| FACE-2-FACE: 01 Apr 19

ERICA Parsons

Entertainment Director, Carnival Splendor.

1. What is the favourite part of your job?

The best part is seeing all my efforts in planning play out in real time. I love watching guests enjoy our activities, all while I’m coaching a talented team of passionate performers who bring the program to life.

2. What are your key responsibilities in the role?

I direct the scheduling of all events and activities on board the ship and manage the entertainment departments. There are five sub-departments in a team of up to 70 members for one cruise: music manager and musicians; technical manager and technicians; cast manager and cast; cruise director and their hosts; youth director, camp counsellors and Camp Ocean (Kids’ Club) team.

3. What entertainment features do you think Aussies will enjoy the most?

The popular rock band amongst Aussies, Music Manila, has been performing on Carnival Spirit and will be moving over to Carnival Splendor. We also have our popular Playlist Productions shows and Laugh Out Loud comedy shows. Australians definitely appreciate a good laugh and theme night, especially if it ends in a party on the open deck.

4. What onboard attractions on Carnival Splendor excite you the most?

I spend a lot of time in the comedy club and the main show lounge. I love hearing people laugh and I never get tired of the Playlist Productions shows. I love to ride the waterslide, so I’m very excited for the new features we’re adding during dry dock, like the new Green and Gold waterpark.

5. What separates the entertainment on Splendor from other ships visiting?

Our Playlist Productions cast has been in the Miami studio rehearsing the shows currently on Splendor and some new offerings, including a new magic show. Of course, a magician never reveals her secrets, but I can tell you this is an entirely new show being put together just for our Aussie guests.

6. How important is entertainment for passengers and where does it factor in when weighing up accommodation, dining and excursions?

I think entertainment is number one. But guests will also take into account other factors like food, ports, cabins, and the time of year.