tour manager hacks

‘Hacks’ Cast and Characters: Who’s Returning in Season 3 of the Hit Max Series?

Deborah, Ava, and other fan favorites are back for more comedy chaos.

The second season of the HBO comedy Hacks had it all: puppies, cruises, and dumpster diving for a tennis ball canister filled with cremated ashes. The hit series originally premiered in 2021 to rave reviews for its writing and acting, especially the performances of the show's two leads, Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder . Created by Broad City 's Lucia Aniello , Paul W. Downs , and Jen Statsky , the story follows the iconic comedian Deborah Vance (Smart) as she enters into a toxic working relationship with young writer Ava (Einbinder).

Now, the six-time Emmy-winning Hacks is preparing to release its third season, giving fans a sneak peek at its recently dropped trailer that shows Deborah, Ava, and the rest of the show's hilarious characters back in action. Whether you're new to Hacks or need a refresher on all the craziness that went down in Season 2, here's everything you need to know before the Season 3 premiere on May 2, 2024.

'Hacks' Season 3 Will Go "Hard & Deep" with Deborah & Ava's Twisted Love

Deborah vance.

Deborah Vance is a Las Vegas comedy icon whose material needs a little revamp. Throughout Season 1, Deborah struggles to adapt to changing her act in order to appease younger audiences, but by Season 2, Deborah has embraced her career shift, hitting the road with Ava and finding her voice when network executives attempt to take creative control of her television special. Season 2 also brings moments of humanity to Deborah, who often has a tough exterior that comes off as cold. Deborah fires Ava in an attempt to give the young writer a chance to have her own career, and drops the lawsuit against Ava that had been a result of her breaking her Non-Discolsure Agreement (NDA) months prior. While the Season 3 trailer has promised a reunion of Deborah and Ava , fans will have to wait and see how this reconciliation comes about.

Jean Smart starred in the hit 1980s sitcom Designing Women alongside Annie Potts and Dixie Carter , later going on to win two Primetime Emmy Awards for her role on Frasier . Smart's film roles include Sweet Home Alabama , The Brady Bunch Movie , The Accountant , and A Simple Favor . In addition to acting in television and film, Smart has also had an impressive Broadway career, receiving a Tony Award nomination for her role in the 2000 revival of The Man Who Came To Dinner .

Hannah Einbinder

Ava Daniels is a struggling comedy writer whose career is in limbo after she Tweets something controversial. Season 1 has Ava being sent by her agent to work for Deborah Vance, an older comedian with whom Ava seemingly has nothing in common. While the two eventually learn how to work well with one another, Ava has a moment of frustration at the end of Season 1 that has her revealing secrets about Deborah to two television producers. Season 2 reveals that while Ava and Deborah are still working together, Deborah is simultaneously suing Ava for violating her NDA by speaking to the television producers. Ava and Deborah go on tour together, and while things seem like they're finally heading in a positive direction, Deborah fires Ava in order to give her a chance at having her own career.

Hacks was actress Hannah Einbinder's breakout role, earning her two Emmy Award nominations and two Golden Globe Award nominations. In addition to her role in Hacks , Einbinder has appeared in The History of the World: Part II , Apple TV's Strange Planet and Julia starring Sarah Lancashire .

Carl Clemons-Hopkins

Marcus is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Deborah's company and her closest confidant. Season 2 has Marcus going through a breakup, which leads him to get a puppy. Marcus's increasing feelings of loneliness cause him to party excessively, and his mother eventually gets involved when Marcus is unable to retrieve his puppy from the vet while under the influence. Deborah allows Marcus to take over her tour when her current tour manager, Weed, fails to do a good job, and Marcus gets back on a healthy track.

Carl Clemons-Hopkins is an actor from Georgia whose career started in theater, earning nominations for their role in a Philadelphia production of Little Shop of Horrors . After Season 1 of Hacks premiered, Clemons-Hopkins was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for their role as Deborah's COO, Marcus. In addition to their role in Hacks , they've appeared in the hit horror film Candyman , as well as The Beanie Bubble and Paramount+'s Star Trek: Lower Decks .

Mark Indelicato

Damien is Deborah's personal assistant who embarks on tour with Deborah and Ava in Season 2. Damien is opinionated about a lot of things, but nothing can overshadow his love of Deborah Vance, whom he greatly looks up to. In a Season 2 revelation, Damien admits that he doesn't even like comedy or what Deborah does; it's Deborah's business expertise and empire that the assistant admires.

Mark Indelicato had a breakout role starring opposite America Ferrara ( Barbie ) in the ABC comedy series Ugly Betty from 2006 to 2010. Indelicato's other credits include Hot in Cleveland starring Betty White , Dead of Summer , and the Prime series With Love .

Josefina is Deborah Vance's estate manager. She is ever-present within Deborah's massive Las Vegas home, managing the property and any big events that occur. While the rest of Deborah's tight-knit team seem unequal to her, Josefina is the only one on the team who appears as an equal to the strong-willed comedian. This makes her scenes with Deborah all the more entertaining to watch, as she is the only one unafraid of offending or irritating her boss.

Rose Abdoo is instantly recognizable to fans of Gilmore Girls , as the actress played Stars Hollow's resident mechanic, Gypsy. Abdoo has also appeared in the Adam Sandler animated film Leo , Kristin Wiig 's Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar , and the Lake Bell comedy series, Bless This Mess .

Paul W. Downs

Jimmy is Deborah's shy agent who is the most afraid to rock the boat. However, it's not Jimmy's relationship with Deborah that takes center stage, but the one he has with his assistant, Kayla , a young woman whose antics make Jimmy incredibly uncomfortable. Season 2 had Jimmy leaving the long-time management company he's a part of after they attempt to re-assign Deborah to a different manager, and ends with Jimmy letting Ava know that Deborah has dropped the lawsuit against her. This brings a sense of peace to what was an unexpected professional break up between the two.

Hacks co-creator and writer Paul W. Downs takes on the role of Jimmy after a successful run as co-producer and actor on Ilana Glazer and Abi Jacobson 's Broad City . Downs has also appeared in At Home With Amy Sedaris , The Mindy Project , Inside Amy Schumer , and as a voice actor in Harley Quinn and American Dad! .

Megan Stalter

Kayla is Jimmy's assistant, and the daughter of Jimmy's boss. Her laid-back attitude makes her a terrible assistant, but her natural rowdiness is hilarious. Season 2 had Kayla coming more into her own, quitting her father's agency alongside Jimmy when they attempt to reassign Deborah to a new client. The dynamic between Kayla and Jimmy is one of the best parts of the series, and fans are excited about more shenanigans between the two with the arrival of Season 3.

Hacks was a breakout moment for actress Megan Stalter, whose character of Kayla was an instant fan favorite. Stalter recently appeared in the comedy trio Please Don't Destroy 's Peacock film, Please Don't Destroy: The Legend of Foggy Mountain , as well as acting as a correspondent on The Eric Andre Show . Her upcoming indie film, Cora Bora , hits theaters on June 14. In addition to acting, Stalter is a stand-up comedian, often performing shows at the famous Los Angeles theater, The Largo.

Kiki is Deborah's personal blackjack dealer. Kiki comes to Deborah's estate to work for her, befriending Ava in the process. Kiki becomes a confidant and sounding board for Ava, who, in Season 1, is completely overwhelmed with Deborah and the size of her world. In Season 2, Deborah flies Kiki out to Memphis in order to loosen up after a series of bombed performances.

Actress Poppy Liu recently starred in the second season of Apple TV+'s The Afterparty , as well as the Paramount+ animated film, The Tiger's Apprentice . Liu has also appeared in the Prime series Dead Ringers , as well as History of the World: Part II and Better Call Saul starring Bob Odenkirk .

New Cast Members

In addition to the returning fan favorites , Hacks has announced it has added Back to the Future and Addams Family icon Christopher Lloyd to its cast, as well as Mad About You 's Helen Hunt , Oppenheimer 's Tony Goldwyn , The Comeback producer and actor Dan Bucatinsky , Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks , and stand-up comedian George Wallace . While it hasn't been confirmed what storylines these guest actors will bring into Deborah's life, their resumes are sure signs of some hilarious performances in Season 3.

WATCH ON MAX

Paul W. Downs Reveals How Hacks Landed Laurie Metcalf for Season 2

Hacks co-creator paul w. downs shared how oscar nominee laurie metcalf ended up on season two. plus, stars hannah einbinder and mark indelicato talk acting opposite the industry legend..

Laurie Metcalf has played everyone from straight-shooting Jackie on ABC's The Conners to struggling working mom Marion in Greta Gerwig 's critically acclaimed film Lady Bird . Still, we found ourselves blown away by her latest role: A tour manager named Weed on season two of Hacks .

We were curious to learn how this TV-legend-turned-Oscar-nominated actress ended up as a bit character on the HBO Max comedy. So, we turned to Paul W. Downs , the co-creator and star of Hacks , for an answer.

"Laurie Metcalf is so exactly the tone of the show, because she's so funny," he exclusively told E! News. "She's an incredible actress. She's a Tony winner. She's an Oscar nominee. So she can really do grounded, theatrical performances as well."

Because of this, Downs revealed that the Hacks team reached out to Metcalf for several different parts. Yet, when creating the character of Weed, a schedule-loving tour manager who received her unique name from Pete Wentz , Downs said Metcalf was always the one they all dreamed of casting.

This dream was made a reality thanks to Warner Brothers head of casting Linda Lowy , according to Downs. "They are essentially family," he said referring to Lowy and Metcalf. "[Lowy] had her over in her backyard and was like, 'Oh, I just read this thing. It said 'Think Laurie Metcalf, the character's called Weed.' And I think that was enough to get her to read it."

The rest is history, as they say!

The stars of Hacks couldn't be more thrilled by Metcalf's addition to season two. Hannah Einbinder , who leads the series as Ava opposite Jean Smart 's Deborah, told E! News in a separate interview, "Watching someone with such an incredible background perform really helped me."

Looking for an example? Einbinder said the scene where Ava and Weed argue about Ava's dad's ashes being thrown away was "incredibly impactful."

Mark Indelicato , who plays Deborah's personal assistant Damien and was present in the aforementioned scene, said to E! News that it was "euphoric" to watch the whole thing play out.

He added, "It just felt like Laurie had been there from the jump with all of us."

New episodes of Hacks arrive Thursdays on HBO Max.

Hacks Recap: Turn the Bus Around

Ava is in the dog house this episode. This dog house takes the form of a coffin-size bunk bed on Deborah’s luxury tour bus (half-size to make room for her regenerative LED light therapy bed). After the bombshell of Deborah’s lawsuit, the episode begins with the girls being scooped up in a Dollar Tree parking lot by Weed (Laurie Metcalf), their eccentric, gruff new tour manager, and Damien ( Ugly Betty star Mark Indelicato), Deborah’s rude, sycophantic personal assistant.

“Trust the Process” is a 30-minute obstacle course of tests designed to make Ava pay for her email. Her subpar quarters get coffin-like when Deborah buys a dresser at a yard sale (the multimillionaire bargains it down from $250 to $150) and stores it next to her bed, boxing her in. Deborah appraises Ava’s condo on StreetEasy, calculating how much it’ll go for when she wins it in the lawsuit. She tosses Ava’s kombucha out the bus window when Ava asks to remove a face cream from the fridge to make space. And Deborah ignores Ava’s preshow notes to flirt with another flannel-adorned millennial comic just to make Ava jealous. (She goes so far as to compliment her baggy overalls after asking Ava why she was dressed like “Rachel Maddow’s mechanic” in season one).

Worst of all, Deborah refuses to laugh at any of Ava’s jokes about Weed, an absurd creature that they would typically find mutually hilarious. Weed bosses them around in military time and explains (she prefers sleeping upright in the driver’s seat) that “horizontal sleeping” is terrible for you, a fact that the mattress industry has kept hush-hush. “Interesting that’s not more widely known,” deadpans Ava. Deborah gives her nothing. It’s torture: You just want to see Ava and Deborah cackling, riffing, and exchanging looks as Weed babbles on. But the silent treatment and lashing out effectively prove just how wounded Deborah still is by the email.

Laurie Metcalf and Mark Indelicato steal scene after scene as they dutifully antagonize Ava. When Weed asks where Ava is, running late from a lunch stop, Damien answers: “I don’t know, I wasn’t listening, the girl talks too slow.” It’s fun to spend time with Damien. He ensures roadside diners serve Deborah’s favorite cottage cheese, orders baggies to lock away audience members’ phones, and sleep-recites Deborah’s rider and schedule (“pellet ice, turn down Chobani, SiriusXM”). We don’t know much about him, but we learn one interesting fact. Unlike Marcus (Deborah was his hero as a closeted kid), Damien does not like comedy (“Everyone’s trying too hard. It’s like, so awkward” — Ava can’t argue). Damien’s in it for the glamour. His devotion to Deborah is hilarious if a bit distressing. The show depicted and challenged the clichéd dynamic of “gay diva worship” in the last season when Marcus pushed to be more of a partner and less an employee to Deborah. It could benefit from continuing to interrogate these dynamics.

At home in Las Vegas, Marcus is working late, gazing wistfully at Wilson’s Instagram thirst traps (though he blocked his number) and fending off his mother’s attempts to cheer him up. Marcus gets a French bulldog puppy to distract himself from how much he misses Wilson. While this delights his mother and her girlfriend, Miss Loretta (played by a scene-stealing Luenell), he won’t be able to ignore his feelings forever.

On the bus, Ava’s hanging by a thread. She’s coping with her guilt about the email, Deborah, Weed, Damien’s antagonism, and her grief for her father with a full lifestyle cleanse (“no alcohol, drugs, screentime, junk food”). She gets a flip phone, buys a giant water bottle, and announces to no one that she won’t be touching the bus liquor cabinet. It’s a fun subplot that speaks precisely to the millennial impulse to slap Band-Aids of “self-care” and wellness over pain. “I’m trying to be good,” Ava says feebly. “Making a big change in my life.”

Hacks sometimes stumbles when it works too hard to make Ava a Hannah Horvath–style Every-millennial . See the kombucha scene or Ava correcting Deborah’s use of the term “master bedroom.” Ava’s self-righteous wokeness is meant to emphasize her age, but it sometimes feels confused since she comes off as an anti-PC contrarian, the type who’d be exhausted by that stuff. Her origin story was getting canceled for making fun of a conservative politician’s gay kid, after all. (A Rachel Sennott– or Cat Cohen–flavored character would work better if the show wanted Ava to be that kind of cringe. It just goes to show: There are so many different ways for millennials to be annoying. Get it right!). But Ava’s cleanse plotline gets it just right, coming off as accurately tragic. Ava, like the rest of her generation, is deeply concerned with being “good.” But mostly because she thinks being good will make her feel better.

Mid-episode, Weed fulfills her destiny to become the mutual enemy Ava and Deborah need. When a vintage dresser drawer hits a sleeping Ava in the head, she wakes to find that Weed has thrown out the tennis ball can of her dad’s ashes. Einbinder and Metcalfe share a perfect scene when Weed explains she texted her a photo before tossing the ashes. Ava didn’t get it … because she has a flip phone. “Oh, you should really get a smartphone; they’re a game changer,” Weed says earnestly. Ava screams, with convincing rage and hysteria: “I KNOW ABOUT SMARTPHONES. I’M TRYING TO BE A GOOD PERSON, YOU DUMB BITCH.”

It’s the setup for Ava and Deborah’s reconciliation. Ava’s vulnerability activates their maternal dynamic, perhaps reminding Deborah of how truly young Ava is, of how many mistakes Deborah herself made at that age. Deborah cuts off Ava and Weed’s screaming match over how Ava will call a highway-side Uber in the middle of the night to the strip mall where Weed threw out the ashes, sans smartphone: “Turn the bus around.” Don’t choke up, I dare you!

In this episode, Ava and Deborah are both humbled. Ava’s a straight-up mess. And by helping Ava with the ashes, Deborah is forced to show how much she really cares for Ava, as much as she’d love to hate her guts. The scene shows the way Ava and Deborah bring out the best in each other — creativity, generosity, loyalty, compassion — as well as the worst. They share a tender scene in a dive bar after successfully dumpster-diving for the ashes.

In the bar, we get a fresh update on Deborah’s material. The ashes search means they will miss their show in Oklahoma City. “Those poor people have seen enough bombings,” quips Deborah. Earlier in the episode, she grimaced at a clip of herself doing a lousy joke addressing the rumor about her burning down her ex-husband’s house. Deborah knows her approach — using her regular breezy, hyperpolished, formal shtick only with more “authentic” material — isn’t working. As she tells Ava, usually, “something clicks by now.” With Ava back in her corner (and a shitload of genius comedians writing for the show), I’m hoping she’ll figure it out.

This episode is a delightful, well-choreographed comedy of errors, as Ava and Deborah each spiral separately, just a plywood tour bus wall away from each other. None of their problems are close to being solved: Deborah’s set still sucks, Ava’s still getting sued (“You know, it’s probably good your dad didn’t live to see me take you for everything you’re worth”) and sleeping in a coffin under Weed’s rule of terror. But now they have each other cling to while they circle the drain.

Caftan Watch

• The MVP of this episode is Ray (played by co-executive producer and comic Joe Mande), a concierge at the Palmetto who Ava repeatedly annoyed while living there. They shared a tender moment in episode one when they realized both their dads died recently. When Ava calls him up out of the blue from the bar bathroom, he comes up with the idea for Ava to scatter her dad’s ashes in each state, which is why the episode ends at the Grand Canyon.

• After Ava and Deborah’s reconciliation, they finally share an eye-roll moment at Weed when they’re at the Grand Canyon. Weed pops out of the bus to announce it’s time for Ava to “bottle up papa and hit the road.” Looking forward to more Weed-Ava-Deborah face-offs.

Editor’s Picks

Most Popular

What is your email.

This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.

Sign In To Continue Reading

Create your free account.

Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:

Lower case letters (a-z)
Upper case letters (A-Z)
Numbers (0-9)
Special Characters (!@#$%^&*)

As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York , which you can opt out of anytime.

‘Hacks’ Season 2 Trailer Finds Deborah Vance Meeting Her New Tour Manager Nicknamed ‘Weed’ (Video)

Jean Smart is back with some new additions, including Laurie Metcalf in the “Weed” role

Jean Smart’s Deborah Vance is back on the road in the Season 2 trailer for the HBO Max series “Hacks,” and she’s got a new tour manager along for the ride.

“The Connors” star Laurie Metcalf plays the new addition to the team, revealing in the first few seconds of the trailer that she goes by “Weed,” a nickname given to her by rocker Pete Wentz.

Season 2’s trailer is full of hilarious moments of generational clashes between Deborah and her young writer, Ava, played by Hannah Einbinder. During one moment, Ava asks for some fridge space on the tour bus for her kombucha, and Deborah helps her out with that request — by tossing the drink out the window.

Here’s what Season 2 will focus on: “The dark mentorship between legendary Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her young, entitled writer Ava continues to evolve as the two travel across the country workshopping Deborah’s new stand-up act,” per the streamer.

Hacks Season 2 | Official Teaser | HBO Max

Alongside Smart and Einbinder, “Hacks” stars Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Jane Adams, Christopher McDonald, Kaitlin Olson, Paul W. Downs, Poppy Liu, Rose Abdoo, Mark Indelicato, Meg Stalter, Angela E. Gibbs, Luenell, Johnny Sibilly, Joe Mande, Ally Maki and Lorenza Izzo.

Season 2 recurring guest stars are Laurie Metcalf, Martha Kelly, Ming-Na Wen and Susie Essman. Guest stars for Season 2 are Margaret Cho and Devon Sawa.

“Hacks” is created by Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky. They are all showrunners. EPs include Downs and Aniello via their Paulilu banner, Statsky via First Thought Productions, as well as Michael Schur via Fremulon, David Miner for 3 Arts Entertainment and Morgan Sackett.

“Hacks” is produced by Universal Television.

Season 2 premieres on May 12 with a two-episode drop on the streamer. Two new episodes will continue to drop each week until June 12.

Margaret Cho, Laurie Metcalf, Martha Kelly and Ming-Na Wen Hacks Season 2

Search Please fill out this field.
Manage Your Subscription
Give a Gift Subscription
Newsletters
Sweepstakes
Entertainment

'Hacks' Season 2 Trailer Sees Jean Smart's Deborah Question Whether Going on Tour Was a 'Good Idea'

Season 2 of Hacks premieres May 12 on HBO Max

Jean Smart 's Deborah Vance is gearing up to take her comedic talents on the road in Hacks ' upcoming second season.

In the first trailer released by HBO Max on Tuesday, legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedian Deborah is ready to get "back to basics" as she begins her new tour. But she needs a "really good tour manager" to make sure everything goes accordingly.

Enter Alice, a.k.a. "Weed," played by Laurie Metcalf . "That's a nickname Pete Wentz game me," Weed claims, adding that "once Pete gives you a nickname, it sticks."

Deborah also has her young comedy writer Ava Daniels ( Hannah Einbinder ) by her side. But it appears that things could take a rocky turn between them.

"I got drunk and sent a very stupid email," says Ava. "I said some pretty revealing stuff."

In response, the pair's manager Jimmy LuSaque ( Paul W. Downs ) says: "She will kill you if she finds out."

And despite Deborah's initial excitement to go on tour, she begins to have regrets. "I'm not so sure this tour is a good idea," she tells Ava.

"I thought you don't read reviews because you don't care," says Ava as Deborah replies, "I don't read reviews because I do care."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

At one point, Deborah says she "should have retired and gone out on top." But Ava counters: "Back in Vegas, you were on top. But I think that was just a hill."

"Now, you're climbing a mountain," Ava adds.

Hacks premiered on HBO Max last May. Created by Downs, 39, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky, the dramedy follows the mentorship bond that develops between Deborah and Ava at rough patches in their respective careers.

While Deborah is a comedy legend fighting to maintain relevancy amid changing times, Ava is a down-on-her-luck comedy writer who was fired by her previous employer following an insensitive tweet.

Christopher McDonald, Kaitlin Olson , Poppy Liu, Rose Abdoo, Mark Indelicato, Meg Stalter, Angela E. Gibbs, Luenell, Johnny Sibilly, Joe Mande, Ally Maki and Lorenza Izzo also star in the acclaimed show.

For its second season, Metcalf, 66, as well as Martha Kelly, Ming-Na Wen and Susie Essman will appear as recurring guest stars. Margaret Cho and Devon Sawa are also set to guest star this season.

Leading up to the arrival of season 2, Smart, 70, won countless awards for her efforts on the series, including an Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award . The series, itself, also won several accolades.

Season 2 of Hacks premieres May 12 on HBO Max.

Cast & crew
User reviews

Episode list

Jean Smart and Kaitlin Olson in Hacks (2021)

S2.E1 ∙ There Will Be Blood

Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in Hacks (2021)

S2.E2 ∙ Quid Pro Quo

S2.E3 ∙ Trust the Process

Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Johnny Sibilly in Hacks (2021)

S2.E4 ∙ The Captain's Wife

S2.E5 ∙ Retired

S2.E6 ∙ The Click

Jean Smart, Paul W. Downs, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, and Hannah Einbinder in Hacks (2021)

S2.E7 ∙ On the Market

S2.E8 ∙ The One, The Only

Contribute to this page.

IMDb Answers: Help fill gaps in our data
Learn more about contributing

More from this title

More to explore.

How ‘Hacks’ Built a Tour Bus That Puts Deborah Vance’s Mansion on Wheels

Sarah shachat, associate craft editor.

Share on Facebook
Share to Flipboard
Share on LinkedIn
Show more sharing options
Submit to Reddit
Post to Tumblr
Print This Page
Share on WhatsApp

In real life, tour buses look somewhat anonymous at best, and like they’ve eaten decades worth of highway dust at worst. That simply wouldn’t do for Deborah Vance. So when the posh comedian took her show on the road for the second season of “Hacks,” production designer Alec Contestabile and his team had the task of building an environment for Deborah ( Jean Smart ), Ava (Hannah Einbinder), Damien (Mark Indelicato), and tour manager Alice (Laurie Metcalf) that was as ambitious and visually interesting as Deborah’s cross-country itinerary.

“We were very intentional going into writing the third episode,” co-creator Jen Statsky told IndieWire. “We wanted [the bus] to have things that were custom and special and would be funny for people to see Deborah have. So the LED bed, that was written in. It was always designed that Ava would have an incredibly tiny top bunk — with her nose almost touching the ceiling was the way we described it in the script — and that Deborah would have a huge primary bedroom.”

Statsky said that she and fellow co-creators Lucia Aniello and Paul W. Downs wanted to retain key elements that had become iconic in Season 1 , like Deborah’s custom soda fountain, which are key to the character’s glamorous style and also add a little bit of wish fulfillment for the audience, too. “We didn’t want to lose that,” she said.

When designing the bus’ interior, Contestabile had to merge elements of a kitchen into a living space into sleeping quarters and a custom case full of high heels, a process that was akin to playing both Tetris and Jenga at the same time. “Designing a tour bus, it’s like designing an entire house with no walls,” Contestabile said. “We wanted to make a conscious effort to make it feel like this is her place. It feels like someplace that she would live and [we took] the same design motifs started in Season 1 and continued those throughout the show.”

These motifs don’t just take the form of the color, texture, upholstery, and fabric choices Contestabile made while designing. The bus also echoes the way that Deborah’s mansion acted as a visual expression of her personality in Season 1. The downstairs of her Vegas home has hardened edges and a more showy exterior, while the upstairs is much softer in its upholstery and acts as more of an inner sanctum. On the bus, Contestabile said that he broke out that progression into three sections: two public-facing portions where the look was slightly more polished, with harder surfaces, and then Deborah’s bedroom, deliberately set apart from the rest of the bus with a sliding door.

“[Deborah’s room] was something where we took some liberty. No tour bus really does that, but we designed [her bedroom] purposely as kind of like this emanation point, so when you look straight down the barrel of the bus, she’s the centerpiece,” Contestabile said.

Engineering some visual continuity with Deborah’s mansion gave “Hacks” some license to try and make different sets and go to different places. “Knowing that our team has such a firm hold and understanding of the visual language of the show — what it’s supposed to look like, what it’s supposed to feel like when you’re watching — everyone is so keyed in now, especially in Season 2, [that] it gives us a lot more freedom to know that we can kind of execute anything,” Statsky said.

The visual continuity doesn’t come through just in broader choices about color tone and mood, but also comes through the (slightly downsized) inclusion of iconic elements from Season 1, like pieces of Deborah’s dressing room at the Palmetto. “We took that circular mirror and we actually went to the same vendor that made the wallpaper because the other great element [of the dressing room] was that palm frond-y wallpaper. We found a similar style wallpaper that had palm fronds but these ones were a bit more chaotic, and not as put together, because Deborah’s life is no longer in order now,” Contestabile said.

There are several chaotic demands placed on the hourglass bottleneck where Ava and Damien sleep. Even just in Episode 3, the space is tested to its limit by adding in an antique dresser Deborah picks up at a yard sale. The space deliberately feels smaller than the other two sections; designing that part of the bus was a balance between creating a more claustrophobic feeling in that area by eating into the space’s height and width and meeting all the demands of the space set out in the script. “We did lots of tests to figure out the right height [for Ava’s bunk]. We want her to feel extra small,” Contestabile said.

The bottleneck opens up in the public area/kitchenette of the bus, which Contestabile said needed to look as magnificent and imposing as Deborah’s star persona and features Statsky’s favorite detail: a fake electronic fireplace, “because it’s so insane.” That detail, as well as all the others, Contestabile had to put in from scratch.

“All of the walls were a product called Belbien, which is a custom wood sticker paper, which was very hard to work with and would bubble all the time but looks great on camera,” he said. “Then the floor was this very specific chevron pattern that [Downs] had a vision for. Then we did a custom brass inlay all around it.” Although subtle, the front of the bus also cheats physics a little bit with a more open and wider space that allows Deborah to lounge with impunity. “We know we’re making a visual show. It needs to look compelling,” Contestabile said.

alec contestabile hacks production design

Even with those marching orders, some details on the bus are there just for fun. Contestabile said that Aniello supplied the idea of giving the bus’ exterior hot pink tire spikes. For the rest, the team repurposed Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker’s actual tour bus with a coat of white paint and a curly pink decal of Deborah’s initials. This minimalist exterior is both an elegant choice in keeping with Deborah’s taste, but it’s another subtle hint that she’s in a slightly more embattled place in her career, not overtly advertising herself as she travels around the United States. Her level of confidence in the tour, like the bus itself, is a complicated custom piece of work.

Statsky said that one of the most fun and most important parts of designing the bus was checking out the real thing. “We had a lot of tour buses come to Universal where we shoot, because as silly as it is — as much as we want what Deborah puts on our custom bus to play for comedy — we also always want the show to feel real and grounded in the world,” Statsky said. “And so it was important to us to look at real tour buses to see what rock stars and comedians actually do travel around on.”

The most unshowy part of the bus, the driver’s seat, was grounded in a surprising way. “Our art director, Rob Tokarz, found a salvage record tour bus under a bridge in San Francisco,” Contestabile said. “There were bullet holes in the windows. It was great. And we had it towed all the way down to LA, and essentially they cut off the front of the bus and we rolled it in and out from camera. It was a Privo bus and we reached out to Privo and they were a huge help replacing the steering wheel and really getting that whole front end back up to the high-end bus standards. I think it [used to be] a tour bus that would take Chinese tourists from LA to Vegas, so it even had a Vegas connection.”

Most Popular

What is a Tour Manager and what do they do?

As long as artists continue recording and releasing their music, there will always be live music performance and touring - locally, domestically, and internationally.

And with touring comes the need for one of the most important jobs in the live music industry - tour management.

This article will help you clarify who a tour manager is and what they do on a daily basis.

What is a Tour Manager?

Our definition of a tour manager is:

A non gender specific person who travels city to city with an artist, author, speaker, crew, or other VIP to manage their travel, income, expenses, touring personnel, media interactions, and to help facilitate anything else necessary to execute each show or event. (For the sake of this article, we’ll assume the tour manager is working with a musical artist to execute a live show)

At the most basic level, a tour manager is simply the person who handles or oversees almost every aspect of the lives and routines of musicians and bands while they are on tour. In other words, a tour manager ‘runs the show’ while the band is on the road.

Tour managers travel with the artist to ensure that the tour operates smoothly and punctually without unnecessary hiccups and problems. Tour managers typically work as independent contractors offering their services to different artists each year, but some have been known to stick with only one artist for the entirety of their career.

What are the Specific Jobs of a Tour Manager?

The tour manager handles both administrative and organizational duties, and to make sure everyone is satisfied, may even take care of the personal issues of other crew members or artists on tour.

The job of a tour manager can involve event coordination, accounting, travel and logistics coordination, operations, merchandise sales and ticketing settlement, human resources, and sometimes tour managers can even take on the role of a personal assistant. To be a good tour manager, one needs to be detail oriented, but also able to see the full vision of what the artist is trying to create.

Because a lot of the characteristics of tour manager transfer over to artist management, there are cases where the tour manager also doubles as the band manager. Often on smaller tours, the tour manager may be acting in a double role as not only a tour manager, but also a sound engineer, a driver, a merchandise manager, or other crew position.

Some specific responsibilities of a tour manager may include:

Creating a tour budget

Advancing and preparing all the details for each show

Securing and managing of all income and expenses during the tour

Overseeing other production elements like lighting, sound, publicity, and even selling of merchandise during the tour

Booking and coordinating all ground transportation, flights, hotels

Overseeing or directly handling the transportation of all VIPs and crew

Creating a security plan for each venue and public appearance

Working closely with publicists, show promoters, venue managers, ticketing agencies, etc.

Ability to solve extreme problems. Like unexpected issues that may arise during touring - (medical, security, travel, contractual)

Leading a team of varying size to execute each event

On larger or longer tours, the duties above may be shared between two or more people.

Completely outlining the specific duties of a tour manager can be near impossible as there are countless scenarios on the road that beg the tour manager's attention.

Ultimately, the job of the tour manager is to make sure that everyone, including the artist, is okay and happy while on the road. Tour management can be both fun and stressful, but can also be very rewarding as it is crucial to the success of an artist’s touring career.

In our How to be a Tour Manager online course we teach our students that though there are so many tasks a tour manager has to accomplish, there is one thing you must do first.

You have to take care of yourself before you take care of others. Just like on a plane when you put your mask on first before helping others - same concept. Your mental health is extremely important, and denying self care on the road is a recipe for a quick death to your career.

You can start our tour management course for free by clicking here.

Today's news
Reviews and deals
Climate change
2024 election
Fall allergies
Health news
Mental health
Sexual health
Family health
So mini ways
Unapologetically
Buying guides

Entertainment

How to Watch
My watchlist
Stock market
Biden economy
Personal finance
Stocks: most active
Stocks: gainers
Stocks: losers
Trending tickers
World indices
US Treasury bonds
Top mutual funds
Highest open interest
Highest implied volatility
Currency converter
Basic materials
Communication services
Consumer cyclical
Consumer defensive
Financial services
Industrials
Real estate
Mutual funds
Credit cards
Balance transfer cards
Cash back cards
Rewards cards
Travel cards
Online checking
High-yield savings
Money market
Home equity loan
Personal loans
Student loans
Options pit
Fantasy football
Pro Pick 'Em
College Pick 'Em
Fantasy baseball
Fantasy hockey
Fantasy basketball
Download the app
Daily fantasy
Scores and schedules
GameChannel
World Baseball Classic
Premier League
CONCACAF League
Champions League
Motorsports
Horse racing
Newsletters

New on Yahoo

Privacy Dashboard

‘Hacks’ Season 2 Trailer Finds Deborah Vance Meeting Her New Tour Manager Nicknamed ‘Weed’ (Video)

Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

Jean Smart ’s Deborah Vance is back on the road in the Season 2 trailer for the HBO Max series “Hacks,” and she’s got a new tour manager along for the ride.

“The Connors” star Laurie Metcalf plays the new addition to the team, revealing in the first few seconds of the trailer that she goes by “Weed,” a nickname given to her by rocker Pete Wentz.

Season 2’s trailer is full of hilarious moments of generational clashes between Deborah and her young writer, Ava, played by Hannah Einbinder . During one moment, Ava asks for some fridge space on the tour bus for her kombucha, and Deborah helps her out with that request — by tossing the drink out the window.

Season 2 recurring guest stars are Laurie Metcalf, Martha Kelly, Ming-Na Wen and Susie Essman. Guest stars for Season 2 are Margaret Cho and Devon Sawa.

“Hacks” is produced by Universal Television.

Season 2 premieres on May 12 with a two-episode drop on the streamer. Two new episodes will continue to drop each week until June 12.

NFL Draft: Packers fan upset with team's 1st pick, and Lions fans hilariously rubbed it in

Not everyone was thrilled with their team's draft on Thursday night.

NFL Draft: Bears take Iowa punter, who immediately receives funny text from Caleb Williams

There haven't been many punters drafted in the fourth round or higher like Tory Taylor just was. Chicago's No. 1 overall pick welcomed him in unique fashion.

NFL to allow players to wear protective Guardian Caps in games beginning with 2024 season

The NFL will allow players to wear protective Guardian Caps during games beginning with the 2024 season. The caps were previously mandated for practices.

NFL Draft: Spencer Rattler's long wait ends, as Saints draft him in the 5th round

Spencer Rattler once looked like a good bet to be a first-round pick.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones compared his 2024 NFL Draft strategy to robbing a bank

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made an amusing analogy when asked why the team selected three offensive lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Korey Cunningham, former NFL lineman, found dead in New Jersey home at age 28

Cunningham played 31 games in the NFL with the Cardinals, Patriots and Giants.

2024 NFL Draft grades: Kansas City Chiefs get even richer with one of the best hauls this year

Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald breaks down the Chiefs' 2024 draft.

Michael Penix Jr. said Kirk Cousins called him after Falcons' surprising draft selection

Atlanta Falcons first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. said quarterback Kirk Cousins called him after he was picked No. 8 overall in one of the 2024 NFL Draft's more puzzling selections.

Panthers owner David Tepper stopped by Charlotte bar that criticized his draft strategy

“Please Let The Coach & GM Pick This Year" read a sign out front.

Tour Manager Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the world of tourism, the importance of tour managers has never been more significant.

As travel and tourism evolve, so does the need for skilled individuals who can plan, manage, and enhance our travel experiences.

But what exactly is expected from a tour manager?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of the travel industry,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we’re presenting a fully adaptable tour manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Tour Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Tour Managers oversee and coordinate all aspects of travel for a specific group or individual, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience.

They handle everything from logistical planning to the on-ground management of the tour.

Their responsibilities include:

Planning, organizing, and conducting long distance travel, tours, and activities for groups or individuals
Coordinating travel logistics, including transportation, accommodation, dining, and entertainment
Communicating with travel agents, airlines, hotels, and local travel service providers to ensure smooth travel arrangements
Providing detailed itineraries and travel information to tourists, ensuring they are informed about their trip details and schedules
Handling unforeseen problems and complaints and determining eligibility for money returns
Ensuring the safety and satisfaction of all travelers by attending to their needs and resolving any conflicts or issues that arise
Overseeing the financial aspects of the tour, including budget planning and expenses tracking
Conducting educational or informative talks about the tour destination, including historical, cultural, or scientific insights
Maintaining a strong professional relationship with vendors and service providers

Tour Manager Job Description Template

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Tour Manager to plan, organize and execute tours.

Your responsibilities will include coordinating transportation and accommodations, managing staff, and handling any issues or emergencies that arise.

You will also manage the tour budget, keep detailed financial records, and negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers.

Our ideal candidate is an excellent problem solver with a deep understanding of event planning and logistics.

You should also have strong leadership skills and be able to handle stressful situations with grace and professionalism.

Ultimately, the role of the Tour Manager is to ensure all tours run smoothly and guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Responsibilities

Plan and organize tours, including transportation and accommodations
Manage tour staff and coordinate their schedules
Handle any issues or emergencies that arise during the tour
Manage the tour budget and keep detailed financial records
Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers
Ensure all guests have a positive and memorable experience
Handle all logistics and operational details of the tour
Communicate effectively with staff, vendors, and guests
Adhere to all company policies and regulations

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Tour Manager or similar role
Excellent problem-solving and leadership skills
Strong organizational and planning skills
Ability to handle stressful situations with grace and professionalism
Knowledge of budgeting, bookkeeping and reporting
Proficiency in MS Office and tour management software
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Availability to travel as needed
Relevant certification or degree in Tourism or Hospitality is preferred
Travel allowance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Tour Manager
Work Environment: Varies based on tour. Travel is required.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Operations.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Tour Manager Do?

Tour Managers are responsible for coordinating and organizing tours across different locations for a group of travelers.

They may work for travel agencies, hospitality companies, or may be self-employed.

Their primary role involves planning detailed itineraries, selecting suitable transportation and accommodation, arranging tickets for various destinations, and ensuring that the tour stays within the budget.

Tour Managers also accompany the group throughout the tour to manage any issues that may arise.

They serve as a bridge between the tour group and various service providers such as hotels, restaurants, and local attractions.

They are often tasked with providing information about various destinations, narrating historical or cultural facts, and managing any emergencies or unexpected situations that might occur during the tour.

Their main goal is to ensure the tour operates smoothly, and that the tourists have a memorable, enjoyable, and safe travel experience.

In addition, Tour Managers may also be responsible for marketing and selling tour packages, negotiating with service providers, and handling administrative tasks such as booking confirmations and payment processing.

Tour Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Tour Manager should have a variety of skills and qualifications to ensure smooth and successful travel experiences, such as:

Excellent organizational skills to plan and implement tour schedules, manage accommodations, and arrange for transportation
Strong communication skills to clearly convey information about travel plans, tour details, and cultural norms to tourists
Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a diverse group of tourists, build rapport, and handle any interpersonal issues that might arise
Problem-solving skills to identify and address any issues or challenges that might arise during the tour, such as changes in schedule, transportation issues, or tourist complaints
Knowledge of the tourism industry and various travel destinations to provide insightful and enjoyable experiences for tourists
Customer service skills to ensure that tourists feel valued and satisfied with their tour experiences
Crisis management skills to handle emergencies or unexpected events in a calm and efficient manner
Physical stamina as the job may require long hours of standing, walking, or traveling

Tour Manager Experience Requirements

Tour Managers typically have a background in tourism, hospitality, or a related field, often obtained through a degree program or relevant coursework.

This provides them with foundational knowledge in travel coordination, logistics, and customer service.

In terms of practical experience, entry-level tour manager candidates often have 1 to 2 years of experience in the travel or hospitality industry.

This could be through internships, part-time roles, or full-time positions such as tour guide, travel agent, or hotel staff.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have more in-depth knowledge of travel planning, coordination, and customer service.

They may have previously worked in roles such as travel consultant, events coordinator, or even as an assistant tour manager.

Those with more than 5 years of experience typically have solid leadership and management skills, often gained through roles that required team supervision, crisis management, and strategic decision-making.

These candidates are often ready for more challenging roles as a Senior Tour Manager or Director of Tours.

In addition to the years of experience, fluency in multiple languages, excellent communication skills, and a passion for travel are often highly desirable traits for a Tour Manager.

Tour Manager Education and Training Requirements

Tour Managers usually have a bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Hospitality Management or a related field.

They need to have extensive knowledge of various travel destinations, the tourism industry, and customer service skills.

Some positions may also require fluency in multiple languages, especially in international tourism.

Practical experience in the travel industry, such as working for a travel agency or hotel, is often considered crucial.

This is usually obtained through internships or entry-level positions.

There are also numerous certification programs available for those wanting to specialize in specific areas of travel and tourism, such as sustainable tourism or adventure tourism.

While not necessarily required, possessing a master’s degree in Tourism or Business Management can provide an advantage, especially for those seeking leadership positions.

Continuing education and staying current with trends and developments in the tourism industry is vital for career advancement.

This may involve attending industry seminars, workshops, or related courses.

Tour Manager Salary Expectations

A Tour Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $55,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may differ depending on the level of experience, the scale of tours managed, and the location of work.

In addition, the salary could be augmented by bonuses or commissions based on the success of the tours managed.

Tour Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a tour manager need.

A Tour Manager should possess strong organizational and planning skills to coordinate all aspects of a tour.

Excellent communication and people skills are also required as they need to liaise with various parties such as tour guides, travel agencies, and guests.

Good problem-solving abilities are necessary to handle any unexpected issues that may arise during the tour.

A Tour Manager should also have a good understanding of the tourism industry and destinations they manage.

Do Tour Managers need a degree?

While a degree is not strictly necessary, having a degree in travel, tourism, hospitality management, or a related field can be advantageous.

Many Tour Managers also have previous experience in the travel and tourism industry.

It is also important for a Tour Manager to have a valid driver’s license and often, knowledge of multiple languages.

What should you look for in a Tour Manager resume?

When reviewing a Tour Manager’s resume, look for previous experience in the tourism industry or in a role that required organization and coordination of events or activities.

Proficiency in multiple languages, leadership skills, and a good understanding of customer service are also important.

The resume should also reflect the individual’s passion for travel and ability to handle stressful situations.

What qualities make a good Tour Manager?

A good Tour Manager is someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of multitasking.

They need excellent interpersonal skills to deal with diverse groups of people and should be able to handle any crisis or emergency calmly and effectively.

They should also have a passion for travel and a deep knowledge of the areas they’re overseeing.

Is it difficult to hire a Tour Manager?

Hiring a Tour Manager can be challenging as the role requires a unique blend of skills, including leadership, organization, customer service, and a broad knowledge of travel and tourism.

In addition, a good Tour Manager should have the ability to handle crisis situations, be a good problem solver, and be adaptable to changing circumstances.

As such, finding a candidate with all these qualifications can be a demanding task.

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken you on an insightful journey into what it truly means to be a tour manager .

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about planning trips.

It’s about orchestrating unforgettable travel experiences, one destination at a time.

With our definitive tour manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly equipped to take the plunge.

But why limit your horizons?

Explore further with our job description generator . It’s your go-to resource for precision-tailored job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Every destination is a part of the larger journey.

Let’s craft those experiences. Together.

Reasons to Become a Tour Manager (Experience Different Cultures)

How to Become a Tour Manager (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a Tour Manager (Surviving Stressful Situations)

Tired of the Same Old Grind? Explore Fun Jobs That Actually Pay

The AI Job Juggernaut: Careers That Are Changing Hands

The Employment Wave: In-Demand Jobs You Can’t Ignore

The Career Change You Need: High-Paying Remote Jobs!

The Editorial Team at InterviewGuy.com is composed of certified interview coaches, seasoned HR professionals, and industry insiders. With decades of collective expertise and access to an unparalleled database of interview questions, we are dedicated to empowering job seekers. Our content meets real-time industry demands, ensuring readers receive timely, accurate, and actionable advice. We value our readers' insights and encourage feedback, corrections, and questions to maintain the highest level of accuracy and relevance.

Contract Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Category Manager Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Computer Analyst Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Translator Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Airline Cadet Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Legal Advisor Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Buy Tour Manager: Secret Stories

Our grand strategy.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2661850/Globalism/

About This Game

Manage your agency's finances, buy new buses, plan optimal routes, develop your team, system requirements.

Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10, 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core i7-4720HQ 2.6 GHz
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: GeForce GTX 960
Storage: 1 GB available space

More like this

Customer reviews.

You can use this widget-maker to generate a bit of HTML that can be embedded in your website to easily allow customers to purchase this game on Steam.

Enter up to 375 characters to add a description to your widget:

Copy and paste the HTML below into your website to make the above widget appear

Popular user-defined tags for this product: (?)

Revenue & Valuation

What Is Tour Manager ?

Employee data.

Toggle Dropdown Revenue & Valuation What Is Tour Manager ? Employee Data News

Tour Manager Revenue and Competitors

Australia fair , au, estimated revenue & valuation.

Tour Manager 's estimated annual revenue is currently $7.5M per year. (i)
Tour Manager 's estimated revenue per employee is $ 90,361
Tour Manager has 83 Employees. (i)

Total Funding

Number of Employees

Revenue (est)

Employee Growth %

Accelerator

Tour Manager News

Jean Smart's Deborah Vance is back on the road in the Season 2 trailer for the HBO Max series Hacks, and she's got a new tour manager along for the ride.

Laurie Metcalf Is Jean Smart's New Tour Manager in Trailer for ... are plenty of sights to see on the comedy crew's bus tour from Hell.

... her assistant Damien (Mark Indelicato), and some fresh faces like tour manager Alice (played by guest star Laurie Metcalf).

Other Companies in Australia Fair

Travel More & Spend Less
Annual Travel Insurance
Airport Lounges
Invergordon Cruise Port
Loch Ness Tour
Coach Holiday Expert
Work With Me
About Melanie
Editorial Policy
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy

Coach Holiday Tour Manager – All You Need to Know

24 February 2024

Have you ever wondered what a coach holiday tour manager does?

Read on to discover more about this role, which could be key to your holiday experience.

Find out more so you can get the best from your Tour Manager on your next coach holiday.

This article is an in-depth look at the role based on my 36-year experience of being a coach holiday Tour Manager for various coach holiday companies.

Firstly, let’s just clarify some language. Tour Manager, Tour Director, Program Director – these all generally describe a similar sort of role.

For now, let’s find out more about one of the most varied roles that I think it is possible to have.

1. Tour Manager – Pre-Tour Work

Table of Contents

What Is a Coach Holiday Tour Manager?

A coach holiday Tour Manager is the person responsible for managing the holiday from the time it departs to the time it returns. The Tour Manager is responsible for all aspects of the tour including managing supplies, operating the itinerary, and dealing with problems.

Before the holiday departs the coach holiday Tour Manager will receive the tour pack.

Initially, this will be the operation manual for the tour which will give information on how the itinerary operates for each day. This will include details of suppliers including transport operators such as local coach companies, local guides, agents and of course hotels. It will also include details of suppliers for excursions such as museums, restaurants, boat trips, and any other sort of activity.

If the coach holiday Tour Manager hasn’t done the tour previously there might be a phone briefing with someone more familiar with that particular tour so they can give them more details on the itinerary. This is often where a Tour Manager learns how a tour really operates, which can sometimes be nothing like the operational manual, which by its very nature can go out of date very quickly.

As the tour departure date gets nearer the Tour Manager will get the customer’s information. This will vary from company to company but will generally include rooming lists, a customer list with special requests, and if travelling overseas flight details, passport details, and travel insurance details.

At this point, if there is time before the tour departs, some Tour Managers might get in touch with suppliers to confirm all the arrangements in advance. This is certainly something I would always do as it saves a great deal of panic and last-minute phone calls, plus everything is in writing due to using an email which is handy in the event of any issues.

Confirmations include things like room requests, arrival times, meal times, special meal requests, any other guest requests, any particular driver requests, departure times for tours, etc.

If the coach holiday Tour Manager has been advised who the driver of the tour is going to be then they will generally get in touch with the driver just to introduce themselves if they haven’t worked together before and just confirm everything for the first day or two.

If the driver has done the tour before then any sensible Tour Manager will ask them for any advice or tips about the program and take this into account when planning the operation of the tour.

Some companies expect coach holiday Tour Managers to get in touch with passengers before they arrive on tour. This can be by phone or email or sometimes both. Whilst this can sometimes seem like a lot of extra work it can pay dividends when the tour runs because it can save a great deal of time, and also give the Tour Manager an idea about the likes and preferences of guests in advance. (Generally, this applies to guests travelling from overseas such as US guests taking a UK tour for example.)

If the coach holiday Tour Manager hasn’t visited a location before they need to do a great deal of research beforehand. This will cover practical information such as the nearest ATM, local transport, and facilities located in and around hotels.

Research also needs to cover other information about the destination. This may include how to get around independently if there is free time, options for free time, and cultural information about the location

If the coach holiday Tour Manager is going to be providing commentary for the tour then they need to research this. This involves looking at the routes in detail and then researching places and points of interest along the way to talk to people about them.

If all this sounds like a lot of work – it is.

Research can take days to do thoroughly.

Important Point

If you are imagining that Tour Managers get paid for all this work in advance, they generally don’t. They generally only get paid for the days that they are on tour. As such it is beneficial for a Tour Manager to get several tours to the same place so that they don’t have to keep repeating all that effort.

Tour Manager

2. 48 Hours Before Departure

Some companies have a requirement that Tour Managers have to ring in very close to a tour departing to get any last-minute changes or cancellations that perhaps haven’t found their way through the systems yet.

There are generally some last-minute queries to discuss with the holiday company.

3. Tour Departure Day for Guests, Tour Arrival Day for Coach Holiday Tour Manager

However guests join a coach holiday, whether directly joining their coach, using a transfer service, arriving independently at a hotel, or flying out together to start the holiday the coach holiday Tour Manager will meet them on the first day of the tour.

Some coach holiday companies arrange for the coach holiday Tour Manager to stay the night before departure to make any arrival arrangements, generally, if the group is arriving at a hotel for example. Sometimes the Tour Manager has to stay overnight somewhere due to the distance they live from the departure airport or coach pickup point.

The first day generally involves lots of logistical arrangements. If the coach holiday Tour Manager is flying with the group they may have to introduce themselves at the airport or perhaps during the flight so the guests know who to look for at the arrival airport.

If the guests are arriving independently at the first hotel then the coach holiday Tour Manager will be liaising with drivers and transport companies to make sure everyone arrives. They will also be liaising with the hotel team to try and get rooms ready for guests as soon as possible, and sorting out luggage and meal arrangements.

If guests are arriving on a coach pickup service then the coach holiday Tour Manager doesn’t usually start until they board their own tour coach, at which point the group will be together for the first time and they can introduce themselves.

The Tour Manager will also be dealing with any additional requests that guests make as they arrive and if they have flown to the start point dealing with any issues such as missing luggage.

The first day may involve some sort of welcome briefing or meeting and perhaps some sort of orientation tour or walk depending on the timings.

Once a tour departs the Tour Manager is responsible for delivering the itinerary, as described, to the guests, on behalf of the holiday company. This is the holiday contract that has been made between guests and the holiday company so everything that has been described must be delivered.

A Tour Manager will be constantly liaising with hotels and suppliers, ideally one or two days in advance to reconfirm arrangements and make any adjustments in terms of timings, weather, routes, etc.

For some coach holidays, a Tour Manager may have a local guide with them throughout the tour. This is often the case in countries where language might be an issue – Morocco is one example where I have had a local guide. For other coach holidays, there might just be local guides for each place visited. All the local guides need to be confirmed and itineraries discussed to make sure the local guide delivers what guests have been advised in the itinerary.

Local guides may not have seen the itinerary so this is always an important check. A Tour Manager will also brief them on any interests that the group may have so these can be included in a local tour

The coach holiday Tour Manager will also be working closely with the hotel to make sure that guests are happy. This includes frequent contact with the reception and portering staff to stay up to date with any issues and ensure they are dealt with promptly and to the guests’ satisfaction.

Probably the easiest way to understand more about what a coach holiday Tour Manager does is to look at a typical day on tour.

5. Typical Day – A Day When Moving Hotels and Visiting A City

On-call overnight in case of any issues.
Check luggage is being collected by portering staff, paying any portering fees on behalf of the holiday company.
Meet the coach driver and check all the luggage by the label before it is loaded onto the coach.
Any onboard preparations for the day such as giving out information sheets, maps, booklets, and information passengers may be interested in.
Display the new seating plan if seat rotation is being used and perhaps label seats, depending on guests and coach holiday company.
Have some breakfast.
Greet guests as they come to board the coach, directing them to their seats.
Checking with the reception that all guests have checked out and settled their bills before departure, with any keys returned if required.
Do a final headcount before departure and if any guests are missing locate them – quickly.
Welcome guests to the day and briefly outline the program for the day.
Give any commentary on the places you are driving through on the way to your visit for the day.
If there are any comfort stops en route during journeys then help the driver to give the coach a quick tidy. If guests are staying on the coach then perhaps pick up a coffee for the driver if they are staying on board.
Confirm the meeting point and time with a local guide for the city tour. On arrival introduce the local guide to the group.
If the tour is using headsets then check the headset is working for the local guide, deal with any problems with guests’ headsets, and then head off on tour with a supply of batteries and spare headsets in case of problems.
Help keep the local guide on track and on time, ensuring they walk at a pace that suits the group and that they cover all the points in the guest itinerary.
If there is a comfort stop during the walking tour liaise with the local guide and the driver.
If there is some free time for lunch give local recommendations and arrange with the group where and when to meet for departure.
Provide any commentary in the afternoon while travelling to the next hotel.
Confirm with the hotel an arrival time, double-check all the room requests and if possible check the rooming list issued by the hotel in advance.
Ring the hotel 10-15 minutes out to advise arrival.
Assist with guests checking in to their rooms, giving out room keys, dealing with queries, and directing guests to rooms.
Once guests have departed help the portering team to label luggage so it can get to guest rooms.
Double-check the coach for any guest belongings.
Liaise with the driver about coach parking and the driver’s meal for the evening if this is included. If not confirm arrangements for the following morning.
Double-check with restaurant staff the arrangements for dinner, including confirming the special requests, seating arrangements, drinks arrangements, etc.
Check into your own room.
Greet guests at dinner directing them to tables and advising them of anything they need to know in relation to the meal i.e. local dishes, self-service meal, served meal, etc.
Check guests are happy during dinner service.
After dinner deal with any guest queries.
Confirm any departure or arrangements with the hotel and porters for the following day.
Confirm arrangements for guides and other suppliers for the next day.
Write up any notes from the day in case of future issues.
Complete any tour paperwork such as tour diary or report.
Go to bed – being on call in case of any issues.

6. Other Responsibilities Whilst on Tour

Dealing with sickness/illness and other problems.

This is a really important part of being a coach holiday Tour Manager and often when I feel as if I can be the most help to my guests, because my knowledge and experience of having dealt with medical issues before can enable me to help them through the process.

Let’s look at an example of an arrival into St Petersburg and what my role involved dealing with in the first 3 days of the tour;

Hospital Admission Day 1 of the Tour

I visited the guest, ascertained her injuries were quite bad, and had the staff call for an ambulance. In the meantime, I got a local to help the lady while waiting for the ambulance. I went with the guests to the hospital in St Petersburg and helped to liaise between the hotel staff and themselves. The lady needed an operation and an overnight stay so I spoke to the insurance company to advise them of all the details of the hospital and the procedures being undertaken.

The guests did not have any mobile phones that worked in Russia so I contacted their family and kept them posted on what was happening.

The following day I liaised with the hotel staff, hospital and guests to get them returned to the tour. Once they returned I made arrangements for them to have meals in their rooms as the injured guest was unable to walk. I also spoke with them about curtailing their holiday, which they decided to do after realising they would be unable to do any of the tour activities.

Once the decision had been made for them to end their holiday I spoke with the insurance company about a hotel in St Petersburg, flights home, and transport to the hotel and to the airport. I also spoke with the insurance company’s medical team and throughout was advising the holiday company of what was happening.

On the day they left the tour, I was concerned that the injured guest was still in a great deal of pain and contacted the medical team to raise my concerns. They contacted the guest and established that she had not taken her pain medication correctly, and were able to give her advice which helped her be much more comfortable for her return journey.

I kept in touch with the insurance company, the guests, and their families until they returned home to the UK.

Lost Luggage

Two of the guests arriving on the trip hadn’t received their luggage when their flight arrived. I liaised with the airline and airport and established that it would be arriving late the following day. They were due to bring the luggage to the cruise ship on the day the tour was going to depart from St Petersburg.

I knew from experience that if the airline courier missed getting the luggage that day it would be very difficult for guests to get their luggage back due to the fact we moving on every night.

I went to the airport and collected the luggage for the guests and delivered it to their room on the 2nd night of the tour.

7. Resolving Complaints

Resolving complaints is an important part of any coach holiday Tour Manager’s job. This may be something fairly simple that involves a room change at a hotel or it may be more complex, where a passenger has not understood the itinerary or there has been a change to the operation of the tour.

This can include things like flights being cancelled due to weather, weather disrupting travel or perhaps local event meaning that a visit or excursion has to be changed or cancelled.

A coach holiday Tour Manager will want to do everything they can to resolve a guest complaint, because they want to have happy guests. They will also be required to keep detailed notes of the complaint to pass back to the holiday company in case of any future correspondence or action required.

8. Resolving Guest Issues

Not every issue a guest has is a complaint. Sometimes they have not brought the right charger for their phone, or they require ionised water for a sleep apnoea device, or chilled storage for their medication.

They may have forgotten their prescription medication, or need some more medication. They may have lost their passport, or other belongings and need to report and replace these.

9. Resolving Issues Between Guests

Very rarely there is a problem between guests on a coach holiday. This could include a couple having an argument and deciding they don’t want to travel together. This has happened with travelling companions alongwith travelling couples and has involved sorting out additional accommodation and redoing seating plans at times.

Guest issues can be varied and include single travellers joining in with others where perhaps they haven’t been invited. Again this is very rare thankfully, but it does require a great deal of tact and diplomacy to sort out.

10. Helping Guests

One of the best parts of the job of being a coach holiday Tour Manager is helping guests. It is one of the most rewarding parts of the role.

It may involve helping guests to visit a particular place they have always wanted to see, helping them to visit family or just helping them to have a really lovely and memorable experience.

Here are some of my favourite examples of where I have particularly enjoyed helping guests;

A group of American guests arrived into London and visited Highclere House as they were huge Downtown Abbey fans. I had given them the details of how they could get there and they had a great day. They were absolutely delighted to be in the UK when the Downtown Abbey film came out and I gave them all the details of where they could watch it while we were in Edinburgh as there was a cinema very close to the hotel. They were delighted.

A couple wanted to renew their wedding vows while on an overseas holiday. I contacted a local Church and made all the arrangements for them. They had a very private and personal renewal which was very moving and memorable for them.

In the Azores we stayed very close to a nesting site for Cory Shearwaters. I took the group up for a walk at dusk and we stood in awe as the adult birds flew in from fishing all day to feed their hungry, and very loud chicks who were calling to them. Guests described it as a very memorable experience and one they would have never experienced on their own. It gave me tingles too!

11 . Guiding Tours and Giving Commentary

Tour Managers will often give guests a commentary when travelling on the coach about places they are passing, points of interest, geographical information, and anything else they feel is relevant.

This information is not usually supplied by a coach holiday company, with each Tour Manager having to do their research. This can be a very lengthy and time-consuming process. If you have ever had to do any public speaking you will know how much preparation is required.

Thankfully research now is somewhat easier thanks to the wonder of the internet. Online maps can help with directions and there are generally websites about visitor attractions, places to eat, things to do as well as hotel websites.

That said it still takes a lot of work. I spent several weeks preparing notes and researching for a tour of the UK where I needed to guide tours at each stop and provide commentary in between.

12 . Optional Excursions

Another important role for Tour Managers is to organise optional excursions. Often this will involve taking bookings, taking payment details, and then making the bookings for the tours themselves.

Some companies give Tour Managers a commission for making these arrangements, some don’t – it depends on the coach holiday company policy.

13. Working with Coach Drivers

Drivers are an important part of any coach holiday – and drivers will often tell a Tour Manager that the tour can’t run without them, and they are right.

An important part of a Tour Manager’s role is working closely with a Coach Holiday Driver, agreeing on routes, timings, activities, pick-ups, and anything else that involves the tour coach.

Often it means spending a lot of time together, and eating meals together so you both must get on because a bad working relationship will have a big impact on the tour.

(Check out my post about Coach Holiday Drivers which gives a lot more information)

14. Liaising with the Coach Holiday Company

There will always be paperwork to complete as you go through a coach holiday. This will often include feedback on hotels, meals, activities, and guides as well as drivers, coach companies, and suppliers.

Any day-to-day issues will need discussing with the operations department who will be the main point of contact for a coach holiday Tour Manager while they are away. They will be helping with any changes due to travel disruption, or issues such as hotel changes.

15. Any Other Duties

There are lots of other tasks that a coach holiday Tour Manager has to do. These include;

Confirming return transfer details
Booking airport assistance
Booking flight upgrades
Buying birthday/anniversary gifts
Arranging special dinners such as welcome dinners and farewell dinners
Guest correspondence – advising of any changes, confirming departure times and luggage requirements

As you can see the role is extremely varied!

Coach Holiday Tour Manager – Conclusion

A Tour Manager can be a really important part of a coach holiday experience.
Your Tour Manager will want you to have a great holiday because happy guests mean more work in the future for them too.
It can sometimes seem that Tour Manager’s are really busy – and that’s because they often are. Sometimes my biggest frustration with the role is that there is so much administration and organising to do that I don’t get enough time to actually get to know my guests 🙁
If there is an issue on your holiday, your Tour Manager will probably be as frustrated as you by it, but they might not always be able to say that!
Tour Managers love their jobs so don’t feel sorry about us being busy, but do feel free to say thanks and of course, tips are always most welcome!

Itinerary Review Service

I’ve spent 36 years working as a coach holiday Tour Manager for Travelsphere, Titan, Saga and Newmarket Holidays
Let me do a review of the holiday you are interested in, giving you much more detail on what to expect alongwith things you might want to check before booking
Don’t risk spending all that money on a holiday that might not be right for you.
Want to see an example? Check out my review of a Douro River Cruise , Lake Garda Holiday , Highlands of Scotland Railway Tour , Azores Holiday

75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips: Get Organized, Save Money, Cruise Better

Sharing is caring!

Going on a cruise and looking for the best cruise hacks, tips and tricks? Whether you’re a first time cruiser or seasoned veteran, we can always use more cruise hacks to get organized, save money and have a better cruise vacation!

In fact, after more than 25 cruises, I’m always learning new things from other cruisers and I’m so happy to pass these tips along to you. Consider this post the Ultimate Cruise Hacks Guide!

In this post I share 75 awesome cruise hacks that cover everything from packing for your cruise , saving money, cruise food, managing seasickness and more!

75 Cruise Hacks, Tips and Tricks – The Ultimate Guide

Cruise Hacks - save money, organize & cruise better

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cruise Packing Hacks

Here are some handy things to bring on your cruise to keep organized as well as some cruise packing tips.

1. Packing cubes

There are many ways to use packing cubes to be organized as you pack for your cruise.

Use different colored packing cubes for each member of the family
Use packing cubes to place outfits together, or organize by types of clothing (ie. t-shirts, shorts, bathing suits)
Don’t unpack every packing cube. Some packing cubes can be unzipped and placed directly on a shelf or in a drawer in your cruise cabin

Recommended: Packing cubes (this set has over 9000 5* reviews on Amazon)

2. Travel luggage scale

If you’re flying to and from your cruise ship, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t go over your luggage weight allowance. Typically, we buy a few souvenirs or extra t-shirts and your suitcase may weigh more than you think. An electronic travel luggage scale is a useful travel gadget to pack.

Recommended: Travel luggage scale (check price & 25000+ Amazon reviews)

3. Luggage tag holders

Save time and add convenience by printing your cruise luggage tags and placing them in these plastic luggage tag holders. They’re reusable and inexpensive as well.

Recommended: Luggage tag holders (find your cruise line tags here)

4. Make your luggage stand out

So many of us have black or navy luggage, and this can make it hard for your luggage to stand out and for you to find it at the cruise terminal or airport. There are a few simple things you can do, to recognize your luggage quickly

Add bright ribbon or yarn to the handles of your luggage
Cover your luggage with a decorative sleeve

5. Mix your suitcase items

Worried about lost luggage? Unfortunately losing a piece of luggage can happen when flying. Even though it likely will be found and sent to you in a day or two, you won’t want to be stuck without clothing and your necessities.

To avoid this problem, make sure to pack a few items of clothing in your travel companion’s bag, and vice versa. This way, at least you and your spouse still have at least a couple of things to wear and you won’t be stuck.

6. Pack an embarkation day carry on bag

A very important tip for first time cruisers , make sure to pack a cruise carry on bag to bring on the ship on embarkation day . It will take a few hours for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin after boarding your cruise ship , and this way you’ll have your first day essentials.

Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit or even put it on under your clothes if you plan on hitting the pool as soon as possible!

Recommended: Carry on bag tote (see reviews & style options on Amazon here)

7. Bring extra reading glasses and sunglasses

Many cruisers report losing their reading glasses or even their sunglasses . It’s a good idea to bring an inexpensive pair of each of these just in case.

75 Cruise Hacks: Save Money, Organize & Cruise Better

Cruise Cabin Storage Hacks

8. bring magnets.

An awesome cruise hack you should know is that most cruise cabin walls are actually metal (covered of course). So, if you bring magnet hooks then you can actually add extra storage space to your cruise cabin. You can hang backpacks, bathing suits to dry, and more.

Make sure that the magnets are “heady duty” , as other ones won’t be strong enough. Small magnet clips can also be very convenient to organize your papers, tickets and invitations.

Recommended: Magnet hooks (see details & Amazon reviews here)

9. Over the door organizer

Many cruisers like to use an over the door hanging organizer to place items such as sunscreen, bud spray, hair accessories, and more. This can be especially helpful if you’re on a family cruise and looking for ways to keep as organized as possible.

Recommended: Hanging Over the door cabin organizer

10. Hanging toiletry bag

Keep your toiletries organized and out of the way by packing them in a hanging toiletry bag . Cruise bathroom space tends to be limited, so a hanging bag makes use of the vertical space on the bathroom door or cabin wall.

Recommended: Hanging toiletry bag (see 5 color options & Amazon 5* reviews here)

11. Request extra hangers

While you can put your clothes away on the shelves or in a drawer, you’ll minimize wrinkles on your clothing if you can hang as much as possible. When meeting your cabin steward on after boarding on the first day , make it a point to request several extra hangers.

12. Poo-Pourri

Cruise stateroom bathrooms are small and so are the cabins, so bathroom smells might be more obvious than you’d like. Many cruisers bring Poo-Pourri bathroom spray as part of their cruise essentials packing list .

Recommended: Poo-pourri bathroom spray

13. Portable fan

The temperature can be hard to regulate in your cabin, so if you tend to get warm, especially at night, you can bring along a small portable fan . This one is battery operated as well as by USB for convenience.

Recommended: Portable travel fan (rechargeable battery & USB)

14. Motion sensor nightlight

If you’re in an interior cabin or if you tend to sleep with the black out curtains at night, consider bringing a motion sensor nightlight or battery operated tea lights. This way, if you need to get up to go to the washroom during the night you won’t disturb your partner, nor will you stub your toe.

Recommended: Motion activated nightlight

15. Laundry tip

Bring a pop up laundry hamper or mesh bag to keep your dirty clothes stored away in your stateroom.

An extra hack I recently learned from other cruisers, is to bring along a scented kitchen bag. You can use this when you pack your laundry in your luggage, to keep things smelling fresher.

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

Money Saving Cruise Hacks

16. book a guarantee cabin.

Did you know that cruise lines will often charge you a $100 plus per person for the privilege of choosing a cabin. If you aren’t too picky about your stateroom location, a great way to save hundreds per cruise is to opt for a guarantee cabin .

17. Cruise when it’s less crowded

Now who wouldn’t want to cruise when there are less people? Well, this is another way to say to cruise during the shoulder season for popular cruise itineraries like Alaska , the Mediterranean and Bermuda . You could save 50% or more!

18. Choose an interior cabin

The least expensive cabin for all cruise ships will be interior staterooms . If you don’t think you’ll be in your room much, skip an oceanview or balcony stateroom and stay in a cozy inside room.

Related: 15 Best Tips for Cruising in an Inside Cabin: cabin organization and more

Related: 7 Reasons Why You Should Book an Inside Cabin

19. Book your own shore excursions

Save money in cruise ports of call by booking your own shore excursions or even by touring on your own. This can work well when you can take a taxi to a local beach or in a city where it’s easy to do a Hop On Hop Off bus tour.

Cruise tip: Always be careful to make it back to the cruise ship on time. If you have any concerns then avoid potential mistakes by booking with the cruise line .

Related: 11 Cruise Shore Excursion Day Tips

20. Bring wine

Most cruise lines will allow you to bring a bottle of wine , per person, on a cruise. Unless you have a beverage package , bringing your own wine is an awesome money saving cruise hack .

21. Bring your own drinks

Many cruise lines allow you to bring on a case of water bottles or even a small case of soda on embarkation day.

Related: What Food and Drinks Can You Bring on a Cruise ?

22. Level up your cruise knowledge

One of the best ways to save money on all aspects of cruising is through knowledge. Some people seem to find the best cruise deals and are cruising several times a year. However, they’ve learned a few things to make this possible.

Emma Cruises has an awesome course where she teaches this, and more. This is a great course for new and seasoned cruisers.

*Exclusive discount for our readers – use code LIFEWELLCRUISED for 10% off*

See details here: Emma Cruise Academy “How to Cruise for Less”

23. Monitor for price drops

While booking as early as possible is usually the best way to save money when booking a cruise , prices can actually come down after you book. To make sure you can take advantage of price drops, monitor the price of your cruise and cabin category. If the price has decreased before final payment, ask the cruise line or your travel agent for a price adjustment – in most cases they will do so.

Something to keep in mind, is that although a price may be lower, it may not include some of the extras or perks you had with your original price. Make sure you get the best deal by looking at the overall value.

Related: Best Way to Book a Cruise? Travel Agent, Direct or Online

24. Book a specialty restaurant the first night of your cruise

Cruisers have reported discounts and even a free bottle of wine given as a bonus if you book specialty dining the first night of your cruise. Readers have noted this on Carnival Cruises and Celebrity, but this may be possible on other cruise lines as well.

25. Book onboard

Plan on booking your next cruise while onboard. If you do need to sit down to go over options, make sure to make an appointment with the Future Cruise Desk early in the cruise.

The benefit is that you can get a nice on board credit to use on your next cruise, or sometimes on the cruise you’re on. If you aren’t sure of what cruise you want to take next, as if you can put a deposit on an open date instead so you can cruise shop when you get home.

Related: Cruise On Board Credits (OBC): How Can You Use Them?

Cruise Food Tips and Hacks

26. avoid the buffet on embarkation day.

Cruise ship buffets are usually really good, but they get especially crowded on embarkation day. Head to the Main Dining Room instead for a quick sit down meal, or look for any of the amazing casual restaurants that might be open on boarding day .

If you’re heading on a Princess cruise, try the International Cafe or Alfredos (you won’t regret it).

Related: Princess Cruises Alfredo’s Pizzeria Review (with photos)

27. Order 2 main dishes

Did you know that on most cruises, you can order as many dishes as you like? So, if you love steak and also love shrimp, ask your waiter for both and make it “surf & turf”. On some cruise lines they’ll combine the dishes on one plate, with only one serving of the sidedish.

28. Have appetizers on your balcony

If you’re going for a late dinner, consider heading up to the buffet and making a plate of cheese and crackers or charcuterie and bringing it back to your cabin. Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy pre-dinner appetizers on your private balcony.

29. Ask for off menu items

While you can’t do this each night, if you did really enjoy a dish, as your waiter if the chef may be able to prepare it another evening. There may be other items not on the menu that are easy to get. Ask for fresh fruit for dessert, gelato or even a cheese plate. You may even want to ask for an ice cream sundae, often available on the kid’s menu.

30. Get free room service

Have an early shore excursion? Consider ordering a free room service continental breakfast. While not every cruise line includes free room service at all hours (we love the ones that do!), many will have free room service for a simple breakfast.

31. Get free gourmet ice cream or sorbet

Many cruise ships have a specialty ice cream shop onboard, which is not included. However, it might surprise you to know that most cruise lines actually make their own delicious ice cream, gelato and sorbet to use in the main dining room for desserts.

If you don’t want to pay extra for name brand ice cream, go to the main dining room, even for lunch, and ask for the ice cream of the day. There may even be an included ice cream counter in the buffet area.

32. Get “free” candy

While you’d have to buy licorice and other candies in the convenience store or candy shop, you can actually get free candy, used as ice cream toppings, at the ice cream counter in the buffet.

Weight Management Tips

Cruise hacks to manage weight gain - jogging woman on cruise ship

As much as we all love cruise food and tend to indulge, we all want to avoid too much weight gain on a cruise . Here are a few cruise hacks that can help.

33. Take the stairs

Cruise ships are big and have so many decks. By taking the stairs as much as possible, even part way, you’ll get those steps in balance out some of the extra indulgences.

34. Use the jogging track

There is usually no better view than from the jogging and walking tracks. They’re usually located at the top of the cruise ship and you can see the sea in every direction. Perhaps start the morning off with a 30 minute walk or head to the track later in the day.

35. Use the fitness centre

I love the gym on a cruise ship! It’s usually located in the front of the ship and I like going there much more than I enjoy the gym at home 😉

You may want to use some of the equipment or even try out some of the classes. Please note that some classes will be included on your cruise, while others will have an extra charge .

36. Get a low calorie dessert

If you feel that you are eating a bit too much rich and high calorie foods, order a low calorie dessert. Cruise lines have delicious lower fat and healthier food options available for all cruise passengers.

37. Skip the frozen cocktails

One of the best things you can do to avoid gaining weight on a cruise is to skip high calorie frozen drinks like Pina Coladas and BBC’s (Banana Baileys Colada). Instead, opt for refreshing drinks like a Mojito or even a diet soda and rum.

Related: How NOT to Gain Weight on a Cruise (and still eat)

Cruise Outfit Planning Hacks

Some of these cruise hacks and genius tips that come from readers and viewers. Many of these are simple things hat you can do that will make cruise packing and outfit planning easier.

38. Pin jewelry to clothing

This recent tip is brilliant. If you have a necklace or earrings that you plan on wearing with an outfit, simply pin it to the fabric or put it in a plastic baggie. A simple trick for necklaces that tend to get tangled is to use a straw. Pass it through and this really works!

39. Plan your cruise outfits for each night

Many ladies avoid overpacking by planning out their outfits for each night of the cruise. If you plan on mixing and matching and re-wearing some items, you can even take a photo with your phone as a reminder.

40. Use a cruise travel planner

Born out of necessity, as I have forgotten items more than once, I created a printable cruise planner that you may find useful. It covers everything from cruise planning, checklists for embarkation to disembarkation tips , packing checklists, a cruise outfit planner and more.

See what’s included and details here ($10 off for a limited time): Ultimate Cruise Planner

Cruise Wifi Hacks

Cruise ship internet just isn’t like on land, so you can expect it to be slower and more expensive on a cruise. However cruise lines have made great strides, and it’s significantly better now than only a few years ago.

41. Book a Wifi package online

If you need to work on the cruise or even keep in touch with people, consider an internet package. The best price you’ll get is by purchasing an internet package in your cruise planner online before your cruise.

We saved 35% on Voom , Royal Caribbean’s wifi package, by making a pre-cruise purchase. Princess Cruises MedallionNet is also often priced at a 50% discount if you purchase it early.

42. Receive messages and notifications

If you don’t plan to use the internet while on a cruise, but still want people to reach you just in case, let them know they can still send a message. Many people report receiving text messages, even when in airplane mode. However, make sure you don’t respond until you have free wifi.

43. Download the cruise line app

Nowadays it’s super important to download the cruise line app for online check in, emuster and more. However, there is often a messaging part of the app which is very useful to communicate with other people on the cruise.

44. Use Free Wifi in cruise ports of call

In most ports of call , there will be some free wifi in the cafes or even in an entire section of the cruise port. This is a good time to take a break and check your emails and social media if you haven’t been doing so on the cruise.

Tip: Ask the crew or simply watch where the crew go for free wifi. They know all the tips and tricks since they return to the port regularly.

Related: 27 Cruise Packing Mistakes You Might be Making

How to Get Free Stuff on a Cruise

45. join contests.

One of the best ways to get freebies on a cruise is to participate in different contests and raffles. Prizes for participating range from a keychain to a bottle of champagne. Every so often, you’ll see some cruise contests or games where jewelry is the prize as well.

46. Free massage

After you board your cruise , go ahead and check out the spa. In order to promote their services, it’s common for the spa staff to be doing mini massages. You’ll often find embarkation day promotions if you book an appointment for later in the week.

47. Free On Board Credit (OBC)

Get additional on board credit by booking the cruise during a promotion. This may be with the cruise line, however a few times a year, travel agencies specializing in cruise travel will run additional sales and the value of the OBC can be double or more.

Related: 50 Must-Have Cruise Essentials to Bring on a Cruise

Get Free or Cheap Drinks

48. go to the champagne art auction.

Most cruise ships will have 1 or 2 Champagne Art Auctions during a sailing. There’s no purchase necessary and it can be a fun way to learn about some interesting established and up and coming artists.

49. Past passengers cocktail party

If you’re a return passenger, you’ll likely receive an invitation to a past passenger cocktail party or event. Most of the time, wine, cocktails and canapes are served.

Make sure to arrive early as the drinks do tend to stop being served after about 30 minutes.

50. Join a drink making contest

On some fun loving cruise lines, one of the activities will be a drink making competition of sorts. When you participate, you’ll likely get a free drink.

51. Drink of the Day

Most cruise lines have a special drink of the day offered at a reduced price. While not free, it will likely be a few dollars less than other similar drinks on the menu. Look for happy hours and 2 for 1 specials as well.

52. Liquor tasting

Make sure to check the cruise activities daily schedule and watch out for the free liquor tasting. This is often done to promote some of the duty-free liquor sold on the cruise , where they’ll be giving out samples you may enjoy.

Related: 20 Ways to Save on Your Family Cruise

Cabin Upgrade Tips

Book early for the best cabin choice. However, if you want to snag a cabin upgrade, there are a few tips to try.

53. Guarantee cabin

Although you won’t choose a specific cabin, a guarantee cabin is usually the best priced cabin in the cabin type. Often the price will be discounted by $100 or more per person, and you’re guaranteed that category or higher.

Most of the time, you’ll get at least 1 category upgrade, and if you’re lucky, you may get a much better cabin than you paid for.

54. Bid for an upgrade

Once you book your cruise and choose a cabin, if there’s availability, the cruise line will send you an email offering you a chance to bid for an upgrade. While there’s a minimum bid set, you can choose with category to bid on, including suites. You may just get a major upgrade for a minimum price.

55. Call and ask

If you’ve made your final payment on your cruise, but you see that cabins are still available on your sailing, call your cruise line or travel agent and ask if it’s possible to get an upgrade. You just never know, however I’ve seen it happen from time to time.

Related: 10 Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

Seasickness Tips

56. green apples.

Want a cruise hack that really works to ease motion sickness ? Green apples actually help to ease queasiness and mild seasickness. In fact, we first learned about green apples from crew members who use green apples as a natural remedy for motion sickness.

Since green apples will usually be available in the buffet, take one or two back to your cabin ready to slice up and eat if you need them at any time.

57. Ginger candies

Another natural remedy for seasickness is ginger. While you can eat small pieces of ginger, and this may be given out on some cruise lines, it’s easier to pack ginger candies and bring them onto your cruise. I love ginger candies and bring them on every cruise, just in case.

Recommended: Ginger Candies (check price & see Amazon reviews here)

58. Seabands and medication

Many veteran cruisers use seabands and swear by them. If you’re sensitive to motion and may get seasick, make sure to pack seabands and even some Bonine motion sickness medication just in case.

Recommended: Seabands (see Amazon reviews) & Bonine (my favorite)

59. Plan for boats and tenders

One thing many people don’t think about, is that even if they don’t get seasick on a cruise, small boats and tenders to get off the ship may be a different story. I have a friend who did a whale watching excursion and instead of enjoying it, she was so sick. A good tip is to take Bonine or another non-drowsy seasickness medication, use seabands or even a motion sickness patch behind your ear.

Related: 10 effective Ways to Prevent & Deal with Seasickness on a Cruise

Cruise Booking Tips

60. use a travel agent for extra perks.

Travel agents often have extra perks that they can give you when you book with them. When using a travel agent, whether local or online, make sure that they have experience and specialize in selling cruises.

Related: Best Way to Book a Cruise: Travel Agent or Direct with the Cruise Line?

61. Book onboard

Booking a cruise while you’re on a cruise is often a great way to save money and get extra on board credits . Sometimes, you can make an open booking, which is great of you aren’t 100% sure which cruise you’d like to so next.

62. Arrive a day before your cruise

This tip is often repeated, but for good reason. Anything can happen, especially if you’re flying into your cruise port. Always plan to arrive at least one day before your cruise for peace of mind, plus you can visit your embarkation port city and extend your vacation .

63. Book excursions online (pre-cruise)

Along with online check in, it’s a good idea to pre-plan cruise excursions by booking them in advance. Often, the price will be less expensive than booking on the cruise ship and you’ll avoid disappointment of an excursion selling out.

64. Research your cruise ports

While you can book cruise line shore excursions, in some cases it can be easy and give you more freedom to head to a beach or do a walking tour on your own. Of course, you always want to be safe and never miss the cruise ship so research is key.

Find out info on specific cruise ports by reading reviews on Cruise Critic and other review sites and consider joining facebook groups and roll calls for your sailing. You may even find some fellow cruise passengers who want to organize a private tour together, which is common on some cruise itineraries.

We did this on our Mediterranean cruise and it worked very well.

65. Get travel insurance

Make sure you have travel insurance for your cruise . Often, the cruise line’s insurance has limitations on medical coverage, so it’s a good idea to research and buy cruise travel insurance that will fit your needs.

Related: What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Cruise Shore Excursion Tips

66. when to book excursions with the cruise line.

While you might save money by doing excursions on your own or booking privately, there are times when booking with the cruise line is your best bet.

If the activity or excursion is a full day or very far away, booking with the cruise line is a safer option.

Why? When you book with the cruise line it comes with an assurance that the ship won’t leave without you if your excursion is late. Unfortunately, anything can happen – there may be traffic or a taxi or bus may break down. It’s not as rare as you’d think (just google the YouTube videos).

67. DIY your shore excursion

Research your cruise port and see if you can visit easily on your own. Many cruise ports have beaches or attractions that are close by and easily accessible by taxi or walking.

For example, when we visit the island of St. Thomas on a cruise , we love to go to Magens Bay Beach on our own . When in Bermuda we head over to Horseshoe Bay Beach by shuttle.

It’s less expensive and we get more time at the beach.

68. Ask the crew for suggestions

This tip is not used nearly enough to get some great advice for visiting the cruise ports. The crew return to the ports almost every week, so they often know some of the best places to visit, as well as how to do it economically and safely. After all, they need to return to the ship even more than passengers!

I usually ask the people who work in the shops, because we’ve learned that they have more time off during the day than the waiters and cabin stewards. We’ve gotten great beach, restaurant and bar suggestions in the past. Of course the shore excursion desk staff are super helpful, and will often give you a map and some tips and recommendations.

69. Port lectures

Most cruise lines will have port lectures or port shopping talks . While in some destinations, the focus is on steering you to buy watches and jewelry or locally made items, which may or may not be your interest, we’ve found some talks to be very informative.

When in Europe, our experience was that the lectures were full of information about the sights and culture, as well as what to expect.

Important Cruise Tips & Reminders

70. put your phone on airplane mode.

When you sail in international waters, your mobile phone plan won’t usually cover. It can be common for people who forget to put their phone in airplane mode to have huge, unexpected cell phone charges. Put your phone in airplane mode before Sailaway to avoid this rookie cruiser mistake .

71. Bring refillable water bottles

Water is safe to drink on the ship, however many people like to have refillable water bottles to keep hydrated throughout the day. This is especially important when leaving the ship on cruise port days and excursions.

Make sure to pack a refillable water bottle as part of your cruise essentials packing list .

72. Bring plastic bags

Perhaps bringing plastic ziploc style baggies aren’t the most important thing in the world, but they sure are handy. You can use large ziplocks to place wet bathing suits after an excursion and smaller ziplocks to take snacks or a muffin from the buffet.

If you’re cruising with kids , you’ll see some pretty good tips in this post: 10 Cruise Experts Share Their Best Tips for Cruising with Kids

73. Check your passport

Friendly reminder – it’s been a while that many of us have traveled out of our country. Check your passport for the expiry date and make sure to renew way in advance. This is taking much longer than usual, and passports need to be valid for at least 6 months before you travel in many countries.

74. Get organized

I’ve heard so many people say that they’re finding it “harder” to travel these days, and this is true, but in most cases not as hard as it seems. Being organized and having everything in one place is more important than ever, and will be so helpful.

A) Proof of Vaccine

Keep your vaccine card and information in the same place as your passport. We’re using a passport wallet for this and will bring it on our cruise.

Here’s what we’re using: passport wallet (RFID)

B) Group booking emails

Group your cruise booking or reservation, flights, hotels, excursions and other emails pertaining to your cruise in an email file folder. It will be much easier to look things up and reference when everything is in one place.

C) Use a printable cruise travel planner

I like to have everything in one place and really like to write things down. If you’re the same, you’ll love the Ultimate Cruise Planner .

This is a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with several packing checklists, cruise port planning forms, payment trackers and more. The nice thing is that you can print out as many pages as you need, helpful as plans sometimes change.

Here are the details & what’s included: Ultimate Cruise Planner ($10 off for a limited time)

Things Not to Forget on Your Cruise

75. make your cruise easier with these cruise travel accessories.

“Cruise-approved” non -surge power bar with USB outlets

Cruise luggage tag holders

Passport wallet case

Hanging toiletry bag

Packing cubes

Magnet hooks

Portable electronic travel scale

Water-proof phone case lanyard

Vaccine card protector cruise lanyard

Carry on bag (nautical style)

Over the door hanging organizer

For a full list of cruise accessories please read this post next: 50 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon

Ultimate Cruise Hacks Video

Need more cruise hacks? In this video I go over 50 amazing cruise hacks, tips and information. It’s a long one, but totally worth it if you’re preparing for a cruise! It has over 170,000 views so far and I’m so grateful for your shares!

Final Thoughts: 75 Genius Cruise Tips and Hacks

Planning for a cruise is different than other types of vacations. In this post we shared 75 smart cruise hacks from saving money, to cruise food and drinks, to getting organized and more!

I’m always learning new cruise tips and tricks from other cruisers, so please share your cruise hacks in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Let’s connect:

Join me on Facebook at Life Well Cruised

Join me on YouTube at Life Well Cruised (Vlogs and cruise tips)

Join me on Pinterest at Life Well Cruised

Join me on Instagram at Life Well Cruised

I look for your videos every day. I do want to let you know that I have an airline stewardess that I watch her YouTube vids too. She said something I thought I’d mention to you. A J-hook. She said the J-hook takes a lot off the top of the suitcase to keep from hurting your back. I’ve looked at them on Amazon.

Thanks for mentioning this. I’m going to have to take a look and give it a try. I really appreciate you watching my videos and taking time to comment on my posts 🙂

UnitedHealth says Change hackers stole health data on ‘substantial proportion of people in America’

The health tech giant handles health data for about half of all americans.

Health insurance giant UnitedHealth Group has confirmed that a ransomware attack on its health tech subsidiary Change Healthcare earlier this year resulted in a huge theft of Americans’ private healthcare data.

UnitedHealth said in a statement on Monday that a ransomware gang took files containing personal data and protected health information that it says may “cover a substantial proportion of people in America.”

The health insurance giant did not say how many Americans are affected but said the data review was “likely to take several months” before the company would begin notifying individuals that their information was stolen in the cyberattack.

Change Healthcare processes insurance and billing for hundreds of thousands of hospitals, pharmacies and medical practices across the U.S. healthcare sector; it has access to massive amounts of health information on about half of all Americans.

UnitedHealth said it had not yet seen evidence that doctors’ charts or full medical histories were exfiltrated from its systems.

The admission that hackers stole Americans’ health data comes a week after a new hacking group began publishing portions of the stolen data in an effort to extort a second ransom demand from the company.

The gang, which calls itself RansomHub, published several files on its dark web leak site containing personal information about patients across an array of documents, some of which included internal files related to Change Healthcare. RansomHub said it would sell the stolen data unless Change Healthcare paid a ransom.

In a statement provided to TechCrunch, UnitedHealth spokesperson Tyler Mason confirmed the company paid the cybercriminals. “A ransom was paid as part of the company’s commitment to do all it could to protect patient data from disclosure.” The company would not confirm the amount it paid.

RansomHub is the second gang to demand a ransom from Change Healthcare. The health tech giant reportedly paid $22 million to a Russia-based criminal gang called ALPHV in March, which then disappeared, stiffing the affiliate that carried out the data theft out of their portion of the ransom.

RansomHub claimed in its post alongside the published stolen data that “we have the data and not ALPHV.”

In its statement Monday, UnitedHealth acknowledged the publication of some of the files but stopped short of claiming ownership of the documents. “This is not an official breach notification,” UnitedHealth said.

The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that the criminal hacking affiliate of ALPHV broke into Change Healthcare’s network using stolen credentials for a system that allows remote access to its network. The hackers were in Change Healthcare’s network for more than a week before deploying ransomware, allowing the hackers to steal significant amounts of data from the company’s systems.

The cyberattack at Change Healthcare began on February 21 and resulted in ongoing widespread outages at pharmacies and hospitals across the United States. For weeks, physicians, pharmacies and hospitals could not verify patient benefits for dispensing medications, organizing inpatient care, or processing prior authorizations necessary for surgeries.

Much of the U.S. healthcare system ground to a halt, with healthcare providers facing financial pressure as backlogs grow and outages linger.

UnitedHealth reported last week that the ransomware attack has cost it more than $870 million in losses. The company reported it made $99.8 billion in revenue during the first three months of the year, faring better than what Wall Street analysts had expected.

UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty, who received close to $21 million in total compensation the full year of 2022, is set to testify to House lawmakers on May 1 .

Updated with comment from UnitedHealth.

Want to see an NHS doctor? Prepare to cough up your data first.

International edition
Australia edition
Europe edition

Jürgen Klopp waves to the LIverpool fans after their 2-2 draw with West Ham.

Jürgen Klopp’s farewell tour descends from heavy metal to a heavy heart

Manager’s Liverpool reign is fizzling out as they once again fail to turn their supremacy into three points at West Ham

A sked to consider the imminent departure of Jürgen Klopp , David Moyes was in jovial mood. “I’ll be glad he’s gone. He’s too big. Teeth are too bright. I’ll be glad to see the back of him I’ve got to say. Hurry up and get away.”

But even for those who have been counting down the days, the rogue miserabilists, irredeemable misanthropes and rival managers, this cannot be how anybody wanted the story to end. Moyes admitted Liverpool were the better team here and by way of bonus added they had been also in their 2-0 defeat at Everton on Wednesday.

Liverpool were also better than Fulham last week, and Crystal Palace and Manchester United before that. But just one of those games has been won and the manner of its unravelling is the final cruelty of Klopp’s final season.

The German has not yet been bled dry of magic, is not entirely drained of energy or inspiration. He proved that much at half‑time here when he transfused focus and vitality to a team that in the opening period had simmered occasionally but never soared. A goal down at the break, within 10 minutes of the restart they had fashioned three excellent chances and an equaliser.

There was still joy in this performance. Luis Díaz was threatening and entertaining, Trent Alexander-Arnold played a handful of fabulous passes and Andy Robertson, despite having played all but six minutes of Liverpool’s past five league games and operating, in Klopp’s words, “on the edge”, was effervescent.

There was a moment in the first half when Liverpool were playing with Cody Gakpo on the left, Díaz on the right and Robertson and Alexis Mac Allister as a front two, demonstrating an openness to improvisation. That was also, and less pleasingly, displayed a little later when Ryan Gravenberch decided the best way to convert Gakpo’s centre when beautifully placed was with an off-balance reverse backheel flick (he made no contact).

In the first half, Robertson’s availability as an open passing option on the left and Harvey Elliott’s on the right, sucked the team into playing easy passes into areas that suited the West Ham defence. Part of their improvement after the break came with an increased willingness to attempt riskier but potentially more decisive passes through the middle. Still, their actual goals relied on a full-back and a triple deflection. They are a team that is straining but sagging.

The heavy metal football of Klopp’s heyday has been replaced with something that is just heavy. The manager himself is weighed down. He said little in a brief post-match press conference but there were a few phrases that revealed a dark mood: “I tried to do the right thing”; “It will be the next generation, not me any more”; “I’m sorry I don’t have better news for you or anybody else.”

Michail Antonio scores West Ham’s second goal.

It is not just Liverpool’s results that are not right at the moment. Klopp stands in the centre circle during the pre-match warm-ups, back to his own side, analysing the body language of their opponents. Had he spun around on this dismal, remorselessly grey April afternoon he would have noticed the disposition of certain members of his own side was even less sunny than the London sky.

after newsletter promotion

Mohamed Salah was the most obvious example and the Egyptian spent his final few minutes before retreating to the dressing room exchanging the most half-hearted of passes with Dominik Szoboszlai. While it might be a bit presumptuous to describe him in these moments as melancholic there was certainly no evidence of enthusiasm. It was as if his shoulders and his form had become engaged in a battle to see which could slump further.

How do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts?

Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.
If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.
Turn on sport notifications.

A couple of hours later, as the final whistle blew on this game and, to all intents and purposes, on Liverpool’s season, the first player to retreat down the tunnel was Salah. If for much of the match his side was evidently desperate for a player with precisely his skillset – lightning pace and an eye for goal – he did little once introduced to suggest he still possessed it or to replace in anyone’s memory the argument with Klopp on the touchline that immediately preceded his introduction. There was one run, with a minute of normal time to play, that evoked distant and splendid memories, but the pass at the end of it was appalling.

When Klopp announced in January his intention to leave the club at the end of the season talk was of a glorious, title-winning send-off. The issue now is not trophies but atrophy. Salah left the ground muttering angrily about “fire”; in truth we can barely see the embers.

West Ham United
Jürgen Klopp
Mohamed Salah

Bon Jovi docuseries 'Thank You, Goodnight' is an argument for respect

Eric Deggans

Jon Bon Jovi at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., in 2013. David Bergman/Hulu hide caption

Jon Bon Jovi at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., in 2013.

Hulu's docuseries Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story , spends a lot of time building up the Bon Jovi legend — exploring the band's almost unbelievable 40-plus-year run from playing hardscrabble rock clubs in New Jersey to earning platinum albums and entry into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

But what moved me most in the four-part series was something more revealing: its close look at the struggle by lead singer Jon Bon Jovi to overcome vocal problems which nearly led him to quit the band.

Footage of the singer croaking through vocal exercises, undergoing laser treatments, enduring acupuncture and finally turning to surgery is sprinkled throughout the series, which toggles back and forth between his problems in 2022 and a chronological story of the band's triumphs and tragedies from its earliest days.

Refusing to be Fat Elvis

Jon Bon Jovi was interviewed for Thank You, Goodnight . Disney/Hulu hide caption

Jon Bon Jovi was interviewed for Thank You, Goodnight .

Through it all, a question hangs: Will Bon Jovi ever recover enough vocal strength to lead a 40th anniversary tour?

"If I can't be the very best I can be, I'm out," he tells the cameras, still looking a bit boyish despite his voluminous gray hair at age 62. "I'm not here to drag down the legacy, I'm not here for the 'Where are they now?' tour ... I'm not ever gonna be the Fat Elvis ... That ain't happening."

Filmmaker Gotham Chopra — who has also directed docuseries about his father, spiritualist Deepak Chopra, and star quarterback Tom Brady — digs deeply into the band's history, aided by boatloads of pictures, video footage and early recordings provided by the group.

Former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora in Thank You, Goodnight Disney/Hulu hide caption

Former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora in Thank You, Goodnight

Chopra gets folks from the group's tight inner circle to speak up, including former manager Doc McGhee and guitarist Richie Sambora, who quit the band in 2013. ("Are we telling the truth, or are we going to lie, what are we going to do?" Sambora cracks to his offscreen interviewer. "Let's figure it out.")

But anyone expecting gossipy dish will walk away disappointed. Even major scandals in the band's history are handled with care, including the firing of founding bassist Alec John Such in 1994 (and the admission that his replacement, Hugh McDonald, already had been secretly playing bass parts on their albums for years), drummer Tico Torres' stint in addiction treatment and Sambora's decision to quit midway through a tour in 2013, with no notice to bandmates he had performed alongside for 30 years.

Alec John Such, a founding member of Bon Jovi, dies at 70

Sambora's explanation: When issues with substance use and family problems led him to miss recording sessions, Bon Jovi got producer John Shanks to play more guitar on their 2013 record What About Now . And Sambora was hurt.

"[Bon Jovi] had the whole thing kinda planned out," Sambora says, "which basically was telling me, um, 'I can do it without you.'"

Building a band on rock anthems

Jon Bon Jovi with guitarist Phil X. Disney/Hulu hide caption

Jon Bon Jovi with guitarist Phil X.

The docuseries shows how young New Jersey native John Bongiovi turned a job as a gofer at legendary recording studio The Power Station – owned by a cousin — into a recording of his first hit in the early 1980s, Runaway . His song eventually caught the ear of another little-known artist from New Jersey called Bruce Springsteen.

"The first demo I got of Jon's was a good song," says Springsteen, a longtime friend of Bon Jovi. "I mean, Jon's great talent is these big, powerful pop rock choruses that just demand to be sung by, you know, 20,000 people in an arena."

Music Interviews

Rock star jon bon jovi comes full 'circle'.

Thank You, Goodnight shows the band really took off by honing those rock anthems with songwriter Desmond Child, while simultaneously developing videos that showcased their status as a fun, rollicking live band. Hits like You Give Love a Bad Name, Livin' on a Prayer and Wanted: Dead or Alive made them MTV darlings and rock superstars.

Through it all, the singer and bandleader is shown as the group's visionary and spark plug, open about how strategically he pushed the band to write hit songs and positioned them for commercial success.

"It wasn't as though I woke up one morning and was the best singer in the school, or on the block, or in my house," he tells the camera, laughing. "I just had a desire and a work ethic that was always the driving force."

I saw that dynamic up close in the mid-1990s when I worked as a music critic in New Jersey, spending time with Jon Bon Jovi and the band. Back then, his mother ran the group's fan club and was always trying to convince the local rock critic to write about her superstar son – I was fascinated by how the band shrugged off criticisms of being uncool and survived changing musical trends, led by a frontman who worked hard to stay grounded.

Bon Jovi was always gracious and willing to talk; he even introduced me to then-New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman at one of his legendary Christmas charity concerts. (And in a crazy coincidence, the band's backup singer Everett Bradley is an old friend from college.)

I think the docuseries captures Bon Jovi's skill at leading the group through challenges musical and otherwise — from metal's slow fade off the pop charts to the rise of grunge rock — something the singer rarely gets credit for achieving.

Still, much of Thank You, Goodnight feels like an extended celebration of the band and its charismatic frontman, leavened by his earnest effort to regain control of his voice. If you're not a Bon Jovi fan, four episodes of this story may feel like a bit much (I'd recommend at least watching the first and last episodes.)

More than anything, the docuseries feels like an extended argument for something Bon Jovi has struggled to achieve, even amid million selling records and top-grossing concert tours – respect as a legendary rock band.

The audio and digital versions of this story were edited by Jennifer Vanasco .

Britney Spears says there has been ‘no justice’ after settling conservatorship case: ‘My family hurt me’

View Author Archive
Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Britney Spears says there’s been “no justice” for the ways her family “hurt” her after settling her conservatorship case.

The “Toxic” songstress uploaded a candid Instagram post Sunday, alleging the ways she’s been harmed without any consequences for her abusers.

“I was actually right about nerve damage in my back !!!” she wrote alongside a snap of her backside sans clothes. “I have to get acupuncture [sic] every day of my life now !!!”

Singer Britney Spears (2nd,L) and family (L-R), father Jamie, brother Bryan and mother Lynne

“If people only knew how ive had to crawl to my own door one time !!!” the pop icon continued. “My family hurt me !!! There has been no justice and probably never will be !!!”

Spears, 42, alleged there was a group of unnamed people who sat and “did absolutely nothing” for “months” while she was being mistreated.

“The way I was brought up I was always taught the formative of right and wrong but the very two people who brought me up with that method hurt me !!!,” she added, seemingly referring to her parents Jamie and Lynne Spears.

The “Gimmie More” songstress alluded that she sometimes confronts her perpetrators on Instagram because she doesn’t believe it will be safe if she addressed them “face to face.”

For more Page Six you love…

Listen to our weekly “We Hear” podcast
Shop our exclusive merch

Britney concluded that she misses her home in Louisiana, where she used to live as a child .

“I wish I could visit but they took everything !!!” she wrote.

Britney’s emotional post comes days after she officially settled her conservatorship case with her estranged father.

“As she desired, her freedom now includes that she will no longer need to attend or be involved with court or entangled with legal proceedings in this matter,” her attorney, Mathew Rosengart, told Page Six Friday.

The legal arrangement, which was enacted in 2008 by Jamie, gave him control over his daughter’s financial, personal, professional and medical proceedings.

Want more celebrity and pop culture news?

Start your day with Page Six Daily.

Thanks for signing up!

Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Want celebrity news as it breaks? Hooked on Housewives?

Ahead of the conservatorship being terminated in November 2021 , Britney testified against Jamie , 71, claiming he forced her to get treatment in a rehab facility, where she was forced to strip naked in front of staff.

The pop princess also claimed she was forced to get an IUD to prevent her from having more kids.

Britney later opened up about her father’s role as her conservator in her 2023 memoir “The Woman in Me,” writing that he only saw her “as put on the earth for no other reason than to help their cash flow.”

At the time, court filings supported her theory, showing Jamie paid himself about $6 million over the 13 years he served as his daughter’s conservator.

Britney continues to remain estranged from her father despite the patriarch’s ongoing health issues.

Meanwhile, her relationship with her mom and sister, Jamie Lynn Spears, 33, is on the mend .

Share this article:

IMAGES

ᐈ Como Ser Tour Manager: Qué Hace y Cuánto Cobra
How to Become a Concert Tour Manager & What to Expect on the Road
How to Become a Tour Manager? Courses & Colleges
How to Be Your Own Tour Manager
Travel Hacks: 50 Traveling Hacks To Save You Time, Space And Money
What Does a Tour Manager Actually Do?

VIDEO

Top 5 ways we TRAVEL HACK!
Bad travel hack? Why experts warn against 'skiplagging'
Travel Hacks
Review about Social media training #upgradeindia #entrepreneurlife #training #socialmediamarketing
exploit TinyMCE Ajax File Manager Remote Code
My TOP 3 Travel Hacks!

COMMENTS

'Hacks' Cast and Characters
Hacks Season 3 is returning to Max this Spring. Here are the new and returning cast members you should know about. ... Deborah allows Marcus to take over her tour when her current tour manager ...
Hacks Creator Reveals How Laurie Metcalf Ended Up on Season 2
Still, we found ourselves blown away by her latest role: A tour manager named Weed on season two of Hacks. We were curious to learn how this TV-legend-turned-Oscar-nominated actress ended up as a ...
Laurie Metcalf Is Jean Smart's New Tour Manager in Trailer for Hacks
The post Laurie Metcalf Is Jean Smart 's New Tour Manager in Trailer for Hacks Season 2: Watch appeared first on Consequence.. The full trailer for Season 2 of the Emmy Award-winning HBO Max ...
Hacks (TV Series 2021- )
key assistant location manager (9 episodes, 2021-2024) Kyle Sucher ... location manager / supervising location manager (20 episodes, 2021-2024) Jessica Aichs ... key assistant location manager (1 episode, 2021-2022) Brittany Anders ... key assistant location manager (1 episode, 2021-2022) Danny Finn ...
'Hacks' Season Two, Episode 3 Recap: Trust the Process
Trust the Process. Ava is in the dog house this episode. This dog house takes the form of a coffin-size bunk bed on Deborah's luxury tour bus (half-size to make room for her regenerative LED ...
'Hacks' Season 2 Trailer Finds Deborah Vance Meeting Her New Tour
Jean Smart's Deborah Vance is back on the road in the Season 2 trailer for the HBO Max series "Hacks," and she's got a new tour manager along for the ride.
Inside The Episode Trust The Process
Go behind the scenes of Hacks Season 2 Episode 3. While on the road, the complicated relationship between Deborah and Ava continues to evolve. Although Debor...
Hacks season 2
The second season of the HBO Max streaming comedy-drama television series Hacks debuted on May 12, 2022, and concluded on June 2, 2022. It consists of eight episodes, each with approximate runtime of 30-35 minutes. The season centers Deborah Vance perfecting material for her new stand-up show, in which she shares previously unrevealed information about her personal life.
See Jean Smart in the First Trailer for Hacks' Season 2
Hacks Season 2 Teaser Promises a Dramatic National Standup Tour for Deborah Vance and Ava In response, the pair's manager Jimmy LuSaque ( Paul W. Downs ) says: "She will kill you if she finds out."
Hacks (TV series)
Hacks is an American comedy-drama television series created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky that premiered on May 13, 2021, on HBO Max.Starring Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, and Carl Clemons-Hopkins, the series centers on the professional relationship between a young comedy writer and a legendary stand-up comedian.The series received critical acclaim and won accolades ...
Hacks season two review: the most vile
The women's shared manager Jimmy tells Ava to stay away from Deborah, who is still her boss. But Deborah bundles Ava into her car and takes her out on the road, on a back-to-basics comedy tour ...
Hacks (TV Series 2021- )
Hacks. Seasons Years Top-rated; 1 2 3; Top-rated. S2.E1 ∙ There Will Be Blood. ... Deborah embraces tour life. Ava grapples with the value of honesty. Jimmy learns the harsh realities of Hollywood dealmaking. 8.6 /10 (875) Rate. S2.E3 ∙ Trust the Process. Thu, May 19, 2022. Deborah continues to workshop her material on the road, as Ava ...
'Hacks' Hits The Road In Travis Baker's Tour Bus
By Sarah Shachat. May 20, 2022 11:40 am. "Hacks". Karen Ballard/HBO Max. In real life, tour buses look somewhat anonymous at best, and like they've eaten decades worth of highway dust at worst ...
The tour manager : r/hackshbomax
The tour manager . I just realized the tour manager was played by the same actress who played Sheldon's mom in The Big Bang Theory. Her name is Laurie Metcalf. ... Laurie is crazy talented and though her spot this season on Hacks was short, she was amazing in it. I'll always miss Weed and her need to sleep upright 😢
What is a tour manager and what do they do?
The job of a tour manager can involve event coordination, accounting, travel and logistics coordination, operations, merchandise sales and ticketing settlement, human resources, and sometimes tour managers can even take on the role of a personal assistant. To be a good tour manager, one needs to be detail oriented, but also able to see the full ...
12 tour manager Jobs in Hacks Neck, VA, December 2023
Search Tour manager jobs in Hacks Neck, VA with company ratings & salaries. 10 open jobs for Tour manager in Hacks Neck.
'Hacks' Season 2 Trailer Finds Deborah Vance Meeting Her New Tour
Jean Smart is back with some new additions, including Laurie Metcalf in the "Weed" role
Tour Manager Job Description [Updated for 2024]
Job Title: Tour Manager. Work Environment: Varies based on tour. Travel is required. Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Operations. Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum.
How To Become a Tour Manager in 5 Steps
Here are the basic steps you can take to become a tour manager: 1. Pursue relevant education. Some employers may require a bachelor's degree, while others need only a high school diploma or certificate. Most employers prefer a degree in business management, music, communication, marketing, entrepreneurship or a related area.
Tour Manager: Secret Stories on Steam
Tour Manager offers you the role of a director of a travel agency, who has to create a successful business from scratch. You have to hire guides, buy buses, open attractions so that customers are satisfied with the services of your company. Run advertising to attract new customers. Manage the company's finances. This city needs a good travel ...
Tour Manager: Revenue, Competitors, Alternatives
2022-04-20 - Hacks' Season 2 Trailer Teases the Return of Jean Smart's HBO Max Hit. Jean Smart's Deborah Vance is back on the road in the Season 2 trailer for the HBO Max series Hacks, and she's got a new tour manager along for the ride.
Coach Holiday Tour Manager
A coach holiday Tour Manager will want to do everything they can to resolve a guest complaint, because they want to have happy guests. They will also be required to keep detailed notes of the complaint to pass back to the holiday company in case of any future correspondence or action required. Tour Manager. 8.
75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips: Get Organized, Save Money, Cruise
3. Luggage tag holders. Save time and add convenience by printing your cruise luggage tags and placing them in these plastic luggage tag holders. They're reusable and inexpensive as well. Recommended: Luggage tag holders (find your cruise line tags here) 4. Make your luggage stand out.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's teenage daughters stun in rare red
Pickleball to Eras Tour prep: How Taylor Swift's skorts helped Popflex go viral Save up to 75% on the budget-friendly kids' clothes celebrity moms swear by Get Alix Earle's hairstyling hack ...
UnitedHealth says Change hackers stole health data on 'substantial
UnitedHealth says Change hackers stole health data on 'substantial proportion of people in America' The health tech giant handles health data for about half of all Americans
Actor Mike Myers makes first public appearance in a year at AFI awards
Pickleball to Eras Tour prep: How Taylor Swift's skorts helped Popflex go viral Save up to 75% on the budget-friendly kids' clothes celebrity moms swear by Get Alix Earle's hairstyling hack ...
Jürgen Klopp's farewell tour descends from heavy metal to a heavy heart
Manager's Liverpool reign is fizzling out as they once again fail to turn their supremacy into three points at West Ham Asked to consider the imminent departure of Jürgen Klopp, David Moyes was ...
Bon Jovi docuseries 'Thank You, Goodnight' is an argument for respect
Chopra gets folks from the group's tight inner circle to speak up, including former manager Doc McGhee and guitarist Richie Sambora, who quit the band in 2013.
Bhad Bhabie dissolved her fillers, warns people to stop getting them
Pickleball to Eras Tour prep: How Taylor Swift's skorts helped Popflex go viral Save up to 75% on the budget-friendly kids' clothes celebrity moms swear by Get Alix Earle's hairstyling hack ...
Britney Spears says there has been 'no justice' after settling
Pickleball to Eras Tour prep: How Taylor Swift's skorts helped Popflex go viral Save up to 75% on the budget-friendly kids' clothes celebrity moms swear by Get Alix Earle's hairstyling hack ...

‘Hacks’ Cast and Characters: Who’s Returning in Season 3 of the Hit Max Series?

'Hacks' Season 3 Will Go "Hard & Deep" with Deborah & Ava's Twisted Love

Hannah Einbinder

Carl Clemons-Hopkins

Mark Indelicato

Paul W. Downs

Megan Stalter

New Cast Members

Paul W. Downs Reveals How Hacks Landed Laurie Metcalf for Season 2

Trending Stories

Hacks Recap: Turn the Bus Around

Caftan Watch

Most Viewed Stories

Editor’s Picks

Most Popular

Sign In To Continue Reading

‘Hacks’ Season 2 Trailer Finds Deborah Vance Meeting Her New Tour Manager Nicknamed ‘Weed’ (Video)

'Hacks' Season 2 Trailer Sees Jean Smart's Deborah Question Whether Going on Tour Was a 'Good Idea'

Related Articles

Episode list

S2.E1 ∙ There Will Be Blood

S2.E2 ∙ Quid Pro Quo

S2.E3 ∙ Trust the Process

S2.E4 ∙ The Captain's Wife

S2.E5 ∙ Retired

S2.E6 ∙ The Click

S2.E7 ∙ On the Market

S2.E8 ∙ The One, The Only

More from this title

Recently viewed

How ‘Hacks’ Built a Tour Bus That Puts Deborah Vance’s Mansion on Wheels

Most Popular

What is a Tour Manager and what do they do?

What is a Tour Manager?

What are the Specific Jobs of a Tour Manager?

Entertainment

New on Yahoo

‘Hacks’ Season 2 Trailer Finds Deborah Vance Meeting Her New Tour Manager Nicknamed ‘Weed’ (Video)

Recommended Stories

NFL Draft: Packers fan upset with team's 1st pick, and Lions fans hilariously rubbed it in

NFL Draft: Bears take Iowa punter, who immediately receives funny text from Caleb Williams

NFL to allow players to wear protective Guardian Caps in games beginning with 2024 season

NFL Draft: Spencer Rattler's long wait ends, as Saints draft him in the 5th round

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones compared his 2024 NFL Draft strategy to robbing a bank

Korey Cunningham, former NFL lineman, found dead in New Jersey home at age 28

2024 NFL Draft grades: Kansas City Chiefs get even richer with one of the best hauls this year

Michael Penix Jr. said Kirk Cousins called him after Falcons' surprising draft selection

Panthers owner David Tepper stopped by Charlotte bar that criticized his draft strategy

Tour Manager Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Tour Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Tour Manager Job Description Template

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Additional Information

What Does a Tour Manager Do?

Tour Manager Qualifications and Skills

Tour Manager Experience Requirements

Tour Manager Education and Training Requirements

Tour Manager Salary Expectations

Tour Manager Job Description FAQs

Do Tour Managers need a degree?

What should you look for in a Tour Manager resume?

What qualities make a good Tour Manager?

Is it difficult to hire a Tour Manager?

Similar Posts

Contract Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Category Manager Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Computer Analyst Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Translator Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Airline Cadet Pilot Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Legal Advisor Job Description [Updated for 2024]

Buy Tour Manager: Secret Stories

About This Game

More like this

Popular user-defined tags for this product: (?)

What Is Tour Manager ?

Tour Manager Revenue and Competitors

Tour Manager News

Other Companies in Australia Fair

Coach Holiday Tour Manager – All You Need to Know