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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.

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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

Send us a text

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-sy

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