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JD Lasica / Special to Cruiseable

Hotel director Andrea Muege: "It's so heartening seeing all the guests who are so excited about coming back to cruising."

'Cruising is back!' — Q&A with Celebrity Equinox’s hotel director

San Francisco Bay Area

CruiseClout score: 95.0

Now that the cruise sector is bouncing back from the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, I sat down last week with Celebrity Cruises hotel director Andrea Muege during my first sailng on Celebrity Equinox .

We discussed her role, the ship itself and the state of cruising today — including how remarkable it is that the cruise experience hasn't been compromised in light of the restrictions seen in other travel sectors. 

Following is the conversation between Cruiseable editor in chief JD Lasica and Andrea Muege, Celebrity Equinox's hotel director.  

Q&A with Celebrity Equinox's h otel director

Can you tell us what the hotel director does on a cruise ship?

Sure. The job entails looking after the largest division on the ship. That includes everything from food and beverage, housekeeping and finance to IT, the spa and all the revenue departments. I'm doing everything with this amazing team except driving the ship.

We'll leave that to the captain. What does a typical day look like for you?

It depends on if it's a sea day or a port day. It might begin with welcoming guests to the ports. I try to do a walk every day from the top to bottom of the ship to try is to see as many guests and crew members as possible. Then there are a number of meetings and dealing with unexpected things that always come up.

So every day is different and this is what I love about the job, making sure that guests are having a good time. This is not a nine to five job.

Tell me a little bit about Celebrity Equinox and what's special about it.

It's the crew that creates such amazing, memorable experiences. It's so heartening seeing all the guests who are so excited about coming back to cruising after the pandemic and interacting with the the crew that we all love so much. It's the itineraries as well. For some guests, the itinerary is the most important factor — and Celebrity Equinox has great itineraries— while for others it's really the ship that's the main attraction. 

Is there one particular hallmark of a Celebrity Equinox sailing that makes it stand out?

It's all about the experiences. For example, I took a hot glass-blowing class, and if you have never done that in your life, it's a blast. I now have my own piece unique glass piece. We cater to all sorts of guests — those who want to be entertained or those who just want to find a nice secluded reading corner. We're also known for our restaurants: Tuscan Grill with its Italian touches, Murano with its elegant European flair, Sushi on Five. There are so many culinary experiences to discover. 

And Le Petit Chef at Qsine. 

Guests are loving that. The first time you go, you're immersed by the 3D storytelling and the visuals right on the table, and then you're served the dish. 

Who does Celebrity Equinox appeal to in particular?

At this current stage due to outside circumstances, it's predominately the American market, with our home port in Miami. We cater to all nationalities. When we sail in Europe we attract a lot of European guests. When we go to Asia, it's a mixed international crowd. In Australia, besides the Australians we get a lot of British and Americans.  

And on this sailing at least, it's certainly a more senior crowd. 

That's due to a number of factors. Many guests start cruising with Royal Caribbean, often with younger children. Then when the children get older you begin looking for different itineraries and experiences. And this is where you then start sailing on Celebrity. And it's our philosophy not to exceed 3,000 passengers, and that sets us apart from Royal. 

On this voyage, Celebrity is still ramping up but you're sailing at about half capacity, correct?

This ship has a capacity of 2,850 passengers, and we're carrying 1,180 (41% of capacity). But the next cruise will have over 1,600 guests and the one after that will go up to 2,000. We're seeing the same growth trend with all our other ships as things begin to return to normal. So you see, cruising is back! 

For those who haven't sailed since before the pandemic, how has cruising changed?

We have tried really hard to bring cruising back to almost as it was before. Have you noticed any differences?

I see more of an emphasis on health and safety. No more self-serve buffets, the crew serves you. The muster drill is done on your stateroom TV. As an additional precaution, the crew members wear masks, even though we've all been vaccinated. 

This is what the guests tell us they always appreciate. The environment on the ship, which was the cleanest you can imagine before the pandemic, is now really amazing. Royal Caribbean (the corporation that owns Celebrity) brought together a health panel with experts from all around the world and took a series of steps to make the ships extra safe. Our chairman, Mr. Richard Fain, reported a few weeks ago that out of over half a million passengers who've cruised with us since the pandemic started, we've 0.02% COVID cases. This is unheard of. When we board the ship, we do a PCR test. And we require all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated. 

Including the entertainers.

Yes. This is also one of the unique things about our brand — the diversity of live entertainment. Maybe you have experienced our classical guitarist or our guest band or our live production shows. 

It seems like there are a lot of wellness options on the ship. Is that one of the things Celebrity is known for?

Yes. I think also we have seen a trend during the pandemic that well-being and healthy food have become more important to all of us. And this is also what Celebrity has focused on with our Aqua Class stateroom accounts. These guests have their own dedicated restaurant, the Blu restaurant, which specializes in healthier options. These guest can also order special wellness treatments like acupuncture, yoga mats, special weights so they can do the exercise by themselves on their own terms. And then the various offerings in our spa and fitness area and the Retreat lounge and sundeck for our suite guests.

People also seem excited by the new ships Celebrity has coming out.

I was the opening hotel director for our very unique expedition ship in the Galapagos , the Celebrity Flora . You should really experience that part of the world if you haven't. At the front of the ship you can really see the stars and they're incredible, including the Southern Cross. You can really sleep under the stars in a beautiful cabana with a duvet. You wake up in the morning, we serve you breakfast and it's a dream. It's priceless. 

Next we'll have a christening ceremony for Celebrity Apex , and she will cruise in the Caribbean. And next year, Celebrity Beyond , which will be really beyond. I mean, the ship got extended by 22 meters, and it has even more restaurants and bars and lounges and experiences. So you need to come and try it.

JD Lasica I'm Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of Cruiseable. Follow your cruise bliss to any land where it may lead. Let's connect! I'm @jdlasica on Twitter.

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Celebrity Equinox

Cruise line Celebrity Cruises

• Barcelona (Spain)
• Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)
• Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)
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Celebrity Equinox current position

Celebrity Equinox current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 37.73860 N / -25.66052 W) cruising en route to AZORES PONTA DELGAD. The AIS position was reported 1 minute ago.

Current itinerary of Celebrity Equinox

Celebrity Equinox current cruise is 12 days, one-way from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon . Prices start from USD 692 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 11 Apr, 2024 and ends on 23 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Celebrity Equinox

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Celebrity Equinox Itineraries

Celebrity equinox review, review of celebrity equinox.

The 2009-built Celebrity Equinox cruise ship is the 2nd of the Solstice-class Celebrity liners, with sisterships Eclipse , Silhouette , Solstice , Reflection . Celebrity Cruises Equinox ship was scheduled for "Celebrity Revolution" drydock refurbishment on May 25, 2019.

The vessel (IMO number 9372456) is currently Malta- flagged (MMSI 249667000) and registered in Valletta .

History - construction and ownership

Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 as the Greece-based Chandris Line (cruise shipping operations between 1974-1996). In 1997, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) merged with "Celebrity Cruises Ltd" to become "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd" (RCCL). The "X" on ship funnels is the Greek letter chi (standing for "Chandris"). Common features of Celebrity Cruises ships include aft located glass-walled dining rooms, signature alternate dining venues, bars and lounges, spacious Atrium lobby areas, a large number of balcony staterooms, large sundecks with swimming pools, The Retreat (adults-only sundeck with full-size swimming pool, Jacuzzi, cabanas, poolside full bar service). Rooftop Terrace (top-deck outdoor lounge-restaurant-cinema), large Spa (with Thermal Suites), premium retail shops selling top-brand merchandise.

The 2900-passenger ship Celebrity Equinox started her inaugural journey on July 31, 2009. The cruise vessel gives a large variety of stateroom categories, plus Celebrity Cruises signature Concierge Class and the new AquaClass. Celebrity Equinox boasts a large theater, a lot of dining options plus a specialty restaurant for AquaClass guests, The Patio on the Lawn, a lot of bars and clubs, Solstice Deck, youth facilities, Online@Celebrity, and many other common and special features. There are new things, such as glass-blowing demonstrations and The Lawn Club, a live grass lawn between the ship's funnels on the upper deck.

Decks and Cabins

Celebrity Equinox staterooms (1426 total, in 30 grades) include 66x Suites, 1150 Balconies, 70x Oceanviews, 140x Inside cabins. Most staterooms are sized 195 ft2 / 18 m2. Around 85% of all passenger accommodations have a private step-out balcony. Most balconies are sized 55 ft2 / 5 m2. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 30. The largest are the Penthouse Suites (1290 ft2 / 120 m2 with terrace sized 390 ft2 / 36 m2).

The boat has 15 decks , of which 14 are passenger-accessible and 8 with cabins.

The 2019 refurbishment resulted in refreshed staterooms and stunning enhancements designed with passenger comfort in mind, now featuring Celebrity Cruises' exclusive eXhale bedding collection with King-sized Cashmere mattresses.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Celebrity's focus on dining means an abundance of options. Passengers are able to select from any time they feel hungry. The two fee-free venues on offer are The Silhouette Restaurant - Main Dining Room, and the Oceanview Cafe lido deck buffet. There is a second dining room, The Blu, exclusively for use by suite and AquaClass passengers. Added-fee specialty options open to all paying guests on Equinox include the Italian/American Tuscan Grille, the continental Murano Restaurant, and the pan-Asian Silk Harvest. More informal restaurants include the Cafe al Bacio, Bistro on Five, Gelateria, Mast Grill, and AquaSpa Cafe.

Follows the complete list of Celebrity Equinox restaurants and food bars.

• Murano (78-seats specialty restaurant, reservations only; with French cuisine, Five Senses tasting menu, Champagne High Tea Time; with Demonstration Kitchen for live cooking shows; also features the Wine Cellar annex)
• Silhouette Restaurant (1,402-seat aft Dining Room, with open seating Breakfast 8:00-9:30 a.m., Lunch 12:00-1:30 p.m., Afternoon Tea 4:00-5:00 p.m., and two fixed Dinner seatings - at 6:00 and 8:30 p.m., or "My Time Dining")
• Bistro on Five (68-seat creperie all-you-can-eat restaurant; offers lunch and dinner with table-side service)
• The Qsine (former Silk Harvest, 88-seat Asian specialty restaurant/sushi bar, reservation only) features both the brand's exclusive Le Petit ChefTM and Friends as well as the original Le Petit ChefTM, a couple of unique dining experiences developed via a partnership with TableMationTM and SkullmappingTM using innovative 4k technology
• Blu (130-seat AquaClass passengers only restaurant, reservations required; also serves Suite guests upon availability)
• AquaSpa Cafe (28-seat complimentary Solarium and Spa bar, self-service; offers healthy food choices for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
• Oceanview Cafe & Bar (768-seat indoor/outdoor self-service buffet restaurant, complimentary; open between 6:30 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, with a variety of food stations)
• Tuscan Grille (130-seat specialty seafood/steakhouse restaurant; reservations-only)
• Mast Bar (alfresco burger bar, poolside; offers complimentary lunch).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

For some of the best entertainment on Celebrity Equinox, head to the Lawn Club for an extraordinary demonstration of glass-blowing. Cool down with a drink just a few steps away, at the Sunset Bar at the aft of the ship. The Sin City burlesque show and late-night comedy on Deck 4 is another option. For typical cruise entertainment fare, enjoy the twice-nightly acts in Equinox Theatre, that are performed shortly after dinner seatings. In addition to the produced onboard shows, well-respected headlining acts include guest singers and musicians, magicians and theatrical productions.

The 2019 refurbishment included the launch of a new partnership with Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, boasting S.T.E.M.-focused activations and first-at-sea programming offered as part of the Camp at Sea for young vacationers. Impressive digital enhancements were also added, including the RFID lock technology and pervasive Xcelerate Wi-Fi. Travellers are able to experience the line's industry-first facial recognition technology via the implementation of Celebrity Cruises app, enabling expedited boarding and smooth port arrival, plus additional features like digital room keys and guest-to-guest chat.

Follows the complete list of Celebrity Equinox lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Equinox Theatre (1,115-seat show lounge for grand musical and show productions; hosts daily trivia games, bingo, classes, movies)
• Equinox Atrium "Grand Foyer" (3-deck open floor area with live music entertainment); Boulevard Shops (seven Atrium duty-free shops and boutiques); Galleria Boutiques (ten duty-free shops); Sun & Sea Shop; The Lawn Club Shop. World-class retail offerings were added in 2019, of which Kate Spade, John Hardy Boutique, and a new watch boutique featuring Hublot, Shinola, and other Swiss watch brands.
• Passport Bar (Atrium Lobby Bar with live entertainment)
• Craft Social (former Gastrobar) is a casual spot offering over 40 craft beers, wines and cocktails on tap, food favourites, flat-screen TVs, and leather seating
• The Entertainment Court (live performances, dance parties)
• Quasar Disco Nightclub
• Celebrity Central (200-seat show lounge for movies, musical performances, comedy shows; also hosts classes and games)
• The Retreat Lounge (former Michael's Club, piano bar); Martini Bar; Crush Bar (with a 12-seat table filled with ice cubes in the middle); Galleria Tastings (food and wine tastings, fashion shows, art auctions); Molecular Bar; Ensemble Lounge
• Photo Gallery & Shop
• Equinox Fortunes Casino
• Celebrity iLounge (24-hour Internet computers room; sells Apple computers; classes available)
• Team Earth (eco-awareness club)
• Game On (Card Room)
• Relaxation Lounge
• Sky Observation Lounge & Nightclub
• Cafe Al Bacio & Gelateria (54-seat a la carte specialty coffee, patisserie, ice cream; with the Gelateria - Italian Gelato ice cream bar)
• Cellar Masters (24-hour Wine Bar; features an Enomatic wine tasting system; provides Sommelier consultations in the evenings)
• Art Gallery; Library
• Acupuncture at Sea; Elmis Shop (Spa products); Aquaspa & Fitness complex with Persian Garden (Thermal Suite - rain shower, steam room, sauna, heated loungers), Therapy and Treatment Rooms, Hair & Beauty Salon, Solarium (adults area) and Aquaspa Cafe (spa bar)
• Unique new products and treatments were offered at The Spa by Canyon Ranch following 2019 refurbishment, such as 3 new Signature Couples’ treatments, Dyson Supersonic blow-outs at Canyon Ranch Blow-Out Bar, Mink and Rapid Lash services, new customized facials by Reveal Machine, and more
• Fitness Center (with separate Aerobics area)
• Solarium Pool area (with adults-only Thalassotherapy Pool and seawater lap pool; 2 Whirlpools)
• Pool Bar; Sports Pool;
• Family Pool;
• Wet Zone (children's water playground)
• The Hot Glass Show (live glass-blowing show; "The Corning Museum of Glass")
• Sunset Bar (alfresco bar, selling fine cigars)
• Patio on the Lawn (relaxation area); The Lawn Club (real green grass relaxation area)
• Kids clubs by age (Fun Factory 3-11 yo, Shipmates 3-5 yo, Cadets 6-8 yo, Ensigns 9-11 yo, with supervised age-appropriate activities, like arts-crafts, themed parties, games, movies, toys, interactive games, scavenger hunts)
• X-Club (teen-only disco and lounge area); Video Games Arcade
• Tennis Tables, Shuffleboard; Power Walking/Jogging Track; Multi-sports outdoor court; 3-hole Mini Golf putting, Lawn Bowling, Bocce, Croquet; Sun Deck area.

In 2023, Celebrity introduced pickleball playing (at the sports courts) fleetwide. The sports facilities are complimentary, including the pickleball equipment (net, paddles, balls) but operated with separate scheduled playing times for adults and families (with kids older than 6).

Pickleball Court's locations vary by ship class - on EDGE ships is at the Rooftop Garden (Deck 15), on SOLSTICE ships is on the Sports Deck (Deck 15), on MILLENNIUM ships - at the Multi-Sports Court (Deck 12).

Itineraries

Celebrity Equinox itinerary program is based on Panama Canal and Western Caribbean roundtrips with departures from Fort Lauderdale Florida USA . Equinox also operates in Europe on Mediterranean Sea voyages leaving from Piraeus-Athens , Istanbul and Barcelona , with seasonal Transatlantic crossings (RepositionCruises.com).

In summer 2017, Equinox started year-round Caribbean deployment with homeporting in PortMiami .

For winter 2024-2025 (November 21st thru March 1st), the ship was to be deployed in South America and homeported in Buenos Aires Argentina . However, in Aug 2023, Celebrity canceled the plan and replaced it with Caribbean voyages leaving roundtrip from Port Canaveral/Orlando - a first-time homeport for the company. Equinox's Caribbean schedule (November 2024 thru April 2025) listed 20x ex-Port Canaveral itineraries visiting destinations in Belize, Mexico, Grand Cayman, Bahamas, Puerto Rico/San Juan, St Maarten/Philipsburg. Two itineraries in March 2025 included visits to Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay .

Celebrity Equinox - user reviews and comments

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Other Celebrity Cruises cruise ships

• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Ascent
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Infinity
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• Celebrity Reflection
• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel
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Celebrity Equinox Wiki

Celebrity Cruises Equinox is from the Solstice-class liners, with sisterships Eclipse , Reflection , Silhouette , Solstice . Equinox is the second Solstice-class vessel, built for the price of USD 750 million. The inaugural cruise was on 31 July 2009. As a Solstice-class ship, Equinox is among the most environment-friendly cruise vessels. She saves up to 30% more energy than a typical one due to her equipment of an efficient hull design coated with light-emitting diodes and the photovoltaic system. Equinox staterooms are in different categories including the new cabin types (signature ConciergeClass & AquaClass). 85% of all cabins are balcony rooms. Deck layouts show a convenient configuration of public spaces (entertainment venues located forward, restaurants - aft), 10 amazing places for dining out, spacious cabins (Inside rooms are sized from 185 ft2 / 17 m2).

Equinox had a scheduled 2017 season in Europe (Mediterranean), but the vessel was redeployed instead in the USA (Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from PortMiami Florida ) for summer 2017 (June, July, August).

In July 2016, Celebrity revealed that the Equinox ship starts year-round Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries out of homeport Miami in 2017. Beginning in April, the vessel (which typically repositions to Europe for the summer) offered a total of 24x departures from PortMiami, including 7-night itineraries (June through August) and 10-11-night roundtrips (throughout the rest of 2017).

• To start its ever-first Caribbean summer program, Equinox hosted an 11-night special cruise with 2 overnight stays in New Orleans (during the city's famous Jazz Festival / starting April 24).
• Celebrity wrapped up Equinox's summer 2017 Caribbean season with a "President's Cruise" (departure August 27). On this 8-night Eastern Caribbean voyage, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo (the company's President) accompanied passengers on shore excursions and also attended themed onboard events.
• In 2018, the liner was again Transatlantic repositioned to Europe (Mediterranean) for the summer.

FRIENDS-themed cruise 2022

In mid-June 2022 was announced that the "Fana World Travel" agency has chartered the Equinox ship for the "Cruise with Friends". The themed voyage was for the ultimate fans of the FRIENDS TV series (a sitcom of 10 seasons produced in the period 1994-2004).

The 6-day Caribbean roundtrip from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA) was scheduled to depart on May 15 (thru May 21, 2022) and visit Key West Florida , George Town (Grand Cayman Island) and Cozumel Mexico .

The unique vacation experience included a trivia game and a costume contest, among other planned onboard fun activities. The agency's website teased with "get ready to eat like Joey, joke like Chandler, cook like Monica, shop like Rachel, yoga like Phoebe and dig like Ross".

Agency's fares were per stateroom and ranged from USD 1650 (EUR 1360) for Inside cabins to USD 3050 (EUR 2520) for Sky Suites. Prices were inclusive of Gov taxes, port fees, gratuities, premium beverage package, unlimited Wi-Fi, USD 150 (shore excursion credit).

Celebrity Equinox refurbishment 2019 review

The ship's drydock in May 2019 was in Freeport Bahamas . The USD 70 million project was part of the company's "Celebrity Revolution" fleetwide renovation program.

The Equinox project included adding new staterooms (including Sunset Suites), upgrading all cabins with new furniture, programmable RFID door locks (wristband and card access), Bluetooth connectivity, adding The Retreat Sundeck (exclusive suite passengers-only relaxation complex, fka Solstice Deck), redesigning Oceanview Cafe (Deck 14). Cabin upgrades also included all bathrooms, new LED lighting, carpeting, drapes, bed linens, artworks.

Lawn Club was updated with 8 Alcoves and a large-size outdoor LED screen for movies. Sunset Bar was upgraded with a shaded lounge, banquette seating and hammocks. Xcelerate Wi-Fi Internet is now shipwide. The Fitness Center was upgraded with new cardio and weight equipment by Technogym. Onboard retail shopping was upgraded by adding the boutiques What Goes Around Comes Around (1993-established authentic luxury vintage merchandise), TARBAY (Venezuela-made jewelry), Lemlem (Africa-made shoes, handbags, resort wear), Tao Company Jewelry by Vanessa Arcila (Colombia-made jewelry), Point B (new destination shop), Hublot (luxury Swiss watches), Shinola (luxury watches, jewelry, premium leather goods).

Renovations were done to Photo Gallery, Art Gallery, iLounge. Redesigned were Casino Lounge, Casino Bar, Library. Renovations also received the Solarium and Pool Deck (deck 10). Upgrades were also made to all crew areas (cabins, gym, recreational spaces, outdoor bar lounge, laundry facilities).

Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Revolution program (USD 0,5 billion) is fleetwide (9 liners) and includes:

• Renovations to all staterooms and public spaces - to bring the onboard amenities and services up to the Edge-class ship standards. For staterooms were contracted HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates (US-based hospitality interior design company) and Kelly Hoppen (UK-based interior designer).
• All staterooms were upgraded with eXhale bedding sets (premium cashmere mattresses) and high-tech amenities (RFID locks, Bluetooth, Xcelerate / Wi-Fi Internet).
• Adding "The Retreat" - adults-only sundeck with full-size swimming pool, two Jacuzzis / spa pools, private cabanas, padded loungers, poolside bar service (food and drinks).
• Luminae Restaurant (Suites-only) was redesigned, new (custom-made) menus by chef Cornelius Gallagher were introduced.
• The new Qsine Restaurant offers "Le Petit Chef" (virtual dining-entertainment experience) created by Skullmapping artists and presented by TableMation Studios exclusively for Celebrity Cruises.
• Main Dining Rooms, Oceanview Cafe and Sunset Bar were redesigned, as well as most public venues
• In the wellness complex was added expanded SEA Thermal Suite.

Retail shops were expanded with new brands - including Hublot (luxury Swiss watches) and Shinola (luxury watches, jewelry, premium leather goods).

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• Royal Caribbean International

Current Cruise Director (CD) List

By DonnaK , July 7, 2018 in Royal Caribbean International

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11 hours ago, LindaO said: Barb... that is just horrible missing the Serenade... That was a great cruise... a long long time ago!    I'm on the Allure, September 5 Sailing!   It will be so good to see you!   Are you on the Sept 5 Allure thread??   

Haven't been active on either the 5th or 12th.  Have checked them a couple of times.  Kind of got "out of practice" after we departed Allure transatlantic on Friday 13th (2020) in Barcelona and wondered IF we would get home....LOL

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• 1 month later...

Thanks for the answers on Dan Whitney.  I am really enjoying him on Ovation right now.  He is very down to earth and definitely not full of himself. I appreciate that.

Next up, John Blair...

@sdsseattle  currently on Serenade with John Blair.   He’s not my top choice of CD’s.  Gets the job done, but to me something is missing….

On 3/28/2021 at 9:52 AM, AstoriaPreppy said: Many of the cruise directors I've sailed with have faded into the ether of time, but Richard Spacey is seared into my memory as the most cringeworthy. We had him as cruise director on the Celebrity Equinox and he was attractive and inoffensive and performative in the most CD way possible (British, really into socks), with one off-putting exception. Richard ended every *single* onboard announcement by whispering "oh, and one more thing... I love you" into the PA system in a creepy little kid voice. You'd be at the pool, and he pops up with the afternoon announcements like  "We've got bingo, and karaoke, and archery, so go out and have a great day... oh, and one more thing... I WUV U!!"  The first time it happened we thought we misheard him, only later realizing it was some sort of schtick. We also thought we were the only people who thought it was weird until it came up chatting with strangers at the bar. The whole thing was so oddly unprofessional, it has completely altered the curve on "bad" cruise directors for me.   

So funny, Richard is my absolute favorite CD of all time.  I hate that he's gone,   I loved his schtick.  

We each have our own, yeah he's a favorite in my circle.

9 hours ago, taznremmy said: @sdsseattle  currently on Serenade with John Blair.   He’s not my top choice of CD’s.  Gets the job done, but to me something is missing….

That is the sense I am getting about him from other reports. Some CDs connect well with their guests and others just don't!

20 hours ago, RCCL Fan said:   So funny, Richard is my absolute favorite CD of all time.  I hate that he's gone,   I loved his schtick.     We each have our own, yeah he's a favorite in my circle.

Mine too. And one more thing,,,,,,,I love him!

On 9/5/2021 at 4:53 AM, taznremmy said: @sdsseattle  currently on Serenade with John Blair.   He’s not my top choice of CD’s.  Gets the job done, but to me something is missing….

He and his wife are very pleasant but it seems like an act.  They remind me of televangelists

On 7/22/2021 at 2:47 PM, RCCLNYMETS41 said: I am not familiar with   Brian Leavitt on Symphony. Is he fairly new to Royal, or new to being the CD?

I wondered this question too. I'm assuming he'll be the CD in October?

26 minutes ago, Vibe said: He and his wife are very pleasant but it seems like an act.  They remind me of televangelists

Seriously?  We've cruised with them several times. .  They are just very extroverted and people people.  They really love being around people and are very approachable.   It's just their personalities.  They're also more old school type CD's.  They also don't take themselves too seriously (or believe their own press) unlike a few other CD's I could name.

John Blair has never passed a mirror that he hasn't fallen in love with the reflection he sees.  The most egotistical, self-serving, phony cruise director that I've ever had the misfortune to have.  26 cruises so far.  I've gotten to the point that I now check the list so I can make sure that he WILL NOT be on the cruise i choose. 

I witnessed him berating his wife mercilessly, in a derogatory, demeaning manner when he thought no one was around.  The next instant, a Pinnacle couple exited the Casino (this was on the Enchantment) and he INSTANTLY became the biggest suck-up I ever heard.  One day, the right person will catch him at his true behavior, and then he will be gone!

MaskedTurtle

We're scheduled to be on the Freedom in January.  I'm wondering who the CD will be.  I'm glad to hear Jimmy Rhodes is with a different line.  We had him several times and didn't care for him at all.

• 2 weeks later...

FYI- just saw on Marc Walker’s FB page today that he has extended his stay on Allure till December 5th.

BEENSAILING

17 minutes ago, birdylady said: FYI- just saw on Marc Walker’s FB page today that he has extended his stay on Allure till December 5th.   Erika

On now! Bing Bong!

ADVENTURE: Hugo Arenas #1932

ALLURE: Marc Walker #1933   on through Dec 5 #1987

ANTHEM: Joff Eaton #1932

BRILLIANCE:

ENCHANTMENT:

INDEPENDENCE:

JEWEL: Michelle Oliveira #1940

OASIS: ODYSSEY: Bobby Brown #1938 OVATION: Dan Whitney, per John Blair

QUANTIM: Mitch Merucci #1932

RADIANCE: RHAPSODY:

SERENADE: John Blair #1932

SYMPHONY: Brian Leavitt#1932

On 7/27/2021 at 9:16 AM, LindaO said: Looking forward to being on any ship, with any CD... 🙂    Looking forward to seeing Mark in September on the Allure.   

Mark is a great CD!!  Just sailed with him last month and will be on Allure next month.  

3 hours ago, DELTABLUE said: ADVENTURE: Hugo Arenas #1932 ALLURE: Marc Walker #1933   on through Dec 5 #1987 ANTHEM: Joff Eaton #1932 BRILLIANCE: ENCHANTMENT: EXPLORER: FREEDOM: GRANDEUR: HARMONY: INDEPENDENCE: JEWEL: Michelle Oliveira #1940 LIBERTY: MARINER: NAVIGATOR: OASIS: ODYSSEY: Bobby Brown #1938 OVATION: Dan Whitney, per John Blair QUANTIM: Mitch Merucci #1932 RADIANCE: RHAPSODY: SERENADE: John Blair #1932 SPECRTUM: SYMPHONY: Brian Leavitt#1932 VISION: VOYAGER:

Dennis Charles was the CD on the Oasis sailing that ended today, 9/19.

Thanks for sharing!

17 minutes ago, lovelife said: Dennis Charles was the CD on the Oasis sailing that ended today, 9/19.

Thanks for sharing!!

Rogueperson

According to a current live thread.  Marcelo Alvarado is in the Mariner right now.

MARINER: Marcel Alvarado #1993

OASIS: Dennis Charles #1991 ODYSSEY: Bobby Brown #1938 OVATION: Dan Whitney, per John Blair

JBSteelerfan

Cory Rogers is the CD on Independence.

How is Dennis Charles as a cruise director?

CruisinMama2003

Katie McCollough (?) Is on Liberty

4 hours ago, bren61 said: How is Dennis Charles as a cruise director?

We had him a few times, including last week on the Oasis. He's been  with Royal a long time. Never had an issue with him. He's very approachable and always has time to talk. Not flashy, but consistent

On 9/6/2021 at 6:34 PM, Clancy14 said: John Blair has never passed a mirror that he hasn't fallen in love with the reflection he sees.  The most egotistical, self-serving, phony cruise director that I've ever had the misfortune to have.  26 cruises so far.  I've gotten to the point that I now check the list so I can make sure that he WILL NOT be on the cruise i choose.  I witnessed him berating his wife mercilessly, in a derogatory, demeaning manner when he thought no one was around.  The next instant, a Pinnacle couple exited the Casino (this was on the Enchantment) and he INSTANTLY became the biggest suck-up I ever heard.  One day, the right person will catch him at his true behavior, and then he will be gone!   - Clancy

I'm not going to defend someone else's marriage except to say that it's theirs and no one else is inside that relationship. They've been married a long time and personally I don't care about his ego, especially since a lot of people seem to have inflated opinions of themselves and their opinions.  We've been on at least 3 cruises with them and as long as they are personable (which they are) and do their job (apparently RCI thinks so), I'm not rising to gossip about them.  

I also saw Marc Walker's FB post about his extension.

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