How can one keep a Meet & Greet to it's original purpose?

[mafig]

How many complaints can anyone have in this short a time frame?:confused:

 

 

I'll tell you my story. Several years ago we went on Volendam. Before our cruise some reviews were coming out saying that the airconditioning was not working well in both the dining room and some staterooms. Of course, then some CCers stated well that's been going on for years. Whenever she comes back from Alaska it takes while for them to adjust the air.:confused:

Anyway, we got to our cabin and I noticed it was Hot! The steward said it'll get better once we start moving. After coming back after dinner and show our stateroom was really hot. We called and they said they'd send up a fan. After an hour or so we called again and they said they were all out of fans. We tried to sleep. We were both sweating and I don't think we got more than 15 minutes of sleep. This was the first night and we dreaded the thought of 10 more nights of this.

We went to the Meet and Mingle (a little tired). And there was darling Jim Deering who was filling in for the regular hotel manager. He was mingling...going around from person to person asking if everything was OK. We didn't get up in the Meet and Mingle to complain, he came to us. He was immediately on the phone. We went back to our cabin after the meeting and our air was fixed. There was a bottle of champagne there for our trouble. In a few minutes someone from his staff was there to personally check to see if everything was OK. We were very pleased with his actions. He's actually only one of two Hotel Directors that we recall their name.

If you attend a meeting on Norwegian they hand out their cards and tell you that they want to hear any complaints so they can fix them and not read about them on Cruise Critic after the cruise is over.

It's part of their job to listen to complaints. Not complain about the complainers.

Edited April 7, 2012 by mafig

[euro cruiser]

Who has anything to complain about less than 24 hours after they board?

Actually, what I was responding to was a comment about a complaint made to a senior staff member about halfway through a world cruise, not at a meet & greet/mingle. This conversation has veered a tad from the initial topic (as do many conversations, both in person and on line). The poster I was responding to was making an observation about comments on another thread entirely.

[187harland]

At the Meet & Greets: I think there should be an opportunity for private tour “leaders” to let people know that there are a few spots left on this tour or that tour. This benefits that group as well as any new people who sign on at that point, who perhaps were undecided until the M&G. Sometimes this is the only way at this point to fill in the gap. Benefits both.

(For example: Set aside a few minutes for this where each “leader” can announce and hold up a paper with the tour name, the availability and his or her cabin # for future contact. That could take a minute. After that interested parties can and must inform themselves in private.)

I do not feel that I am undercutting HAL when I organize private tours. I also sign up for shore excursions on occasion, depending on the cruise and itinerary. And I’m on the cruise in the first place!! And I have a drink or two! And I buy bottles of wine, buy souvenirs/jewelry and other silly things while on the ship. I don’t but I could go to the spa! You get it! No one should feel guilty or secretive about private shore excursions.

No, this is NOT the time for complaints about anything...that you do in private with the guest relations staff, etc. etc.

Personally, at these M&G’s I do not need the coffee and pastries, nor do I need a visit from a ship’s senior staff members; for me the M&G is about meeting up in the flesh with all my new best friends, having a laugh or two, and then getting on with the cruise! RiSSa

[kazu]

I'll tell you my story. Several years ago we went on Volendam. Before our cruise some reviews were coming out saying that the airconditioning was not working well in both the dining room and some staterooms. Of course, then some CCers stated well that's been going on for years. Whenever she comes back from Alaska it takes while for them to adjust the air.:confused:

 

Anyway, we got to our cabin and I noticed it was Hot! The steward said it'll get better once we start moving. After coming back after dinner and show our stateroom was really hot. We called and they said they'd send up a fan. After an hour or so we called again and they said they were all out of fans. We tried to sleep. We were both sweating and I don't think we got more than 15 minutes of sleep. This was the first night and we dreaded the thought of 10 more nights of this.

 

We went to the Meet and Mingle (a little tired). And there was darling Jim Deering who was filling in for the regular hotel manager. He was mingling...going around from person to person asking if everything was OK. We didn't get up in the Meet and Mingle to complain, he came to us. He was immediately on the phone. We went back to our cabin after the meeting and our air was fixed. There was a bottle of champagne there for our trouble. In a few minutes someone from his staff was there to personally check to see if everything was OK. We were very pleased with his actions. He's actually only one of two Hotel Directors that we recall their name.

 

If you attend a meeting on Norwegian they hand out their cards and tell you that they want to hear any complaints so they can fix them and not read about them on Cruise Critic after the cruise is over.

 

It's part of their job to listen to complaints. Not complain about the complainers.

 

Nothing wrong with that at all - it was kept short and sweet and I am glad you got your problem fixed:D It was also done quietly and one on one. I think what people are referring to (but I could be wrong) are when the meetings can turn into a public complaint session. Hal also has cards in your cabin - they want to know NOW so they can fix it.

[serendipity1499]

There is nothing wrong with making a company aware of what is lacking. I've certainly done it. It's the best thing you can do so they can 'fix' it.

 

BUT, I don't do it at a meet and greet. i do it after at a mutually convenient time. Most meet and greets are set for the 1st day at sea or short port - this is often the day after you set sail. How many complaints can anyone have in this short a time frame?:confused:

 

Agree 100%

 

I'll tell you my story. Several years ago we went on Volendam. Before our cruise some reviews were coming out saying that the airconditioning was not working well in both the dining room and some staterooms. Of course, then some CCers stated well that's been going on for years. Whenever she comes back from Alaska it takes while for them to adjust the air.:confused:

 

Anyway, we got to our cabin and I noticed it was Hot! The steward said it'll get better once we start moving. After coming back after dinner and show our stateroom was really hot. We called and they said they'd send up a fan. After an hour or so we called again and they said they were all out of fans. We tried to sleep. We were both sweating and I don't think we got more than 15 minutes of sleep. This was the first night and we dreaded the thought of 10 more nights of this.

 

We went to the Meet and Mingle (a little tired). And there was darling Jim Deering who was filling in for the regular hotel manager. He was mingling...going around from person to person asking if everything was OK. We didn't get up in the Meet and Mingle to complain, he came to us. He was immediately on the phone. We went back to our cabin after the meeting and our air was fixed. There was a bottle of champagne there for our trouble. In a few minutes someone from his staff was there to personally check to see if everything was OK. We were very pleased with his actions. He's actually only one of two Hotel Directors that we recall their name.

 

If you attend a meeting on Norwegian they hand out their cards and tell you that they want to hear any complaints so they can fix them and not read about them on Cruise Critic after the cruise is over.

 

It's part of their job to listen to complaints. Not complain about the complainers.

 

As you stated Mr. Deering came to you..However we are discussing people getting up & voicing complaints so all that are at the get together can hear..

 

Several years ago, on the Statendam we had a similar complaint but just the opposite..We could not shut off the air & the cabin was down to 62 degrees...We just about froze to death.:(.We have an atomic clock which also registers the temp of the room...After complaining several times I got dressed at 5:a.m. & was about ready to go down to the front desk & ask to see the Hotel Mgr. as soon as he came on duty..However as I left the room, the Head Housekeeper was walking down the hall & asked me if I needed help..Must have looked upset..

 

We took her into the cabin...As soon as she entered she felt & saw the temp..She was on the phone to the Chief Engineer immediately..In a flash they sent up two men who were able to shut our Air cond. off..

 

We did not complain about it or even mention it in the M & G. & even if it was not fixed by then would have asked the Hotel Mgr if we could see him privately..

 

At the Meet & Greets: I think there should be an opportunity for private tour “leaders” to let people know that there are a few spots left on this tour or that tour. This benefits that group as well as any new people who sign on at that point, who perhaps were undecided until the M&G. Sometimes this is the only way at this point to fill in the gap. Benefits both.

 

(For example: Set aside a few minutes for this where each “leader” can announce and hold up a paper with the tour name, the availability and his or her cabin # for future contact. That could take a minute. After that interested parties can and must inform themselves in private.)

 

I do not feel that I am undercutting HAL when I organize private tours. I also sign up for shore excursions on occasion, depending on the cruise and itinerary. And I’m on the cruise in the first place!! And I have a drink or two! And I buy bottles of wine, buy souvenirs/jewelry and other silly things while on the ship. I don’t but I could go to the spa! You get it! No one should feel guilty or secretive about private shore excursions.

 

No, this is NOT the time for complaints about anything...that you do in private with the guest relations staff, etc. etc.

 

Personally, at these M&G’s I do not need the coffee and pastries, nor do I need a visit from a ship’s senior staff members; for me the M&G is about meeting up in the flesh with all my new best friends, having a laugh or two, and then getting on with the cruise! RiSSa

 

Sorry but completely disagree..In the Cruise Critic rules it states that the roll call is the place to make your private tour arrangements..If your suggestion was implemented in Meet & Greets I'll guarantee you that HAL & many other Cruise Lines will decide not host our get togethers or provied aan area for the M & G's & I for one wouldn't blame them.. Just because you don't feel you are under-cutting into HAL's bottom line, by pushing your private tour, I can assure you that you are! You don't have to feel guilty, but it is rude to do that during a M & G when the Cruise Line is hosting it..

Read Phillip217 Post on the state of the economy.. He says that "SHOREX" is the third top revenue maker for every cruise line..Phillip & Bruce Muzz both long time Hotel Mgrs are members of Cruise Critic..

The post I'm quoting is: No. 57 in the following thread..

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=956159

Perhaps, you don't need the coffee & pastries but where are you going to meet your new best friends if th Cruise Line does not provide an area for our M & G's..Just because you don't want to meet the Officers, I believe that most CC members would disagree with you & would very much like to meet them...

Cheers....:)Betty

Edited April 7, 2012 by serendipity1499

[big green]

Agree 100%

 

 

 

As you stated Mr. Deering came to you..However we are discussing people getting up & voicing complaints so all that are at the get together can hear..

 

Several years ago, on the Statendam we had a similar complaint but just the opposite..We could not shut off the air & the cabin was down to 62 degrees...We just about froze to death.:(.We have an atomic clock which also registers the temp of the room...After complaining several times I got dressed at 5:a.m. & was about ready to go down to the front desk & ask to see the Hotel Mgr. as soon as he came on duty..However as I left the room, the Head Housekeeper was walking down the hall & asked me if I needed help..Must have looked upset..

 

We took her into the cabin...As soon as she entered she felt & saw the temp..She was on the phone to the Chief Engineer immediately..In a flash they sent up two men who were able to shut our Air cond. off..

 

We did not complain about it or even mention it in the M & G. & even if it was not fixed by then would have asked the Hotel Mgr if we could see him privately..

 

 

 

Sorry but completely disagree..In the Cruise Critic rules it states that the roll call is the place to make your private tour arrangements..If your suggestion was implemented in Meet & Greets I'll guarantee you that HAL & many other Cruise Lines will decide not host our get togethers or provied aan area for the M & G's & I for one wouldn't blame them.. Just because you don't feel you are under-cutting into HAL's bottom line, by pushing your private tour, I can assure you that you are! You don't have to feel guilty, but it is rude to do that during a M & G when the Cruise Line is hosting it..

Read Phillip217 Post on the state of the economy.. He says that "SHOREX" is the third top revenue maker for every cruise line..Phillip & Bruce Muzz both long time Hotel Mgrs are members of Cruise Critic..

The post I'm quoting is: No. 57 in the following thread..

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=956159

Perhaps, you don't need the coffee & pastries but where are you going to meet your new best friends if th Cruise Line does not provide an area for our M & G's..Just because you don't want to meet the Officers, I believe that most CC members would disagree with you & would very much like to meet them...

Cheers....:)Betty

 

 

Please provide the specific location of where Cruise Critic states that tours may not be discussed in meet and greets???/ I have read every sticky and do not find that --it would be great for specific reference or actual quote.

 

Also your reference to the profit centers on ships is not credible--no specific reference in that Ops declaration. Awhile back NCL had a TV special about their cruise ships and it was reported their biggest profit centers are the bar and casino--if they do not make a profit in these centers they lose on their cruise. Shore excursion was not even on the list

 

BG

[cruisemom42]

Agree 100%

 

 

 

 

Sorry but completely disagree..In the Cruise Critic rules it states that the roll call is the place to make your private tour arrangements..If your suggestion was implemented in Meet & Greets I'll guarantee you that HAL & many other Cruise Lines will decide not host our get togethers or provied aan area for the M & G's & I for one wouldn't blame them.. Just because you don't feel you are under-cutting into HAL's bottom line, by pushing your private tour, I can assure you that you are! You don't have to feel guilty, but it is rude to do that during a M & G when the Cruise Line is hosting it..

Read Phillip217 Post on the state of the economy.. He says that "SHOREX" is the third top revenue maker for every cruise line..Phillip & Bruce Muzz both long time Hotel Mgrs are members of Cruise Critic..

The post I'm quoting is: No. 57 in the following thread..

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=956159

Perhaps, you don't need the coffee & pastries but where are you going to meet your new best friends if th Cruise Line does not provide an area for our M & G's..Just because you don't want to meet the Officers, I believe that most CC members would disagree with you & would very much like to meet them...

Cheers....:)Betty

 

It may say that the Roll Call is the place to arrange a private tour somewhere, but nowhere does it say that private tour arrangements may NOT be discussed at the Meet & Greet, which I regard as an extension of the roll call in many ways. And Host Laura certainly did not say that discussion of private tours was frowned upon by CC in her earlier post....

 

I think this emphasis on taking business away from HAL is really silly. I cannot believe HAL expects all cruisers to take a ship-sponsored excursion in every port? Or that discussing it or not discussing such excursions in a M&G forum would in ANY way lead to more folks deciding to take a HAL excursion?

 

HAL and other lines that provide space, (minimal) refreshments and/or staff or officer attendance at a M&G are doing so in order to promote goodwill with a group of folks who clearly have a voice in influencing the cruising decisions of others. It is nothing more or less. Not a private party you are invited to by your nearest and dearest friends.

 

And let's not be ridiculous -- there are any number of places onboard where a group of CCers could meet onboard ship, whether or not the ship provides it. Open decks, unused public rooms, even the buffet area. I've been to M&Gs (not ship sponsored) on different lines in all of these areas.

 

(P.S. Count me as another that doesn't care about meeting the ships officers, btw....)

Edited April 7, 2012 by cruisemom42

[serendipity1499]

Please provide the specific location of where Cruise Critic states that tours may not be discussed in meet and greets???/ I have read every sticky and do not find that --it would be great for specific reference or actual quote.

 

Check out this sticky re roll calls by Host Kat: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=691100

will not quote the entire sticky, but this is partial quote:

Quote If you want to post a share request for shore excursions/tours, transportation, etc., a portion of the Sticky states the following:

 

Please note, the Cruise Critic Guidelines do not allow personal ads of any kind in posts. This would include personal ads looking to share shore excursions/tours, transportation, etc. Posts of this nature are removed from all forums... with one exception. If you are sailing on a specific ship and departure date, you may post your share request on the Roll Call thread for your cruise. You are targeting the specific group of people who would be most inclined to share since they are already sailing with you. Please remember, do not start a new Roll Call thread with your share request. Use your existing Roll Call thread to post your share request.

Unquote

Also in the guidelines is a chapter called Tour guide recommendations: I can't quote it here but suggest you read it..

The next chapter also refers to the use of the Roll Calls..

I agree it does not state that you cannot discuss it in a Meet & Greet, but IMO & most others here it would be rude to do so when Officers are present! In another post I used a example of a Rude person..Lets say you are a car Salesman & invited me to a party at your dealership to see your Auto's..And another Salesman from another dealership came to your party & tried to sell me their car while you were talking to me..Wouldn't you be annoyed & consider that person rude?

The OP's quoted a Hotel Mgr who stated that HAL may decide not host these M & G any more because they have morphed into participants trying to sell others on private tours..IMO that is a wake up call..I'm not going to debate if his remark was proper or not but I certainly would not want to jeopardize the welcome which HAL has always provided us..

Also your reference to the profit centers on ships is not credible--no specific reference in that Ops declaration. Awhile back NCL had a TV special about their cruise ships and it was reported their biggest profit centers are the bar and casino--if they do not make a profit in these centers they lose on their cruise. Shore excursion was not even on the list...

BG

That was not my idea & I never said "Profit maker" or "profit center".. I said per Phillip it was the "3rd largest revenue maker" Also quoted my reference to that in Post no. 57 which was by a long time Hotel Mgr. Phillip 217 ....

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=956159&page=3

Apparently, you did not read Phillip217 post No. 57 which stated:

Quote Sorry. Not 26 CRUISES, but 27 SHIPS. I have been on nearly 1,400 cruises in my career.You need to re-read your own post. Shorex is generally the #3 MONEYMAKER on a cruise ship. But it is not the #3 PROFITMAKER on a cruise ship.

<SNIP>

The average breakdown on REVENUES on a cruise ship, largest to smallest are:

1. Passage

2. Art (until the recent financial downturn)

3. Shorex

4. Boutiques

5. Bars

6. Spa

7. Casino

8. Photos

 

Over the past year, Art has dropped to around #7 on REVENUE Unquote

I put it in Red only for you to see that he said SHOREX is generally the No. 3 money maker but not necessarily the No. 3 profit maker for most cruise lines according to Phillip..

I also saw the TV program..Just because NCL did not list SHOREX does not mean it's not a money maker for other cruise lines...

Cheers...:)Betty

Edited April 8, 2012 by serendipity1499

[serendipity1499]

Guess I should no longer debate this, as apparently some believe it's OK to discuss private tours when Officers are present..

IMO it's an affront to the Cruise Line & Officers who are hosting the get together..If some one did it in front of me I would probably extend an apology to the Officer & leave because I would consider it to be offensive & don't wish to be associated with that type of boorishness..

JMO....Betty

[big green]

[/size][/font]

That was not my idea & I never said "Profit maker" or "profit center".. I said per Phillip it was the "3rd largest revenue maker" Also quoted my reference to that in Post no. 57 which was by a long time Hotel Mgr. Phillip 217 ....

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=956159&page=3

Apparently, you did not read Phillip217 post No. 57 which stated:

Quote Sorry. Not 26 CRUISES, but 27 SHIPS. I have been on nearly 1,400 cruises in my career.You need to re-read your own post. Shorex is generally the #3 MONEYMAKER on a cruise ship. But it is not the #3 PROFITMAKER on a cruise ship.

<SNIP>

The average breakdown on REVENUES on a cruise ship, largest to smallest are:

1. Passage

2. Art (until the recent financial downturn)

3. Shorex

4. Boutiques

5. Bars

6. Spa

7. Casino

8. Photos

 

Over the past year, Art has dropped to around #7 on REVENUE Unquote

I put it in Red only for you to see that he said SHOREX is generally the No. 3 money maker but not necessarily the No. 3 profit maker for most cruise lines according to Phillip..

I also saw the TV program..Just because NCL did not list SHOREX does not mean it's not a money maker for other cruise lines...

Cheers...:)Betty

 

I have seen information from several cruise lines that shore excursions at near the bottom---maybe HAL does not sell enough liquor in their bars and does not do well in their casinos so they do not generate enough revenue to be at the top--but the assertion stated revenues on cruise ships--still would like to see a published source,

 

Bg

[Copper10-8]

Who has anything to complain about less than 24 hours after they board?

 

You'd be surprised!;)

[Monsoonalblue]

Annoying or not, this is his job and if he can't understand that a professional doesn't vent his frustrations in front of customers, he's in the wrong job.

 

The best thing a loyal customer can do for HAL (or any product or service, for that matter) is to point out when things aren't living up to the brand promise. It isn't disloyal, in fact, it's the most loyal thing you can do to help the brand stay high quality and relevant.

 

Agreed for the most part, but not sure a "hosted " dinner is the time or place to confront the "host" with problems/issues- but then again, on reflection, all passengers have the right to deal with things as they see fit- I didn't pay for their ticket and nor did "CC" - I personally wouldn't choose a meet and greet to complain, if I chose to take part in private tours and discussed tours discreetly at the meeting, I very much doubt it would cause any major issues to anyone in attendance.

[blue whale]

I often keep the good-night cards that HAL leaves with the chocolates on longer cruises. A favorite is one with this message,"A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles," by a Tim Cahill. CC has served us well in the past because we have made wonderful friends with whom we continue to interact when the cruise is over. When I opened our email this morning, three of the new emails were from cruise friends. Two were from folks we met through CC.

 

We must keep the emphasis in meet and greets on getting to know one another and sharing our knowledge of ports we will visit. When get-togethers center on private tour organization and complaints, there is little time for "getting to know you."

 

IMO on a lovely spring day here in the east.

 

D

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Well said Blue Whale. Happy Spring to everyone. Barbara

[DaveOKC]

Who has anything to complain about less than 24 hours after they board?

 

On our Oct Canada/NE cruise we had alot of complaints at the meet and greet about the boarding process - it was a mess to be sure. However, it was really not HAL's fault (IMO) as the Canadian officials in Montreal were holding up the disembarkation and they were disorganized and slow. I was there very early, so I saw the problem in detail - and I mentioned this to the others at the M&G - it seemed to satisfy most of them. Several first time HAL cruisers were really upset and said they would never cruise HAL again - hopefully my explanation calmed them down a bit.

 

Anyway, sometimes bringing up problems can be a positive.

 

DaveOKC

Edited April 8, 2012 by DaveOKC

[cruisemom42]

IMO it's an affront to the Cruise Line & Officers who are hosting the get together..If some one did it in front of me I would probably extend an apology to the Officer & leave because I would consider it to be offensive & don't wish to be associated with that type of boorishness..

JMO....Betty

 

Well, I've not been called boorish before, but I guess there's always a first. :rolleyes: I think we are envisioning very different things. I'm not talking about a major presentation and "selling" of one's private tours at a M&G, but simply low-key conversations among those who are on the same tour, confirming details and meeting one another face-to-face so we know who we are touring with. I still can see nothing wrong with this at a M&G.

 

 

We must keep the emphasis in meet and greets on getting to know one another and sharing our knowledge of ports we will visit. When get-togethers center on private tour organization and complaints, there is little time for "getting to know you."

 

IMO on a lovely spring day here in the east.

 

D

 

I agree, but I would also suggest that touring together on a private tour is one of the best ways to get to know others on one's cruise. :)

[Okie1946]

I often keep the good-night cards that HAL leaves with the chocolates on longer cruises. A favorite is one with this message,"A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles," by a Tim Cahill. CC has served us well in the past because we have made wonderful friends with whom we continue to interact when the cruise is over. When I opened our email this morning, three of the new emails were from cruise friends. Two were from folks we met through CC.

 

We must keep the emphasis in meet and greets on getting to know one another and sharing our knowledge of ports we will visit. When get-togethers center on private tour organization and complaints, there is little time for "getting to know you."

 

IMO on a lovely spring day here in the east.

 

D

 

Thank you for putting this entire thread back into perspective. :)

 

Previous Cruises:

Alaska - Westerdam - September 2009

Alaska- Rotterdam - September 2010

Mexican Riveria - Oosterdam - April 2011

[Candy]

At the Meet & Greets: I think there should be an opportunity for private tour “leaders” to let people know that there are a few spots left on this tour or that tour. This benefits that group as well as any new people who sign on at that point, who perhaps were undecided until the M&G. Sometimes this is the only way at this point to fill in the gap. Benefits both.

 

(For example: Set aside a few minutes for this where each “leader” can announce and hold up a paper with the tour name, the availability and his or her cabin # for future contact. That could take a minute. After that interested parties can and must inform themselves in private.) ... snip... RiSSa

If you are so insistent that you be given a venue to tout your private tour offerings, I suggest you call Ship Services several months before sailing and reserve your own room. You can then post this reservation on your Roll Call, and anyone who is interested can attend.

 

I think it's a very rude slap in the face of the Hotel Manager who makes room in his/her budget to acknowledge our interest in spending time on this ship.

 

It's even worse if the Shore Excursion Manager is in attendance. Shame on you for using our M&Gs for your own benefit.

 

 

 

[lcand1923]

I joined Cruise Critic after going on my first cruise back in 1999. I've lurked on the Roll Calls of every cruise that I've taken. Why? I'm a non-joiner by nature. I've never joined a Roll Call. I've never attended a M&G. I HAVE met nice people on every cruise at Trivia sessions or craft sessions or knitting sessions, etc. Some of the folks who have organized M&G's and posted to this thread are people I would enjoy meeting. Others, I'm not so sure. :confused:

[PatsyAnne]

You'd be surprised!;)

My biggest complaint at 24 hours on board is that I wasn't there sooner!

[ImaFrugalCruiser]

I totally agree with Candy and BlueWhale. From what I have seen on the roll call for my cruise, almost everything there will have finalized their private tours well before the cruise date and certainly do not need a 'tour leader' (is that another name for a salesman?) promoting his or her particular tour because they need more people. I plan to go to the M&G to meet the people I have been corresponding with on the roll call and put faces to some of the names. If there are some quiet conversations about what someone is doing at a particular port, that is fine too, but I am definitely not in favour of someone promoting a tour that is not yet filled.

 

For TylerRose: I will be at your M&G on ms Eurodam and I don't think you have anything to worry about. From what I have seen so far in the posts, everything there is out to have fun and I think it will be a great start to the cruise. Thanks for all your work!

[IndyDenise]

When I first decided to organize my first M&G, on my first HAL cruise for May 2012, my biggest fear was that no one would talk.

Then I found myself worrying about wayward comments/complaints that may be made to Noordam staff..or party crashers...or rogue CCers that may try to outsell HAL's tour department with private tours.

I am not going to let this bother me, get me down, or distract from the real reason of the Meet and Greet...which is to MEET AND GREET!!!..

This is not MY M&G..I am just the one that called HAL to set it up...it is everyone's M and G! So if Mr Smith wants to sell tour space go right ahead..and Mrs Jones wants to invite the nice couple in VA 7010 who have never heard of CC, please do! You want to complain to the Hotel Manager that your cabin furniture is shabby?..have at it. This is YOUR party and I am not the M and G police. I am just a cruiser who is looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you...and I hope you feel the same. I am going to have fun regardless because , as my son would say, this is how I roll!:cool:

[Seago2]

When I first decided to organize my first M&G, on my first HAL cruise for May 2012, my biggest fear was that no one would talk.

Then I found myself worrying about wayward comments/complaints that may be made to Noordam staff..or party crashers...or rogue CCers that may try to outsell HAL's tour department with private tours.

I am not going to let this bother me, get me down, or distract from the real reason of the Meet and Greet...which is to MEET AND GREET!!!..

This is not MY M&G..I am just the one that called HAL to set it up...it is everyone's M and G! So if Mr Smith wants to sell tour space go right ahead..and Mrs Jones wants to invite the nice couple in VA 7010 who have never heard of CC, please do! You want to complain to the Hotel Manager that your cabin furniture is shabby?..have at it. This is YOUR party and I am not the M and G police. I am just a cruiser who is looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you...and I hope you feel the same. I am going to have fun regardless because , as my son would say, this is how I roll!:cool:

 

Just so you know, FWIW, I have never had any of these issues and I have organized several M&G's, including the one on Westerdam last month. I've never seen anything at all like that behavior, ever. Nor have any of my roll calls been used to organized tours beyond "hey, have any of you heard of X tour, we're thinking of it and if we get four more people...." and then the conversation (if there is one) is taken off CC and into emails.

 

I think these issues may occur more in longer voyages with many port calls.

 

Good luck and have a great cruise!

Edited April 9, 2012 by Seago2

[innlady1]

Just so you know, FWIW, I have never had any of these issues and I have organized several M&G's, including the one on Westerdam last month. I've never seen anything at all like that behavior, ever. Nor have any of my roll calls been used to organized tours beyond "hey, have any of you heard of X tour, we're thinking of it and if we get four more people...." and then the conversation (if there is one) is taken off CC and into emails.

 

I think these issues may occur more in longer voyages with many port calls.

 

Good luck and have a great cruise!

 

I think so, too, Carla. I've organized several M & G's and have never had a problem.

[IndyDenise]

Just so you know, FWIW, I have never had any of these issues and I have organized several M&G's, including the one on Westerdam last month. I've never seen anything at all like that behavior, ever. Nor have any of my roll calls been used to organized tours beyond "hey, have any of you heard of X tour, we're thinking of it and if we get four more people...." and then the conversation (if there is one) is taken off CC and into emails.

 

I think these issues may occur more in longer voyages with many port calls.

 

Good luck and have a great cruise!

 

________________

 

Thank you, and I think I will have a great cruise. Seems I will be cruising on a beautiful ship ( Noordam ) , with nice people ( as gleaned from my roll call ) , great ports of call ( Greece, Rome, Croatia, and Turkey here I come! ) ..and hopefully with a fun filled friendly interesting M and G!