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Butch Begovich was a cruise director for Carnival from 2007 until 2014, and in total he spent 14 years working for the cruise line, becoming one of the most well-known faces on the ships that he was assigned to. He’s admitted that his love for being on stage is the reason he hasn’t pushed for a more senior position despite his experience, and he remains one of the most loved hosts on a cruise ship due to his wit and his energy. Lee Mason is an active cruise director for Carnival, and in 2022 was named as the cruise director of the newest ship in the fleet at the time, Carnival Celebration. John was born in Essex, England in 1965 and started his career in the entertainment industry as a musician and comedian before joining the since-retired Carnival Holiday cruise ship as a bartender in 1986. "When guests have such a strong connection to you, it's really heartwarming to know they want to spend time with you when you are onboard, and that it may influence their decision when considering a future ship or itinerary." "When guests want to cruise with a specific CD, it's usually because they've become friends, and I think my success is because what you see is what you get. I'm very relaxed onstage and I love people," he explains.
Carnival Freedom Cruise Director for August and September 2023
Amber Lynne Celen and John Loney both offer outstanding fun for guests to enjoy, and their leadership ensures everyone sailing aboard Carnival Paradise has a great time on one of the most intimate Carnival ships. Here is the entire Carnival cruise director schedule fleetwide for 2024 and 2025, including all the new cruise ships. While cruise directors play a vital role in ensuring guests have an enjoyable experience, they are not primarily responsible for safety onboard. Safety is the responsibility of the ship’s captain and crew, who undergo extensive training to handle any emergencies that may arise.
John Heald
Three different cruise directors are set to make dreams come true aboard Carnival Dream. Andrew Mercer is currently leading the Fun Squad through mid-June, when Lawrence West will come aboard for the first of two Carnival Dream contracts this year. Lee Mason is a highly regarded cruise director who has been with Carnival Cruise Line for many years. With his warm and friendly demeanor, he creates a welcoming atmosphere that guests appreciate. Lee’s attention to detail and commitment to providing exceptional entertainment have earned him a place on this list.
Carnival Breeze Cruise Directors for August and September 2023

Georgia Craig is bringing her colorful fun to Carnival Horizon with two contracts in early and late 2024, while William “Pauly” Munhollon will take over during Craig’s vacation period from early May through mid-July. The vessel is updated and sailing smoothly after her October 2023 dry dock that finally replaced her whale tale funnel that was damaged in a fire in May 2022. The current leading lady aboard Carnival Freedom is the effervescent Erin Weigand until the end of March, when Todd Evans will take the helm. Elizabeth Clough will also have her chance between Evans’ two confirmed contracts aboard the ship this year. Carnival Cruise Directors are selected based on their experience, skills, and ability to engage with guests.
12 things that surprised me about going on my first Carnival cruise in a decade - Cruise Blog
12 things that surprised me about going on my first Carnival cruise in a decade.
Posted: Tue, 23 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In fact, cruise directors are the most visible crew members onboard a cruise ship and often work up to 16 hours per day with no days off during their contract period (usually lasting around 4 months, but up to 9 months in some cases). Felipe Couto is a dynamic cruise director who has been with Carnival Cruise Line for several years. With his infectious energy and charismatic stage presence, he has entertained guests on numerous Carnival ships. Felipe’s ability to connect with guests and create a lively atmosphere has earned him a spot on this list. Legendary fun is in store for guests setting sail with Dustin Gabriel, Jake Miller, and Frankie Portera aboard Carnival Legend. The trio of cruise directors will share leadership roles aboard the ship through the end of 2024 and into 2025.

Major institutional investors like Vanguard Group also hold significant stakes. He has since moved onto other roles and currently works as the Vice President for Guest Experience at Washington Football Team.
A cruise director is responsible for overseeing the entertainment and activities onboard a cruise ship. They coordinate and host various events, shows, and parties to ensure that guests have a memorable experience. This schedule can change frequently, and if you want to sail with a particular cruise director, you should check the schedule regularly to learn where your favorite cruise director may be assigned. Following them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, fans can keep up with Chris Salazar’s latest adventures as a cruise director. He’s gained a huge following with his infectious personality and entertaining content. Salazar is just one example of how social media has become an important tool for cruise directors to connect with guests and promote their brand.
Crew members can come and go with different commitments or promotions, which can also impact which cruise director is assigned to which ship for different time periods. Cruise directors with greater seniority may request specific ships or homeports as they prefer, though assignments are always subject to the operational needs of the overall fleet. The first of the 133,600-gross-ton, Vista-class ships, Carnival Vista sails year-round from the world’s busiest cruise port, Port Canaveral, offering a variety of top Caribbean itineraries. Louis Clare was originally assigned to the ship through November, but that assignment has been shortened and no new cruise director has yet been assigned past early September. Coming to the Carnival fleet after her transformation from Costa Firenze, the renovated and renamed Carnival Firenze will officially welcome guests for the first time with her April 25, 2024 sailing.
"So many of our wonderful guests with whom I've had the pleasure of sailing have mentioned me on different platforms and also word-of-mouth, and I am totally humbled by this," he says. Since Potgieter isn't active on social media -- he describes himself as rather private and shy -- he is often surprised at how well-known he's become among cruisers. Gary Hunter, who is also a professional ventriloquist in Chiefland, Florida, has performed at sea since 1975 on dozens of ships for many cruise lines. He joined Crystal Cruises for the maiden voyage of its first ship, Harmony, in 1990. Contrary to what most cruisers believe, Walker says CDs don't necessarily have to be funny all the time, but likeability is paramount for success.
Write-ups on old school CDs with just a couple of the current ones mixed in. Christine Duffy, a highly respected leader in the industry, serves as the President of Carnival Cruise Line, a subsidiary of the parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc. It’s a publicly traded company with its largest individual shareholder, Micky Arison (founder’s son), holding around 13% of shares.
However, the directors mentioned here have consistently garnered positive feedback and recognition for their unique personalities, engaging styles, and dedication to creating unforgettable guest experiences. Whether you seek humour, enthusiasm, or a touch of class, there’s likely a Carnival cruise director perfectly suited to enhance your high-seas adventure. So, set sail, embrace the onboard festivities, and discover the magic that exceptional cruise directors bring to the Carnival experience. Cruise directors are the face of fun aboard Carnival cruise ships, and having the Carnival cruise director schedule can help travelers plan which ships to book to enjoy their favorite Fun Squad leaders. This updated schedule is the ultimate tool in knowing which particular cruise director is assigned to which ship in the coming months. Besides not sleep, smile through exhaustion and frustration, and dish out almost as many corny jokes as yours truly?
Carnival Cruise Line employs approximately cruise directors, though schedules and assignments are fluid and not every cruise director may be under contract at the same time. It takes a radiant personality to lead the fun aboard Carnival Radiance, and that is just what Michael D’Auria is doing this year. Lia Stivers was scheduled as cruise director for the spring and early summer, but that assignment has been changed and Carnival Radiance does not yet have a confirmed cruise director later in the year. The last of the Fantasy class ships to be built, Carnival Paradise has been delighting guests since she first set sail in November 1998. She debuted as the world’s first completely non-smoking cruise ship, though that policy was discontinued in 2003.
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