CM morale ??

[jlawall]

It's been a tough couple of weeks....how are the CMs holding up with all the stress of the hurricanes.....the captains have been dodging storms for almost a month.....passengers are stressed out and disappointed (and complaining) but how are the sailing CMs doing with all this aggravation?? Is it fun and exciting because they never know what's coming up next or................are they alittle worn out from the constant stress???

We're there for you guys...we appreciate you and we know you are STILL THE BEST!!!

 

[CM_Mom]

Thanks for the words of encouragement for the CMs. I'll pass them on to DD tomorrow to share with her friends.

I think it's always easier to stay in your routine so there's bound to be some stress especially since many of the CMs have family in the path of the hurricanes. But the CMs on the Magic and Wonder are professionals who take great pride in providing EXCELLENT service to the guests on board whether things are normal or "interesting".

Just like the guests, the crew was excited to be back in Port Canaveral last Saturday and getting back to Castaway Cay today has to be a big plus.

 

[pppiglet]

I read that they work 7 days, 10hrs a day. That's a long time to stay cheerful and entertaining. I hope to meet some of the ones that you all have been talking about when we go.

 

[CM_Mom]

They do work those hours but remember their "commute" is about two minutes from crew deck to wherever they work! The part that offsets the working 7 days a week is that when they do go on vacation it's for 6-10 WEEKS.

DD complains when she is home that there's not enough going on and that her bed doesn't rock her to sleep. Since I slept better on the Magic than I have in ages, I can understand that part.

Besides, when you're doing work you LOVE, it's easier to stay cheerful and entertaining.

 

[yodasdabomb]

Yes we are all tired, but we are all hanging in there. The constant change is become somewhat normal. Actually I haven't had a normal Itenerary ( I don't think) since I boarded a little over a month ago. Really the main thing people need to understand is that we are there for them, but also understand that we have no control over the weather, or even the decisions made, so taking out stress and frustration on CMs, does not help, it may make you feel better but in doing so it also made someone elses day tougher. That being said, I must say that MOST guest have been very understanding and patient with all the changes. So for those that have cruised in the last few weeks , Thanks !

 

[allears]

To CM Mom and yodasdabomb:

We're sailing next Saturday and were talking about how much the CMs have had to go through recently. So we were trying to think of something we could offer them on our first day on board to say thanks for hanging in there and offer some cheer. Are there any suggestions for some treats they/you miss while on board or any suggestions at all you could give us?

Thanks for your help

 

[CM_Mom]

Best suggestions I have:

Go to Tagrel.com and print out LOTS of CM appreciation cards and give them out liberally during the cruise to all kinds of folks for no reason except that you want to say you appreciate the work they do. Take some to dinner and send them to the chef and galley staff, give them to folks you see cleaning, etc. I think just the recognition will be wonderful.

Take lots of smiles with you and be sure to say thank you and smile at every CM you see no matter what they're doing. Just think of how you feel when someone thanks you for a job you're doing. It's amazing how "Hello, thanks for working so hard to make my trip MAGICal" will bring a lift to the person you speak to.

DH suggests picking up several bags of individually wrapped bite sized candy bars (Halloween candy is now available at the stores) and give them to the CMs to share with their mates.

Just knowing people recognize and appreciate the work they do really does lift morale.

Speaking for myself and I'm sure lots of other Crew Moms out there...thank YOU for recognizing and appreciating the hard work our kids (regardless of age) do. I really think that DCL not only has the best crew but they have the cream of the crop in GUESTS also.

 

[inkkognito]

We sailed on the 9/9 cruise (the first one after the never-ending Wonder cruise), and I was amazed at how the CMs had not lost any of their wonderful attitude. They had just completed a very challenging voyage and then gone to Castaway Cay for long hours of labor to get the island ready for guests as soon as possible. During our cruise, many of them had family in areas being threatened by the hurricane. But not once did we notice any difference! They are true professionals...just another reason that we love Disney Cruse Line.

And to add a quick suggestions on recognition...bring thank-you cards to give out to crew members who made your trip special, and after your cruise, send a note to Disney naming names (after recognizing them on your comment card too). People are quick to write about negative experiences but often overlook the fact that positive ones are just as important to tell the cruise line about.
Barb

 

[allears]

Thanks for the great suggestions! We actually already have our CM appreciation cards printed (lots!) and also carry What would Walt Do recognition pins with us. We are huge positive letter writers and always send notes to DCL for outstanding service (always lots of good stuff to say with this crew!) So we were looking for a new way to show our thanks. I think a couple of baskets with candy to share is a good possibilty. And of course we always bring our smiles and well-wishes armed and ready! We can't wait to be on board in just a week's time. CM Mom please pass on our good thoughts to this terrfic team of people.

Thanks!

 

[MickeyzGirl]

Where do I get the What would Walt do recognition pins? Thanks

 

[allears]

Mickeyzgirl,

Just go to www.whatwouldwaltdo.com and you can order pins off their website. The idea is that you give a pin out to a CM who exemplifies what Walt would do, and then go to this website and write about your experience. Then the CM can go there and see their name in lights, so to speak. I'm not sure that always happens but the pins are nice and fun to give out. They had several different varieties when I ordered last.

I just went to the site to check it out and saw that they had bad news. Their site has been attacked by hackers and is in the process of being rebuilt. I don't know when you wanted the pins for, hopefully they are back up and running soon.

 

[TDC Nala]

I wouldn't bring food items. Cards or pins sound good.

 

[allears]

You're premitted to bring pre-packaged processed food onto the ship, so wrapped candy and snacks should be a good idea. And according to our resident expert, CMMom, the hard working CMs really like those treats.

 

[CM_Mom]

I talked to DD today and verified that the Halloween type candy would be fine. Stuff that is sealed individually would be best such as the bite sized Hershey's, Snickers, Milky Way or other candies. Can you tell I like CHOCOLATE.

I asked about morale and she said they're doing fine and appreciate the thoughts from everyone.

She was off the ship spending money at Circuit City and WalMart which definitely improved HER morale. What woman doesn't like to shop a little?

 

[NancyDVC]

I'm just back from the 9/11 Magic. (mystery cruise) I have to say that all the CMs without exception were upbeat, eager to serve us and wonderful.
CM_Mom and yodasdabomb-thank everyone for making our cruise truly magical. With all the stress of the weather and changed itineraries and all the CMs I encountered were unfailingly pleasant, smiling and helpful!
I wish I had known beforehand to take them some treats but I did thank everyone CM I encountered for making my cruise special! Whether they clean the public spaces, fixed my shower, painted my trim, served meals, took care of my stateroom or entertained (I know I missed some categories) they were wonderful!
I loved every minute! And the CMs really make DCL special! I have cruised before and DCl is at the top of the heap when it comes to service! I wrote that on my comment card (and named names!) and I am off to start my letter to DCL tonight!

 

[gshoemate]

We also sailed on the 9/9 and the CM's seemed to be in good spirits. Luckily the cruisers were in pretty good spirits to. I thought with the changes in Port and missing CC alot of people would let it spoil their trip, but things were good for the most part. I did feel bad for one CM in the theatre right before the Golden Mickey's. The captain announced that we would be docking at Port Canaveral and a woman sitting in our row claimed that she was promised by DCL that we would be going back to Ft. Lauderdale so she drove there. The CM explained that there would be complementary transportation to Ft. Lauderdale but the lady was not happy. Started yelling about it being grounds for a lawsuit. I believe the CM ended up walking off.

I also wish I would of thought about bringing goodies. The crew in the oceaneer's club and Flounder's were just great. They had over 600 kids in the club, I can't imagine having to entertain that many kids.

I know the night we docked in Nassau, our servers went on land that night and spent some time in the casino at the Atlantis. It's good that they can do that and get away from everything for a while. They were really excited about it.

 

[jlawall]

In light of the severe hurricane season this year, I'm thinking of sending my favorite CMs a holiday thank you. I feel like I should do a little extra this year, what do you think???