EC Un-Plugged:

Entertainment Cruises’ company culture is driven by six values, all inspired by a commitment to excellence. Three of these values include treating others with respect, helping each other, and continually improving. These are standards by which we live by, whether it be selling a ticket to an Entertainment Cruise’s product, processing paperwork in the Corporate Office or directly interacting with a guest on the ship. However, for our employees to truly live these values, we must also think about how to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

Through the Making Waves program of Entertainment Cruises, our employees get to contribute to the well-being of various communities, nationwide. The program is a way for us to help out in a fun, productive and meaningful way! Making Waves has grown from small beginnings and continues to expand each year. Initially, it was created to offer annual staff up to eight hours of paid time off each year to volunteer. Today, Making Waves has developed into an intricate, everyday ingredient of our company culture.

Making Waves administers four companywide initiatives per year with the help and effort of our Making Waves committees consisting of members located in every Entertainment Cruises city and operation. These initiatives have included EC Going Green Month – to promote an eco friendly lifestyle both in and out of the office. Employees raised enough donations for the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 270 trees in devastated forests across America. Our employees from around the country also donated clothing to Dress for Success and the Salvation Army during the Entertainment Cruises Clothing Drive and food to Feeding America during the Thanksgiving Food Drive Competition. Currently, Making Waves is holding a Penny War Competition between each Entertainment Cruises city to raise donations for local Ronald McDonald House Charities. Along with the companywide programs, the Making Waves committees also coordinate local programs for employees in their city.

As Margaret Mead said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” The Making Waves program of Entertainment Cruises offers the opportunities and tools that our employees need to involve themselves in non-profit organizations that will not only improve the lives of others, but their own as well.

Thank you to our guest writer this week. Wonderful words.
And readers, have a great week. Talk to you soon!

One of our (I think I can speak for everyone) favorite perks here at Entertainment Cruises, is that we get to cruise whenever we want. And one of our core values is to be open and honest about our experiences. Read some snippets of our favorite memories below to get an insider’s glimpse of what a cruise is all about and the lasting impression it can leave behind.

Employee AW: I cruised with my grandma, mom, dad and sister on Washington Odyssey for Mother’s Day, 2008. It was easily the most memorable Mother’s Day we’ve spent together. Everyone loved the ship – as it’s an all-glass vessel, it’s very unique and is an experience all in its own. At the time, my grandma had recently gone through a hip replacement and it was great that she was able to see the DC skyline easily and comfortably right from her seat on the ship. My sister and I ended up teaching my mom the cha-cha slide, which my dad found quite entertaining. And to top it off, the food was amazing!

Employee SH: Odyssey’s Valentine’s Day cruise was the first cruise I went on just two months after I began my career at Entertainment Cruises and happens to be my favorite memory. My boyfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves during this fun and romantic cruise. We were seated at a window table that was adorned with red rose petals and the champagne was flowing while Breakfast at Tiffany’s was screened on the Amethyst deck. I remember really enjoying the tasting trio and the lobster bisque that when my salmon dinner came, I had to make room! So much food! We especially enjoyed the beautiful city views light up at night while nibbling on chocolate-covered strawberries that we dipped ourselves in the chocolate fountain. Then we danced until we docked. It is always a memorable Valentine’s Day when you are cruising!

Employee EK: In the Corporate Office, we are the “behind the scenes” shipmates. Because we are not on the boats and interacting with our guests on a regular basis, sometimes we forget the amazing impression that we leave with our guests. Recently, I had the opportunity to take a special someone on Odyssey. I truly enjoyed watching him experience what Odyssey has to offer. Seeing it through his eyes, I remembered the overly awed feeling that a guest walks away with after cruising with us. Experiences like this make me really proud of the work I do and the company I work for.

Employee HK: I cruised with 3 of my friends aboard Odyssey last March. During boarding, one of my friends casually mentioned to our server that my birthday had been the day before. She wished me a happy birthday and I didn’t think much else of it until dessert came. She presented us with a huge silver tray containing not only every dessert on the menu, but candles and “Happy Birthday” written in icing! It was a really thoughtful touch and we left the Odyssey with a sugar high that lasted the rest of the night!

Employee TC: I went on the Spirit of Chicago for my Graduation Week this past year. We got to eat, drink and socialize with all the friends we have made over the past four years. I didn’t really appreciate the city architecture or style until I saw it from Lake Michigan. I always think of the city as tall, colorful buildings as I pass by each day, but there really is so much more to them when you see them from the water. My friends and I took many photos of the scenic city views as the sun set! Definitely memorable.

Thanks for reading. See you next week!