Show 295, October 27, 2018: Riccardo Capraro, Hotel Director, Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises

Riccardo CapraroRiccardo Capraro is the Hotel Director aboard Ruby Princess. After the Captain he’s the next highest- ranking officer aboard ship. As we’re chatting with Riccardo this morning he is supervising the logistically challenging Turnaround aboard the ship. 3,000 guests need to be comfortably escorted off Ruby Princess while the ship is prepared for the afternoon arrival of 3,000 new guests cruising for 7-days to the Mexican Riviera. Every stateroom and suite needs to be completely cleaned and properly replenished for the next guests.

He’s responsible for just about everything other than safely maneuvering the ship. Huge responsibility. Riccardo oversees Food and Beverage, Hotel Operations, Customer Service, Housekeeping, Shore Excursions, Entertainment and the Medical Staff.

Ruby Princess is just back in service after 2-weeks in dry dock. Among the enhancements are large flat screen TV’s in all the staterooms and suites, digital ship directories on all decks located by the elevators and 30,000 square feet of new carpeting!

Ricardo has served 22 years with Princess Cruises and speaks English, Italian and Spanish.

Show 92, October 11, 2014: Rene Tuinman, Hotel Director, ms Zaandam

ms Zaandam by Holland AmericaThe “SoCal Restaurant Show” was aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam last week on the Vancouver, BC to San Diego sailing of a longer 22-day Inca Discovery Tour ending in Valparaiso, Chile. Over the next few weeks we’ll be giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the key people who oversee this 716 room floating luxury hotel with some 1,400 guests aboard.

A key manager aboard the ms Zaandam is the Hotel Director. He’s basically responsible for everything other than moving, navigating, and maintaining the ship. He actually supervises more of the 615 crew members aboard than the Captain! Think of a luxury hotel General Manager who also oversees the preparation and serving of over 8,000 meals per day ranging from the casual to fine-dining.

Rene is also responsible for housekeeping, the cabin attendants and Shore Excursions.