Blogging at Sea

Let’s hop in our time machine to 1984, when Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” had just been released, and fashion was not exactly having its shinning moment (big hair and lycra skirts anyone?). 1984 however marked a huge achievement for Carnival Cruise Line; they were the first cruise company to advertise on network television. Spending $10 million to advertise during “The Love Boat” (fitting, right?) and network news shows, carnivals spokesperson could be seen enjoying all cruise amenities. Do you recognize her?

That’s right, Kathie Lee Gifford, then Johnson, who is best known for the 15 years she spent as a co-host on the “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” show. She had previously dabbled a bit in acting and singing. Carnival utilized her vocal abilities and Kathie Lee sang “Ain’t We Got Fun” as well as renditions of “If They Could See Me Now.” When she started as the spokesperson for Carnival, she didn’t have nearly as high of a profile. But as the television show became more successful, so did having her as the Carnival spokesperson. As it is with any brand, having that over-the-top “fun” personality as well as a recognizable face associated with the Carnival name, gave the cruise line credibility.

Carnival has several different blogs about their company. A potential guest can find any bit of information that they might be looking for. In fact, I feel as though, every week I stumble upon a completely new blog. Previously, I have explored their media relations news blog and John Heald’s (senior cruise director) blog. This week, I found a few more blogs that are written by Carnival Staff in the Funville section of their website. While I cannot be sure that Carnival management doesn’t edit their content, it seems as though the shipboard staff genuinely enjoys working for the company. Carnival’s slogan is “Fun For All. All For Fun,” and this is not limited to the experience that a guest will have on board. When it is the staff’s job to ensure that every passenger has a “fun” time, it requires a certain type of energetic, and enthusiastic individual. So while these employees, undoubtedly, work hard every day, Carnival does what it can to make sure that their employee’s are happy and that a new adventure awaits for them around every corner.

While exploring the Funville blogs, I found one in particular that was written by the Cruise Director on the Carnival Miracle, Malcolm “WooHoo” Burn. He begins his post stating, “Just returned back from my vacation, and boy was it interesting!... But it’s so nice to return to my other family on the Miracle.” I feel that it is through this very simple line, that one can tell that he is happy where he works. While there are definitely parts in the blog where he is selling the cruises that the Miracle takes, he also gives you a small behind the scenes look at life on board and the crazy guests he has come across. It seems that they have a “Mayor O’Funville” who writes most of these blogs. If I had to guess, I would say that this is probably someone in their PR department who is hired simply to maintain their social media. While it is beneficial to have someone who knows everything that is happening in Carnival to blog for them, it also is nice to hear from their shipboard staff as well.