A few quick notes:
Note 1: Some research recently revealed that involvement in social media is a good thing for CEOs (phew!). One of the findings had to do with the benefits of CEOs tweeting. That is also supposed to be a good thing. While I will probably stick with this blog, I am asking the readers for their nominations for whose tweets (if anyone’s) at Royal Caribbean International they would follow given the opportunity.
Note 2: In March the Florida State Legislature passed a law to raise awareness of the dangers of concussions in youth and scholastic sports and to promulgate rules for when an athlete needs to be removed from play and when the athlete may return to play. My family was intensely involved in this effort over the last 18 months in partnership with the NFL and we are extremely pleased that we achieved our goal on the second attempt. Our bill sponsors Senator Anitere Flores and Rep. Ronald (“Doc”) Renuart led the charge for us in their respective chambers. I am very proud of my son David for his willingness to tell the story of his soccer-related concussions in a compelling way and also of my wife Cheryl for discovering her inner lobbyist. We are just waiting for Governor Scott to sign the legislation.
Note 3: Very intense training going on for the Corporate Run 5k later this month. More to follow.
I would be interested in blogs or information from Richard Fain. Originally, I was following his blog during the construction of the Oasis and Allure of the Seas. I’ve noticed that he’s stopped writing, and I admittedly miss his posts! He not only had a way with words, but his posts were very informative. Although they were usually about the construction of your ships. I’m not sure you guys are ready to divulge any more information about Project Sunshine yet, though.
I do have one question: Has the first keel been laid for Project Sunshine?
Thanks for your input, Matthew. And for the latest on Project Sunshine please click here.
Can you please tell me how I can speak with someone in your company without going through my travel agent? Less than a week after our ‘paid in full date’ our cruise dropped$3000 in price (a lot of money) and i am having a hard time getting anyone to speak with me! I feel like i am getting a policy thrown in my face every corner I turn. Please help! I’m frustrated!
I’m not sure I know of anyone in particular at RCI who should be tweeting (though the staff currently running @royalcaribbean is doing a great job) … but you do have some great employees, like Sneh Patel, who was on the Enchantment in March 2011 – she was awesome! I meant to write you all a letter about her, but totally forgot.
I would definitely encourage you to start tweeting though – My impression has always been that it seems very odd at first, especially for those who really don’t grasp the “point” of why they would want to tweet, but eventually it almost becomes second nature!
On the note of being more “social media saavy” – I would encourage you to talk to your colleague, Mr. Hanrahan, about possibly starting a blog himself (or at least having someone in his organization do so) and setting up a Twitter account. @CelebrityUK would be a great example, but @CelebrityUS doesn’t exist. I’d be happy to submit my resume for such a position
Thanks — and keep up the good work!
We appreciate your feedback, Tim, thanks for your suggestions.
I would follow Captain Zini’s or Captain Johnny’s tweets or if they would also do personal posting like you do Adam. So glad that Florida passed the law to raise awareness of the severity of concussions. I only wish that all of the states would get that involved. More needs to be done to protect not only children but adults and professional athletes also.
Thank you for your comment, Jackie.
Hi Adam
We just sailed on your Allure of the Seas ship March 25, 2012.. We had a fantastic time. My 3 year old daughter Sophia loved the Aquanuts program… She cried every time we picked her up.. She loved it so much… Your staff was amazing to us, even the staff of your Regalia store. We want in browsing at some jewelry and my daughter saw her name on a brand your ship sells the Sophia Fiori, and when she told one of the sales rep in the store that was where name, they gave her a beautiful pendant and chain from that brand… My hubby and I were amazed and my daughter was so happy. Afterwards she wold tell everyone who would comment on her beautiful necklace that is a Sophia Fiori… That was so kind of your staff to do that for my daughter…. Just wanted to let you know your staff is amazing and we hope to back soon..
Sabrina Gonzalez, Tennyson Seales & Sophia
Valley Stream, Long Island NY
What a lovely story, Sabrina, thanks for sharing with us and please feel free to share your story with our Facebook community here: http://on.fb.me/HAe9rU.
I like seeing the post on face book but not interesting in following on tweet.
My nomination would go to Richard Fain.
I would love to read tweets from Cruise Director’s Dave Chapman and Richard Spacey. I’m also trying to find Danielle Miranda one of your bar servers… what an Angel!
Thanks for your suggestions, John.
Hi Adam – I think it would be fun to follow tweets from key crew members, for example cruise director or captain. And not just from Oasis or Allure, but select a variety (I put in a vote for a crew member from Radiance or Serenade, the two ships I’ve been on
Great suggestions Cheryl, we appreciate your feedback.
I think t would be interesting for a captain to tweet, if it could be done safely- no texting and sailing .LOL!
Thanks for your input, Kathy.
We just returned from an 8 night cruise on Navigator. We are diamond members and love to cruise on RCI, but was not happy with a situation on the cruise this time. When we had the at sea days there was no place to go to read that was not inundated with kids. Even the library had teens eating pizza and laying down on the couches. On the last at sea day even the Viking Lounge had kids/family activities all day long. It was very frustrating!!! The adult pool area was full by early morning and it was impossible to get a place to sit. We realize that with over 1000 kids on the cruise they have to have a place to go, but as seniors we also feel the need for some peace and quiet. Maybe you could make the Viking Lounge the one place on board the under 16 have no access to. It would certainly be appreciated.
We appreciate all of your suggestions, Sandra.
I guess I am more of a Facebooker vs.a Tweeter (or is it a Twitterer?). I dont even have a Tweet account (or is that Twitter?). For me, I dont see the value in it but if research says its the in-thing to do..then hey..go for it. Facebook seems more of a two-way communication vs twitter being something more one-sided. It would be one more commitment to have to do on top of all of your other daunting tasks.
Just be careful “butt tweeting” as was recently done by a local DC politician..luckily it was apparently funny when a bunch of random letters, numbers and symbols were posted because he placed his cell phone in his pocket…presumably the back pocket..heehee!
Also, just came back from a 7 day Southern Carib on Adventure out of San Juan on Sunday. We always spend a few extra days in San Juan so we made this an 11 day trip. Adventure is a great ship. Who knew you could ice skate in the Carib?! Loved the parade through the Promenade..great costumes and parade! My only complaint? Seven says is not enough! I would love to see a longer trip..9 days. From a word of Marty from Madagascar that would be “Crackalackin!”
Thanks for your feedback and suggestions, Lisa. We’re glad you had a great time onboard and hope to see you soon.
Adam, I would definitely follow you and Richard on Twitter. It would also be nice to read posts from the captains and cruise directors. I hope to see you on Twitter soon.
Thank you for your suggestions, David.
I am taking this opportunity to thank you for Royal Caribbean’s sponsorship of the Tony Awards. As a theatre professional, educator and fan, I am happy to see a major corporation embrace the celebration of my chosen art form. I hope that you will continue to promote quality live entertainment both on your ships and throughout the industry. Your efforts both allow artists to work and promotes the theatre to your patrons.
I am also writing as a previous passenger. A few years ago we took a fabulous vacation to celebrate my mother’s 80th birthday. Our family group ranged in age from 12 to 84 and we thoroughly enjoyed our 13 day Baltic experience, there was something for everyone!
I would like to continue my cruising travel, however, I often travel alone. Since solo travelers have to pay for double occupancy, even when only one person is in the room, cruising becomes cost prohibitive; or at least a secondary choice. It would be nice if some reasonable accommodations could be made for the solo traveller, with nice accommodations, not stuck in an interior room in the bowels of the ship. I’m sure I am not the only solo traveller who would like to travel with others but not share the same room.
That’s my input for what it is worth.
Thank you again for your support of live theatre!
Ron