Summary
With the most cruises in history, the legendary "Super Mario" (as he is affectionately known), shares his journey to becoming the most seasoned cruiser ever, having lived onboard Royal Caribbean ships for 25 years!

Episode Overview
Super Mario, the ultimate Royal Caribbean cruiser, joins us aboard Icon of the Seas to share his extraordinary journey through the world of cruising. Together with our host, Mitch, we explore Mario's unmatched loyalty and passion for cruising, having sailed on 150 ships across 10 different cruise lines before finding his true home on Royal Caribbean. Mario's impressive milestone of 11,300+ cruise points speaks volumes about his dedication and love for the brand. From nostalgic tales of the Voyager of the Seas to the groundbreaking Oasis and the revolutionary Icon of the Seas, Mario paints a vivid picture of Royal Caribbean's evolution and the pivotal role played by its devoted Crown and Anchor Society members.

Listeners will be captivated by the unique experiences of being Royal Caribbean's most tenured cruiser, including the story behind Mario's personal "office" on the pool deck—a charming tradition that began in 2007. As Mario reflects on the innovative ship designs and the camaraderie of the exceptional crew that makes him feel at home, we celebrate the spirit of loyalty that has made Royal Caribbean the leader in the cruise industry. With a nod to Mario's role as the unofficial brand ambassador, we promise an entertaining mix of nostalgia, fun, and inspiration, offering a glimpse into the life of the man behind the legend and inviting you to possibly meet him in his unique office on your next Royal Caribbean adventure. 

Thanks for listening!

Subscribe for future episodes and follow Cruise Life Experience

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t01GkjSeEtI

30+ year cruise industry veteran & popular Hotel Director Robert Taggart shares fun stories from the past, his experience at sea during Covid-19, and great advice for crew looking to move their way up the management chain. 

Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions, topics and guests you would like to hear from. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch

Show notes:
0:01 - Welcome & Intro: Episode 9
Mike & Mitch share information on the Executive Committee onboard and introduce our guest, veteran Hotel Director, Robert Taggart.

4:05 - Robert discusses his journey and how he achieved the position of Hotel Director with Royal Caribbean.

6:20 - Robert shares his proudest memory at sea.

8:28 - Any advice or words of wisdom for new Hotel Directors or potential young managers who are looking to work their way up?
Robert is known for being very popular with both guests and crew and we wanted to get his advice for young aspiring managers and upcoming HD's. Our favourite quote from Robert "You can't be friends with everyone, but you can be friendly with everyone".

11:00 - What does a Hotel Director do? Differences between land and ship based?
Some guests and crew don’t always know what the Hotel Director does. Robert explains a little about his role and why some crew be scared or intimidated by a Hotel Director. Also Robert shares how the job of Hotel Director onboard a ship versus a hotel on land differ.

13:35 - Could you see a Cruise Director transitioning to Hotel Director one day?
Most Hotel Directors come from a Food & Beverage background. Robert is asked about a  Cruise Director progressing to the HD role.

17:15 - Robert shares a few stories from his time on ships and some of the best pranks fun may have happened.

21:40 - Robert walks us through a  typical “Day at Sea” morning for a Hotel Director.

23:05 - Robert shares how many more years he has left on ships and what long-term plans after life at sea.

24:15 - Rapid Fire fun

25:58 - Thank you Robert!

26:40 - Mike & Mitch wrap up the show - Special shout-out! 
Happy Birthday Carolyn Scieszka on May 31st

Thank you for listening! Subscribe and we'll see you next episode.

Thanks for listening!

Subscribe for future episodes and follow Cruise Life Experience

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t01GkjSeEtI

Social media Influencer, world traveller, entertainer and gymnast/acrobat Sydney Brown is our guest. We discuss her start as a gymnast and beginning her professional career with Royal Caribbean and where it has taken her. Sydney shares stories, life onboard a cruise ship, shows she has performed in, her favourite destinations & the brands she's working with. 

Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions, topics and guests you would like to hear from. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch

Show notes:
0:01 - Welcome & Intro: Episode 8
Mike & Mitch chat about what we've been up to and introduce our guest, Social media Influencer, world traveler, entertainer and gymnast Sydney Brown.

3:05 - Sydney shares about starting out in gymnastics and her hiring story with Royal Caribbean - "Mom, Dad, can I work on a cruise ship?"

7:05 - Sydney shares a funny story about which ship she was joining

8:46 - Sydney discusses what it takes to maintain your body and mind onboard performing in such a demanding role? How do you train and stay healthy onboard?

11:29 - Mike asks Sydney what she can do better than Olympian Simone Biles

12:28 - Sydney, how do you perform on a moving ship? Shows on-board have become increasingly demanding and highly technical, Sydney discusses the differences between a land base show and a ship show. Also she shares info about the AquaTheater shows including some safety aspects of the venue.

16:15 - Sydneys discusses shows she performed in Macau, China (House of Dancing Water) and in Orlando with Cirque Du Soleil in (La Nouba)

17:25 - Sydney shares some memorable places she has been around the world

19:00 - Sydney shares how working on ships has opened up areas of opportunity in her life

20:49 -  What is still on your bucket list?

22:00 - Sydney shares info on which major brands she is now working with 

23:11 -  How did you get more than 2 million followers on Social Media (TikTok, Instagram)? Any secrets? *Links below

26:10 - Sydney talks about the uniqueness of an AquaTheater show and what happens behind the scenes that many don’t know about

31:56 - What’s next? Sydney dishes on her potential new career path!

33:58 - Name Association fun

36:30 - Any advice or words of wisdom for new or potential young entertainers who are looking to make it?

38:40 - Mike & Mitch wrap up and discuss the ships continuing pause in operations 

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/sydneybrown_xo
https://www.tiktok.com/@sydneybrown_xo
https://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/story/_/id/18693790/how-former-gymnast-sydne

Thanks for listening!

Subscribe for future episodes and follow Cruise Life Experience

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t01GkjSeEtI

Episode 7 picks up where we left off with Rich Spacey. We discuss his career transition, advice for new crew starting out at sea, and more stories including the legendary myth of "The Cruise Ship Streaker".

Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions, topics and guests you would like to hear from. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch

Show notes:
0:01 - Welcome & Intro: Episode 7
Former Cruise Director and industry legend Richard Spacey continues to share stories that some will question actually happened.

0:25 - Follow up on the Blimp & the infamous rumour of “The Cruise Ship Streaker”

1:35 - How hard was it to walk away from ship life? Any chance of a comeback?
Rich shares how he retired, the anxiety of leaving ship life and what he is currently doing with his new business.

6:10 - You were known for wearing crazy socks and costumes, wearing any now?

7:15 - Rapid Fire Questions!
Favourite staff, go to drink onboard, cheesiest joke, most risqué things done and more.

12:39 - When people think of Richard Spacey, how do you want to be remembered?

14:40 - Advice to crew just starting out at sea for their own Cruise Life Experience?

16:30 - Thanks Richard!

19:30 - Guests who cruise for specific crew & next episode preview
Entertainer & Influencer Sydney Brown is our guest next week.
https://www.tiktok.com/@sydneybrown_xo
https://www.instagram.com/sydneybrown_xo

Rich’s Limey-Away video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApVeH6o_xyU

Thanks for listening!

Subscribe for future episodes and follow Cruise Life Experience

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t01GkjSeEtI

Episode 6 features industry legend Richard Spacey; one of the greatest Cruise Director's of all time. Epic stories from his time onboard including pool parties (in his cabin), Oasis of the Seas, holding the record for most Captain's Hearings and his transition to life on land.

Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions, topics and guests you would like to hear from. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.

Email: cruiselifeexperience@outlook.com
Podcast: https://CruiseLifeExperience.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch

Show notes:
0:01 - Welcome & Intro: Episode 6
Legendary Cruise Director Richard Spacey will share stories that some will question actually happened. Plus mailbag questions about sign on day and great jokes we’ve heard onstage. 

2:07 - Mailbag questions
Question 1: Sherry - Crew sign on day is typically the longest of the contract, please tell your non-crew listeners what a typical sign on day is like.
Question 2: Jerry - What is a favourite joke you’ve used or heard onstage?

8:19 - Special Guest Richard Spacey 
Royal Caribbean’s top rated Cruise Director left for the Celebrity head office and then went back to sea with Celebrity Cruises, Rich discusses this transition and stories of life at sea. 

9:17 - Number 1 Rated Cruise Director
When Cruise Directors were rated by guests, you were always number one, what did you do that separated you from the rest?

14:30 - What was your favourite video?
Many say your classic videos and onstage skits were some of the strongest and most memorable memories for them. *Rich’s evolution of dance video
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOyh9-rZ2R8

17:08 - Major Career change
Why switch companies at the height of your popularity to take a job in the shore side office? How tough was it to go back?

20:22 - The King of Parties
You are the known as the king of parties, tell us about some of your favourites and were you close to getting fired over any of them?

25:13 - World Travel
Finally travelling the world finally after 15 years onboard ships, tell us about it. 

26:45 - Oasis of the Seas and the infamous Blimp Story
Rich recalls his time on Oasis of the Seas and the legend of the blimp.
Link: https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Oasis-of-the-Seas-completes-trials-with-one-downer

33:34 - Stay tuned for Part 2

Thanks for listening!

Subscribe for future episodes and follow Cruise Life Experience

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t01GkjSeEtI

Episode 5 features Spark Cooperatives Charly McDonald as we discuss the launch of Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, the most anticipated ship in years. FF: Did you know Virgin Voyages was originally going to allow kids onboard? It’s true! 

Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions, topics and guests you would like to hear about and from. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.

Email: cruiselifeexperience@outlook.com
Podcast: https://CruiseLifeExperience.buzzsprout.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch

Show notes:
0:01 - Welcome to episode 5
Mailbag questions answered and Spark Cooperative Principal and industry veteran Charly McDonald discusses all things cruising and Virgin Voyages.

1:15 - Shout out to the cruise lines working hard to get crew home
They are really going above and beyond in this unprecedented time.
Link: https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/22879-celebrity-prepares-to-send-crew-home-using-ships-and-charter-flights.html

4:05 - Mailbag:
1. Patti on Facebook asks: tell us about some of the craziest passengers you’ve ever met.
2. Marina on Facebook asks us to talk about the new patents RCI has applied for called “Seaface”
Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/royal-caribbean-cruises-sea-face-mask-trademark/

9:45 - Mitch shares his hiring story

12:30 - Special Guest Charly McDonald (Principal, Spark Cooperative)
Spark Cooperative consults on exciting new projects within the cruise and hospitality industry. Most recently, this includes working closely the past 5 years creating the Entertainment experiences for Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady.

13:40 - Charly discusses his journey in the Cruise industry

18:44 - Charly discusses Spark Cooperative
Link: http://www.sparkcooperative.com

23:55 - Charly discusses working with Virgin Voyages 
He shares some information on the ship, venues and all things entertainment onboard. Wait, there's no Cruise Director?

32:54 - Name Association & thanks to Charly
Link: http://www.sparkcooperative.com

35:10 - Mike shares his hiring story & wrap up

Next Episode features Legendary Cruise Director Richard Spacey!

Thanks for listening!

Subscribe for future episodes and follow Cruise Life Experience

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t01GkjSeEtI

Episode 4 discusses myths & misconceptions of cruising which means we get to debunk some things that just aren’t true...or are they? Plus stories from Special Guest Paul Baya (Oceania Cruises), who was on one of the last ships with guests in March 2020.

Get In Touch!
Any more myths, misconceptions or questions? Send us to discuss in future episodes. Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube. 

Email: cruiselifeexperience@outlook.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch

Show notes:
0:01 Intro and show description
Myths & Misconceptions about the Cruise industry

00:35 If I go on a cruise, I will get seasick...
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stabilizer_(ship)
Link: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/cruise-secrets-how-ships-mostly-keep-you-from-124815777812.html

1:06 Isn’t cruising for senior or older people?
Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/douggollan/2020/03/08/cruisings-silver-lining-only-13-of-customers-are-over-70-years-old/#1d03268c2bc0
Link: https://www.cruise1st.co.uk/blog/cruise-holidays/how-old-is-the-average-cruise-passenger/
5:08 Link: https://www.carnival.com/onboard/bolt-ultimate-sea-coaster

5:53 Are we going to eat in buffets all week long?
Link: https://travelnoire.com/virgin-voyages-says-goodbye-buffet-a-cruise-ship-tradition

8:06 The rooms (cabins) are all small right?
Link: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-rooms/royal-suite-class

9:50 Mailbag questions:
Jen: What happens with the food waste? Do they just throw everything into the ocean?
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-symphony-seas-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-deals-with-waste-2020-3
Sean: Can you divulge the actual work schedule and responsibilities of crew so guests understands what happens behind the scenes?

12:58 Special Guest Paul Baya of Oceania Cruise Lines
- Was on one of the last ships at sea with guests in March 2020.
- Any interesting stories from your life at sea?
- What was it like being one of the last ships at sea in March during the outbreak?
Link:

Thanks for listening!

Subscribe for future episodes and follow Cruise Life Experience

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t01GkjSeEtI

The emerging health guidelines being released by cruise lines and how they will affect and change the global cruise industry. Special Guest Abe Hughes (former Cruise Director) and Virtual of the Seas creator discusses his new project and shares memories of Cruise Life.

Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about. Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
 
cruiselifeexperience@outlook.com
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch
www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch

Show Notes:
0:13
Introductions & Show Description
Health protocols and future of global cruising, our favourite ports and Special Guest Abe Hughes - Former Cruise Director and Virtual of the Seas creator + surprise guests?

1:05
Changing Health Protocols
How cruise some lines will change health procedures for cruising when we get back into operations. Citing information from Princess and Genting cruise lines. 

1:32
Genting preventive measures press release
https://www.dreamcruiseline.com/en/media/press-release/2020/press-release-20200407-gcl-announces-enhance-preventive-measures/

6:40
Princess Health Advisory updated press release 
https://www.princess.com/downloads/pdf/plan/Health-Advisory-and-Travel-Safety-Procedures.pdf

7:15
Updated: Cruise lines extend pause in global operations 
https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/posts/2826475277389053

8:49
Special Guest Abe Hughes - Creator of Virtual of the Seas - virtual cruise experience

Abe shares stories on how he grew up in the cruise industry, his first day onboard, favourite places cruising has taken him and his new project Virtual of the Seas.
https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/highlands_sun/why-not-take-a-virtual-cruise/article_679e8852-738d-11ea-966c-934de561cae1.html

39:15
Special Surprise Guest #1

47:40
Special Surprise Guest #2

57:25
Virtual of the Seas - follow online and join Abe onboard! 
https://www.facebook.com/cruisedirectorabehughes/
https://twitter.com/royalcaribbean/status/1244425447225450497

58:38
Closing

Thanks for listening!

Subscribe for future episodes and follow Cruise Life Experience

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t01GkjSeEtI

The role of Cruise Director and how the new big ships are changing the duties and responsibilities. We also dive into why cruise ships are not flagged in the US. 

Special Guests: Cruise Directors “Hello Clo” and one of our favourite Comedians, author and creator of “You Just Have to Laugh”, David Naster.
 
Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about.
Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
 
cruiselifeexperience@outlook.com
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch
www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch

Show Notes

0:01
Welcome, introduction & show summary

1:25
The role of a Cruise Director and how the new ships are changing those duties and responsibilities.

4:53
Those with aspirations of becoming a Cruise Director, how do they get there?

6:00
Special Guest - one of RC’s friendliest and most recognized; Cruise Director Clo O’Connor

7:17
Clo shares her story and discusses how the CD role has changed over the years for her.

9:37
Clo tells us what it was like coming up as a female Cruise Director. 

12:43
Many believe that working on a cruise ship means you can’t have a family life. Clo essentially raised her son onboard and explains some of the benefits and retractors. 

16:08
Trivia Time: Which countries are cruise lines registered/flagged?

19:40
Misconceptions segment - Why ships are not flagged/registered in the US?

19:50
Jones Act / Merchant MarineAct information / official definition
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Marine_Act_of_1920

More information on the Jones Act and if it hurts the industry
https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/is-this-old-law-hurting-america-s-cruise-industry.html

22:06
Mitch talks about the Jones act and river cruises including smaller American cruise lines
https://www.workboat.com/news/government/jones-act-hurdles-not-stopping-us-river-cruise-growth/

22:43
Special Guest - Comedian, award winning Author and creator of the brand series, You Just Have to Laugh, which speaks about how to get through life’s difficult times through humour.  Please welcome David Naster.

23:38
How David got started within the cruise industry

24:10
What is the Naster Blaster!?
https://naster.com/product/the-naster-blaster/

26:06
David discusses “You Just Have To Laugh” and the value of humor in tough times.

31:20
How can we use humor with the current situation happening around the world?

32:55
David discusses how to “own the emotion” with humor.

34:55
What about sports?

37:17
This is affecting many En

Thanks for listening!

Subscribe for future episodes and follow Cruise Life Experience

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t01GkjSeEtI

Cruise ship cleanliness and the lengths Cruise Lines go to in co-ordination with the CDC to keep guests safe and healthy. Also we get an update from crew-member (Activities Manager Nick Huffman) onboard the worlds largest Cruise Ship Symphony of the Seas.

Get In Touch!
Find us online and send us your questions and topics you would like to hear about.
Subscribe to the podcast also watch the video version on Youtube.
 
cruiselifeexperience@outlook.com
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormike
www.instagram.com/cruisedirectormitch
www.youtube.com/CruiseDirectorMitch
www.facebook.com/cruisedirectormitch

Show Notes
0:01
Top of show - welcome!

0:45
Introduction and information about the Cruise Life Experience Podcast 
Hosted by Cruise Directors Mitch & Mike

1:45
Thank you and shout out as we kick off our first episode

3:40
Misconceptions of cruising
Why aren't ships flagged in the USA? Next episode!

4:15
Sanitizing efforts onboard ships
CDC VSP link - Vessel Sanitization Program
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/pub/pub.htm

6:30
Amazon testing fogging machines like ships use
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-amazon-com-warehou/amazon-testing-disinfectant-fog-at-new-york-warehouse-after-coronavirus-protests-idUSKBN21P384

7:35
More people booking cruises for 2021
https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-ship-bookings-are-increasing-for-2021-despite-coronavirus-2020-4

8:00
CDC Extension of no sail order
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0409-modifications-extension-no-sail-ships.html

9:10
Where are all the ships now?

11:30
Special Guest - Activities Manager (from California) Nick Huffman who will give us an update on the current life onboard the largest cruise ship in the world - Symphony of the Seas 

24:10
Richard Fain - Chairman & CEO not taking salary for the foreseeable future
https://www-businessinsider-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.businessinsider.com/royal-caribbean-cruises-ceo-foregoes-salary-executive-pay-cuts-coronavirus-2020-4?amp

Contact us!
Send us your questions and comments for the Podcast and what you would like to see & hear. You can also catch the show on YouTube (captured via ZOOM)

cruiselifeexperience@outlook.com
@cruisedirectormike (Instagram)
@cruisedirectormitch (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

Next episode
Why are ships not flagged in the USA?
What is the Jones Act?
What does a Cruise Director actually do?
Special Gue

Thanks for listening!

Subscribe for future episodes and follow Cruise Life Experience

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CruiseDirectorMitch/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t01GkjSeEtI