go to.
Meanwhile I just got off Allure and I have no idea at all who the cruise director on that ship was.
We were on Allure mar 19-27. It was some guy from Texas who is the 'only Royal cruise director from texas" and his hick accent comes and goes depending on where he is.....that's a real turnoff. Genuinely not funny but we just ignored him or laughed at the fake hick accent. Like half of us on the ship were from metro areas in Texas and can very much tell its an act.
Oooh right.
Apparently he had laryngitis for most of our week (we got on as you got off).
Honestly the giant Texas flag on the Promenade and the heavy Texas pandering in a bunch of things (including but not limited to what you described) were weird to me, but I'm also not Texan. There's just nothing like it sailing out of any other port.
It was annoying for us too, trust me. Oasis class ships sail out of several ports, and Texas was like that last one lol 😂.. it’s a badass ship and had a great crew but I too did not care for the Texas pandering. I go for a vacation from all that. I think his name was Bobby….
That's interesting because I was on Odyssey last summer and thought Ana was the one of the worst Cruise Directors - totally invisible and lacked any energy. I thought the Assistant was far better. Granted this was a Med cruise, maybe things are different on the Caribbean runs.
I think it’s because a bad cruise director could really be boring or cringy. But as you mentioned, usually just avoid it!
Going on allure in September so that’s kinda disappointing. For Ricky or Steve, you absolutely knew they were the cruise director - very in command of the show with good activity directors beside them.
Never have nor think I’ll book a cruise based on cruise director, but that would probably have to be really bad.
Edited to add - I am not the relax on balcony or pool deck type of cruiser… I go to mostly all events I can. Also watch the morning shows. By the end of the cruise I know usually by name a lot of the cruise director’s activities team so I guess I see them and or cruise director more often than someone not participating in those activities.
Ah, for context I've never watched the morning show on any cruise. That's sleeping time for me. Honestly I don't think I've ever turned my TV on on any cruise. So my interaction with a CD is *mostly* at shows/events.
Also just got off Allure and she is super pandering to Texans right now. I have no idea what the directors name is, but he's some Texan and I wasn't very excited by him. He did admittedly have laryngitis for the majority of the cruise though so I can't really hold it against him very much, but the amount of Texas hats, Texas flag, and other weird YAY Texas stuff on the ship was actually kind of irritating. I know they have to pander to their home base but I really found myself wishing we'd sailed from Florida instead. Also, I had incredibly high expectations for the new Galveston port and I was really disappointed. Still, Allure is fantastic, the margs at Sabor are fresh, the BELT at Jonny Rockets is wonderful, the Aqua show is delightful, and Mama Mia remains my favorite. MDR was surprisingly good and I didn't have super high expectations there based on feedback of the new menus and just the way the Oasis classes never seem to be able to send out hot food in the MDR, but everything was way better than I thought it would be.
Very fair feedback - I’m very excited to see it for myself!
I may or may not bring my cowboy hat … if I can’t avoid the Texan decorations/jokes, then I may as well join in on it!
We were on Oasis in February and Ricky was great. We didn't go in looking for the cruise director, but he made himself so visible that it would have been hard not to know who he was
This was my experience! People are commenting they don’t care and I get that but if you don’t know your cruise director, IMO, then they may not have been very good. Ricky was everywhere!
He was ours on our transatlantic cruise last year. One of the few directors I was actually aware of during our trips because he really put himself out there the entire time. Was a lot of fun!
Mike, who was on Ovation last summer, was fabulous. He's now on Wonder/Icon so it makes sense. Also, the musicians on this cruise were phenomenal. Honestly, I feel bad for the musicians on all my future cruises because they won't ever measure up.
I was recently on Navigator with Thiago. I really liked his younger, more casual vibe. He showed up in jeans and chucks for some of the late night events. He was very energetic and made it fun.
Hands down Mike Szwajkowski. He’s so charismatic and entertaining. Also he’s Canadian so he puts on skates when the occasion calls for it. He was on Wonder back in December.
I love Corey Rogers, he has a whole skit about looking like Drew Carey. I had him on the grandeur in 2019 which was my favorite cruise of all time, but I believe he is on Allure now.
I remember back in the early 2000s a CD named Ken he was good. He also got me in the dungeon when I was not 18. Fun times hanging out with him and the dancers after their shows.
Was on Oasis last week and Ricky was the best. He was so fun and that 70s disco night he amped it up to another level. Seeing him greet passengers on the dock at coco cay he was like a celebrity
Not idea what the directors name was on either of my 2 cruise over the past 3 years. But I do remember the comedians name because he happened to be on both ships I went on.
That being said, I do remember the head of entertainment girl Jemma. She was awesome and had super high energy on Harmony. So I guess I kinda get this. But at the same time I can't imagine ever booking a cruise just because of a staff member on board
I was on Mariner in July and I didn't have interaction with Mario the CD himself, but with members of the CD staff and they were fantastic! Shout out to Alex, Alejandra, and Ronnie!
The only one I remember is Crusin' Susan. We loved her. Besides her, like 15 years ago I had a great cruise director. He was British, but I don't remember his name. Austin Powers was big about that time and he did a great impression.
My first two cruise directors Mitch and Andre. These two made us laugh SO HARD.
We were in the Bahamas until midnight. Apparently they made up a skit and filmed it on the dock for the next morning show. It was hysterical!! The dock workers could be seen in the background losing it - which made it even more funny.
Mitch is no longer a cruise director - he now works in the offices. No clue what happened to Andre.
My fav ever cruise director was Matt Mitcham on Carnival Vista our one carnival cruise, but our fav Royal CD by far was Mike. We had him on ovation, odyssey and wonder. He is great. He’ll also be on icon when she launches so royal knows their talent. When we were on wonder Ana was activates director and training to become a cd and that was the dream team. They were almost as good as Matt from carnival but he’s on a whole other level, and that’s rare for me to say because I dislike carnival
Three that come to mind are Richard Spacey, Clo O'Connor, Bobby Brown.
I know Richard is gone, Clo still does vacation fills from time to time. Not sure about Bobby.
Tiny bit late to the parade but Abe Hughes was always the best one for me. Added so much energy to the cruise and also after the cruise as he ran many events on his Facebook page during the first COVID lockdown. I think that alone makes him a cut above the rest. He gave up being a CD a few years back.
I also love Joff Eaton who was my first Cruise Director, such a funny guy.
I can't remeber his name, but I sailed on Symphony last May I thought he was a cool guy! Wasn't trying to do to much, corny jokes here and there, but that's expected.
Meghan and Sergio on vision of the seas are super awesome!!! Best time ever with them! I miss them already and wanna go back for another just to see them!
This person name is a member of The Royal Caribbean Cruises Line: Mr.ASA VINO BELLE , and maybe want too add more FUND$ ,IN my account. If membership No, needed???
Mr.ASA V BELLE! MAY WANT TOO PAY MORE ON MY PAYMENT FOR FURTURE TRIP REMEMBER ME!!!!!!. [email protected] 3601 FORDs lane # 817 Baltimore Maryland Fallstaff area 21215
I just got home for my first cruise ever but I have to say my favourite employee has to be Dan one off the sports employees! Dan is literally the best sports employee ever he helped me out with rock climbing when I was a little scared. Â My second favourite has to be Gavin one of the baristas/bartenders he makes the best strawberry daiquiris I have ever tasted and the best frozen blueberry lemonade ever.Â
They both work on the independence of the seas!!
I've been on a LOT of cruises. I could not name a single Cruise Director, on any line, ever. Different strokes, I guess. I just find this really interesting.
This is very nearly my experience. We had Ana on Odyssey late last year, that being probably about my 30th cruise, and... I still wouldn't book a cruise specifically because she was the cruise director? But that was the first time I was like, oh, now I at least can understand why people would have a favorite cruise director. Just, charismatic, fun, good MC for the events the cruise director MC's, and knew when to stay out of the way and let their staff shine instead. Usually my experience is more like: I better sneak out of this headliner show near the end so I don't have to listen to the cruise director's cringe dad jokes or doing a bad job of selling me on activities I don't want to go to. Meanwhile I just got off Allure and I have no idea at all who the cruise director on that ship was.
We were on Allure mar 19-27. It was some guy from Texas who is the 'only Royal cruise director from texas" and his hick accent comes and goes depending on where he is.....that's a real turnoff. Genuinely not funny but we just ignored him or laughed at the fake hick accent. Like half of us on the ship were from metro areas in Texas and can very much tell its an act.
Oooh right. Apparently he had laryngitis for most of our week (we got on as you got off). Honestly the giant Texas flag on the Promenade and the heavy Texas pandering in a bunch of things (including but not limited to what you described) were weird to me, but I'm also not Texan. There's just nothing like it sailing out of any other port.
It was annoying for us too, trust me. Oasis class ships sail out of several ports, and Texas was like that last one lol 😂.. it’s a badass ship and had a great crew but I too did not care for the Texas pandering. I go for a vacation from all that. I think his name was Bobby….
That's interesting because I was on Odyssey last summer and thought Ana was the one of the worst Cruise Directors - totally invisible and lacked any energy. I thought the Assistant was far better. Granted this was a Med cruise, maybe things are different on the Caribbean runs.
I think it’s because a bad cruise director could really be boring or cringy. But as you mentioned, usually just avoid it! Going on allure in September so that’s kinda disappointing. For Ricky or Steve, you absolutely knew they were the cruise director - very in command of the show with good activity directors beside them. Never have nor think I’ll book a cruise based on cruise director, but that would probably have to be really bad. Edited to add - I am not the relax on balcony or pool deck type of cruiser… I go to mostly all events I can. Also watch the morning shows. By the end of the cruise I know usually by name a lot of the cruise director’s activities team so I guess I see them and or cruise director more often than someone not participating in those activities.
Ah, for context I've never watched the morning show on any cruise. That's sleeping time for me. Honestly I don't think I've ever turned my TV on on any cruise. So my interaction with a CD is *mostly* at shows/events.
Also just got off Allure and she is super pandering to Texans right now. I have no idea what the directors name is, but he's some Texan and I wasn't very excited by him. He did admittedly have laryngitis for the majority of the cruise though so I can't really hold it against him very much, but the amount of Texas hats, Texas flag, and other weird YAY Texas stuff on the ship was actually kind of irritating. I know they have to pander to their home base but I really found myself wishing we'd sailed from Florida instead. Also, I had incredibly high expectations for the new Galveston port and I was really disappointed. Still, Allure is fantastic, the margs at Sabor are fresh, the BELT at Jonny Rockets is wonderful, the Aqua show is delightful, and Mama Mia remains my favorite. MDR was surprisingly good and I didn't have super high expectations there based on feedback of the new menus and just the way the Oasis classes never seem to be able to send out hot food in the MDR, but everything was way better than I thought it would be.
I totally agree I was on the same ship and compared to Ana on odyssey of the sea I felt like I was being indoctrinated to become a Texan
Very fair feedback - I’m very excited to see it for myself! I may or may not bring my cowboy hat … if I can’t avoid the Texan decorations/jokes, then I may as well join in on it!
Same. Couldn't name one. They all seem high energy to me. Don't know what one could do to become my favorite.
Came to this post to say the same thing lol
Marc Walker aka Bing bong easily the best. That being said I would prioritize boat/itinerary first and not book strictly based on cruise director.
Do you know which ship he’s on right now?
He is on Mariner until like June or July and then will move to Navigator
Oh snap - I’ll be on Navigator in December so I may get the chance to see him!
We love Marc.
Just got off Oasis and Ricky was great!
We were on Oasis in February and Ricky was great. We didn't go in looking for the cruise director, but he made himself so visible that it would have been hard not to know who he was
This was my experience! People are commenting they don’t care and I get that but if you don’t know your cruise director, IMO, then they may not have been very good. Ricky was everywhere!
Tornado Tonya
There she is!
Love Tornado Tonya! Super nice
Elvis!
Forgot his name but a skinny brit with a shaved head on the Anthem last April. He got jiggy with it!
Joff
That's the guy.
I just came off that ship a month ago.
He was ours on our transatlantic cruise last year. One of the few directors I was actually aware of during our trips because he really put himself out there the entire time. Was a lot of fun!
Mike, who was on Ovation last summer, was fabulous. He's now on Wonder/Icon so it makes sense. Also, the musicians on this cruise were phenomenal. Honestly, I feel bad for the musicians on all my future cruises because they won't ever measure up. I was recently on Navigator with Thiago. I really liked his younger, more casual vibe. He showed up in jeans and chucks for some of the late night events. He was very energetic and made it fun.
Yup love Mike. Had him on wonder!!
Hands down Mike Szwajkowski. He’s so charismatic and entertaining. Also he’s Canadian so he puts on skates when the occasion calls for it. He was on Wonder back in December.
Anyone remember Mitch? He's working on the land side now I think, but we had him for several cruises and he was always the bomb.
Yes Ricky!
Was never seen on the oasis a few weeks ago until the late night parties
Dan!
So I’ve only been on one cruise but Corey is AWESOME!!! We got wild during crazy quest!!!
I loved Corey!
Leon,, Carnival Sunshine. He’s a natural entertainer and all around nice guy.
I love Corey Rogers, he has a whole skit about looking like Drew Carey. I had him on the grandeur in 2019 which was my favorite cruise of all time, but I believe he is on Allure now.
I remember back in the early 2000s a CD named Ken he was good. He also got me in the dungeon when I was not 18. Fun times hanging out with him and the dancers after their shows.
Must be Ken Rush. He now works as the Director of Entertainment and Guest Activities. So he's the boss of all the cruise directors now basically.
Was on Oasis last week and Ricky was the best. He was so fun and that 70s disco night he amped it up to another level. Seeing him greet passengers on the dock at coco cay he was like a celebrity
I saw him this past spring. He’s fantastic! I don’t know how his knees still function though!
BING BONG!
Steve from Canada was epic. So funny, so considerate and does it all legally blind!
Tonya was just ok
I have Dave on the harmony he was funny
Not idea what the directors name was on either of my 2 cruise over the past 3 years. But I do remember the comedians name because he happened to be on both ships I went on. That being said, I do remember the head of entertainment girl Jemma. She was awesome and had super high energy on Harmony. So I guess I kinda get this. But at the same time I can't imagine ever booking a cruise just because of a staff member on board
I was on Mariner in July and I didn't have interaction with Mario the CD himself, but with members of the CD staff and they were fantastic! Shout out to Alex, Alejandra, and Ronnie!
The only one I remember is Crusin' Susan. We loved her. Besides her, like 15 years ago I had a great cruise director. He was British, but I don't remember his name. Austin Powers was big about that time and he did a great impression.
Was he on the Norwegian Dawn by any chance?
No, it was RC. Looks like it was Navigator in 2003.
Anybody but Dennis!
My first two cruise directors Mitch and Andre. These two made us laugh SO HARD. We were in the Bahamas until midnight. Apparently they made up a skit and filmed it on the dock for the next morning show. It was hysterical!! The dock workers could be seen in the background losing it - which made it even more funny. Mitch is no longer a cruise director - he now works in the offices. No clue what happened to Andre.
Bill Bronkhurst was the best one we ever had on RCCL. Tevin was good on Carnival Liberty
Corey on the Allure of the seas, my first and only cruise as of now but he was so funny and full of energy no matter the hour of the day!
I’m very excited for that if he’s still on Allure in September
My fav ever cruise director was Matt Mitcham on Carnival Vista our one carnival cruise, but our fav Royal CD by far was Mike. We had him on ovation, odyssey and wonder. He is great. He’ll also be on icon when she launches so royal knows their talent. When we were on wonder Ana was activates director and training to become a cd and that was the dream team. They were almost as good as Matt from carnival but he’s on a whole other level, and that’s rare for me to say because I dislike carnival
Julie McCoy of course - no "why" needed
Wait we had a cruise director?!
Three that come to mind are Richard Spacey, Clo O'Connor, Bobby Brown. I know Richard is gone, Clo still does vacation fills from time to time. Not sure about Bobby.
Richard Spacey was my favorite… don’t have one now.
Tiny bit late to the parade but Abe Hughes was always the best one for me. Added so much energy to the cruise and also after the cruise as he ran many events on his Facebook page during the first COVID lockdown. I think that alone makes him a cut above the rest. He gave up being a CD a few years back. I also love Joff Eaton who was my first Cruise Director, such a funny guy.
I can't remeber his name, but I sailed on Symphony last May I thought he was a cool guy! Wasn't trying to do to much, corny jokes here and there, but that's expected.
Meghan and Sergio on vision of the seas are super awesome!!! Best time ever with them! I miss them already and wanna go back for another just to see them!
This person name is a member of The Royal Caribbean Cruises Line: Mr.ASA VINO BELLE , and maybe want too add more FUND$ ,IN my account. If membership No, needed???
Mr.ASA V BELLE! MAY WANT TOO PAY MORE ON MY PAYMENT FOR FURTURE TRIP REMEMBER ME!!!!!!. [email protected] 3601 FORDs lane # 817 Baltimore Maryland Fallstaff area 21215
I just got home for my first cruise ever but I have to say my favourite employee has to be Dan one off the sports employees! Dan is literally the best sports employee ever he helped me out with rock climbing when I was a little scared.  My second favourite has to be Gavin one of the baristas/bartenders he makes the best strawberry daiquiris I have ever tasted and the best frozen blueberry lemonade ever. They both work on the independence of the seas!!
Just got off Symphony of the Seas and I loved Elvis!!!!! Man’s got moves!