Cruise Critic Board on board party

[bestz5403]

Jenney responded very quickly. She will get back to me 45 days prior to our first sailing.

 

Thanks very much for the list - I'll keep it handy:)

[Tresa]

I put together the CC party for a March cruise on the Grand last year. I did contact Sue to let her know when we wanted to do it, where and how many we expected. I printed name tags for everyone along with door signs and gave everyone a lanyard with their the same name tag in it so we could identify each other around the ship. (My father-in-law actually had a little issue in the casino with the dealer and his lanyard/name tag was put to good use, they cleared it up quickly!) The CD at the time was Neil Chandler and he showed up there with his assistant Wendy.

 

I had also emailed the ship several months in advance. I sent the email to grandprincess@princesscruises.com and in the subject line put Attn: Cruise Director. Neil responded to me and took the lead in planning the second get together. He and Wendy both attended for quite awhile and provided cases of champagne for us. We had a pretty good size gathering and had a few lurkers that we were happy to welcome.

 

I'd be happy to help anyone that needs door signs or name tags samples.

[muse_clio]

Great Question.

Yes, we hosted a party for our Grand Princess Group last May in the Med. My husband I sprung for some munchies, I think it cost us about a hundred bucks and we had WAY too much food for our 2 dozen folks. We had the party in the Wheelhouse Bar after the Lifeboat Drill. We had a Chinese gift exchange, where everyone brought a gift under $10 that was indicative of their part of the country, and then we handed out the CC goodies, and set up places to meet for shore excursions (the Wheelhouse Bar again). Gifts for the Chinese gift exchange included baseball caps from local teams and NASCAR, prints of local gardens, wine stoppers from wine country, etc. Stuff that's easy to pack. I arranged the locale and the food through my travel agent (who also booked our group members), and then notified group members by the boards. But I did the party myself because Princess didn't offer a M&G for our group. And I never saw ANYTHING in the Patter during our 12 day cruise for a CC party.

 

We'll do the same thing party thing THIS November when we take our CC group to the Caribbean. But seeing the posts here, this time I'll ALSO ask for something to be arranged for our ROLL CALL group, and ask for it to be placed in the Patter. Maybe they'll spring for something for our CC group and I'll just add to the food side.

[Bo'sun Hank]

I put together the CC party for a March cruise on the Grand last year. I did contact Sue to let her know when we wanted to do it, where and how many we expected. I printed name tags for everyone along with door signs and gave everyone a lanyard with their the same name tag in it so we could identify each other around the ship. (My father-in-law actually had a little issue in the casino with the dealer and his lanyard/name tag was put to good use, they cleared it up quickly!) The CD at the time was Neil Chandler and he showed up there with his assistant Wendy.

 

I had also emailed the ship several months in advance. I sent the email to grandprincess@princesscruises.com and in the subject line put Attn: Cruise Director. Neil responded to me and took the lead in planning the second get together. He and Wendy both attended for quite awhile and provided cases of champagne for us. We had a pretty good size gathering and had a few lurkers that we were happy to welcome.

 

I'd be happy to help anyone that needs door signs or name tags samples.

 

Great Question.

Yes, we hosted a party for our Grand Princess Group last May in the Med. My husband I sprung for some munchies, I think it cost us about a hundred bucks and we had WAY too much food for our 2 dozen folks. We had the party in the Wheelhouse Bar after the Lifeboat Drill. We had a Chinese gift exchange, where everyone brought a gift under $10 that was indicative of their part of the country, and then we handed out the CC goodies, and set up places to meet for shore excursions (the Wheelhouse Bar again). Gifts for the Chinese gift exchange included baseball caps from local teams and NASCAR, prints of local gardens, wine stoppers from wine country, etc. Stuff that's easy to pack. I arranged the locale and the food through my travel agent (who also booked our group members), and then notified group members by the boards. But I did the party myself because Princess didn't offer a M&G for our group. And I never saw ANYTHING in the Patter during our 12 day cruise for a CC party.

 

We'll do the same thing party thing THIS November when we take our CC group to the Caribbean. But seeing the posts here, this time I'll ALSO ask for something to be arranged for our ROLL CALL group, and ask for it to be placed in the Patter. Maybe they'll spring for something for our CC group and I'll just add to the food side.

 

WOW, great question I'll admit, but even BETTER responses. I really appreciate the info, think I'll try a combo of these two idea. I'll probably include your notes in my mail to the Star CD. Thanks so much to EVERYONE in helping to set this up. I've met so many people on these boards and have got to meet untold counts of them on our cruises. The best part is that we've cruised time and again with some, been to some of their houses, had them here for dinner too. Have to love cruisecritic, the other boards I've found are pretty common place compared to this site!

[Tresa]

This is the name tag my husband designed for us to use. I have this in the a word document so the names would just need to be added if anyone cares to use it. It printed out really nicely.

[Tresa]

It didn't post the picture!

[bestz5403]

It didn't post the picture!

 

Thanks for the badge picture.

 

I am coordinating B/B/B trips on the Sapphire Princess this fall, and I will make badges so we will know each other.

 

Thanks again.....

[Tresa]

Shoot me a quick line and I'll send you the word document. My address is Theresa.Gabriel@gmail.com

 

Have a great day.

[magnumcoog]

You can make a requst 45 days in advance. I sent my after close of business on day 46 :-) The confirmation email that I received back from the Princess rep, did state that Princess may change the time or venue at their discretion, but I have not had this issue in the past. You will have a letter in your cabin confirming everything.

[AZlabs]

Donna:

 

You have indicated that my list is "out of date" That must mean you have a more current list. Please post it as I would like to see what changes have been made since my list was current (launch of new Crown Princess)

 

Barry

 

Barry, I used your list last night to contact Princess about a Meet'N'Greet on the Regal for 5/13/07. Jenny Streeck responded promptly. Her assignment has changed, she is currently responsible for the Sapphire and Dawn Princess, but forwarded my email to Berna Grayer who is the current coordinator for the Regal.

 

I am sure that this list changes periodically, but it was a lot easier than starting from scratch. Thank you for sharing.

[Tahoestarr]

Neil Chandler was also our CD on our recent Dawn voyage! He was great and listed 2 CC meetings in the Patter. Both on Sea Days. We had already arranged to meet in the Wheelhouse the first sea day, which was much better than embarkation day....much more relaxed. so much to do upon boarding....unpacking...muster drill...etc. We met for drinks first, then wen to lunch in the Venetian Dining room. Of course, we were a small but wonderful group! On the last posted meeting, Neil provided the champagne. Thanks Neil!l

[Leslieswiger]

We had two lovely CC M&G gatherings on the Island Princess in Feb.:D These meetings had been put into the Patters as Cruise Critic meeting. Had several passengers thinking it was a meeting to express your being displeased with the cruise.:eek: You may want and ask that it be put into the Patters as Cruise Critic.com (gathering)

Happy Sailings.....Leslie Swiger:)

[BJS]

What is offered must depend on who the Onboard Services Coordinator is.

 

I have been working on setting up a "meet & greet" for the Island Princess on 3/28/07. Sue Tieman no longer has the Island but she said she'd forwarded the e-mail to Elizabeth Williamson. She also said they will not put it in the "Patter" but the last several Island cruises did have it posted. Ms. Williamson must not have the Island either because I received an e-mail from Eleazar Del Rosario.

 

I was told

I am in receipt of your Onboard Services Request for a Cruise Critics group on March 27, 2007 to Hawaii. The following are a few guidelines and information needed for you request:

Please provide:

- Total passenger count.

- Group Name all invited passengers will recognize.

- Date and Time requested (subject to Ship approval and change).

- Advise if your "meet and greet" will need bar service. If so we will arrange a "No Host Bar", in which all individual passengers will be billed on their individual shipboard accounts, for individually consumed bar items.

 

- As previously advised we do not put private groups' arrangements in the Patters.

- All requests (ex. time, date, location) are subject to ship approval and change.

- The group escort will receive the actual confirmation in their stateroom, once onboard with a letter from the ship.

 

Please provide the requested information so we can begin coordinating with the ship

Best Regards,

 

Eleazar Del Rosario

Onboard Services Coordinator

Direct Line: 661-284-4443

Fax: 661-284-4770

Email: edelrosario@princesscruises.com

[Bo'sun Hank]

Very interesting how differently the different coordinators do their thing. Berda was great to work with and very easy going. We did most of the effort via a couple of phone calls. Nice touch.

[Sailfish]

I am a group leader and host sail away parties on various ships a few times a year - Princess does an especially nice job. But after doing many of these - both through a roll call forum and for official Cruise Critic group voyages - only a fraction of the people who say they will go actually do.

 

I had a group of 48 people on my last group cruise and only 16 showed up at the sail away. I've been to sail aways where group forums have 70 people on a list, but only 12 bother to come. I know some groups generate more interest, and hopefully yours will. But the day of embarkation can be very busy. And hosting parties any other time (like that first day at sea) can be problamatic for many people.

 

I find people will be more inclined to come if there is something in it for them. As a group leader, I always order a tray of appetizers and have everyone bring along a bottle of champagne (often this is a group perk anyway). Besides breaking the ice, there is plenty of bubbly to go around. I have also made it a tradition to have someone in the group compose a short toast. My gatherings are short and sweet, and when people hit it off, they will stay. And those that want to leave, can after about 30 minutes.

 

If you are doing a roll call forum meet & greet, you may want to simply have everyone come with a bottle of wine or champagne to share (a few will forget, but there will always be enough to go around). Unlike many Princess get togethers, I prefer to have my sail away out on deck immediately following the lifeboat drill so people can watch as we pull away from the pier. No staff has ever commented on the fact that we supplied our own bubbly!

 

All in all, people who actively participate on message boards do so individually for the most part. Their significant other may not want to party with strangers. Often, people who say they will come find out they don't have the time or can't. I don't mean to come across negative, but the reality is often different. Just a heads up anyway.

 

Good luck!

 

 

Suzi

[BJS]

Suzi - how true about the turn out. Thanks for the information from one who has been there and done that.

When you order the appetizers is this something you pay for?

Hopefully since our roll call has been asking about a "meet and greet", and 12 of us are meeting for dinner the night before boarding, we will have a nice group. They requested to have one, selected the day and time, and if they decide they don't want to come that's O.K. also. Been there and done that. I think with 10 sea days there might be more interest than with some of the port intensive itineraries I've sailed on.

[Bo'sun Hank]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=blue]Thanks Suzi. I'm not the group leader, just started the board and love to party. I've been to enough of these to know that less than 1/2 show up, that's cool, like I said, it's party time.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]We're meeting (those that want) on the night before at a restaurant, show or no show, I'm not caring, I need to eat! On sailaway, after lb drill, anyone wants to meet up top with a drink, great, we'll get to know each other. My last one of those? 27 of the 32 showed up, kewl.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]I've arranged a m&g for our 1st full sea day through the coordinator, she was wonderful to work with. We've ordered about $100 worth of appetizers and a no host bar. I've also ordered a little surprise for everyone that shows up, I won't mention it here, there are lurkers you know!! LOL. I'm currently trying to enlist the CD or one of his crew to help with the 'tournament' after the m&g. We have over 120 represented on our board, so I'm figuring 50 for the free appetizers. Doesn't matter, fun is fun. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff]thanks again for your input.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Sailfish]

[quote name='BJS']
When you order the appetizers is this something you pay for?
[/quote]


Yes, I purchase the appetizers, but I get only one large tray - about $20-$30 at most (depends on the cruise line) so it's not a huge expense and I am happy to do it. It's always been enough - they aren't that good anyway! I have also brought home made goodies with me in my carry-on, but appetizers go better with champagne than do cookies or rumballs! I have also gone through the buffet line and snagged some nuts (Princess has some awesome pistancios) to put on tables. But appetizers are easier, as they are in the room on a silver tray when you arrive.

People always forget to bring their champagne or wine glasses, so it helps to snag some plastic cups from the buffet.

[candydane]

[QUOTE=Bo'sun Hank;9393779][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=blue]We've ordered about $100 worth of appetizers and a no host bar. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#0000ff][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[/QUOTE]

Anyone know if it's possible to do a "no host bar" in a suite? That would make it so much easier than trying to buy enough of the right kind of drinks for everyone.

[Sailfish]

[quote name='candydane']Anyone know if it's possible to do a "no host bar" in a suite? That would make it so much easier than trying to buy enough of the right kind of drinks for everyone.[/quote]

When we travel with friends, we always take turns hosting parties in our cabins - we actually decide a head of time what type of drinks we will each serve - and pack these along in our luggage. For example, a freind made jello shots (that she and her husband brought in a cooler); we served two types of martinis (premade at home - and packed in our luggage). Another friend served chocolate cake shots - premade at home and brought in water bottles. You get the idea - we all take turns. Before the cruise we [I]test taste[/I] and figure out what each couple will serve! We are never lucky enough to get someone in a suite, though we all normally book banconies, so that helps a little.

You can pre-order gin & tonic, rum and coke, etc for $19 - it's not huge quantities, or pre-order champagne and wine - split the cost with your friends. We've done this before, but it's actually easier and more cost effective to bring your own. I have never heard of anyone getting a bartender to make drinks in someone's suite, but you could email Princess and see if that's possible!

By having friends each host pre-dinner parties through out the week, we find it a great way to start our evening! We travel with the same 5 couples every few years; it's a tradition with us!

[Cathy p]

[SIZE=5][COLOR=darkorchid]Thanks everyone for the wonderful ideas. We are with Hank on his cruise and I can guarantee that 2 of us will be there. We have such a fun group and have talked for a long time. I just want to thank our good buddy Hank for all his hard work. He is a sweetie that I can't wait to meet.:) [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[drakes2]

Can someone direct me to a meet and greet for the Crown sailing on March 31, 2007?[quote name='Dorinda']Hi kids - here is my past experience with quite a few CC get togethers...There are actually 2 kinds...


1st - Sail away meetings for right after boarding...just pick a place and time but don't forget about the muster drill, early seating dinner, late arriving passengers, etc. This can vary cruise to cruise but right after the muster at a deck bar or in a lounge may be the best plan. Just announce the info on your roll call.

2nd - First sea day CC meeting...IMO the easiest and surest way to do this is for one person to write a note to the CD right after boarding. If the person knows the CD (has sailed with them before) so much the better. Just ask for a meeting on the first or second sea day and give the CD some idea how many people might attend. Time and place will be up the the CD. Notice will be put in the Patter. Everyone has to read the Patter and watch for the meeting notice for this to work.

I have never had a CD refuse to put a notice in the Patter about a meeting. Sometimes the CD or staff attends, sometimes they don't. Sometimes there is champers, sometimes there isn't. We are often asked if we want a second meeting.

Some sort of name tags are a good idea.

One other note: We were recently told by a CD that champaign will not be approved if Princess Corp. offices are involved...only if the party is arranged on the ship directly with the CD.

Hope this is of some help!

Cheers, Dee

PS Barry - now you know why we had champers at the second meeting but not the first.;)[/quote]

[Cathy p]

[SIZE=4][COLOR=darkorchid]Go to the section that says roll call than go to Princess and then the Crown. You should find your date there and just enjoy!!! [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Dorinda]

[quote name='Sailfish']
People always forget to bring their champagne or wine glasses, so it helps to snag some plastic cups from the buffet.[/quote]

Suzi - FYI you can get all the glasses (of all types) that you want by calling room service. We always have a drink in the cabin while getting ready for dinner and have tall gasses, wine glasses and martini glasses on hand. Just ask! Bar snacks (nuts or chips), and lemon slices can be ordered, too. No charge - just a tip for the room service guy.;)

Cheers,
Dee

[Sailfish]

[quote name='Dorinda']Suzi - FYI you can get all the glasses (of all types) that you want by calling room service. We always have a drink in the cabin while getting ready for dinner and have tall gasses, wine glasses and martini glasses on hand. Just ask! Bar snacks (nuts or chips), and lemon slices can be ordered, too. No charge - just a tip for the room service guy.;)

Cheers,
Dee[/quote]

When we're hosting a party outside on deck for the group, I usually schedule it near the buffet - it's hard enough to carry the table signs, the appetizers, etc. from the cabin several decks up, let alone heavy glasses.

Thanks for posting this tip as someone will most definitely find it helpful. I have done so before, but light weight plastic cups are easier to transport and a lot safer fighting people traffic in the hallway following the lifeboat drill.

Now, if we are hosting a party in our cabin, I always order glasses and other little things that would go well in the drinks like limes or lemon wedges.

Thanks.

Suzi