The last post had information about: departure ports, ships' amenities and destinations (ports of call). So, you are almost on your way.
One of my room mates: Turn down service usually includes a towel animal each evening. |
Since a cruise ship is essentially a full-service floating resort, it can take as many as 1400 people to make your vacation an awesome experience. (First thing to remember: it's always a ship, never a boat!)
The captain: in charge of the ship and is the ultimate authority; has usually been to maritime academy and/or graduate school and is licensed/certified; has to have many years of experience working the way up the ladder, through 3rd, 2nd and 1st mate positions, staff captain/chief mate and taking umpteen exams. This journey can take at least 10 years.
The officers: are usually dressed in the white uniforms or in their dress blacks in the evening. This category includes the engineers, radio officers, oil people and plumbers.
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Carnival Splendor, in port (editorial use only) |
Dining: there is a head chef, and staff (baker, sous chef, etc) and a head waiter and staff. For the wait staff, there may be intermediary positions. This staff works in the dining room and at the buffets. Along side of these are the bartenders, who work at the various bars throughout the ship.
Maintenance and housekeeping: these important people keep our staterooms looking pretty and working properly, from fixing the toilet to cleaning up after the poor people who may get sick (for various reasons...)
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Editorial purposes only |
The Cruise Director: Clubs, casinos, theaters, shows, movies on deck, ugly Christmas sweater night. Where do you find out about all of that and who arranges for it? Your friendly cruise director, of course. The cruise director supervises the entertainment staff, hosts events and makes those famous announcements.
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Lido Deck Party on the Carnival Vista, editorial purposes only |
Customer Service: Service desks such as excursions, customer service, the photo area, the spa/salon people, and your friendly booking agent (there are discounts if you book your next cruise right then and there) will operate with business hours, (except for the photo and spa).
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Ruby Princess, editorial use only |
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Carnival Pride, editorial use only. |
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The staff makes towel animals overnight on the lido deck |
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Editorial Purposes Only |
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Editorial Purposes Only |
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Cruising 101 Series:
Part 3: Below Deck & Behind the Scenes
Part 5: Plan Your Own Excursions
Cruise Reviews:
How to Travel Series
Part 3: Travel With Electronics