Ken Rush has left the Liberty

[Sonny V]

Many of you know the Cruise Director from the Freedom and the Liberty of the Seas. He got off the Liberty today. He'll be working out of the Miami office training new Cruise Directors. He'll be taking a long vacation in December. He will be the Cruise Director on the Independance of the Seas. I didn't know if this was public knowledge yet.

Sonny

[Dave]

Sonny,

I knew that Ken was the CD for all new ships...I think they call it the "take out" crew or something like that.

He was on the inaugural Freedom cruise with us. I don't get too excited about CDs these days. They aren't as involved as they used to be...more like hosts on a TV show it seems - in an Ed McMahon kind of way.

[Sonny V]

Dave, I feel the same as you do about the Cruise Directors. I remember one that really got involved with the passengers. I don't know if he is still with Royal Caribbean, his name is Gordon Watman.

Sonny

[LisaP]

On one of our cruises a couple of years ago, the CD referred to himself as our "Director of Entertainment." I was floored, initially. Then, I realized it was true - not only on our ship, but in general.

But, he was much better than one who we had on Celebrity...the lounge lizard type, who also encouraged us to "make some noise...make some more noise.." Not quite what I expected from Celebrity. And, as a tie-in to Dave's note, he actually was a TV host. He showed us numerous clips.

My all-time favorite was Tom Dentino on then-Dolphin Cruises. He interacted with the pax, got to know our names, and was always visible. And, he knew the ship, and could answer any question. I wish there were more like him.

I do have to say I've never sailed on a ship on which Ken Rush was CD, although I did see him on several Travel Channel specials, and he does seem to know his stuff as well as have a genuine enjoyment of his job.