Hotel Manager John Thompson Ensures Travelers an Unforgettable Experience
As Hotel Manager for the M/S Bizet, it’s John Thompson’s job to ensure smooth sailing on every departure of our Seine: Paris to Normandy River Cruise. It’s a job the native Briton clearly does well: In January, readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine named the M/S Bizet as #1 Small Ship in the World for the second year in a row, scoring especially high marks (98.1) for hospitality and onboard service.
As John explains, “My official title is Hotel Manager, but I wear many hats. In fact, my travelers often refer to me as ‘Master of Commands.’” It’s a fitting sobriquet, as he is “responsible for the entire hotel department—including reception, housekeeping, galley, restaurant, and bar—as well as our travelers’ well-being and comfort aboard our floating hotel.”
It’s a responsibility that John—and his entire crew—take very seriously. As he puts it, “It’s our intention to not only meet, but exceed travelers’ expectations. The crew works very hard, and we will do anything in our power to ensure a superior shipboard experience—or, as we like to say, ‘To grant all wishes and make all dreams come true’!”
That’s not to suggest his job is all work and no play, however. As John notes, “During the course of the season, the crew becomes particularly close. We often hear from our travelers that there is a genuine spirit of teamwork and a family feel aboard.” As he sees it, the bonhomie aboard the Bizet is all the more remarkable given the crew’s diverse backgrounds; all told, the 32 members represent nine different nationalities.
And while the crew’s bond is always evident, it’s showcased during the “crew show”—a lively evening filled with song, dance, and side-splitting skits performed near the end of each cruise. For the Bizet staff, it’s a true labor of love: “Finding time to rehearse is difficult because we have to wait until our travelers are ashore, or sleeping, to practice,” John admits. “But it’s worth it. It’s always great fun despite any missed steps or forgotten lines!”
What’s more, the show is a big hit with Grand Circle travelers. “I think it’s a great success because they’re pleasantly surprised to see their waiter dressed as baby or one of the cooks dancing the can-can,” John says wryly. He adds with a laugh, “We’ve even had travelers telling us that we should be on Broadway, but we’re still waiting for an agent to take us!”
Entertainment aside, the real secret to the Bizet’s success is the crew’s heartfelt appreciation for the travelers they serve. “They literally travel half way across the world to see us,” John says. “That’s why it’s of utmost importance to provide them with nothing less than an excellent experience in all respects. Especially since Grand Circle travelers really want to learn about and experience French culture—they’re thirsty for knowledge and new experiences, young at heart, fun-loving, adventurous, and brave.”
Occasionally, John and his crew see Grand Circle travelers a second time. “We’ve had travelers who enjoyed their experience so much that they return to do the trip in the opposite direction,” he explains.
Regardless of whether they’re new or familiar faces, though, bidding adieu to travelers at the end of each cruise is sweet sorrow for him and the Bizet crew. “It can get quite emotional on both sides,” John says, “because we spend so much time together. It truly is a case of ‘Hello, stranger; Goodbye, friend.’”
Find out what other travelers are saying about John and his capable crew in the Traveler Reviews for our Seine: Paris to Normandy River Cruise.