Crew dining with passengers

[Moxin]

Brent Davies sat down with us for breakfast back in 98, on the Magic. It was quite crowded and we had a rather large table for the 2 of us, so we simply asked if he'd like to join us. Had a wonderful conversation with him. I certainly don't mind any CM dining with guests!

 

[RedSox68]

We experienced this on Holland America last year in Alaska. It was mostly officers and directors. My only complaint was that one side of the dining room was for them only on those night, but no signs were posted to let passengers know that. We were embarrassed when we realized we were sitting on the wrong side

 

[iloverags2]

I do not mind it one bit. We sailed on Princess (the Ruby Princess) this past April, and ate in the buffet every night. (It was a casual cruise for us...basically getting away from real life.) In fact, we ate quite late each night as well. Every single night there were crew members eating with us up there. Actually, we did not notice them at first, but eventually started seeing their name tags. The two formal nights were the best as they all came to dinner in the buffet all spiffied up! A couple of nights we even saw the Commodore (captains of the Princess ships are referred to as the Commodore) chatting it up with his crew, often sitting with them for a short time. We really enjoyed the overall atmosphere!

 

[momof2n2]

I can't imagine why it would be a problem. Unless there was boorish behavior (and I don't know why there would be) I don't see any grounds for disliking this.

 

[Fºoºz]

... about passengers on another line being upset because they had to dine at the buffet with crew members. ...

 

[TheLanes]

I can't imagine why it would be a problem. Unless there was boorish behavior (and I don't know why there would be) I don't see any grounds for disliking this.

Because some believe the "help" should stay where they belong. Some of us, the "help" in our daily lives while not being lucky enough to cruise, don't mind when the crew gets to let down their hair

 

[RedSox68]

Other than stated above, we had no problems with it at all. What was really neat was that many of them had their families with them and it was probably the first meal of the day that they got to see their husband/wife/dad/mom, etc.

 

[jahber]

Last time we were on a cruise when Brent was the CD, his family was visiting. We frequently saw him with his wife and child...at the buffet and on the pool deck just hanging out being a dad/husband. It was really neat.

 

[disprincess4ever]

I love seeing the crew around the ship just enjoying some free time! They work such long hours, so they should be allowed to enjoy the magic of Disney, not just make it! I've also found most of the crew are just genuine nice people that I enjoy talking to. Everyone deserves to have some fun! I also value that Disney allows them to do things like enjoy Castaway Cay or go on excursions.

 

[MND]

I was reading a discussion on FB about passengers on another line being upset because they had to dine at the buffet with crew members. I was just wondering how people here on the DIS would feel if Disney started doing this.

Are they aware the crew sleeps on the same ship as them as well?

 

[SeattleSuz]

Hilarious! WHY would anyone have a problem with that, if they were being normal, courteous people?!

 

[GoofyLovingFamily]

I would love to dine with a crew member. I could probably learn something new.

 

[eyesing4u]

Was the FB discussion about random CMs eating, or did they mean the crew dining room was gone and crew and passengers all shared the same buffet?

They were complaining about crew in buffet uniforms eating next to them at the buffet while on their breaks. Unfortunately, I think it was an issue of "class". As far as I am concerned the complainers are the ones with no class.

 

[over50visits]

They were complaining about crew in buffet uniforms eating next to them at the buffet while on their breaks. Unfortunately, I think it was an issue of "class". As far as I am concerned the complainers are the ones with no class.

Sounds like it...you're right on.

 

[love5pets]

Can't speak for DCL since we're yet to go on our first but we have dined many times with crew members, often the Captain, GM's, Cruise Directors, entertainers, guest lecturers, even the tech guy who works in the computer room.
With the officers it's usually a table of 6-8, at the Captain's table it's usually 10-12 so you meet fellow passengers as well. Definitely a win-win.

It is a wonderful experience most all the time, (once in awhile you may get someone who is zzzzzzzzzzz). I can't think of anything negative and of course if you're invited and you don't feel comfortable, you can decline.

 

[bzkds]

We saw one Officer at the table next to us almost every night on the Fantasy in June. Must have had family on board? And Captain Marco was at the table next to us (with some other Officers) at breakfast. He stopped at our table to fuss over the "special treatment" our ds3 was getting from the Server and Head Server! I would have loved to sit and eat with any of the CMs, they all work so hard I would enjoy seeing them get a break lol.

 

[AJaquins]

On the Wonder a couple of weeks ago my husband and I joined my in-laws at beach blanket buffet and sitting next to them was the head of food and beverage and the health inspectors...eating lunch. That was interesting to see.

 

[deebits]

We saw one Officer at the table next to us almost every night on the Fantasy in June. Must have had family on board? And Captain Marco was at the table next to us (with some other Officers) at breakfast. He stopped at our table to fuss over the "special treatment" our ds3 was getting from the Server and Head Server! I would have loved to sit and eat with any of the CMs, they all work so hard I would enjoy seeing them get a break lol.

I have cruised on many other lines and LOVE being able to dine with the crew. They have great information on the ports of call and some real hidden jewels as to where to go at the different ports. Never were any of them rude. It was pleasant company.

 

[jrabbit]

I was in line for breakfast in Topsiders on the second Panama Canal Crossing (Bringing the Magic back home in 2005) and the guy behind me was the PRESIDENT OF DCL (and I am drawing a blank on his name right now - he no longer works for DCL). Had a nice talk with him.

In 2002 we had "gofer" (the Chief Purser) join our TABLE for DINNER one night. This was back when on the Captain's Gala night, that some of the crew joined some of the guests for dinner. We were at the table for 14 and one of the families didn't show up. The poor guy was grilled with questions for an hour and a half. Was great for the rest of us. He was great. And he bought the table several bottles of wine too!!

On the last WBPC cruise in May the new entertainment staff was onboard (so we had both casts) and they were well behaved and took my our picture for us several times - they were very willing (they approached us - and then we found out that they were part of the new cast).

 

[outahere]

I was in line for breakfast in Topsiders on the second Panama Canal Crossing (Bringing the Magic back home in 2005) and the guy behind me was the PRESIDENT OF DCL (and I am drawing a blank on his name right now - he no longer works for DCL). Had a nice talk with him.

We were on that cruise as well, and the person you're referring to is Tom McAlpin. We ran into him a couple of times on that cruise and he was very nice to talk with. We were seated next to Roy Disney, Jr. at lunch one day on that cruise. We've had officers seated next to us at dinner in Topsiders a few times and they were always very friendly.