What makes you stick with or leave a Roll Call?

[mtwingcpa]

I stopped going to roll calls when I started to read about cabin crawls, gift exchanges, slot pulls, someone became a bit too controlling of everyone, the demand for cabin numbers and full names........ Some of it turned me off.

 

I'll "second" that. :-)

 

I've also dropped out of roll calls when there was too much DETAILED discussion of medical problems and why people might have to cancel. If someone can't go, they can't go. But there's such a thing as "too much information!" :-(

[Ehpride]

I've been on roll calls where people have planned 3 or 4 big events during a seven day cruise. I don't want to go to a cocktail party, a cabin crawl, a poker run and a slot pull all in one cruise as I want to actually relax and participate in ship activities. Planning an event is one thing but when the entire roll call becomes devoted to planning multiple events and collecting money, it turns me off.

[BlueRiband]

I stopped going to roll calls when I started to read about cabin crawls, gift exchanges, slot pulls, someone became a bit too controlling of everyone, the demand for cabin numbers and full names........ Some of it turned me off.

 

Exactly the problem with my Norway voyage. A "superorganizer", former travel agent who never posts on the boards except to organize M&Gs, took over and did just that. (To be fair, the others seemed to be happy that she did.) She apparently set up a Facebook group or email exchange because the other activities were never mentioned on the CC board but were mentioned after the voyage. Anybody who didn't play by her rules and just showed up would have been embarrassed and unprepared for what was expected. She also changed the traditional Cunard M&G time from 2PM to 11AM and went in direct conflict with some great lectures. (Bill Miller or Stephen Payne are not to be missed!)

 

The reason that I would attend a M&G is to connect faces to some of the names on the boards. Only one or two regular Cunard posters joined the roll call. (Although the others may be Cunard lurkers.)

 

I understand the possible turn off, however that doesn't speak for all of them or IMO create a reason not to participate at all. Many roll calls will arrange some or all of the above - but they are all voluntary. We have frequently opted out of these events but still participated in the roll call and have met people from them. The personalities of a few don't necessarily define the entire roll call. What kind and how much info you provide and what you choose to do is entirely up to you - no one can demand of you something you don't wish to do. But it is a personal choice whether you want to be part of the roll call or not and I'm not challenging your personal decision.

 

I have to disagree in the sense that they are voluntary until you want to opt out. Don't join the cabin crawls, etc, and be labeled the snobbish party pooper who thinks the other members are not good enough. (What? You're not coming on the cabin crawl? Have some fun!) (Don't spend money on a ship tour! These are great private tours and we only need one more person!)

 

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As a solo sailor I would love to meet people but don't want to inject myself into anybody's plans nor want to be "adopted". When a roll call takes on an organized form that includes a full spectrum of CC activities - and expected participation - it's better to just not join it. Or just quietly drop out.

Edited November 14, 2013 by BlueRiband

[lamchops]

I have joined roll calls on my last 2 cruises to share and recieve helpful information. Unfortunately I've missed both meet & greets because I get wrapped up in the days activities and have forgotten them. :(

Too bad there isn't a reminder in the daily newsletter.

A friends of "CC" meeting.

[OCruisers]

Some roll calls are better than others. :rolleyes:

 

It's always interesting to chat with others with whom you will be with for a cruise.

In no way does posting on a roll call, obligate you to participate in any activities planned or to give out any personal information.

 

LuLu

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[jamessemaj]

I always follow the roll call for a cruise I am on, but never actually "join" in the sense of the cabin crawls, slot pulls, etc. or even the meet and greet. I am just searching for information regarding logistics or other helpful information to prepare for the cruise. Flights, hotels, transportation, sights, etc. That entails wading through useless chit chat and the occasional ego maniac who wants to control everything. But I always follow just in case there is some useful information, and usually there is something, and that often not from the "leaders" or most active members of the roll call.

Edited November 14, 2013 by jamessemaj

[Eileen G]

I have joined the roll call on all of our cruises. On a few I have done the organizing by creating the list of names of the roll call. I even arranged a get together on one HAL cruise. The roll calls I don't participate in are the very large ones. On my up coming cruise we have all the activities: slot pull, cabin crawl, gift exchange and the worst; a bunch of people who have cruised together before. The list of activities and group excursions is extremely long and posted at least once a day. I have no idea who anyone is because there are just too many people. For once I will stay clear of the meet and greet.

[SPacificbound]

Our Panama Canal roll call has 113 pages and over 2200 posts so it has been pretty active all along. We know one really nice couple who are on this cruise, we met them in Australia earlier this year. :)

[Lerin]

I've only joined 2 roll calls and never met a soul on cc.

 

The first rc had maybe 20 people but they organized the M&G for sail away. I was too busy with other things and missed it, and therefor never figured out who anyone was.

The second (on a different line) had about 30 members and they arranged a more formal M&M with printed invites sent to each cabin. Because of a cabin switch at the pier I didn't receive the invite until a day after the event. :mad:

 

Don't have a lot of faith in roll calls, but would love to be a part of a large organized one.

[Starlight Durban Cruising]

First roll-call was well organized as a (pay-as-you-go) M&G. We had three ladies who organized a relaxed and enjoyable M&G. There was also a (pre-paid) cocktail party on the second day, and that was a smaller group, and yet still fun.

 

A later cruise had a (pre-paid) cocktail party only. While I might have still done it, things just went "overboard" when the roll-call postings became daily crossword puzzle events for months beforehand. I was not in a mood to wade through pages and pages and pages of posts from dozens of people with content such as "the answer to 7 down is Anchor, and I don't think that 3 across is Whale, but rather ....". Having to wade through reams of silly postings just to find information relevant to the M&G just killed me.

[Karysa]

Some roll calls are better than others. :rolleyes:

 

It's always interesting to chat with others with whom you will be with for a cruise.

In no way does posting on a roll call, obligate you to participate in any activities planned or to give out any personal information.

 

LuLu

~~~~

 

Some have Facebook Pages and roll call off shooots. People seem worried that others will know that they are going to be out of town on a noted dated. It seems running 2 chats is too much so the cc one is the " whoo, only 1 mth to go" page and the private, secure page is the one with the tour shares and more substantial information. Surprises me that cc allows this. What if you don't have FB, can you still join?

I know that you say that posting doesn't obligate you to join the meet and greet or activities but it does not feel that way while on the roll call. These activities and the cruise countdown tend to overtake all other conversations.

[Karysa]

I always follow the roll call for a cruise I am on, but never actually "join" in the sense of the cabin crawls, slot pulls, etc. or even the meet and greet. I am just searching for information regarding logistics or other helpful information to prepare for the cruise. Flights, hotels, transportation, sights, etc. That entails wading through useless chit chat and the occasional ego maniac who wants to control everything. But I always follow just in case there is some useful information, and usually there is something, and that often not from the "leaders" or most active members of the roll call.

 

I think that this is true for a lot of people. Roll calls seem to get a lot of hits compared to the amount of posts.

[blackpool belle]

Wow, that's rare I would think. Was it a big roll call and meet and greet?

 

 

No it wasn't really. I'd say about 30+ and even now after 7 + years we are only just short of 1400 posts but I guess it's quality not quantity LOL:D

[justcrusn]

i guess i'm one of those who finds occasional bits of useful information on a roll call but i could live without those who post thinly veiled sales pitches to buy "their tour", or the ones who post every day about what they are doing that day or what their weather is at home.

 

Thank you to those who post helpful information about the ports we will visit, or just general insider tips about someplace we've never been. THOSE are really helpful.

And we DO NOT give our cabin or booking # to anyone on the roll call. If we miss an activity because of that so be it, but you can't have my booking #.....

[Karysa]

No it wasn't really. I'd say about 30+ and even now after 7 + years we are only just short of 1400 posts but I guess it's quality not quantity LOL:D

 

I've seen roll calls with that many posts before the ship sails.:D.

[happybooker1]

Helpful with all questions. NO "well it's better if you do it MY way". No offensive/volatile topics (how to smuggle liquor, etc.) that set people off. Child-friendly M&G planned. Family-friendly in general.

 

Actually on the RollCall for this cruise -- it will be my first Cabin Crawl and Slot Pull. They sound fun, but NO ONE was pressured into attending. Very low-key.

 

We are, however, having our M&G at the Red Frog Pub!!

[Starlight Durban Cruising]

... the ones who post every day about what they are doing that day or what their weather is at home.

 

And we DO NOT give our cabin or booking # to anyone on the roll call. If we miss an activity because of that so be it, but you can't have my booking #.....

 

OMG, yeah I forgot about the irritating posts about the weather each day that some people posted about in their local town.

 

As a single cruiser, I did ask on the roll call if I could join a group of fellow CC'ers dinner group and found that one of the ladies had a travel-group as a part of the CC Roll-call. Gave her my booking number privately once we had agreed to link for dinner purposes. They had 3 tables in the MDR, and I had such fun joining them all for dinner.

[kitty9]

I stopped going to roll calls when I started to read about cabin crawls, gift exchanges, slot pulls, someone became a bit too controlling of everyone, the demand for cabin numbers and full names........ Some of it turned me off.

 

 

I really agree with you. There was one roll call I was on where one participant became very mean and began disrespecting others. And on another, one person took over and even said that if participants didn't post in a certain amount of time, they would be removed from the list that some make up. Personally I don't care when one person takes over everything.

 

One thing I have noticed lately, people on the roll calls sign up for the meet and greet, but don't show up. My last three cruises had over 40 people signed up, but less than 15 showed up.

[Karysa]

I really agree with you. There was one roll call I was on where one participant became very mean and began disrespecting others. And on another, one person took over and even said that if participants didn't post in a certain amount of time, they would be removed from the list that some make up. Personally I don't care when one person takes over everything.

 

One thing I have noticed lately, people on the roll calls sign up for the meet and greet, but don't show up. My last three cruises had over 40 people signed up, but less than 15 showed up.

 

So the obvious question is why such a low turnout lately for these and other roll calls.

[cj'smom]

I may be in the minority but I have always enjoyed participating in roll calls and have never had a negative experience. There are many reasons why I participate including gaining info, finding people to share tours with and also to have a group of people to share the planning and excitement with. Sorry, but my friends and family don't want to frequently hear about the cool thing I discovered about the ship I'm sailing or the great tidbit about a port of call. I enjoy sharing my excitement with others who are excited too!

 

I'm currently active in my 3rd roll call. It's an 11 day with 6 sea days so that does lend more time to having roll call activities. We have over 100 on the roll call, almost 90 signed up for the meet and greet and have a sail away party, cabin crawl, poker run, slot pull and gift exchange planned as well as several tours arranged. A few members are even helping another member pull off a surprise proposal.

 

The numbers for the activities range from 5 people to 45 participating. Each activity is totally up to the individual and I've never felt pressure to participate in the things I don't want to. We are on NCL who provides a meeting space and refreshments for the meet/greet so no need to shell out money for a "cocktail party" or paid m/g. Each previous sailing, the m/g was well attended and while they didn't last long, they did provide an opportunity to put names with faces and make some acquaintances. One roll call was for a very port intensive itinerary so the only planned activity was the m/g and a children's gift exchange. Another one had a meet up for those in town the night before and a m/g but nothing else. On NCL, the officers often attend the m/g so that is an added bonus.

 

Have I ever become bosom buddies with someone from my roll call? No. But I have met some lovely people from around the country and around the world. I've enjoyed seeing familiar faces around the ship and the brief conversations of "how was your day today" or "what did you do in port". I've liked knowing a few folks to invite to share a meal.

 

It would take a lot to make me leave a roll call -- maybe if someone became too snarky or controlling or if the discussion disintegrated into arguing. BTW, I'm not a rah-rah person at all. My DH and I are both introverts, but, part of the fun of cruising for us is meeting people from other areas.

[Karysa]

I may be in the minority but I have always enjoyed participating in roll calls and have never had a negative experience. There are many reasons why I participate including gaining info' date=' finding people to share tours with and also to have a group of people to share the planning and excitement with. Sorry, but my friends and family don't want to frequently hear about the cool thing I discovered about the ship I'm sailing or the great tidbit about a port of call. I enjoy sharing my excitement with others who are excited too!

 

I'm currently active in my 3rd roll call. It's an 11 day with 6 sea days so that does lend more time to having roll call activities. We have over 100 on the roll call, almost 90 signed up for the meet and greet and have a sail away party, cabin crawl, poker run, slot pull and gift exchange planned as well as several tours arranged. A few members are even helping another member pull off a surprise proposal.

 

The numbers for the activities range from 5 people to 45 participating. Each activity is totally up to the individual and I've never felt pressure to participate in the things I don't want to. We are on NCL who provides a meeting space and refreshments for the meet/greet so no need to shell out money for a "cocktail party" or paid m/g. Each previous sailing, the m/g was well attended and while they didn't last long, they did provide an opportunity to put names with faces and make some acquaintances. One roll call was for a very port intensive itinerary so the only planned activity was the m/g and a children's gift exchange. Another one had a meet up for those in town the night before and a m/g but nothing else. On NCL, the officers often attend the m/g so that is an added bonus.

 

Have I ever become bosom buddies with someone from my roll call? No. But I have met some lovely people from around the country and around the world. I've enjoyed seeing familiar faces around the ship and the brief conversations of "how was your day today" or "what did you do in port". I've liked knowing a few folks to invite to share a meal.

 

It would take a lot to make me leave a roll call -- maybe if someone became too snarky or controlling or if the discussion disintegrated into arguing. BTW, I'm not a rah-rah person at all. My DH and I are both introverts, but, part of the fun of cruising for us is meeting people from other areas.[/quote']

 

 

A different perspective. Glad to hear your point of view. I think that the TA roll calls and the ones with lots of sea days tend to be very active. I can see the advantages of knowing a few people when you have so many hours to spend on board. Makes sense. Have a great cruise.:)

[ozetraveller]

Fascinating topic - well done, Karysa!! :)

 

I have enjoyed all the posts in this thread, some of which have opened my eyes to potential issues with Roll Calls, but I have to say that in my vast experience (of two NCL Star cruises! :rolleyes:) I have had only positive experiences.

 

Going to Alaska in '05 was the first and we got involved in the M&G - didn't even hear about any other activities. We got on well with a few folks, said 'Hi' to plenty when we met them and stayed in touch with a couple for a while. It was pretty much what we expected. Apart from the M&G, we did our own thing but we made some nice acquaintances that enhanced our cruise.

 

With our upcoming PC transit (only nine days to go! Oops, sorry about that! :o), we have picked up a lot of really useful tips, especially regarding following up on discounts, upgrades and OBC, which have resulted in a great financial improvement for us. We have also been able to hook up with some people who are staying in our hotel pre-cruise, so we have arranged a shuttle together. We have learned about excursions in places we are not familiar with and that has helped us with tour decisions - this time, two private, four ship tours. And we are joining a Slot Pull (whatever that is - JK!) for fun. but, not being big gamblers, that will be just about the only visit to the casino.

 

We have not given out our cabin no; had no pressure for gift exchanges (never even heard of that before); and have no evident Alpha-Cruisers on the Roll Call. So, based on our experiences, we will use Roll Calls again, but fully understand the reactions to some of the negative experiences related here. And, as has been mentioned a few times, everything is voluntary.

 

Thank you OP and all contributors for such an enlightening thread.

 

Happy Cruising! Cheers,

[Karysa]

ozetraveller your roll call seems great. Where is your ship leaving from? Is it a long cruise? I am wondering what if anything passenger demographics and length of the cruise have in the type of roll call that emerges.

 

It's not an original question i am sure but I think roll calls are changing and I thought a thread such as this would prove to be an interesting read.:)

[ozetraveller]

ozetraveller your roll call seems great. Where is your ship leaving from? Is it a long cruise? I am wondering what if anything passenger demographics and length of the cruise have in the type of roll call that emerges.

 

It's not an original question i am sure but I think roll calls are changing and I thought a thread such as this would prove to be an interesting read.:)

 

Karysa,

 

We dep LA for Miami, via Panama Canal. It is a 14 night cruise with six sea days. I think your hypothesis is correct - our previous NCL cruise was seven nights with only two sea days. Beyond the M&G, I didn't notice any attempt to structure anything. This Roll Call is busier andI think the number of sea days has something to do with it. Still, it's fun and has been a useful source of info and $avings! :D

[kitty9]

So the obvious question is why such a low turnout lately for these and other roll calls.

 

I think it's because the cruise lines hold the event at silly times. Early in the morning just doesn't work.