Cruise Directors

[momofcnb]

The last view cruises we took, the Cruise Director and there staff either made it great, or truly stink. I was wondering who your favorite princess cruise director has been and why? Thanks!

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UNTIL SPRING BREAK ON THE CARIBBEAN PRINCESS

[Aquarian]

We like Paul O'Laughlin. He and one of the comedians were friends and did comedy routines together on board and were really funny. He's funny but a very good CD. We also like Graham Seymour who is just plain nuts!

[i'dratherbeatsea]

Anyone know who the cruise director is on the Island?

Carl

Island Princess

[Indy]

We were somewhat dissapointed with Graham Seymour on the Golden 3/20 cruise. From all I hear/read I was really expecting something special but found him to just be ok. He was hardly even visable, only did a couple of the morning shows and was not at most of the evening shows we went to. The Assistant, Gavin was at all the shows and bingo and on most of the morning shows. I've been on many cruises where the CD is around all the time and outside before and after the shows talking to the pax. I like on past cruises when we see them at the gang ways. In my opinion, Graham was funny the couple of times we saw him but did not live up to my expectation. We were thinking that maybe he was training Gavin to become the CD so he backed off and let Gavin take center stage.

Golden 3/20/2004 Tahitian Princess 11/19/2003
Norwegian Sun 2002; Celebrity Infinity 2002;Sun Princess Alaska 2001;Ocean Princess 2000, Sea Princess 1999,Grand Princess 1999, Carnival Destiny 1998, Carnival Facination 1997, Carnival Celebration 1995

[JohnLauben]

Lest we forget, the Cruise Director's main functions are: managing the cruise staff, scheduling activities, managing and scheduling the entertainers, and dealing with the home office (and, I may have forgotten a few). Being entertaining, or funny, while helpful, really isn't part of his/her job. The best will go FAR out of their way to accomodate passengers, read the type of passengers on any given cruise, and try to perform their tasks in such a way as to make the most passengers happy. THAT IS A TOUGH JOB! So, in my opinion (with 16 cruises), the best of PRINCESS are Gus Sexton, Mark Iannuzzo and Janet Edwards (Gus is retired, Mark now owns a restaurant, and Janet is part-time between filming TV commercials). This opinion is not to knock any of the other active cruise directors (I've never sailed with Paul O'Loughlin or Graham Seymour); just the best of the CD's that I have encountered. But, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Deputy Cruise Director Frankie Verroca (from Hershey, PA); if you've ever met him, you'd know what I mean! He can make ANYBODY's cruise more enjoyable! Just my 2 cents.

[HMA]

Brian Price is absolutely the best. I believe he is on the Coral Princess now, but we cruised with him several times on the Royal Princess, and he is fantastic. I don't think he ever sleeps.. He was always around. Of course the Royal is a smaller ship, so it was easy to get to know other passengers, entertainers and Brian.

[nycny]

Just got back from the Island and the cruise director;s first name was Trevor. Other than at Bingo, we never saw the Cruise Director staff during the day.

[Chester]

We met one of the Cruise Director's staff on our Panama Canal cruise aboard the Dawn Princess in April 2002. We were pleased to see her again on the Golden Princess in March of 2003. We never did catch her last name and only know her as Lisa from Vancouver. She always seemed to have a sincere interest and passion in both her job and, more importantly, the passengers on board. Anyone know where she is now?

[PaulieM]

My favorite is Tim Donovan, anyone know where he is today?

And I keep running into CD Staff member Jane from Aus. Three cruises, on two different boats, and there she is. Told her I'll next see her on the Island in October. LOL http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

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Sept/1998 - Grand Princess (Inaugural Year, Eastern Carib)
Apr/2003 - Grand Princess (Married at Sea!, Western Carib)
Sep/2003 - Grand Princess (No inlaws this time, Eastern Carib)
Feb/2004 - Dawn Princess (Something different, Southern Carib)

[bjcanady]

They are all nice but my personal favorite on Princess has been Alistar ......

[APH]

Is that Alistair Greener? What's he like?

[KAJOKG]

Alastair Greener, hands down the best! He was on the Island last November. Don't know where he is now. I've been on two cruises where he was CD and he is just great.

KB

NCL NORWAY - 2000
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2001
GOLDEN PRINCESS - 2002
HAL NOORDAM - 2002
HAL VOLENDAM - 2003
ISLAND PRINCESS - NOV. 2003
HAL VOLENDAM - JAN. 2004

[lizlama]

Alistair was the cruise director on the Golden back in April 2002 and was wonderful.
No sure who was director on the Grand last year but he sure didn't impress me. I don't even remember his name.
Sailing on the Caribbean Princess later this month and hope Alistair is on it.

[cannonball]

Alastair was on the Dawn Princess in early March.

Grand Princess 5/29/2004
Dawn Princess 3/7/2004
Dawn Princess 3/10/2003
Golden Princess 2002
Sea Princess 2001
Carnival Fastasy 1997

[hamletk]

lizlama - Alistair was on the Dawn a month ago so I doubt you'll see him on your cruise!

JohnL - Have any info about Mark Iannuzzi's restaurant?

I have to agree with some previous posts. I think Janet Edwards was excellent much energy.
Also, close is Alastair Greener.

Can anyone tell me who is the CD on the Star?Any comments?

KJG

Star Princess,Barcelona-Venice, LV 5/14,Board 5/16
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[geejaymel]

I agree with John about Mark Iannuzzo. He was the CD on the Crown Princess some years ago and was so funny. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif He was an absolute riot at Pub Night dressed as a nerd, and even made the horse races fun, which we normally never attend. We went to so many shows and activities just because we enjoyed his humor so much. I would someday love to go to his restaurant -- do you know what/where it is?

[schack74]

Alistar Greener is my favorite. We had him on two sailings and he got off the Island Princess for vacation the day we got on in November. We were so disappointed!

[Druke I]

See someone above mentioned the now retired Gus Sexton. He was quite a character, and very personable to boot.

Surprised no one mentioned Billy Hygate, who is one of our favorites. A former entertainer himself, he puts on a wonderful London Pub Night. His wife, whose name slips my mind, is or was a choreographer for the production show dance numbers, and is a talented artist in her own right. If memory serves correctly, Billy doesn't cruise as much as he used to - the bulk of his time being spent in the Corporate Offices.

Michael

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> the best of PRINCESS are Gus Sexton, Mark Iannuzzo and Janet Edwards (Gus is retired, Mark now owns a restaurant, and Janet is part-time between filming TV commercials). <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> While I've never sailed with Gus, I have with both Mark and Janet and have to agree. I've heard that Mark wanted to get back with Princess but was unable to and is now sailing with Radisson. As for Janet, she was on board my Sun Princess sailing last week - just as good as she ever was!

-------------------------
Sun Princess, 03/2004; Pacific Princess, 07/2003; Star Princess, 05/2003; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Sun Princess, 05/2001; Sun Princess, 04/2001; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Regal Princess, 10/1999; Sun Princess, 08/1998; Holiday, 05/1998; Westerdam, 09/1997; Regal Princess, 11/1996; Royal Odyssey, 09/1995; Starward, 11/1993

[ncruiser]

Anyone know who the cruise director and captain will be on the Grand in a couple of weeks?

Grand Princess - Western Caribbean 4/18
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[AlainBob]

Here are the cruise directors we have met on our previous cruises:

1995: Peter Coleman (Regal Princess). I have heard that Peter is not with Princess anymore. He was very funny and a great entertainer.

2000: Billy Hygate (Sea Princess). Billy is a very good entertainer. Never saw him outside of the shows. Did you know that he was the "captain" of the Dawn Princess in a Bay Watch film ?

2002: Tim Donovan (Dawn Princess). Tim is great ! If you sail with him, you're in for a blast !

2004: Richard Joseph (Coral Princess). For me, this is THE cruise director. We had the chance to meet him a couple of times during our cruise and he is simply the best. He really cares about passengers and he wants each and everyone to have a great cruise.

This is it... Enjoy your next cruise !
Alain R.

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Want to see some pictures from our cruises ?
Just go to:
Alain & Linda cruises pictures (http://www.imagestation.com/members/alainrobert)
... and enjoy !
---------- *** ---------- *** ---------- *** ---------- *** ----------

1995 - Regal Princess (Eastern Carrib)
2000 - Sea Princess (Western Carrib)
2002 - Dawn Princess (Southern Carrib)
2004 - Coral Princess (Panama canal)
2005 - Dawn Princess (Southern Carrib Meddley)

Time left before our next cruise (2005 Dawn Princess):
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"Stars are brighter when you look at them from sea !"

[Second seating]

I am amazed no one has mentioned Chris Nichols, he is the best. We had him on the old Pacific Princess and the Tahitian Princess. He was everywhere.

Deana

[jayevee44]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Originally quoted by Druke I:

Surprised no one mentioned Billy Hygate … If memory serves correctly, Billy doesn't cruise as much as he used to - the bulk of his time being spent in the Corporate Offices.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Billy is still active. He has been the CD on four or our six cruises, missing only Hawaii and Alaska. The only reason he was not on our Alaska cruise is that he was on a short vacation when we sailed. He is currently the CD on the Diamond Princess, or at least he was on the first couple of cruises.

We like him very much, but we can’t really compare him because to the other favorites mentioned here, as we have not sailed with any of them.

Jim.

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Dawn Princess to W. Caribbean 10/4/04


Diamond Princess 2-Day Mexican Sampler 3/04
Star Princess to Alaska 7/03
Star Princess 3-Day Coastal 5/03
Sun Princess to Hawaii 1/03
Star Princess to Mexico 11/02
Sea Princess to Mexico 11/01

[i'dratherbeatsea]

I agree with the posts about Mark Iannuzzo we were on 3 cruises with him and he was amazing. As someone else said even the horse races. Very funny funny man.

Carl

Island Princess

[gjbarkley]

We have been on 13 cruises, and 2 cruise directors really stand out, both on Princess --- Alastair Greener and Tim Donovan. Both were everywhere, worked really hard and were super talented. We would go out of our way to sail with either one of them again!! Tim was CD on our January Grand cruise but was leaving for holiday --- we're looking to see where he'll turn up next!

Glenn Barkley
Carnival Holiday (05/86)
Carnival Jubilee(01/88)
Windspirit (12/91)
Sover. of the seas (02/93)
Ncl Dreamward(03/95)
Celebrity Zenith(7/97)
Celebrity Mercury(4/99)
Grand Princess (01/00)
Grand Princess (01/01)
Celebrity Infinity(11/01)
NCL Sun (10/2002)
Grand Princess (08/03)
Grand Princess (01/04)
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grand princess

[CRZINPREZ]

My favorite, is Tim Donovan. He was friendly, professional and alot of fun. A cruise directors job has taken on a more administrative role, in that they are behind a desk, etc.. Tim, really was great.

[hls74]

On the 3/20 Diamond sailing, I don't remember much about the cruise director, but I can tell you a bit about the assistant cruise director. In my experience he was a drunk, and a boorish one at that. Early in the cruise I was up in Skywalkers, making conversation with an attractive woman. He was being loud and boisterous, and drinking heavily, getting in the way of passengers trying to get to the bar. Then, he had the nerve to walk directly between me and the woman I was talking with - and with the loud music, we were already standing pretty close together, so that he had to literally bump me out of the way (he's a relatively big guy) to interrupt my conversation with her so he could try to "pick her up".

Later in the week, I heard that a formal complaint was filed against him by one of the passengers, and I don't think I saw him again all week.

Harry

Diamond Princess 3/20/04
Grand Princess 3/23/03
Voyager Of The Seas 3/02
Ocean Princess 4/01
Grand Princess 4/00

[tpmartin]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PaulieM:
My favorite is Tim Donovan, anyone know where he is today?

We sailed with TIm on the Grand in Oct 2002, his wife was onboard with him.

Tom M

Chandris Brittanis & Gallileo
Celebrity Zenith
Carnival Destiny
Dolphin IV,Dolphin Seabreeze Dolphin Oceanbreeze
RCCL Song of Norway & Explorer of the Seas
Grand Princess & Dawn Princes


<FONT color=blue size=4>[i][b]Caribbean Princess here we come!!
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http://www.gifs.net/animate/hullamod.gif

<FONT color=blue size=4>[i][b] UNTIL PURE RELAXATION ON THE ISLAND PRINCESS IN HAWAII!!!
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[APH]

Gene Hackman lookalike Paul Burns is excellent - we've had him twice on the Dawn Princess and he really is brilliant - not only good from an administrative point of view, but also a very funny man - the gameshows onboard were fantastic - anybody from the UK will be able to comapre him to Bruce Forsyth.

Paul O'Loughlin was also excellent - it's obvious he's very highly regarded by the company - he's brought out the Royal, Regal, Sun, Ocean, Star and Coral - I also believe he's on the Caribbean at the moment. A member of staff told us onboard the Golden Princess in July that the Company are so desperate for him not to leave them that they keep giving him pay rises!

His deputy, Frankie Verroca , was also brilliant - he'll make a superb CD one day.

[CruisingForever]

Is Frankie on the Caribbean with Paul? I enjoyed Frankies sense of humor. Extremely friendly and very outgoing. It makes a passenger feel at home when the cruise staff makes the time to have conversation with you. I didnt see that with Graham.

[aaannnthony]

Don't know much about him, but, my favorite was John Cleland, last year, 18 days San Fran to Tahiti aboard the Pacific Princess(new)!

I busted his "chops" daily with questions, comments, etc. daily on his "morning show", and, also when I met him, and his assistant Dan, an Aussie! We had a lot of fun together.

At my request, we put together a little scenario that a "pax" was necessary to co-host the morning show due to Dan's oversleeping, and unavailability! He allowed me to do the last "morning show", as co-host, before we arrived in Tahiti! It was a lot of fun, and, the pax that watched, and commented, also thought it was an enjoyable change of pace to the regular format.

I wish him well!!

[todd-r]

Tim Donovan and Lisa 'from Vancouver' are both currently on the Grand Princess http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Up next - Pacific NorthWest Coastal!

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Navigator of the Seas - 01/05
Dawn Princess - 10/04
Grand Princess - 11/04 (Cancelled)
Grand Princess - 10/04 (Cancelled)
Island Princess - 05/04
Grand Princess - 10/03
Norway - 10/03 (Cancelled)
Wind Surf - Transatlantic 4/02

[GottoCruise]

John Lawrence was the CD on the Regal (30 day "Mystery Cruise") last March/April - we thought he was terrific!


PACIFIC PRINCESS Islands of the Pacific Theater
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[mpdahmer]

Does anyone know if Alastair was the CD on the Crown Princess back in April 1992???

We also sailed with Graham on the Grand in 2001 (he was great) and will be sailing with Paul O' on the Caribbean next week....will let you know what we think upon our return.

Mark D.

4/10/04 Caribbean Princess
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Crown-92; Grand-01...

[relevart]

Alistar Greener is my favorite. Just got back from the Star(which is out of commission for a couple of weeks) and the CD was Frank. Not impressed, the only TV shows he has were canned, generic for any cruise, trying to sell stuff. Alistar made it so much better.

Star Princess Bangkok to Venice
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[Lofty]

I just returned from the 03/27/04 sailing on the Golden. Graham Seymour was fantastic, a very talented singer and comedien. He said he is moving to the new ship "Carribean" in May. Possibly the assistant Gavin will take over.

[kimbtech]

Although Princess is by far my favourite cruiseline, the best cruise director we've ever had was John Heard. At the time we met him, he was aboard the Carnival Sensation. He was fantastic, always around the ship, and without question, the best. I'd had heard that he had retired, but could be wrong. There needs to be more cruise directors like John. We were on the Dawn in February and although the cruise director was pretty good, I can't remember his name. I believe that says alot. Our cruise on the Sensation was 9 years ago and we still remember the cruise director.

[Princessgal]

I have taken 70 cruises with Princess and my all time favorite is John Lawrence. He is funny, helpful, Mr. personality and a beautiful singing voice too. He is the one who trained Alistair Greener and the voice you hear at the lifeboat drill on all the ships. Alistair is entertaining and Janet is very good. I have been on several cruises with Graham, Paul and Billy and I find they introduce the main show, appear at Island night and are seldom seen any where else. As for Tim he is too loud for me. My favorite DCD is Frankie Verroca and I love any cruise he is on. You can catch him in the movie, I want to hold your hand, about the Beatles appearing on the Ed Sullivan show and he plays a teen picketing the group. His name even appears in the credits at the end of the movie.

[AmyinGA]

We loved Graham Seymour. We found him funny and we did see him a lot. His staff had a lot of energy too. The most visible CD I've had was Neil Roberts. We saw him multiple times each day of our cruise. On our most recent cruise on the Island, the CD was Trevor Bradford. He was a bore. I think all of his jokes came from a Cruise Director 101 manual- not very original. Luckily, Kelly Neil was the Deputy CD. He more than made up for Trevor. We hope that Kelly will be a CD soon. We look forward to sailing with him again.

[cruzfiend]

I have to vote for Graham S. also. He was GREAT. I'm just sad he will not be on the Golden in October.

Aweigh we go
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[shelleybelly]

Tim Donovan, sailed with him on the Grand Princess in June, terrific. All cruise directors should take lessons from this guy.

[lesharona]

My favorite is Billy Hygate, a very talented
gentleman. We are going to be on the Diamond
Princess in Sept, and hope he is still the
CD.

[we really love the Coral]

Our favorite CD is Richard Joseph.

He is always visible, and really cares about the guests.

Each & every night I would find him outside the show lounge saying good night to the passengers. It became an evening ritual to razz Rich a little after the shows. He always responded with a good hearted smile and always had something witty to say.

What I appreciate most about Rich is his ability to let his staff shine. Most CD's have the entertainment revolve around them in a giant ego fest. You will find Rich at all the big events, but it is not uncommon for him to introduce the activity or show, and then pass the microphone off to an Assistant.

We have booked the Island this summer in Alaska as Rich will be aboard, and it will be our 5th cruise with him.

One final note, his Ship history lecture is a not to be missed presentation. Here his love for ships and people really shines through.

This winter on the Coral, one a Christams cruise with very demanding and sometimes RUDE passengers, I asked Rich how he kept his good humor and continued to smile. He replied "Stan, I love my job, I feel I have been truly blessed to have this career, and the ones that are not smiling are a good challange to turn around" - I agree with AlainBob that Rich is "simply the best" and we have 60 cruises to compare!

Stan

[tracyweiss64]

I was just on the Dawn Princess last week (4/4-4/11) and Alistair was on our ship. He was leaving the Dawn Princess on the 11th and I think he was going to the Caribbean Princess. I just saw him today on the Travel Channel on a cruise special. He was definitely alot of fun!!! I only hope he is still around when we go on our next cruise. He had a great staff on our cruise (Scott, Kevin, Gavin, Marion,and Jane). They had great chemistry!!!

[WendyG]

I can tell you the worst CD was Simon something on the Sun in Nov. He was so unimpressive I don't even remember his last name. That cruise was BORING! Island night was a joke, no pub night, very disappointing. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

I thought Graham was taking over in July? (the caribbean) someone on here mentioned May.
I wonder which it is?

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Sovereign of the Seas 8/98
Premier Seabreeze 4/99
Norwegian Wind 4/00
Norwegian Majesty 4/01
Holland America Volendam 11/01
Grand Princess 4/02
Carnival Fascination 5/02
Costa Atlantica 11/02
Golden Princess 3/03
Explorer of the Seas 7/03
Sun Princess 11/03

[ssbeagle]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Second seating:
I am amazed no one has mentioned Chris Nichols, he is the best. We had him on the old Pacific Princess and the Tahitian Princess. He was everywhere.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree with you about Chris Nichols. He was by far the best CD on any of our 18 cruises we have taken. Janet Edwards was also very good. Graham Seymour was just plain wacky and not too involved with the pax. I am hoping we will run into Chris again on one of our cruises. He has the best singing voice of anyone I have heard and he's pretty good with the jokes too. I hope he's back on the Tahitian in November.

Grand Princess
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Tahitian Princess
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[spongerob]

I've never really paid a lot of attention to the cruise directors until running into Graham Seymour on the Golden Princess. He's an amazing fellow, kind of like a young Robin Williams. He's almost too quick to follow. He is hilarious, though, and even his video ship's tour is a riot to watch. I'm sure the Italian officers are looking forward to his transfer.

Ciao!

Coming up:
Caribbean Princess Apr 3/04
Golden Princess Apr 10/04
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04

[Toto2Kansas]

I have to admit that Janet Edwards did not impress us very much. She seemed to be OK in person, but her TV morning show was enough to wear on our nerves. She just tried too hard to be funny and it just is not in her. She is OK at the shows and other activities, but I would never go out of my way to sail on a ship she was on again, in fact, it might help us decide which ship to sail on if she was the CD on one of them, we would probably pick the other. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif Just our opinion of coarse.

http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/tier/smilie_hund1.gif
Tahitian October 14th,2004

[mringenoldus]

Does anyone know who the CD will be on the May 14 Sun Princess - I thought I had read that there was to be a director change just prior to our trip.

CCL Holiday 2000
CCL Elation 2001
CCL Pride 2002
CCL Ecstacy 2003
RCL AOS 2003
Sun Princess May 14 2004!!

[Toto2Kansas]

My understanding is that Janet Edwards took over as CD right before our sailing or the one prior. She should be the CD when you sail.

http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/tier/smilie_hund1.gif
Tahitian October 14th,2004

[gopher's girl]

Hi everyone.
Just got off the Dawn yesterday and we had John Cleland as CD. He was great and the Asst. CD Scott was very funny as well, he should be a full CD before long. Marion, Aaron (and scoops the croc), Jane, and everyone else were wonderful as well. Shame I didn't bid more on that horse. I tried to get on the morning show too!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Is Frankie on the Caribbean with Paul? I enjoyed Frankies sense of humor. Extremely friendly and very outgoing. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Frankie was on Star Princess until she got to Italy - I think he's now between contracts.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Does anyone know who the CD will be on the May 14 Sun Princess - I thought I had read that there was to be a director change just prior to our trip. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Toto's right - Janet Edwards joined Sun Princess on 3/20 - she's scheduled to leave the ship on 5/14 when it gets to San Francisco.

-------------------------
Sun Princess, 03/2004; Pacific Princess, 07/2003; Star Princess, 05/2003; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Sun Princess, 05/2001; Sun Princess, 04/2001; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Regal Princess, 10/1999; Sun Princess, 08/1998; Holiday, 05/1998; Westerdam, 09/1997; Regal Princess, 11/1996; Royal Odyssey, 09/1995; Starward, 11/1993

[Desertbelle]

We had Billy Hygate on the Star Princess last October and I did not like him. I can only speak for myself but I found him very unapproachable and off-putting. I never saw him just hanging out and talking to people or being friendly....it was like it was all business with him. Though he could sing well, his lead-ins to singing made me cringe a little. It's very hard for me to put a finger on it, so all I can really say is that I hope we don't run into him again.

Margie

Celebrating Our Parents 60th Anniversary - Legend of the Seas to Mexico 9/5/04!!
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Our Dawn Princess Caribbean Medley Family Cruise 11/23/04
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Windjammer-Flying Cloud 1991
Carnival Elation 1999
NCL Sun 2002
Star Princess 2003
Legend of the Seas 2003

[Mully too]

Does anyone know who the CD is on the Island? We are sailing in another week.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Toto's right - Janet Edwards joined Sun Princess on 3/20 - she's scheduled to leave the ship on 5/14 when it gets to San Francisco. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Sorry - I'll amend my own post...I believe Dan Gibbons is joining Sun Princess again on 5/14.

-------------------------
Sun Princess, 03/2004; Pacific Princess, 07/2003; Star Princess, 05/2003; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Sun Princess, 05/2001; Sun Princess, 04/2001; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Regal Princess, 10/1999; Sun Princess, 08/1998; Holiday, 05/1998; Westerdam, 09/1997; Regal Princess, 11/1996; Royal Odyssey, 09/1995; Starward, 11/1993

[CaribbeanCrazy]

Thanks Gophergirl http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
I was just about to ask if anyone new who Alistair's replacement would be on the Dawn.
We will be on her in less than 3 weeks!
So you liked John Cleland? This is my first Princess cruise...so I don't know one CD from the other. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
CaribbeanCrazy

http://www.clipart-graphics.net/gallery2/3D_Animations/animals/tn_14.gif

[mariapd719]

I thought Graham was excellent so was Gavin.... the one morning on his show he was dressed as a lady bug and Gavin was doing a porpoise impression in his rolling chair. On another very windy morning Graham had his hair all blown out - me and my bf were like wow he musta had a rough night then realized what he was doing..LOL...my travel companions kept calling him the ships comedian till I realized who they were talking about. I had to explain to them that he was the CD not the "comedian guy". I really enjoyed him - VERY funny man...would love to cruise on another of his ships.

Enchantment Feb,2002; Monarch Nov,2002; Radiance Nov,2003; Golden Princess Feb 28,2004
http://pstr-g01.ygpweb.aol.com/data3/00C/5C/90/C8/A1/E8jxdiZ9faFKEKEk7kLioMO+rbBbKHM20060.jpg

[steveg]

We've been on several cruises with Alastair and we've always thought him to be the best - funny, creative, pleasant, warm. We looked forward to his morning shows every day and seeing him during the day. This past February we had Paul O'Laughlin on the Golden and thought he was the worst we've experienced. His morning TV show was a total bore - all he did was read the Patter. He never had a presence on board, and was totally unfunny. I hope never to be on a ship with him as CD again. Also, the activities planned during the sea days were minimal unlike what was offered when Alastair was CD. I'm pretty certain that the CD has a considerable input as to what daily actitities are scheduled. Specifically, Alastair always had some fun game shows during the day on the sea days, which he himself ran. His humor is so fresh that you go just to be entertained by him. O'Laughlin on the other hand had the personality of a dead flounder on our cruise.

[MaryPoppinz]

Someone asked who Island's CD is. I don't know right at the minute, but a few weeks ago it was Trevor Bradford.

Alistair must exist in a sleep-deprived mania. He is doing it all, he is everywhere, all the time. And, you have to love the kilt.

Gavin is hilarious. I love Gavin!

But, in all honesty, these folks never make or break my cruise.

"I'm gonna book myself on that Princess Cruise."
-- Fox Mulder, X-Files 'Three Words'

[Vippie]

Regarding the person who was disappointed with Graham Seymour on their 3/20 cruise: We were on the Golden 4/3 and I agree. Graham was our CD last March and was FANTASTIC. This time he just didn't seem to be into it, and did pass most of the duties to Gavin, who was charming, actually. Graham did take over the mike on Island Night to showcase his singing, but even then he seemed to be going through the motions compared to last year. My impression was he was either training Gavin or getting ready to "hand off" to Gavin. All this said, I thought the people on our 4/3 Golden cruise were more reserved than last year's cruise; Island Night was not as lively and wild as it was last March. Maybe that has something to do with Graham's visibility and style..or maybe the poor guy just needs a vacation!!

[JBSmomof2]

Hello! Doe's any one know who CD is on the Tahitian Priness? We're sailing on May 27th. Thank you.

[CTcruzer]

Probably the one's who stick out with us most have been----Alistair Greener (the Beatle Paul McCartney look alike)-----Paul Burns ( Gene Hackmans double) ---and John Lawrence who was just "John Lawrence" with his class and a great English wit.

Ed & Marge

[kbt2]

I agree with a lot of you that Alastair was a great one!

Kim
Dawn Princess
Regal Princess
Grand Princess
Mercury - Celebrity
Windward - NCL
Monarch of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas

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[girlsailor]

I would have to vote for Brian Price from 2 ROyal cruises, Paul O'laughlin from the Grand and /Golden cruises and Frankie Asst Cruise Director on the Golden last Sept in 9 cruises.Also Joy from the Regal (now Circle hostess) - all realy friendly, hardworking professionals who made the experience memorable.

[bob&karen]

Can't speak to the past cruises where folks felt Graham Seymour was just more or less going through the motions, but I can tell you that on the 4/10 Golden sailing both we and our group of cruise mates found him to be in top form. Definitely enhanced the cruise experience. Perhaps the pending Golden drydock and subsequent vacation time has given him cause to recharge his batteries, but in any event Graham was great.

B.

http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Geography_and_History/Islands/Ship_at_island.gif
"Ohhh these moments we’re left with --
May you always remember
These moments are shared, by few
And those harbor lights, lord, they’re coming into view
We’ll bid our farewells much too soon
So drink it up, this one’s for you -
Honey, it’s been a lovely cruise."
-- James W. Buffett

Carnival Triumph, April '02
Carnival Sensation, January '04

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(Golden Princess, 4/10/04 - "Grown People Acting Like Children!")

4/10/04 Golden Princess Rogue's gallery: http://community.webshots.com/album/126040133QEaDiP

Cruise pix at: http://community.webshots.com/user/mageesworld

e-mail: bobandkarenny@yahoo.com

[lkmamom]

Hey Bob and Karen,

Ciao!

Totally agree, but still wish he could have put a little more spin on those dice, giving SeaBuffett the lead http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Miss you guys
Linda, Larry and Tommy

[Dee]

JBS,

We were on the Tahitian Princess last December and the CD was Sammi Baker. She was great, what energy. Everywhere we went there she was it was as if there were more than one of her. She was so funny calling the horse races. The races were on the pool deck and the wind was blowing and Sammi was holding up 3 or 4 horses at a time all the while calling the race.
My other favorites are Mark Iazanno and John Lawrence. We are sailing on the Diamond the end of May and the Sapphire the end of September and I hope that one of them will be aboard.
Dee

[JBSmomof2]

Thanks Dee

[NightOne]

Just got off the Golden Princess this morning. When we were in St. Thomas, Gavin did the morning show and at the end he announced that this would be his last day on Golden as he was going to Island Princess. (didn't say in which role)

[wolfsnare]

Wonder who is taking over on the Golden?

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Conquest 4/03
Victory 12/03
Golden Princess 4/04 Golden Princess 6/04

[NightOne]

Graham is still CD on the Golden. Gavin was the Asst. CD.

[bob&karen]

On our 4/10 Golden sailing, we were told that Graham would be taking over on the Caribbean Princess after a short vacation. This is ironic as his roll-of-the-eyes rip of a monologue about "The Neeewwwwww Boat" in the Princess fleet had us all in stitches.

Bob

http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Geography_and_History/Islands/Ship_at_island.gif
"These moments we’re left with - may you always remember
These moments are shared, by few
And those harbor lights, lord they’re coming into view
We’ll bid our farewells much too soon
So drink it up, this one’s for you -
Honey, it’s been a lovely cruise."
-- James W. Buffett

Carnival Triumph, April '02
Carnival Sensation, January '04
Golden Princess, April '04

Carnival Sensation, Golden Princess / Caribbean Princess pix at: Cool Cruisin' Pix (http://community.webshots.com/user/mageesworld)

e-mail: bobandkarenny@yahoo.com

[spongerob]

Oh, I can't wait to hear what he has to say about the children on the neewwww boat!

Graham got hold of us after the horse races and was very interested in what we thought of the Caribbean Princess. We wished him well...

Just completed:
Caribbean Princess Apr 3/04
Golden Princess Apr 10/04
Coming up:
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04

[Doug&Nadine]

JBSmomof2, The CD on the Tahitian princess for 4/7 - 4/17 was "JJ". A nice guy, but not the same energy level as Alastair or Graham. His morning shows were a little hard to watch as he only had one microphone so either his guests or he could not be heard. I think some of his shows were taped from a previous cruise because the weather and background (Some shows were outside) didn't match what was outside our room. Maybe we were on the wrong side of the ship. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif


Tahitian Princess 4/7/04

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[Princess311]

We sailed the Golden Princess the week of 4/10 and Graham Seymour was the most amazing cruise director. Given I'd never been on a cruise before...he was still the best! Hilarious, super nice and tried to make a personal connection to everyone he met. I loved the cruise staff as well, Stephen from Liverpool and Brian from Canada were favorites to hang out with! (Since there was hardly anyone my age on the ship.. I made friends with the cruise staff who were my age!) Does anyone have any knowledge of either Stephen or Brian? I am just curious to know if they get on different ships like the cruise directors do.

Ciao! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

*alicia*