Beyond the Podium Speakers

[Orator]

At one time Celebrity would release a list of speakers for future cruises. This practice has been discontinued and even calls to Captain's Club yield no results. Last year I was fortunate to know the Cruise Director who sent me a list of speakers. I generally enjoy the presentations and like to have some time to read some background information on the topics I know little or nothing about (there are many, many topics to learn). I can understand that there may be some contractual or privacy issues in releasing names and/or topics, but I would hope that if possible Celebrity would release the list. Perhaps some might be tempted to book a cruise because of a specific speaker. I might.

[TroubleT]

At one time Celebrity would release a list of speakers for future cruises. This practice has been discontinued and even calls to Captain's Club yield no results. Last year I was fortunate to know the Cruise Director who sent me a list of speakers. I generally enjoy the presentations and like to have some time to read some background information on the topics I know little or nothing about (there are many, many topics to learn). I can understand that there may be some contractual or privacy issues in releasing names and/or topics, but I would hope that if possible Celebrity would release the list. Perhaps some might be tempted to book a cruise because of a specific speaker. I might.

 

On our November 24, 2013 (Constellation) TA cruise we are going to have Melinda Bates as one of our Enrichment Speakers. She has seven different presentations about White House history, architecture, decor, First Families, entertaining, etc.The topics are:

 

Back Stage at the White House, my own story.

 

Back Stage with the First Families

 

Entertaining at the White House from George Washington to Barack Obama, dress swords to gate crashers

 

Melinda's Private VIP Tour, The West Wing

 

Oval Office and Air Force One

 

How to Talk to an Emperor

 

Holidays at the White House

 

 

We are all looking forward to her presentations! You are welcome to join!

:):):)

[Orator]

On our November 24, 2013 (Constellation) TA cruise we are going to have Melinda Bates as one of our Enrichment Speakers. She has seven different presentations about White House history, architecture, decor, First Families, entertaining, etc.The topics are:

 

Back Stage at the White House, my own story.

 

Back Stage with the First Families

 

Entertaining at the White House from George Washington to Barack Obama, dress swords to gate crashers

 

Melinda's Private VIP Tour, The West Wing

 

Oval Office and Air Force One

 

How to Talk to an Emperor

 

Holidays at the White House

 

 

We are all looking forward to her presentations! You are welcome to join!

:):):)

 

Sounds like something I would enjoy, but on another TA. Do you know the other speakers or topics? Did you get the information from anyone at Celebrity?

[TroubleT]

Sounds like something I would enjoy, but on another TA. Do you know the other speakers or topics? Did you get the information from anyone at Celebrity?

 

Melinda will be cruising with us. She is on our Roll Call and that's how we learned about her presentations. No other information on speakers or topics. Sorry...:(:)

[Orator]

Melinda will be cruising with us. She is on our Roll Call and that's how we learned about her presentations. No other information on speakers or topics. Sorry...:(:)

 

I too have been on a few cruises where the speakers introduced themselves on the Roll Call. Just wish that celebrity released the information.

[vvnh16a]

Melinda was on our cruise San Diego to Hawaii and return. Her presentation is EXCELLENT. I believe she was the Head of the Visitors Office durng the Clinton Administration but her talk is totaly non-partisian. She does entertain questions about Monica, how can people not on the "approved" get into the WHite House, How do you prepare for a Meeting with the King of ..........., and then an hour later arrange for a meeting for the President with the Rolling Stones...and many others! Very Very intersting. Dont miss her!

[Blazerboy]

It is a nice feature of Cunard - they publicize the speakers in advance.

 

Would be nice if Celebrity did this again.

 

Andrew

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Forums mobile app

[patty1955]

We'd loved it if Celebrity would publish the list as well. Our last two cruises were 14+ days and we hope to take more in the future. Knowing who is speaking could help decide which cruise to take.

[jcrandle]

Azamara has a Chief Blogging Officer that monitors the board and makes announcements and responds to issues affecting multiple cruisers. Perhaps Celebrity should appoint a CBO who could address issues like this.:)

[Orator]

Azamara has a Chief Blogging Officer that monitors the board and makes announcements and responds to issues affecting multiple cruisers. Perhaps Celebrity should appoint a CBO who could address issues like this.:)

 

Celebrity does under the screen name CelebrityCruises. Hopefully they read this and suggest that Celebrity consider releasing information. Naturally, problems and conflicts may happen at any time and any list would need to be considered accurate at the time of publication, but subject to change.

[fleckle]

At one time Celebrity would release a list of speakers for future cruises. This practice has been discontinued and even calls to Captain's Club yield no results. Last year I was fortunate to know the Cruise Director who sent me a list of speakers. I generally enjoy the presentations and like to have some time to read some background information on the topics I know little or nothing about (there are many, many topics to learn). I can understand that there may be some contractual or privacy issues in releasing names and/or topics, but I would hope that if possible Celebrity would release the list. Perhaps some might be tempted to book a cruise because of a specific speaker. I might.

It seems strange after they made a big deal of it last year, listing the ships and dates that had the Smithsonian speakers on board

 

Smithsonian Journeys.indd - Smithsonian_Journeys_2012.pdf

 

and listing which speaker would be on which ship for the fall transatlantic cruises, even including photos with brief bios of them

12030087_CEL_CelLifePlus_Flyer.pdf

 

 

Now this year there appears to be nothing publicizing them at all, other than those who have joined roll calls to publicize themselves, as previously mentioned.

 

 

Some time ago Cruise Critic had an article about cruise ship lecturers:

 

So You Want to Be a Cruise Ship Lecturer?

 

Often they use their cruise ship presentations to promote their own books or CDs that they are trying to sell.

 

[Orator]

It seems strange after they made a big deal of it last year, listing the ships and dates that had the Smithsonian speakers on board

 

Smithsonian Journeys.indd - Smithsonian_Journeys_2012.pdf

 

and listing which speaker would be on which ship for the fall transatlantic cruises, even including photos with brief bios of them

12030087_CEL_CelLifePlus_Flyer.pdf

 

 

Now this year there appears to be nothing publicizing them at all, other than those who have joined roll calls to publicize themselves, as previously mentioned.

 

 

Some time ago Cruise Critic had an article about cruise ship lecturers:

 

So You Want to Be a Cruise Ship Lecturer?

 

Often they use their cruise ship presentations to promote their own books or CDs that they are trying to sell.

 

 

Yes and the information was helpful. Wonder why it was discontinued.

[Turtles06]

Add me to the list of folks who would appreciate having this info in advance. I realize it would come with the usual caveat that speakers' schedules might change, but it would still be nice to know what is planned. It is odd that Celebrity made such a big deal about these announcements a year ago but for this year, nothing.

[Northern Aurora]

I also would enjoy seeing a list of scheduled speakers. And while I also realize that the schedule would be subject to change, it really doesn't seem like it would be too difficult to put such a list on Celebrity website of the scheduled speakers for the next six months or so.

 

We had Melinda Bates as a speaker on our Equinox transatlantic last spring. While I found her interesting and attended several of her presentations, it was interesting that a great number of non-US citizens found her absolutely fascinating. She was quite the hit.

[fredflint]

I called captains Club and very nice person looked and said she did not have access to the information, maybe someone on the board is with the press and could get the information from Celebrity?

[Orator]

I would suggest that Celebrity could try a test run by releasing the names and topics of speakers for TA cruises. Passengers on these cruises tend to be quite interested in the speakers. They could then phase in any cruise 14 days or more. Then follow with 10 day cruises or longer. This would give them the opportunity to test the program prior to deciding on a fleet wide rollout.

[cruiseacecat]

I would suggest that Celebrity could try a test run by releasing the names and topics of speakers for TA cruises. Passengers on these cruises tend to be quite interested in the speakers. They could then phase in any cruise 14 days or more. Then follow with 10 day cruises or longer. This would give them the opportunity to test the program prior to deciding on a fleet wide rollout.

This just makes far too much sense for them to ever do it. :rolleyes:

[Andy]

Hi Everyone,

 

Just as an FYI, I've asked Celebrity about this (and providing a list of Ships Officers) on numerous occasions. From their responses, it seems they are not overly interested in making it happen.

 

I agree it's an excellent idea. Let's hope they will reconsider at some point.

[Andy]

Azamara has a Chief Blogging Officer that monitors the board and makes announcements and responds to issues affecting multiple cruisers. Perhaps Celebrity should appoint a CBO who could address issues like this.:)

 

Hi Jcrandle,

 

You are so right about that ! Celebrity should have a CBO. Bill Leiber (Azamara's CBO) does an outstanding job and is much appreciated at the Azamara forum. We can only hope Celebrity will feature a CBO at some point.

[fleckle]

Hi Jcrandle,

 

You are so right about that ! Celebrity should have a CBO. Bill Leiber (Azamara's CBO) does an outstanding job and is much appreciated at the Azamara forum. We can only hope Celebrity will feature a CBO at some point.

Well, I should like to nominate you for that position, Host Andy, and think that a lot of Cruise Critic members would second that nomination and be very appreciative if it happens.

 

Any chance?

 

[Andy]

Well, I should like to nominate you for that position, Host Andy, and think that a lot of Cruise Critic members would second that nomination and be very appreciative if it happens.

 

Any chance?

 

 

Hi Fleckle,

 

Thank you for your very kind comments. I noticed your post at 3 am last night. Guess you weren't sleeping either :). I wanted to take some time to think about your question before I replied, so here goes....

 

When Bill Leiber was appointed CBO for Azamara in 2010, I immediately realized what a fantastic concept this was. At the time, I hoped that Celebrity might consider such a position, and might reach out to me. Since then, I haven't given it much thought. I have no idea what Celebrity's future plans are, within Social Media, as they do not share their strategy with me. Would I like it to happen ? Absolutely, as I'm passionate about helping our community, and all things Celebrity. I rarely wish for anything, but this would be a dream come true.

 

If you would like to see it happen, I'd be appreciative if our community members shared their insights with Celebrity. Thanks very much !

[Orator]

Hi Fleckle,

 

Thank you for your very kind comments. I noticed your post at 3 am last night. Guess you weren't sleeping either :). I wanted to take some time to think about your question before I replied, so here goes....

 

When Bill Leiber was appointed CBO for Azamara in 2010, I immediately realized what a fantastic concept this was. At the time, I hoped that Celebrity might consider such a position, and might reach out to me. Since then, I haven't given it much thought. I have no idea what Celebrity's future plans are, within Social Media, as they do not share their strategy with me. Would I like it to happen ? Absolutely, as I'm passionate about helping our community, and all things Celebrity. I rarely wish for anything, but this would be a dream come true.

 

If you would like to see it happen, I'd be appreciative if our community members shared their insights with Celebrity. Thanks very much !

 

Andy:

We haven't met yet, but will soon so I only know you through your posts. You passion for cruising and dedication to assisting your fellow cruisers is obvious. I have no doubt that you would be an asset to Celebrity as a Social Media Specialist. I if Celebrity sees a value in creating that position and what they would be looking for in the person they hired to man the boards. But, from your posting history I believe that you would be a great fit. I've noticed posts by CelebrityCruises. How do you think Celebrity has defined their role?

[ghstudio]

Hi Fleckle,

 

Thank you for your very kind comments. I noticed your post at 3 am last night. Guess you weren't sleeping either :). I wanted to take some time to think about your question before I replied, so here goes....

 

When Bill Leiber was appointed CBO for Azamara in 2010, I immediately realized what a fantastic concept this was. At the time, I hoped that Celebrity might consider such a position, and might reach out to me. Since then, I haven't given it much thought. I have no idea what Celebrity's future plans are, within Social Media, as they do not share their strategy with me. Would I like it to happen ? Absolutely, as I'm passionate about helping our community, and all things Celebrity. I rarely wish for anything, but this would be a dream come true.

 

If you would like to see it happen, I'd be appreciative if our community members shared their insights with Celebrity. Thanks very much !

 

You don't want that job and to be honest, you couldn't do that job because you don't know celebrity policy..but I'm not singling you out, "celebrity cruises" who actually claims to speak for celebrity doesn't seem to know the policies either...as he admits, he is right most of the time. That's not entirely helpful.

 

I think you would quickly get frustrated when you couldn't find out the real celebrity policy to post...for example, can we still buy a drink package mid way through a 14 day cruise? Latest announcement implies no, but no one really knows the answer. Celebrity cruises hasn't answered it. Do you want to take a guess at the answer because no one in celebrity seems to know? You would also be a bit frustrated by having to say the web site is right for some things and wrong for others (although that seems to be getting much better)

 

Yes, you could be a positive helpful voice, but I think cbo needs to be a celebrity employee who speaks for celebrity and when that person speaks you can count on that answer. You and I can post about our experience or what we have heard un officially, but that isn't enough for a cbo, IMHO.

[Andy]

You don't want that job and to be honest, you couldn't do that job because you don't know celebrity policy..but I'm not singling you out, "celebrity cruises" who actually claims to speak for celebrity doesn't seem to know the policies either...as he admits, he is right most of the time. That's not entirely helpful.

 

I think you would quickly get frustrated when you couldn't find out the real celebrity policy to post...for example, can we still buy a drink package mid way through a 14 day cruise? Latest announcement implies no, but no one really knows the answer. Celebrity cruises hasn't answered it. Do you want to take a guess at the answer because no one in celebrity seems to know? You would also be a bit frustrated by having to say the web site is right for some things and wrong for others (although that seems to be getting much better)

 

Yes, you could be a positive helpful voice, but I think cbo needs to be a celebrity employee who speaks for celebrity and when that person speaks you can count on that answer. You and I can post about our experience or what we have heard un officially, but that isn't enough for a cbo, IMHO.

 

Thanks for your insights GHstudio, but I rarely get frustrated, and I'm not a quitter. At this point, I'd never say that I (or anyone else) cannot make it work, as none of us know what would be entailed. I didnt get where I am in my industry, by quitting. I always believe there are answers to questions.... if you know where to look :).

 

As for the role of CBO, this individual would be the official voice of Celebrity within Social Media, no matter who is it. Who knows what the future holds. No matter what happens, I prefer not being negative. Whether it's right or wrong, I'm a "the glass is 1/2 full" type of person, and always try to remain positive - even in the middle of massive challenges, where naysayers have said... "it will never work" and it did ! I've had my share of such experiences in my 35 year career. I attribute my "can do" attitiude to a large part of my success.

[Andy]

Andy:

We haven't met yet, but will soon so I only know you through your posts. You passion for cruising and dedication to assisting your fellow cruisers is obvious. I have no doubt that you would be an asset to Celebrity as a Social Media Specialist. I if Celebrity sees a value in creating that position and what they would be looking for in the person they hired to man the boards. But, from your posting history I believe that you would be a great fit. I've noticed posts by CelebrityCruises. How do you think Celebrity has defined their role?

 

Hi Orator,

 

Thank you for your very kind comments. I look forward to meeting you. I'd be happy to share my thoughts. First, I'm very pleased that Celebrity has someone here. I truly believe that Celebrity cares, and is making progress. Where I believe they could improve in their role, is in 2 specific areas :

 

1. IMO, Our community members wish to relate to someone. They want to know the individual, like we have with Bill Leiber at Azamara. It brings a massive amount of goodwill and trust to the table. Being unidentifiable via a screen name makes it difficult to obtain long-term success.

 

2. While I give Celebrity major props for what they've accomplished, I'm not sensing their Social Media strategy creates the passion about all things Celebrity & Cruise Critic, like myself, and many of us have. When I'm approaching a Celebrity ship at Port Everglades or Port of Miami, I feel like a kid who's about to open a Christmas Present ! You just can't make that happen on it's own. It's a passion, a fire in your belly, and last but not certainly not least... many years of sailing and appreciating the wonderful Celebrity experience. I hope that passion never goes away.

 

I strongly feel that's at least some of what Celebrity should look for, in whomever is their CBO, if they should choose to go in that direction.