Cunard Training

[7Kieran]

I'm currently in Phase 1 at college, sponsored by Carnival UK. I don't go to sea until July, but I've been told that I'm onboard a Cunard ship, does anyone know if we have to get White Star trained? Just wondered and if so where and when?

Thanks.

[size4riggerboots]

The basics (from someone who spent 3 months on the QM2):

Never be seen in dirty uniform
Greet every passenger you pass (seriously!)
Smile like a retard all the time
Pass the buck when asked a question

And here's the official version:
1. We smile; we are always in the spotlight.
2. We use correct body language.
3. We are immaculate in our appearance.
4. We support and assist colleagues.
5. We respect each other as individuals.
6. We are always positive with guests and colleagues.
7. We are knowledgeable about our ships and services.
8. We exceed guests’ expectations.
9. We maintain formality in our service style.
10. We use proper telephone etiquette.
11. We always speak English in guest areas.
12. We never say no; we offer alternatives.

I'd be surprised if you got sent on a course to learn that stuff, that'd be more for the Ents and F&B staff I'd have thought. Anyway, now you can wow them with your gleaming smile and over effusive use of "Sir"

[7Kieran]

The basics (from someone who spent 3 months on the QM2):

Never be seen in dirty uniform
Greet every passenger you pass (seriously!)
Smile like a retard all the time
Pass the buck when asked a question

And here's the official version:
1. We smile; we are always in the spotlight.
2. We use correct body language.
3. We are immaculate in our appearance.
4. We support and assist colleagues.
5. We respect each other as individuals.
6. We are always positive with guests and colleagues.
7. We are knowledgeable about our ships and services.
8. We exceed guests’ expectations.
9. We maintain formality in our service style.
10. We use proper telephone etiquette.
11. We always speak English in guest areas.
12. We never say no; we offer alternatives.

I'd be surprised if you got sent on a course to learn that stuff, that'd be more for the Ents and F&B staff I'd have thought. Anyway, now you can wow them with your gleaming smile and over effusive use of "Sir"

Thanks for your reply, I'm going onboard the QM2 for a three month period but just wondered whether you had to receive any official training.

[size4riggerboots]

No, no official pre-trip training. But the C/O and Staff Captain put the fear of god into us on the first day!!

[7Kieran]

No, no official pre-trip training. But the C/O and Staff Captain put the fear of god into us on the first day!!

Haha ok, thank you for your help

[HolyNougat]

When I was Chief Officer on QM2 - I did not put the fear of god into cadets about white star service. Good manners cannot be taught in a session and if you have them you will not have any problems!

But I did enjoy the twelve point reminder S4 - two more than 'God' himself imposed...

[size4riggerboots]

It wasn't just about the White Star Service, he put the fear of god into us about everything, and he was a bloody brilliant C/O!

[HolyNougat]

Ah - did he happen to be Irish and enjoy saying 'unbelievable'? - if so, yes - he was good!

[bobofinga]

I work for Carnival UK onboard P&O and I can tell you right now , that sort of customer-officer interaction does not exist.

[HolyNougat]

With Cunard you may have slightly more interaction with guests than with P&O, unfortunately both P&O and Cunard are basically the same thing these days, back in the 'good old days' Cunard officers and Cadets had lots of interaction with guests, hosting tables, encouraged to go out and spend the companies money buying people drinks and talking with them etc. Not anymore sadly.

You will have to go to monthly 'break out meetings' where the staff captain will read the credo points above and you will have to try and come up with some brilliant 'white star service idea' and think of a few examples where you helped a granny in distress or other similar heroic 'white star behavior' Also, there are occasionally white star parties in the crew bar with free drinks etc.

All in all, pretty grim, but part and parcel of working on big cruise ships these days - I could just be horribly jaded and you may find lots of value in it, but generally people don't.

As stated above, if you have good manners you don't need 12 credo points telling you how to behave, it should come naturally....

[Hatchorder]

All of the above makes my blood run cold. Maybe I am getting too long in the tooth or I went to the Army Charm School. My favourite moment in a comedy film is John Cleese in Privates on Parade.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdKJUueWJg0

Skip to 3mins 30secs.....



THAT is the limit of my charm! Good job I was deep sea with cargoes that could not speak!



Ian

[CharlieDelta]

Current third officer on QM2. You'll have a customer service induction on board and plenty of opportunity to attend cocktails and co-host the captain's table as time goes on.

S4, surprised you still know all the credos!

Everyone's very friendly on here so don't worry!

[Midge]

All of the above makes my blood run cold. Maybe I am getting too long in the tooth or I went to the Army Charm School. My favourite moment in a comedy film is John Cleese in Privates on Parade.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdKJUueWJg0

Skip to 3mins 30secs.....



THAT is the limit of my charm! Good job I was deep sea with cargoes that could not speak!



Ian

Lovely. Just love Cleese!

[size4riggerboots]

S4, surprised you still know all the credos!

I googled them!!! Hows life onboard? Were you in that fancy pic they did in Sydney?

[CharlieDelta]

Haha, yeah having a good trip thanks. Nope, avoided that one, I'm on the 4-8 at the moment so was ashore doing some shopping!