The Flying Scotsman

[Kendall James-Vargas]

A popular CCL director has been promoted to Fleet Cruise Director. Chris Williams, aka "The Flying Scotsman," has been a Cruise Director onboard Carnival Dream, Mardi Gras, and a few other fleet members. I'm so happy about his promotion but sad I likely won't get the opportunity to meet this popular director! Has anyone encountered The Flying Scotsman on a cruise before? 

[3Sisters]

I haven't heard of the Flying Scotsman, but he sounds epic. It's likely a well-deserved promotion. 

In other CCL news, four Carnival Panorama sailings have been canceled due to an engine issue. One of those itinerary cancellations came only 48 hours before embarking. Hopefully, no other itineraries are affected! The compensation from CCL was just alright, and the loss of travel expenses isn't going to be returned to guests. It's such a shame. 

[Night Owl]

I have not heard of the Flying Scottsman either and wish he'd been our CD on our last 2 cruises.  It seemed our activity choices on the "Fun Day at Sea" was either trivia, casino, bingo drinking, shopping, or hanging out at the already over crowded pool or spending way too much on spa appointments. Notice most of these activities include spending extra money. During the early afternoon/evening hours from 3-6pm trivia wasn't even offered.

By the 3rd Fun Day at Sea I did not want to shop or spend more money on activities. What about afternoon karaoke? Or other afternoon game shows or games other than just trivia? 

Or am I just asking too much? 

Regardless, I'm still looking forward to booking that next cruise! 

[3Sisters]

@Night Owl I'm quite surprised by the lack of activities on your previous cruises! It's so disappointing to cruise on a fun ship and not have many fun options onboard. Cruise lines certainly make a large profit on extras. I think many cruise lines have slimmed down on activity options, and it's annoying. I remember cruising 10 years ago and the activities on board were more lively and exciting. Many of the "fun" options are mundane and repetitive now. This could be because I cruise pretty often. It would be refreshing to switch things up! 

I don't see the value in keeping the activities the same all the time. A good mix of options calls for a much better cruise experience. I completely agree with you. Even though the entertainment could be better on board, I still love cruising and will continue to be a die-hard fan. 
 

[Cruising Caribbean]

3Sisters take a look at this article about the issues all Vista Class ships are experiencing. It's not just Carnival Panorama having engine issues. Booking Vista Class ships may not be very reliable. I wouldn't book an itinerary on a Vista Class ship without travel insurance! 

https://www.cruisehive.com/what-is-wrong-with-carnivals-vista-class-ships/115438

[euroguy]

I must agree that the "free" activities do seem to be slimmed down from years past... I remember when CCL would do ice sculpture carving on the lido deck and then Displayed either in MDR or midnight buffet. The the hairy chest contest, bikini contest, and some other contests which I can't remember but it seemed like something was happening. Now a days it certainly seems to be much more watered down and replaced with large group gatherings around show cast singing in the atrium, white night, and money driven activities. Guess that's what we old folks call the good ol' days 🤣

I will say now that I've matured matured and become more financially secured the casino has become my new friend .... which CCL is rewarding me very well for it. 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@euroguy I used to love the CCL ice sculpture carvings! Those were the best. It's such a shame those activities are no longer. I consider all of those specialty fun activities a part of the good old days. I guess these old-school activities don't reflect the brand's current vision. 

You have the onboard casino down to a science! How many hours do you typically spend in the cruise casino during your itineraries? On a rainy day, it's probably the best thing to do. 

[FJB]

I recall officers vs passengers pool volleyball aboard Celebrity ships.   Captain and his officers would get in the pool with their uniforms on and play against passengers- fun to watch!  Also the paper airplane making contest in the atrium was pretty cool.  

[Cruising Caribbean]

@FJB I have yet to see officers vs passengers pool volleyball. That would never happen nowadays. That activity would be a hit! In fact, cruise guests are so accustomed to paying extra for every amenity onboard; that I bet guests would pay to participate/view this spectacular sight. I don't even bother to wait 45 minutes to take a photo with an officer anymore. 

This is the first I've heard of the paper airplane contest! I wish those amenities still existed. In order to keep my children entertained I end up spending way too much in the arcade. Maybe that's the point after all. It makes guests willing to pay for entertainment onboard. It's the new norm.