Johannesburg - Cruise ships are fast becoming the first choice for many South Africans when choosing an affordable holiday. And we are not alone. In this tough global economic climate, with the price of petrol and food hiking daily, consumers want their vacations to be all-inclusive and at the best possible price.
I recently spent several days on board the MSC Sinfonia, a trip that saw us travel between Cape Town and Walvis Bay. As a member of the Italian-owned MSC Cruises, the Sinfonia was christened in 2002 and is named in homage to the rousing symphonies of Europe’s great classical composers: Beethoven, Mozart, Debussy, Tchaikovsky and Brahms.
Apart from 783 cabins (with a combined capacity for 2 223 passengers), the Sinfonia also boasts three restaurants, eight bars and lounges, a pool deck, a nightclub, and 400m2 of casino space. My favourite spot is the Teatro San Carlo. This 600-seater theatre plays host to a different big budget show every night and, over the course of my stay, I got to see everything from steamy burlesque shows to full-blown Las Vegas extravaganzas.
As cruise director for MSC Crociere, all aspects of on-board entertainment fall on the shoulders of Stephen Cloete. And with 16 years of cruising under the belt – consisting of 55 countries, 500 cruises, 12 ships and nearly 1 million guests – there is hardly a better man for the job. In between, he also dons the jacket of ship announcer, evening show MC, as well as bingo convener.
“The term ‘cruise director’ is perhaps a misnomer, because it gives the impression that the title includes responsibility for the entire cruise operation,” says Cloete.
“A cruise director is actually the director of entertainment, and on the MSC Sinfonia I am in charge of such an entertainment team that consists of 60 members. These include professional artists, dancers, singers, musicians, production technicians, and cruise hosts.
“It is my responsibility to work out the daily programme for all shows, live music, games, activities, and productions.”
When it comes to selecting each new season’s on-board entertainment, Cloete says, due to the many ships in MSC’s fleet, the company has to work through several international production companies and agencies.
“We recently launched our 12th vessel (MSC Preziosa), and it makes business sense to hire across the board. It creates consistency, as well as the ability to move entertainers across different ships after each season,” he says.
“I have a hand in selecting and recruiting local staff to complement the SA season, and look for entertainers with a strong portfolio, as well as a passion for what they do. We also look for past experience in public relations or the service industry.”
Those interested in a career on cruise ships should be careful when responding to job adverts, warns Cloete. He even wrote a book on the subject called Scam’d (available to order via 031 765 4946).
“Sadly scams are everywhere, including the cruise industry. The most popular is online adverts for cruise jobs. Everything takes place online, including an interview in the format of a questionnaire.
“The applicant is told that they are successful, and sent a contract of employment along with a request to donate an ‘admin fee’ into a foreign bank account. You will never see that money again, and you will be no closer to a job. Always use trusted staffing agencies.”
On board, Cloete is supported by an assistant cruise director, as well as several managers each focusing on a different aspect of passenger relations.
But while the comfort and relaxation of passengers are their main priority, the cruise director is not unaware of the negative effects that working for long hours, coupled with not being able to leave the boat, can have on his staff.
“My philosophy is a simple one: a happy crew means happy guests. And that is why we are all here. My team and I constantly work hard at motivating the staff. There are lots of team-building events after hours. We also have a crew gym, bar, shop, sports area and even our own crew swimming pool.”
Since there are no tickets being sold to shows, Cloete has had to find other ways of measuring the success of each chosen Teatro San Carlo production.
“We have received a total of 96 standing ovations this season alone (30 cruises in total). Guests are also invited to give feedback via comment cards. I am constantly striving to mould my team into the best they can be. Any weak links are weeded out early in the season.”
Cloete says it is hard to identify with just one performer when he thinks back over all the entertainers he has worked with.
“Our biggest success story is probably Kurt Darren. He started with me as a lounge singer. Using the ship’s choreographer to come up with some dance moves and the opportunity to experiment while performing, he became one of the most successful singing artists in South Africa.”
Cloete says the past 16 years with the company have been un-forgettable.
“I have literally experienced the incredible growth of the company first hand. From a tiny fleet of small second-hand ships, to the third-largest cruise company in the world with the world’s most modern fleet,” says Cloete.
“The best part of my job is the applause. It is my drug of choice. Oh, and the pina coladas on tropical beaches goes without saying!” - Sunday Independent
l See www.msccruises.co.za