Has Anyone Skipped the Greeting Announcement?

[Cheburashka]

Has anyone ever managed to skip the greeting announcement when you board the ship? I'm an introvert and will be cruising solo for the first time, and I'll be in a reflective mood as there are hard things happening in my life now (chronically sick child, break-up, move) and the cruise is to support my mental health. I would be more comfortable not being announced. Has anyone had success quietly requesting that, or do they tend to be surprised & that puts even more attention on you? Any experiences to share?

 

[BadPinkTink]

Has anyone ever managed to skip the greeting announcement when you board the ship? I'm an introvert and will be cruising solo for the first time, and I'll be in a reflective mood as there are hard things happening in my life now (chronically sick child, break-up, move) and the cruise is to support my mental health. I would be more comfortable not being announced. Has anyone had success quietly requesting that, or do they tend to be surprised & that puts even more attention on you? Any experiences to share?

Instead of giving them your real name, why not make it a bit fun and give them a character name, not something like Daisy Duck, but something like Maria Hill, which sounds like a real name but is a Marvel character and like with Disney Bounding, most people wont notice. I plan on doing that when I eventually go on my cruise.

 

[KantLose]

I recall seeing people skip it on our last cruise. I think you can could just nicely tell the cast member that you prefer to skip, or just slip by while the guests in front of you go.

 

[Cheburashka]

Instead of giving them your real name, why not make it a bit fun and give them a character name, not something like Daisy Duck, but something like Maria Hill, which sounds like a real name but is a Marvel character and like with Disney Bounding, most people wont notice. I plan on doing that when I eventually go on my cruise.

Thanks, but it isn't them saying my name that I mind. It's being announced at all & being the center of attention. I also probably won't be in a jokey mood.

 

[dvcdisney]

When I read your question, I realized I may have seen a family ask not to be announced. I didn't think much of it until now. It may have been something else. But I thought I'd share anyway.

A few years ago, a family (about 2 families ahead of us), walked to the side of the CM announcers and walked in. There was a slight pause in the announcements as it seemed like it was constant. But I really don't know what the family said to the CMs. They didn't make a big deal out of it and they just let them walk in.

It could have been something else, but they didn't announce them when they walked in. I thought they were, perhaps, catching up to their other family members, but again, I didn't pay much attention to them.

If you mention that you'd rather not, I can't imagine them making it a big deal. The only thing is that now they seem to be escorting families to a certain spot to watch a Minnie/Mickey welcoming.

 

[BadPinkTink]

Thanks, but it isn't them saying my name that I mind. It's being announced at all & being the center of attention.

well from watching all the vlogs from The UK cruises, no one is actually taking one bit of notice of the other people being introduced. Everyone is too busy focusing on Mickey and Minnie and their surroundings and the people in their party.

 

[dvcdisney]

well from watching all the vlogs from The UK cruises, no one is actually taking one bit of notice of the other people being introduced. Everyone is too busy focusing on Mickey and Minnie and their surroundings and the people in their party.

I can understand the OP. The first time we were announced, it was very uncomfortable for my whole family. It wasn't that guests were looking at us, it was more the clapping and the focused attention as we entered and I did feel a little strange. I actually said to my husband that we didn't do anything to warrant this type of introduction since all we did was book a cruise. I thought we should be clapping for them.

Anyway, after that, we expected it and we enjoyed the attention because it became more of a celebration of starting to cruise, rather than introducing us. It became quite fun and we always clapped along.

 

[Cheburashka]

I recall seeing people skip it on our last cruise. I think you can could just nicely tell the cast member that you prefer to skip, or just slip by while the guests in front of you go.

Thanks, that sounds great. I just don't want to have to "run the gauntlet" this time. Kind of like at Whispering Canyon Cafe, where they used to let guests signal whether they wanted full on loud humor from their waiter or just to be served in peace. I'd prefer the latter this time.

 

[Girl of the South]

I SKIP IT EVERY TIME!!!! I don't 'get' the appeal. I have skipped it when traveling with a friend and also on my own. I just set a beeline past the hoopla and keep on walking. No one questions me. If asked, just say "No thanks!", smile, and keep on moving. I walk right past everything. No request needed. You have a ticket. You have a cabin. You're hungry for lunch. Just GO!!! Don't wait for the group in front of you . . . walk on by!

I also went to the dining folks on embarkation day and told them I would NOT be eating in the MDR on my transAtlantic cruise. One guy told me I would be "missing so much" but the head guy said "The lady knows what she wants." I got room service or went to Cabanas or snagged a couple of rolls and some cheese from lunch. Or you could get food from the pool deck.

AND I gave my room steward $50 and asked for no nightly turn-down service. No towel animals needed. Because I wasn't going to dinner at a certain time, I didn't want the interruption. I had a great time on my own, was pretty anti social, read 6 books, people watched, and enjoyed my little private cabin. DM me if you want more introvert tips!!!

(I'm sure the Room Steward didn't NEED $50 to leave me alone but it seemed right at the time. It was an 11 night cruise.)

PS. It was wonderfully relaxing and peaceful . . .

 

[MasonsG]

We've always found the CMs to be Incredibly kind and understanding, they get everything, families with 2 names, families who have a child who doesn't care for sudden noise. In our case, our 3 year old was our focal point our first time, so we asked if they could announce, "welcome, Mason and his family', if you could have seen the mega smile on that little kid stepping aboard, now he's platinum and know what, we still do the same announcement even though now he's a tween, best smiles ever. They just want to make your cruise as special as possible. So just let them know you'd like to slip to the side and avoid the fanfare. They're happy when you are.

 

[BadPinkTink]

I SKIP IT EVERY TIME!!!! I don't 'get' the appeal. I have skipped it when traveling with a friend and also on my own. I just set a beeline past the hoopla and keep on walking. No one questions me. If asked, just say "No thanks!", smile, and keep on moving. I walk right past everything. No request needed. You have a ticket. You have a cabin. You're hungry for lunch. Just GO!!! Don't wait for the group in front of you . . . walk on by!

I also went to the dining folks on embarkation day and told them I would NOT be eating in the MDR on my transAtlantic cruise. One guy told me I would be "missing so much" but the head guy said "The lady knows what she wants." I got room service or went to Cabanas or snagged a couple of rolls and some cheese from lunch. Or you could get food from the pool deck.

AND I gave my room steward $50 and asked for no nightly turn-down service. No towel animals needed. Because I wasn't going to dinner at a certain time, I didn't want the interruption. I had a great time on my own, was pretty anti social, read 6 books, people watched, and enjoyed my little private cabin. DM me if you want more introvert tips!!!

(I'm sure the Room Steward didn't NEED $50 to leave me alone but it seemed right at the time. It was an 11 night cruise.)

PS. It was wonderfully relaxing and peaceful . . .

just be aware that things are different now. You cant just keep on walking. You will be directed to a spot in the atrium to watch the new Welcome On Board show. After the show, the CM's direct everyone to the Muster Stations. This show is part of the new Covid crowd flow procedures. While one group watches the show, the group before them are checking into the Muster Station area. Then after the Muster Station check in you can go eat, either in Cabanas or at the MDR or at the quick service at the pool deck.

 

[John VN]

Has anyone ever managed to skip the greeting announcement when you board the ship? I'm an introvert and will be cruising solo for the first time, and I'll be in a reflective mood as there are hard things happening in my life now (chronically sick child, break-up, move) and the cruise is to support my mental health. I would be more comfortable not being announced. Has anyone had success quietly requesting that, or do they tend to be surprised & that puts even more attention on you? Any experiences to share?

As you board simply talk to the CM and request a no-welcoming announcement be made.

p.s. -- On our last and final Dream Concierge cruise DW and I walked onto the ship and right to the elevator unannounced and not escorted as previously done. We kind of felt at that time things would not be the same as before and as so it was. No more DCL and Concierge since then.

 

[Girl of the South]

I doubt the "welcoming announcement" is mandatory Covid protocol. Just tell anyone who seems to be directing traffic that you only want to watch the "Welcome Aboard" show. Part of being an introvert means being a little more bold. Simply ask for what you want. Only do what you have to . . . .

 

[tink1970]

Has anyone ever managed to skip the greeting announcement when you board the ship? I'm an introvert and will be cruising solo for the first time, and I'll be in a reflective mood as there are hard things happening in my life now (chronically sick child, break-up, move) and the cruise is to support my mental health. I would be more comfortable not being announced. Has anyone had success quietly requesting that, or do they tend to be surprised & that puts even more attention on you? Any experiences to share?

We regularly do-I just tell the concierge escort that we want to skip it and we slide to the side, or if I'm not in concierge, just make eye contact with the announcer, shake my head and move towards the side away from the greeting line. I'm a terrible introvert as well and really don't like that tradition.

 

[Disneypeach]

I sail solo all the time and am also an introvert. I just tell the CM politely that I don’t wish to be announced and they are fine with that. I would imagine if you tell the first CM after boarding that you don’t want to participate they would redirect you on your way.

 

[DisneYE]

I SKIP IT EVERY TIME!!!! I don't 'get' the appeal. I have skipped it when traveling with a friend and also on my own. I just set a beeline past the hoopla and keep on walking. No one questions me. If asked, just say "No thanks!", smile, and keep on moving. I walk right past everything. No request needed. You have a ticket. You have a cabin. You're hungry for lunch. Just GO!!! Don't wait for the group in front of you . . . walk on by!

I also went to the dining folks on embarkation day and told them I would NOT be eating in the MDR on my transAtlantic cruise. One guy told me I would be "missing so much" but the head guy said "The lady knows what she wants." I got room service or went to Cabanas or snagged a couple of rolls and some cheese from lunch. Or you could get food from the pool deck.

AND I gave my room steward $50 and asked for no nightly turn-down service. No towel animals needed. Because I wasn't going to dinner at a certain time, I didn't want the interruption. I had a great time on my own, was pretty anti social, read 6 books, people watched, and enjoyed my little private cabin. DM me if you want more introvert tips!!!

(I'm sure the Room Steward didn't NEED $50 to leave me alone but it seemed right at the time. It was an 11 night cruise.)

PS. It was wonderfully relaxing and peaceful . . .

This is awesome. I'm just like you, an introvert and antisocial.
I plan on doing these exact things when I go on a solo cruise.
No MDR for me, unlike most, I don't care about the food. I just want to relax, read, exercise and see the ports.
Team Introverts FTW! There should be a club for us...actually... no, us introverts just want to be left alone.

 

[cedricandsophie]

I SKIP IT EVERY TIME!!!! I don't 'get' the appeal. I have skipped it when traveling with a friend and also on my own. I just set a beeline past the hoopla and keep on walking. No one questions me. If asked, just say "No thanks!", smile, and keep on moving. I walk right past everything. No request needed. You have a ticket. You have a cabin. You're hungry for lunch. Just GO!!! Don't wait for the group in front of you . . . walk on by!

I also went to the dining folks on embarkation day and told them I would NOT be eating in the MDR on my transAtlantic cruise. One guy told me I would be "missing so much" but the head guy said "The lady knows what she wants." I got room service or went to Cabanas or snagged a couple of rolls and some cheese from lunch. Or you could get food from the pool deck.

AND I gave my room steward $50 and asked for no nightly turn-down service. No towel animals needed. Because I wasn't going to dinner at a certain time, I didn't want the interruption. I had a great time on my own, was pretty anti social, read 6 books, people watched, and enjoyed my little private cabin. DM me if you want more introvert tips!!!

(I'm sure the Room Steward didn't NEED $50 to leave me alone but it seemed right at the time. It was an 11 night cruise.)

PS. It was wonderfully relaxing and peaceful . . .

It’s wonderful how there are so many different types of people. Im The chatty type, strike up conversations all the time, love meeting new people at dinner and barely get through a book because I’m so interested in everyone else. I would be that person in the Cove cafe that you would think….god, I hope she doesn’t sit next to me!

 

[mmouse37]

Instead of giving them your real name, why not make it a bit fun and give them a character name, not something like Daisy Duck, but something like Maria Hill, which sounds like a real name but is a Marvel character and like with Disney Bounding, most people wont notice. I plan on doing that when I eventually go on my cruise.

They stopped doing "cute" names even before Covid.

 

[dvcdisney]

They stopped doing "cute" names even before Covid.

That's too bad...we hadn't done it in the a few years, but we asked them a few times if they could say "Princess (daughter's name) Entourage"...and my daughter was all smiles! Sometimes, they even did it in a sweet way. The CMs seems to really love doing that.

We tried to see if my son wanted us to do something for him...and he emphatically said "NO!"...strange really since he's the one who likes to be centre of attention. My daughter is very shy.

 

[Lilias]

I've been low-key anxious about what to do in this situation because my husband and I have different last names, lol. It's nice to know that I can just tell them the smushed-together version of our name that we use around friends