steverk Posted February 13, 2023 Report Share Posted February 13, 2023 So I'm on a ship and have to admit to getting a fiendish pleasure heckling the pier runners. Of course the crew can't participate, but I get the impression they enjoy it too. However, it also feels rude. Any thoughts? nickpants, cruisellama, ScottishRobbie and 2 others 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokeybandit Posted February 13, 2023 Report Share Posted February 13, 2023 Not at all. It's a rite of passage for those running late. FoxboroCruiser, Cactus527, cruisellama and 8 others 4 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teddy Posted February 13, 2023 Report Share Posted February 13, 2023 I was on our balcony back in September when people were running for the ship. We were very overdue for leaving and lots of people were yelling from their balconies. Turns out that they were all on a Royal excursion and were late because there was a traffic accident with a fatality in front of them and the road was impassable for a while. Cactus527, AndyPandy, WAYNO and 3 others 1 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycruise Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 Considering the ship won’t wait for late comers unless they were on a Royal excursion then they aren’t to blame. We were going to be late getting back in Europe and the guide said “no worries, they’ll just have to wait”. if they are late of their own volition, God bless. cruisellama 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobroo Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 I hope that everyone here gets to sail with Captain Marek Slaby. He has been tenured on Radiance for a number of years; there is a running rumor he may tapped for Icon— and for good reason. He is the most personable and likable captain I have sailed with. His announcements are honest, frank, and each day he rattles off every birthday aboard, including crew. Passengers stop and listen to his words when he is on the PA. Honest. Let me describe how Captian Merek deals with those who are late to come back aboard. “This is Captian Merek coming to you from the bridge. It’s now 5:40 and all aboard was at 5:30. We are still waiting for Tom and Mary in cabin 9632, Rueben from cabin 3126, and Estelle from cabin 1174…..” There a grins from ear to ear on everyone onboard when they hear the captain very publicly call out those who are late. Those grins turn out to widespread laughter the next port stop when you here the following “the local authorities have cleared the ship and the gangway on deck 2 is now open. I would like to remind Estelle in cabin 1174, Tom and Mary from cabin 9632, and Reuben from cabin 3126 that all aboard is at 6:30 pm tonight….” Allow me to say one more nice thing about Captian Marek. Capt Marek loves to sing. He has single handedly created a show that happens once a week in the Centrum; Rock’in With the Captain. It’s the band and six or seven crew members (all amateurs) who also like to sing and are shockingly quite good! They are wearing their work uniforms of cabin attendant, server, laundry person, etc. They sing whatever songs they want across any genre. The Captain…..his jam is 80’s Judas Priest! Bestcee, Sharla, Skigoofy and 35 others 20 9 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycruise Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 2 hours ago, bobroo said: I hope that everyone here gets to sail with Captain Marek Slaby. He has been tenured on Radiance for a number of years; there is a running rumor he may tapped for Icon— and for good reason. He is the most personable and likable captain I have sailed with. His announcements are honest, frank, and each day he rattles off every birthday aboard, including crew. Passengers stop and listen to his words when he is on the PA. Honest. Let me describe how Captian Merek deals with those who are late to come back aboard. “This is Captian Merek coming to you from the bridge. It’s now 5:40 and all aboard was at 5:30. We are still waiting for Tom and Mary in cabin 9632, Rueben from cabin 3126, and Estelle from cabin 1174…..” There a grins from ear to ear on everyone onboard when they hear the captain very publicly call out those who are late. Those grins turn out to widespread laughter the next port stop when you here the following “the local authorities have cleared the ship and the gangway on deck 2 is now open. I would like to remind Estelle in cabin 1174, Tom and Mary from cabin 9632, and Reuben from cabin 3126 that all aboard is at 6:30 pm tonight….” Allow me to say one more nice thing about Captian Marek. Capt Marek loves to sing. He has single handedly created a show that happens once a week in the Centrum; Rock’in With the Captain. It’s the band and six or seven crew members (all amateurs) who also like to sing and are shockingly quite good! They are wearing their work uniforms of cabin attendant, server, laundry person, etc. They sing whatever songs they want across any genre. The Captain…..his jam is 80’s Judas Priest! Omg that sounds amazing. I hope he’s captaining the ship for my March sailing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoomSlayer Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 One of my favorite things to do is watch the drunk latecomers and pier runners. I usually am taking videos, hoping one comes right after the gangway is lifted. cruisellama 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barjpoe Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 10 hours ago, Pattycruise said: Omg that sounds amazing. I hope he’s captaining the ship for my March sailing! Wow, I hope he's still on board in April when he takes the ship to AK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steverk Posted February 14, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 Captain Merrick is amazing and currently on Radiance. However, this is his last sailing before his break. I'm not sure what his next assignment will be. But you can follow him on Facebook and message him directly. Pattycruise 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 This is why you always have the number of the pier agent when you disembark. If you are running late (and not on an RC excursion), call the pier agent I just asked this question to a friend of mine who was a hotel director with Royal for over 20 years. HD is in charge of every passenger who disembarks. He told me that if you call and let them know you’re running late they will wait IF THEY CAN! Not saying they will but they really don’t want to leave people behind. He also said the majority of pier runners involved alcohol. So snap a pic of the pier agent’s number (bottom corner of cruise compass) and don’t be late!!! luv2sail, Cactus527, PhillyLady and 7 others 7 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reigert2008 Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 17 hours ago, teddy said: I was on our balcony back in September when people were running for the ship. We were very overdue for leaving and lots of people were yelling from their balconies. Turns out that they were all on a Royal excursion and were late because there was a traffic accident with a fatality in front of them and the road was impassable for a while. Came here to say about the same thing. We were on a cruise and docked in Puerto Rico when they were bringing peoples belongings off the ship and people were heckling some of the family members that were standing around. Turns out a Royal excursion was in an accident and two members of the family were now in the hospital. Sure, it's fun to watch the runners, but I'd caution against the heckling. Bean79, Cactus527, Jacklynn and 6 others 5 1 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowen Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 19 hours ago, steverk said: So I'm on a ship and have to admit to getting a fiendish pleasure heckling the pier runners. Of course the crew can't participate, but I get the impression they enjoy it too. However, it also feels rude. Any thoughts? I wouldn’t do it. I can’t imagine being in that situation and having people heckle me. Baked Alaska and Gillian_WV 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deButler Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 16 hours ago, bobroo said: I hope that everyone here gets to sail with Captain Marek Slaby. He has been tenured on Radiance for a number of years; there is a running rumor he may tapped for Icon— and for good reason. He is the most personable and likable captain I have sailed with. His announcements are honest, frank, and each day he rattles off every birthday aboard, including crew. Passengers stop and listen to his words when he is on the PA. Honest. Let me describe how Captian Merek deals with those who are late to come back aboard. “This is Captian Merek coming to you from the bridge. It’s now 5:40 and all aboard was at 5:30. We are still waiting for Tom and Mary in cabin 9632, Rueben from cabin 3126, and Estelle from cabin 1174…..” There a grins from ear to ear on everyone onboard when they hear the captain very publicly call out those who are late. Those grins turn out to widespread laughter the next port stop when you here the following “the local authorities have cleared the ship and the gangway on deck 2 is now open. I would like to remind Estelle in cabin 1174, Tom and Mary from cabin 9632, and Reuben from cabin 3126 that all aboard is at 6:30 pm tonight….” Allow me to say one more nice thing about Captian Marek. Capt Marek loves to sing. He has single handedly created a show that happens once a week in the Centrum; Rock’in With the Captain. It’s the band and six or seven crew members (all amateurs) who also like to sing and are shockingly quite good! They are wearing their work uniforms of cabin attendant, server, laundry person, etc. They sing whatever songs they want across any genre. The Captain…..his jam is 80’s Judas Priest! SO very TRUE!! We were on Radiance in Jan out of NOLA and the Rockin w/ the Captain show was by far the BEST we saw all week!!! He is SO personable with both guests and his crew. In talking with the manager over the retail shops she said that much of the crew stayed with Capt. Marek while waiting to go back into service during their hiatus even though they were one of the last ships back in service. His announcements every day were epic and everyone did stop what they were doing to listen. His straight forward attitude on dealing with issues like late comers is refreshing. It’s truly awesome too seeing how well he treats every single crew member regardless of their rank or role. I would certainly look forward to sailing with him again. WAAAYTOOO, Neesa, bobroo and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jp1 Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 17 hours ago, bobroo said: ..his jam is 80’s Judas Priest! I like him already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steverk Posted February 14, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 If you want to know where captain Marek is right now... Cactus527, MaryS, Neesa and 6 others 3 3 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deButler Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 22 minutes ago, steverk said: If you want to know where captain Marek is right now... LOL YES!! He is quite prod of his crew record in the weekly crew vs. passengers pool volleyball matches. With good reason They are virtually undefeated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancity Cruiser Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 18 hours ago, bobroo said: I hope that everyone here gets to sail with Captain Marek Slaby. He has been tenured on Radiance for a number of years; there is a running rumor he may tapped for Icon— and for good reason. He is the most personable and likable captain I have sailed with. His announcements are honest, frank, and each day he rattles off every birthday aboard, including crew. Passengers stop and listen to his words when he is on the PA. Honest. Let me describe how Captian Merek deals with those who are late to come back aboard. “This is Captian Merek coming to you from the bridge. It’s now 5:40 and all aboard was at 5:30. We are still waiting for Tom and Mary in cabin 9632, Rueben from cabin 3126, and Estelle from cabin 1174…..” There a grins from ear to ear on everyone onboard when they hear the captain very publicly call out those who are late. Those grins turn out to widespread laughter the next port stop when you here the following “the local authorities have cleared the ship and the gangway on deck 2 is now open. I would like to remind Estelle in cabin 1174, Tom and Mary from cabin 9632, and Reuben from cabin 3126 that all aboard is at 6:30 pm tonight….” Allow me to say one more nice thing about Captian Marek. Capt Marek loves to sing. He has single handedly created a show that happens once a week in the Centrum; Rock’in With the Captain. It’s the band and six or seven crew members (all amateurs) who also like to sing and are shockingly quite good! They are wearing their work uniforms of cabin attendant, server, laundry person, etc. They sing whatever songs they want across any genre. The Captain…..his jam is 80’s Judas Priest! We have sailed with Captain Marek twice now. On one occasion we were enjoying dinner in Chops for my wife's birthday when he stopped by our table to say happy birthday! I don't know if he does this with all birthdays on board (tracks down where they are having dinner through seapass card) but it was definitely unique and made my wife's day. Cactus527, deButler, WAAAYTOOO and 4 others 4 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobroo Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 14 minutes ago, Vancity Cruiser said: We have sailed with Captain Marek twice now. On one occasion we were enjoying dinner in Chops for my wife's birthday when he stopped by our table to say happy birthday! I don't know if he does this with all birthdays on board (tracks down where they are having dinner through seapass card) but it was definitely unique and made my wife's day. I don't specifically know but I can tell you my experience. He is one of the remaining captains to have a nightly Captian's Table in the MDR. After we were done dining...he works the room. Wow! Pattycruise, FireFishII, WAAAYTOOO and 2 others 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryCS62 Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 most comedy has an element of rudeness to it - it's part of what makes it funny to some, and offensive to others. I'd watch (and probably laugh), but wouldn't heckle - I'm a big believer in karma WAAAYTOOO and Neesa 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paid4c4 Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 I don't heckle or make fun of pier runners because I just know that the next day it will be me running down the dock to catch the ship. Karma is a cold mistress! Bill PhillyLady, DDaley and Neesa 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 Oh I don't heckle but I people watch. Last month on Oasis I saw very late comers dragging/corralling their friend. She also made it into the water several times and it took them a good amount of time to get her onboard. The crew was behind her packing up the day, aka bringing the suppliers back onboard, and they all made it aboard before they did. CrimsonCruiser 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ritchie Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 That's one advantage of having a port-side balcony; you can clap at all the pier runners as they sprint back to the gangway! LOL VirtKitty 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireFishII Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 Heckle no, cheering yes. Huntr104, cruisellama, Pattycruise and 2 others 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 On 2/13/2023 at 5:21 PM, steverk said: However, it also feels rude. Any thoughts? I think it's rude to hold up a ship full of thousands of people who were on time because of whatever reason they couldn't make it back in time. I think it's rude to cause a cruise line to burn more fuel at significant cost to make up for lost time to reach the next port because of whatever reason they couldn't make it back in time. I think it's rude to the dock workers at the port who want to go home after a long day of work but can't because of whatever reason they couldn't make it back in time. Keanoknick, Ryan79, Bestcee and 12 others 4 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan79 Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 If they didn’t want to be heckled, they would show up to the ship in time. Seems simple PL8SWPR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teddy Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 The conundrum is knowing when people are late due to their own irresponsible actions or on a Royal Caribbean sponsored excursion that ran into issues returning on time. PhillyLady, CrimsonCruiser, jbrinkm and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 14, 2023 Report Share Posted February 14, 2023 1 hour ago, teddy said: The conundrum is knowing when people are late due to their own irresponsible actions or on a Royal Caribbean sponsored excursion that ran into issues returning on time. If 30 people are walking down the pier, all late, my money is on an RCI excursion. If a couple is running down the pier, my money is on someone who is not on an RCI excursion. Especially when alcohol is clearly a factor. I've yet to see an RCI excursion with only 2 guests. BrianB, michaelp1446, KJones and 12 others 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pattycruise Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Semi related topic. I was at the airport 5 hours early for my flight (hubby had to drop me off so he could get to work) and I sat at my gate and watched the 3 gates near me for those hours. Each gate had people who missed their flights. One couple screaming, "we are standing here now, you just shut the door, open it!" (nope). Another woman who asked what she needed to do and was told to see Jetblue "just ask" people, she walked away crying, and then a fairly large family, who all walked away shaking their heads, I imagine some family member was to blame for that one. I sit in wonder of those who arrive late to things and expect the world will stop for them. I was raised to be early, hubby not so much. My stress level is very low when I arrive early, you'd think he would learn! When I get off the ship I triple check my phone is working, what the ship time is_ and are we following ship time?- and I plan to arrive back an hour before the ship leaves unless I'm on a Royal excursion. Yes, cuts into port time, but I won't be stressed. Ampurp85, PhillyLady, DoomSlayer and 6 others 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 I have seen instances of ship excursions coming back late. They’re usually obvious as they are a disparate group of people at the same time…and there’s usually a Shorex crew member bringing up the rear. They don’t run, nor should they. Yet there are still some fellow passengers lined up on the railings jeering or cheering. I feel that’s pretty rude. I feel sorry for those latecomers who are herding young kids, or pushing baby carriages, or the elderly doing their best shuffling along. As some in the crowd decide to cheer and jeer…you can see as they try to run. I hate that. Even the crew waiting at the ramp signal them not to run…to take their time. I know they’re probably at fault for being a little late…but I don’t want anyone getting hurt. Then there are instances where a few latecomers are just making it. As they jog along the pier with towels flapping…sheepishly smiling up at the ship…those on the railings mostly cheer them on good-naturedly. I never hear much jeering at them. Lastly…the strolling individual or pair of latecomers who obviously don’t care that they’re late. Even as the crew members wave them to hurry, and the Captain even blows the horn…they still have that entitled, selfish shuffle. They seem to walk even slower as the crowd jeers them. They know the ship will wait for them. They truly believe that they’re special. They deserve every jeer they get! I know it probably wouldn’t happen…but, I’d love to see the ramp pulled up as they shuffle along. Buh-bye! I recall a captain being asked at a Captain's Corner event if we left anyone behind at a previous port. His answer was perfect..."We didn't leave them. They left us." PhillyLady, michaelp1446, FireFishII and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psycho and Barb Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 We love to watch the pier runners but sometimes we can't believe their attitude. One Cozumel cruise, the whole ship was waiting on three people, and they were paged several times. We watched two of them running as fast as they could to get on the ship but not the third one. She refused to run or even walk fast but she did continue to enjoy her big yard of margarita. We silently hoped we would leave her at the dock, but the ship waited for her. I think just about the whole ship was giving her heck. VirtKitty, FireFishII and BrianB 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChessE4 Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Agree with watching but not heckling. Also, with tenders you can't see how many are late due to excursions. We were among 200+ late arrivals in Italy. Let the Master discipline when appropriate. PhillyLady 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billdauterive Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 20 hours ago, twangster said: I think it's rude to hold up a ship full of thousands of people who were on time because of whatever reason they couldn't make it back in time. I think it's rude to cause a cruise line to burn more fuel at significant cost to make up for lost time to reach the next port because of whatever reason they couldn't make it back in time. I think it's rude to the dock workers at the port who want to go home after a long day of work but can't because of whatever reason they couldn't make it back in time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCVirgin22 Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Personally I think it's poor form to relish in someone else misfortune regardless of the seriousness, one has to remember that someday that might be you due to unforeseen circumstances. No one, including the ship captain, knows why someone is late thus doesn't deserve insults. Now it very well might just be a case of someone losing track of time which shouldn't happen in today's age of cellphones, but even then no one wore wristwatches in the 80's? So I think this is the least forgivable reason. There could be a myriad of reasons to why someone arrives late but I would be willing to bet 98% of them are avoidable. People know what time they're supposed to be back so it still surprises me to see so many do so, I might be having the time of my life in port but I have the awareness of the time and make sure to be back with plenty of time before departure. It's mainly due to not wanting to risk being left behind but also respect for other people's time as well as the ship's schedule. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PL8SWPR Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 So what does it cost RC to stay docked for an additional 10 minutes? Aren't there additional dock fees? What does is cost RC to have to go a little faster to the next destination? All those costs are absorbed into the cost of doing business and are reflected onto what we all pay when we book a trip. IMO, they can withstand a little heckling in response. DDaley 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillian_WV Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 On 2/14/2023 at 12:38 PM, Bowen said: I wouldn’t do it. I can’t imagine being in that situation and having people heckle me. Same. I have a special needs kid that doesn’t appear special needs. If something happened, even if you are in contact with the ship about an incident, the idea of people yelling and booing us sounds awful. HeWhoWaits and PhillyLady 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steverk Posted February 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 On 2/14/2023 at 3:08 PM, Paid4c4 said: I don't heckle or make fun of pier runners because I just know that the next day it will be me running down the dock to catch the ship. Karma is a cold mistress! Bill Lol. Yesterday was the first time I was on an excursion that was over am hour late! No hecklers though. It was a tender port. Karma is a real thing. FireFishII, Xaa and Pattycruise 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry545 Posted February 17, 2023 Report Share Posted February 17, 2023 Captain Merek is awesome. His Humor is out of this world lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King of Wales Posted February 19, 2023 Report Share Posted February 19, 2023 As I’ve aged I definitely have grown more empathetic. Someone if slow walking, May be they have a physical problem, still frustrates me to be stuck behind them, but I TRY and remind myself I don’t know what they are dealing with. I guess the same could be said for a pier runner, May be it’s not their fault and May Betty already feel embarrassed and bad for the situation. …all that said, I remain pro heckle, because I doubt they can hear me from how high up I’m raining insults down onto them jbrinkm and DDaley 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffmw Posted February 21, 2023 Report Share Posted February 21, 2023 People who are late for selfish reasons are rude and deserved to be heckled. That said, you have no idea why someone is late getting back. There could've been an injury or a crime or a car accident or something else unfortunate that was upsetting and at no fault of the person walking back to the ship. I can't imagine having to go through something stressful or dangerous in a foreign country and having people publicly shame me after the fact. For that reason, I don't think it's appropriate. WAAAYTOOO, FloatyBoaty, NotPayinExtra and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huntr104 Posted February 21, 2023 Report Share Posted February 21, 2023 I don't heckle but I enjoy watching them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.