Double POLL - Cruise Director Questions

Kuki · #1 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2005, 11:21 AM

I'm about to sail with Carnival's John Heald, who I think is the best CD in the business. And look forward to John's "antics" making my cruise more enjoyable.

But I admit that, when cruising with other CDs, they haven't really directly affected my cruise experince either way. So.. it leads me to ask....

1. Do you feel a Cruise Director directly impacts the quality of your cruise experience?

2. Who is your favorite Cruise Director?

rayb · #2 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2005, 12:01 PM

Shane Stewart--Now out of the business.

skymaster · #3 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2005, 03:25 PM

Yes, I think a good CD does make the trip more enjoyable. Our personal favorite is Princesses GRAHAM SEYMOUR. The guy is an absolute nut!
See you aboard,
Ken

CruisinK n J · #4 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2005, 05:06 PM

A cruise director does not afffect my cruise experience one way or another.

Judy

Dorothy · #5 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2005, 05:35 PM

I know for SURE it affects my cruise.

John Heald, hands down favorite.

dorothy

Jim Bragg · #6 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2005, 05:44 PM

I guess because I know what goes on behnd closed doors I know that a CD very much directly affects any cruise I am on, or anyone else for that matter. John is right up there at the top but I also have to give very high marks to Michael Mullane and Mark Price and put them in the same class with John.
Jim

rollerdonna · #7 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2005, 05:45 PM

For ourselves we think Larry Garlutzo from last year's Carnival Legend was the best. He lived in Las Vegas and I think he retired there to take up other things.Talented,charming,extremely funny-he was everything a Cruise Director should be.
No we don't think the Cruise Director can spoil a cruise. But a GREAT CD can make the cruise far more enjoyable.

belgique · #8 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2005, 10:04 PM

I do think the CD's attitude is reflected in the rest of the staff and crew. Have been on a few cruises where the CD was aloof, cranky, overworked and the rest of the staff didn't like him.

My favorite CD is Dottie Kulasa, now with HAL, but was with NCL for many years. She's tops in my book.

Lisa · #9 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2005, 11:04 PM

I agree with RD - a good CD cannot break a cruise, but can make on a lot better. My all time favorite is Michael Mullane - had him on the Legend 1/03! He and his wife Jenny were wonderful!

Sea Trekker · #10 (**permalink**) October 17th, 2005, 06:57 AM

Just what are the duties of a CD?

I have not paid any attention to them.
My main concern is with the wait staff, bartenders, casino staff, tour operators,etc. People that I have the most contact with and can effect my daily life.

MichelleP · #11 (**permalink**) October 17th, 2005, 09:23 AM

1. Do you feel a Cruise Director directly impacts the quality of your cruise experience?

Not really. We've had some bad cruise directors and some average ones - none were really great - and although we made fun of the bad ones and dreaded hearing their voices over the intercom, none of them really detracted from our cruise experience. We don't participate in the group activities or go to the talks enough to really notice the cruise director much.

2. Who is your favorite Cruise Director?

Don't have one yet.

Cheers,
Michelle P.

MaryLou · #12 (**permalink**) October 17th, 2005, 10:38 AM

Although I do not believe a bad or mediocre cruise director affects the quality of my cruise, I do believe that a great cruise director does! (If that makes any kind of sense.) My all-time favorite CD is Jim Cannon with Celebrity. He is no longer a CD, but works in the front office for Celebrity. He was wonderful!