"We're having a hug fest," talented Grand Princess Cruise Director (CD),
Keith Cox, began his online chat with Cruisemates. Our host for this night was Kuki who kept the mates sailing along as they queried Keith for a full hour.
Hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, Keith Cox has seen action on Princess ships Star, Regal, Crown, Pacific, Island, Sea, Sky, the original Sun and the new Sun. His favorite ships are the Grand Princess and the Star Princess. "I work four months on and have two months
off. I go home for vacation and stay there." He truly enjoys his time with
his wife and six-year-old daughter. Fun things to do include playing golf
and roller blading.
Starting as a singer/dancer in 1986, Keith became Cruise Director in 1988. So, what's the
best part of being CD, Keith? "The people." How hard is it to keep all
those passengers happy? "It's the experience and timing that make the
difference." Why don't we see more of you in person? "Eighty per cent of my
job is behind the scenes as a senior manager. On the Grand it's 150-170
staff, musicians, production and fitness people, youth staff, etc."
So how much sleep do you get, Keith? "I average about 5 hours a day for the duration of my 4
month contract. The bigger the ships, the longer the hours." Ever worked for
another cruise line? "No, I'm hooked on one gal." How about your funniest
moment as CD, Keith? "One was�getting kicked out of my own cabin to let two
female singers sleep in my bed when their cabins were flooded out." And
where did you go? "I slept in a bunk bed with the assistant cruise
director!" [No one asked to clarify that!!!]
What's the best-kept secret of the Grand Princess? "The ultimate choice.
No other ship in the industry offers the flexibility, food and entertainment.
There are six boutiques and it has the largest casino afloat." Bigger than
the Voyager? "Yes, bigger than the Voyager."
The Golden Princess is coming out soon. Where will it cruise? "It will do
12-day Mediterranean cruises in the summer, and the Caribbean in fall and
winter. Ultimately, the Golden will take over what the Grand has been doing,
alternating the Eastern/Western Caribbean all year round." How long will the
Pacific Princess be around? "For as long as people want it. Built in 1970,
it's the oldest, smallest, and the original Love Boat."
Keith had some questions of his own. "What do you think about no
reservations in dining rooms at night? No set table assignments?" There
were many responses, including preferences for assigned seating, especially
for dinner. It seems a lot hate waiting for early diners to leave and make
room for late diners. Others prefer open seating so they can meet more
people.
And "how do you all like formal night?" Keith asked. Significantly, the
responses were quite supportive. People enjoy the free drinks, meeting the
captain, being made to feel special, dressing up, and the change of pace.
"Who do you want as CD on the Golden Princess?" he asked about three times.
Nobody ever answered. Keith, do we really have to say it. They want YOU!
So what's next, Keith? "I'll be on the Grand from June 29-October 03. Hope
to be home for the holidays." And the future, do you have another job in
mind? "I enjoy being CD. Love the performance aspect of it and its
potential for creativity. However, I could possibly play with the idea of
going shore side and still be involved in the industry. I'll wait to see for
2001."
"Everyone, it's been a pleasure. Keep on cruising. Have a great time
ahead!" Well, Keith, it was a pleasure on the Regal and now again being
online with you and the other cruisemates this June. Thanks for making this
such a special moment. I hope we'll being seeing you again on another
beautiful Princess ship.
