Testimonials

Anne Campbell, “The Cruise Critic” - America On Line
Our Cruise Director, Richard Joseph, is lively, funny and very knowledgeable about the ports of call. Like everyone else aboard R1, he's a veteran of many cruise lines. Like other senior staff, he's seems to love interacting with passengers. Richard explained that, as part of Renaissance's philosophy of casual cruising, officer ensignia is worn on shirt pockets instead of shoulders to make it easier for passengers to approach them. One highlight is Richard’s lecture on the glorious days of transatlantic travel. He brought the famed liners alive by recounting anecdotes of steamship travel. After being aboard dozens of ships, I've found a terrific cruise director enhances everyone's experience. Aboard some ships, they are little more than emcees -- a lot depends on the personality of the person holding this job.

Linda Coffman, Cruise Specialist – About.com
When Richard Joseph meets and greets newly embarked passengers on Renaissance Cruises' R-Class ships, invariably the first thing guests notice is his smile and the sparkle in his eyes. The second thing they notice is how comfortable they immediately feel... how at home. That's because Rich is inviting them into his home. He wears the mantle of Cruise Director as easily as his tuxedo. This is where he belongs--on an elegant ship at sea.

"AlainBob" on Cruisecritic.com
I first chatted with Richard on Cruise Critic after I simply post a thread asking "Who is the CD on the Coral Princess ?". He personally replied to the question and said he would like to meet us on the ship... So, we met him after the "welcome aboard" show and he organized a visit of the bridge for us.
Anyway, it was a great cruise and anyone who have the opportunity to sail on a ship where Richard Joseph is the CD, don't miss his "Ships - Where are they now ?" lecture ! It is awesome ! This guy knows the cruising industry like no other !
Have a great cruise on the Coral ! It's the most beautiful ship of the fleet !

Judy "San10s" on Cruisecritic.com
I can't really say that a Cruise Director had ever "made" a cruise better than it already was.....until we cruised with Richard Joseph!
On the Coral Princess last February, I found him simply wonderful. He was terrific at his job and made every talk and show a good time. He is personable, caring and likes to meet and mingle with the passengers. His "Morning Show" was hysterical and I looked forward to watching it each morning. Richard also has an incredible knowledge about the cruise industry. He does a lecture with slides and I found it fascinating.
On all my other cruises, the Cruise Director was up on stage and then disappeared for the rest of the time between activities. Richard almost always was available for questions and passenger interactions.
I would never have thought about booking a cruise based on a Cruise Director but I can tell you now that if I had a choice narrowed down to a couple of ships, I would make the deciding factor Richard!

"Podgieree" on Cruisecritic.com
Here's a vote for Richard Joseph. He was the CD on the Island 11/20 -12/05. It was his first cruise back and he was right up to speed. We thought that he was great!

"jhannah" on Cruisecritic.com
I find most CDs to be either too over-the-top or lackluster. Richard, who was on board the Coral Princess in February, was the best I've ever experienced. Funny, personable, and most engaging. If memory serves me correctly, Tim was his assistant at the time. Their morning TV show was really entertaining. They played well off each other.
'Vegas Jim

Joseph & Irma Fox – R1 Guests – Summer 1999
We would like to offer our special accolades to your Cruise Director Richard Joseph for being the most entertaining and knowledgeable person that we have encountered aboard. He always left us laughing!

Nathan Murphy & Stacy Notaras – R1 Guests – Summer 1999
Richard, the Cruise Director, was hilarious, especially his port of call briefing. He should do more of his “David Lettermanesque” commentary, we loved it!.

Bill Tomlinson – Internet Review – August 1998
The Cruise Director Richard Joseph was excellent. He did a very good bridge tour and a very informative cruise ship history from his personal slides. Richard was nearly always visible throughout the ship.

Dana & Nan Gebhart – R1 Guests – Summer 1999
Richard Joseph’s “Ships – Where are they now” was one of the finest presentations we have ever seen and we enjoyed it thoroughly. He is indeed the best, most laid back and personable Cruise Directors we have ever encountered. Any ship would be very fortunate to have him.