Love to cruise or work onboard? We take a lighthearted and informative look at the industry and people who make it sail. Fun interviews, stories (behind the scenes past and present), news, tips and questions answered. Hosted by Cruise Director's Mitch and Mike. Go backstage and behind the scenes with these two Canadian Entertainment Professionals. This podcast is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean or any other cruise line.
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Summary With the most cruises in history, the legendary "Super Mario" (as he is affectionately known), shares his journey to becoming the most seasoned cruiser ever, having lived onboard Royal Caribbean ships for 25 years!
Episode Overview Super Mario, the ultimate Royal Caribbean cruiser, joins us aboard Icon of the Seas to share his extraordinary journey through the world of cruising. Together with our host, Mitch, we explore Mario's unmatched loyalty and passion for cruising, having sailed on 150 ships across 10 different cruise lines before finding his true home on Royal Caribbean. Mario's impressive milestone of 11,300+ cruise points speaks volumes about his dedication and love for the brand. From nostalgic tales of the Voyager of the Seas to the groundbreaking Oasis and the revolutionary Icon of the Seas, Mario paints a vivid picture of Royal Caribbean's evolution and the pivotal role played by its devoted Crown and Anchor Society members.
Listeners will be captivated by the unique experiences of being Royal Caribbean's most tenured cruiser, including the story behind Mario's personal "office" on the pool deck—a charming tradition that began in 2007. As Mario reflects on the innovative ship designs and the camaraderie of the exceptional crew that makes him feel at home, we celebrate the spirit of loyalty that has made Royal Caribbean the leader in the cruise industry. With a nod to Mario's role as the unofficial brand ambassador, we promise an entertaining mix of nostalgia, fun, and inspiration, offering a glimpse into the life of the man behind the legend and inviting you to possibly meet him in his unique office on your next Royal Caribbean adventure.
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30+ year cruise industry veteran & popular Hotel Director Robert Taggart shares fun stories from the past, his experience at sea during Covid-19, and great advice for crew looking to move their way up the management chain.
Get In Touch! Find us online and send us your questions, topics and guests you would like to hear from. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
Show notes: 0:01 - Welcome & Intro: Episode 9 Mike & Mitch share information on the Executive Committee onboard and introduce our guest, veteran Hotel Director, Robert Taggart.
4:05 - Robert discusses his journey and how he achieved the position of Hotel Director with Royal Caribbean.
6:20 - Robert shares his proudest memory at sea.
8:28 - Any advice or words of wisdom for new Hotel Directors or potential young managers who are looking to work their way up? Robert is known for being very popular with both guests and crew and we wanted to get his advice for young aspiring managers and upcoming HD's. Our favourite quote from Robert "You can't be friends with everyone, but you can be friendly with everyone".
11:00 - What does a Hotel Director do? Differences between land and ship based? Some guests and crew don’t always know what the Hotel Director does. Robert explains a little about his role and why some crew be scared or intimidated by a Hotel Director. Also Robert shares how the job of Hotel Director onboard a ship versus a hotel on land differ.
Gymnast, World Traveller & Influencer Sydney Brown
Social media Influencer, world traveller, entertainer and gymnast/acrobat Sydney Brown is our guest. We discuss her start as a gymnast and beginning her professional career with Royal Caribbean and where it has taken her. Sydney shares stories, life onboard a cruise ship, shows she has performed in, her favourite destinations & the brands she's working with.
Get In Touch! Find us online and send us your questions, topics and guests you would like to hear from. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
Show notes: 0:01 - Welcome & Intro: Episode 8 Mike & Mitch chat about what we've been up to and introduce our guest, Social media Influencer, world traveler, entertainer and gymnast Sydney Brown.
3:05 - Sydney shares about starting out in gymnastics and her hiring story with Royal Caribbean - "Mom, Dad, can I work on a cruise ship?"
7:05 - Sydney shares a funny story about which ship she was joining
8:46 - Sydney discusses what it takes to maintain your body and mind onboard performing in such a demanding role? How do you train and stay healthy onboard?
11:29 - Mike asks Sydney what she can do better than Olympian Simone Biles
12:28 - Sydney, how do you perform on a moving ship? Shows on-board have become increasingly demanding and highly technical, Sydney discusses the differences between a land base show and a ship show. Also she shares info about the AquaTheater shows including some safety aspects of the venue.
Episode 7 picks up where we left off with Rich Spacey. We discuss his career transition, advice for new crew starting out at sea, and more stories including the legendary myth of "The Cruise Ship Streaker".
Get In Touch! Find us online and send us your questions, topics and guests you would like to hear from. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
Show notes: 0:01 - Welcome & Intro: Episode 7 Former Cruise Director and industry legend Richard Spacey continues to share stories that some will question actually happened.
0:25 - Follow up on the Blimp & the infamous rumour of “The Cruise Ship Streaker”
1:35 - How hard was it to walk away from ship life? Any chance of a comeback? Rich shares how he retired, the anxiety of leaving ship life and what he is currently doing with his new business.
6:10 - You were known for wearing crazy socks and costumes, wearing any now?
7:15 - Rapid Fire Questions! Favourite staff, go to drink onboard, cheesiest joke, most risqué things done and more.
12:39 - When people think of Richard Spacey, how do you want to be remembered?
14:40 - Advice to crew just starting out at sea for their own Cruise Life Experience?
"Yes, that actually happened" Legendary Stories with Richard Spacey - Part 1
Episode 6 features industry legend Richard Spacey; one of the greatest Cruise Director's of all time. Epic stories from his time onboard including pool parties (in his cabin), Oasis of the Seas, holding the record for most Captain's Hearings and his transition to life on land.
Get In Touch! Find us online and send us your questions, topics and guests you would like to hear from. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
Show notes: 0:01 - Welcome & Intro: Episode 6 Legendary Cruise Director Richard Spacey will share stories that some will question actually happened. Plus mailbag questions about sign on day and great jokes we’ve heard onstage.
2:07 - Mailbag questions Question 1: Sherry - Crew sign on day is typically the longest of the contract, please tell your non-crew listeners what a typical sign on day is like. Question 2: Jerry - What is a favourite joke you’ve used or heard onstage?
8:19 - Special Guest Richard Spacey Royal Caribbean’s top rated Cruise Director left for the Celebrity head office and then went back to sea with Celebrity Cruises, Rich discusses this transition and stories of life at sea.
The Launch of Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady and more with Charly McDonald
Episode 5 features Spark Cooperatives Charly McDonald as we discuss the launch of Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, the most anticipated ship in years. FF: Did you know Virgin Voyages was originally going to allow kids onboard? It’s true!
Get In Touch! Find us online and send us your questions, topics and guests you would like to hear about and from. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
Show notes: 0:01 - Welcome to episode 5 Mailbag questions answered and Spark Cooperative Principal and industry veteran Charly McDonald discusses all things cruising and Virgin Voyages.
4:05 - Mailbag:1. Patti on Facebook asks: tell us about some of the craziest passengers you’ve ever met.2. Marina on Facebook asks us to talk about the new patents RCI has applied for called “Seaface” Link:
Cruising Myths and Misconceptions debunked plus ship stories with Paul Baya
Episode 4 discusses myths & misconceptions of cruising which means we get to debunk some things that just aren’t true...or are they? Plus stories from Special Guest Paul Baya (Oceania Cruises), who was on one of the last ships with guests in March 2020.
Get In Touch! Any more myths, misconceptions or questions? Send us to discuss in future episodes. Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
The emerging health guidelines being released by cruise lines and how they will affect and change the global cruise industry. Special Guest Abe Hughes (former Cruise Director) and Virtual of the Seas creator discusses his new project and shares memories of Cruise Life.
Get In Touch! Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
Show Notes: 0:13 Introductions & Show Description Health protocols and future of global cruising, our favourite ports and Special Guest Abe Hughes - Former Cruise Director and Virtual of the Seas creator + surprise guests?
1:05 Changing Health Protocols How cruise some lines will change health procedures for cruising when we get back into operations. Citing information from Princess and Genting cruise lines.
The role of Cruise Director and how the new big ships are changing the duties and responsibilities. We also dive into why cruise ships are not flagged in the US.
Special Guests: Cruise Directors “Hello Clo” and one of our favourite Comedians, author and creator of “You Just Have to Laugh”, David Naster.
Get In Touch! Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
1:25 The role of a Cruise Director and how the new ships are changing those duties and responsibilities.
4:53 Those with aspirations of becoming a Cruise Director, how do they get there?
6:00 Special Guest - one of RC’s friendliest and most recognized; Cruise Director Clo O’Connor
7:17 Clo shares her story and discusses how the CD role has changed over the years for her.
9:37 Clo tells us what it was like coming up as a female Cruise Director.
12:43 Many believe that working on a cruise ship means you can’t have a family life. Clo essentially raised her son onboard and explains some of the benefits and retractors.
Cruise ship cleanliness and crew update on-board worlds largest cruise ship
Cruise ship cleanliness and the lengths Cruise Lines go to in co-ordination with the CDC to keep guests safe and healthy. Also we get an update from crew-member (Activities Manager Nick Huffman) onboard the worlds largest Cruise Ship Symphony of the Seas.
Get In Touch! Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
Découvrez des podcasts liées à Cruise Life Experience. Explorez des podcasts avec des thèmes, sujets, et formats similaires. Ces similarités sont calculées grâce à des données tangibles, pas d'extrapolations !
13:35 - Could you see a Cruise Director transitioning to Hotel Director one day? Most Hotel Directors come from a Food & Beverage background. Robert is asked about a Cruise Director progressing to the HD role.
17:15 - Robert shares a few stories from his time on ships and some of the best pranks fun may have happened.
21:40 - Robert walks us through a typical “Day at Sea” morning for a Hotel Director.
23:05 - Robert shares how many more years he has left on ships and what long-term plans after life at sea.
24:15 - Rapid Fire fun
25:58 - Thank you Robert!
26:40 - Mike & Mitch wrap up the show - Special shout-out! Happy Birthday Carolyn Scieszka on May 31st
Thank you for listening! Subscribe and we'll see you next episode.
Thanks for listening!
Subscribe for future episodes and follow Cruise Life Experience
9:17 - Number 1 Rated Cruise Director When Cruise Directors were rated by guests, you were always number one, what did you do that separated you from the rest?
14:30 - What was your favourite video? Many say your classic videos and onstage skits were some of the strongest and most memorable memories for them. *Rich’s evolution of dance video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOyh9-rZ2R8
17:08 - Major Career change Why switch companies at the height of your popularity to take a job in the shore side office? How tough was it to go back?
20:22 - The King of Parties You are the known as the king of parties, tell us about some of your favourites and were you close to getting fired over any of them?
25:13 - World Travel Finally travelling the world finally after 15 years onboard ships, tell us about it.
12:30 - Special Guest Charly McDonald (Principal, Spark Cooperative) Spark Cooperative consults on exciting new projects within the cruise and hospitality industry. Most recently, this includes working closely the past 5 years creating the Entertainment experiences for Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady.
13:40 - Charly discusses his journey in the Cruise industry
23:55 - Charly discusses working with Virgin Voyages He shares some information on the ship, venues and all things entertainment onboard. Wait, there's no Cruise Director?
12:58 Special Guest Paul Baya of Oceania Cruise Lines - Was on one of the last ships at sea with guests in March 2020. - Any interesting stories from your life at sea? - What was it like being one of the last ships at sea in March during the outbreak? Link:
Thanks for listening!
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22:43 Special Guest - Comedian, award winning Author and creator of the brand series, You Just Have to Laugh, which speaks about how to get through life’s difficult times through humour. Please welcome David Naster.
23:38 How David got started within the cruise industry
11:30 Special Guest - Activities Manager (from California) Nick Huffman who will give us an update on the current life onboard the largest cruise ship in the world - Symphony of the Seas
Contact us! Send us your questions and comments for the Podcast and what you would like to see & hear. You can also catch the show on YouTube (captured via ZOOM)
