S15.E06: Bon Voyage

[Gregg247]

I loved when the Governor brought in the final four contestants and said, "We have 2 beautiful women, a gay man, and a guy who can't get a date.  it's like a typical Hollywood party!" LOL

Matt drew the short stick with his final teammates; then again, they were all "sent to the choppa" so soon, we never got to see if they were actually any good or not.

If I was one of the finalists for this task, I would make one phone call--to Gavin McLeod.  You can't lose with Captain Stubing on your side during a cruise line challenge!

[TaraS1]

1 hour ago, wings707 said:

On George's team he has Kyle who could conceivably get some hefty donations but her charity will not benefit so how hard will she push her connections?  I know nothing about Portia and I don't know how well Carson is connected to wealth.  He is loved by all and may have people in his back pocket we cannot imagine but again, he will not benefit so how hard will he push?  

George's third team member is Laila.  Matt has Kyle.

Edited:  Sorry, just saw that you corrected yourself.  But your point stands - Kyle could bring in a lot of cash for her team leader.

Edited February 8, 2017 by TaraS1

[LoneHaranguer]

2 hours ago, cooksdelight said:

I'm pretty sure that's the deciding factor. I looked up some old seasons because I want my boyfriend to watch Gary Busey's season and the most money usually carries the winner over the finish line first.

How is what Trump did an indicator of what Arnold will do?

43 minutes ago, Gregg247 said:

If I was one of the finalists for this task, I would make one phone call--to Gavin McLeod.  You can't lose with Captain Stubing on your side during a cruise line challenge!

I'm not sure how many people familiar with Captain Stubing would like seeing an 85 y.o. Gavin McLeod. Since this is on NBC, they could probably get Captain Lee from Below Deck.

[Wings]

1 hour ago, Rbonnie said:

I like Boy George well enough, but Matt has been super impressive on every level, as a person, as a project manager, and as a teammate.  And I don't think it's fair that Boy George missed a week, while Matt had to go out and kill it each and every task.  Basically George had immunity that week.  That could have been a week he would have been terminated.  Who knows?  Between that and the shockingly unbalanced teams assembled to help the final two it seems that George has many more unfair advantages.  I hope this is all a red herring and Matt wins easily. 

Joan Rivers also took a day off for a stand up she had already booked.  They have to do that to get people on there who are well known.  If they said no to Joan and BG they would have to settle for someone without wide recognition.  Who knows who they would get.  They cast a wide net and get the best they can.  

The teams seem well balanced to me and if anyone is on the short end of the fund raising it is BG.  Kyle is going to bring in a lot of money for Matt.  Each team has a performer, a housewife and one has Kyle, the other Laila.  Kyle will design a good party and I am not sure Laila will contribute beyond some computer stuff.  

[Spunkygal]

1 hour ago, Gregg247 said:

I loved when the Governor brought in the final four contestants and said, "We have 2 beautiful women, a gay man, and a guy who can't get a date.  it's like a typical Hollywood party!" LOL

Matt drew the short stick with his final teammates; then again, they were all "sent to the choppa" so soon, we never got to see if they were actually any good or not.

If I was one of the finalists for this task, I would make one phone call--to Gavin McLeod.  You can't lose with Captain Stubing on your side during a cruise line challenge!

@Gregg247, that is a great idea! Although Love Boat's days are over, everyone knows who he is. 

[ennui]

3 hours ago, wings707 said:

Ad campaign to dispel myths of cruising.  No clue what they are.  

That everyone gets sick and you'll be stuck on the ship under quarantine?  There are lots of horror stories out there. 

However, I didn't know there are four economic levels to cruising, so this show is educational. 

[Ananayel]

I didn't know they were all the same company either.

[AZChristian]

6 minutes ago, Ananayel said:

I didn't know they were all the same company either.

Those of us who are frequent cruisers know.  And - in all honesty - most cruise ports are full of jewelry stores (like Diamonds International) that are owned by the same company.  In one way, cruise ships are just fancy casino busses, surrounded by water.

But there are LOTS of things to do on a ship - or you can just sit out on your balcony and read a book.  Something for everyone!

[scootypuffjr]

I don't know if this has any bearing at all, but Annie Duke lost to Joan Rivers and Clay Aiken lost to Arsenio Hall after raising substantially more money. But as someone said, this is a new format and a new host, so who knows how it will be decided? 

I am okay with either Boy George or Matt winning, though I admit I am pulling just a teensy bit harder for Matt. I think George will take it though.

[tvfanatic13]

I had my honeymoon on the Ruby Princess for 2 weeks, so I sat, ate,swam, massaged where the did. It was great to see. Except I am now separated so it sent me into an emotional breakdown. But still, the ship rocks!!

[Jextella]

This is toughie for because I like both Boy George and Matt!

Agree with all that BG has far more advantages.  The good news is that Matt's tagline is amazing.  Although BG's does match the cruise line he's promoting.  Hopefully it will be a good showdown.

Also in support of BG getting rid of the piano player!

[Vermicious Knid]

Next week's finale is only 1 hour, sandwiched between The Wall and Timeless. I suppose it's hard to do an exciting, Live! ending when filming took place a year earlier. If they do another season, and I think they will, they shouldn't sit on it for so long.

[MrsEVH]

On ‎2‎/‎7‎/‎2017 at 10:31 AM, Bronzedog said:

Lucky for reality shows everywhere that Carnie Wilson and Wilson Phillips are always available.

Carnie has done a lot of reality shows ( Celebrity Apprentice, Celebrity Fit Club, Wife Swap, Chopped) along with her own realty show .  Her sister Wendy was on Super Nanny and Wilson Phillips even had a reality show in  2012.

[mertensia]

Boy George and Matt are -at least so far- coming out of this like Bret Michaels did: unexpectedly likeable. So who am I supposed to root for and against?

[Wings]

Has either Matt or BG looked at the ads that already exist for reference?  Carson came up with the myth there is nothing to do and then highlights a massage.  That is not something to do, per se.  Relax.  Again that is not something to do if the myth is true.  I think everyone gets it that you can relax and do nothing.  That might be a problem and why the ads, on my quick drive by, talk a lot about activities and they do include spa services but there seems to be an  emphasis is on the activities. 

A point I would make is that you can have anything you choose to eat and include vegetarian, protein smoothies, gluten free, vegan etc.  I think there may be a myth you get so much food you gain weight.  Maybe that is because a friend of mine gained 7 pounds on a 2 week cruise!   So many are focused on special eating regimes, it would be good to note. 

Matt, I have a tip for you.  Don't photograph food, use stock photos.  There is a reason why Food Stylist is a profession.  

Or does any of this really matter if you don't raise the most money?  I want to believe that is 1/3 of it and the ad and variety show are the other 2/3. 

If BG comes up with a song they want to use in a major ad campaign he will win.  I don't like the sound of the song he has written though, too slow.  

Edited February 9, 2017 by wings707

[Ottis]

On 2/8/2017 at 1:00 PM, AZChristian said:

hose of us who are frequent cruisers know.  And - in all honesty - most cruise ports are full of jewelry stores (like Diamonds International) that are owned by the same company.  In one way, cruise ships are just fancy casino busses, surrounded by water.

In *every way* this is true. Cruises seem like a nightmare vacation to us. We went on a 3-day/2-night Mexico cruise as a test. There are far more economical and interesting ways to enjoy being on the water, without the crush of people and forced "party!" atmosphere in settings that are Vegas 1980s cheesy (or the contrasting "Relax, now!" vibe). In our opinion, anyway. I'm sure if you spend more, it gets nicer, but then you have spent more. Go charter a boat for a few days.

BG has a built in advantage being a musician and performer. He can bring that to every marketing task for the jingle or performance.

Edited February 10, 2017 by Ottis

[ClareWalks]

Re: the Boy George/keyboardist feud, I am 100% Team BG. I am not a musician per se but I was classically trained in an instrument and I know that you play the goddamn sheet music you are given and STFU. BG had it already written, the keyboard guy had an iPad with the music ON IT, so just play it and stop talking about needing different keys or whatever. Then BG went in the hall, got up the producer's ass rightfully for not wanting to deal with reality-TV drama...the real shame is that I don't think BG knew he was mic'd in that moment, or that they were taping his audio, either way. I really think he wanted to avoid seeming like a jerk on camera, because there are a lot of folks watching who don't know much about music who might think BG was being unreasonable. He wasn't. A real professional musician plays what he is given when he is asked to. I feel bad for Boy George being portrayed as a hot-head.

[LoneHaranguer]

On 2/8/2017 at 10:49 PM, Vermicious Knid said:

If they do another season, and I think they will, they shouldn't sit on it for so long.

This was a special case. They didn't know how to pitch the season to viewers until they knew what was up with Trump. If things had gone differently, Arnold would have been a spin-off, like Martha Stewart's version, rather than the new host of the series.

22 minutes ago, ClareWalks said:

I really think he wanted to avoid seeming like a jerk on camera, because there are a lot of folks watching who don't know much about music who might think BG was being unreasonable. He wasn't. A real professional musician plays what he is given when he is asked to.

Which is exactly how any of the pros assigned to supply a service to contestants is supposed to act. If somebody says "can we do..." or "what if...", they can advise on that, otherwise they're supposed to STFU and do what they're told. A team should win or lose on its own merits.

[Amarsir]

2 hours ago, Ottis said:

In *every way* this is true. Cruises seem like a nightmare vacation to us. We went on a 3-day/2-night Mexico cruise as a test. There are far more economical and interesting ways to enjoy being on the water, without the crush of people and forced "party!" atmosphere in settings that are Vegas 1980s cheesy (or the contrasting "Relax, now!" vibe). In our opinion, anyway. I'm sure if you spend more, it gets nicer, but then you have spent more. Go charter a boat for a few days.

BG has a built in advantage being a musician and performer. He can bring that to every marketing task for the jingle or performance.

I've never been, but my sister and brother-in-law are fans of cruises. (Or were before they had a kid.) They explained to me that it's really not about the boat at all but really about leaving to tour the stop every day.   (And not buying the obvious setups.)

[ennui]

On 2/8/2017 at 7:49 PM, Vermicious Knid said:

If they do another season, and I think they will, they shouldn't sit on it for so long.

I hope they do another season; they're playing for charity, after all. I enjoy the charity version better than the job applicant version (although the very first season was interesting).

The only cruise that ever appealed to me is Windstar; sailing ships! You can stand on deck and it's quiet, no engines. 

[mamadrama]

On 2/8/2017 at 4:26 AM, RealReality said:

Boy George is the reason I desperately want a gay best friend.  But my desperation always shows and they turn me down flat :(

And Carson is the reasonI do! But yes, I just come off too desperate. Turns them off right away.

[Eolivet]

On 2/8/2017 at 2:50 PM, ennui said:

That everyone gets sick and you'll be stuck on the ship under quarantine?  There are lots of horror stories out there. 

You beat me to the punch -- I was about to say the same thing. I thought it was interesting no one brought it up, and then wondered if they were instructed not to (then again -- I don't know how you could "dispel" that myth).

But when they talked about common reasons people don't like cruises, my husband and I right away said "Norovirus!"

[zulualpha]

On 2/9/2017 at 8:28 AM, wings707 said:

That might be a problem and why the ads, on my quick drive by, talk a lot about activities and they do include spa services but there seems to be an  emphasis is on the activities. 

The ads I've seen have been a couple on a boat deck looking at a sunset with a glass of alcohol in their hands.  Or having a meal with wine and cocktails.  So I'm picking up that there should be lots of pics of alcoholic beverages, the more the better.  Wine tastings, cocktail receptions, ship's bars with nice views etc.  Sitting around in spa robe and slippers sipping a pre massage cocktail.  Not saying it's right but a lot of people like to drink.  And then segueing to cruise horror stories, drunkenly falling off the boat never to be seen again!

[Wings]

15 minutes ago, zulualpha said:

The ads I've seen have been a couple on a boat deck looking at a sunset with a glass of alcohol in their hands.  Or having a meal with wine and cocktails.  So I'm picking up that there should be lots of pics of alcoholic beverages, the more the better.  Wine tastings, cocktail receptions, ship's bars with nice views etc.  Sitting around in spa robe and slippers sipping a pre massage cocktail.  Not saying it's right but a lot of people like to drink.  And then segueing to cruise horror stories, drunkenly falling off the boat never to be seen again!

Yes on all but the deaths! I think there have only been two.  I doubt they want that mentioned.  Egad 

[AZChristian]

5 minutes ago, wings707 said:

Yes on all but the deaths! I think there have only been two.  I doubt they want that mentioned.  Egad 

Trust me - the number is MUCH higher than two.  As an experienced cruiser (15+ cruises on Princess), I must say that it is virtually impossible to "fall" off a cruise ship.  Those who go overboard are drunk and standing on the railings, suicides, or murders.  However, most large ships have a big cooler in Sick Bay, as cruises cater to old people, and deaths by natural causes happen on a weekly basis.  Thus, the cooler.

I have been on ships with norovirus victims (never me, though).  We got on one ship that delayed boarding because they brought in extra staff to sanitize the ship between voyages.  (Ships dock in the morning, unload, clean, reload, and are gone by 5:00 PM.)  There were about 15 ambulances waiting at the dock to take away people who needed medical treatment after the cruise.  I ALWAYS travel with my own Clorox wipes, and I wipe down faucets, toilets, remote controls, lamp switches, etc., in our cabin as needed.  ALWAYS on the first day, and if there's norovirus, EVERY day.  

Yep, that wouldn't be something either Matt or BG would want to mention.  LOL.

[ClareWalks]

1 minute ago, AZChristian said:

Trust me - the number is MUCH higher than two.  As an experienced cruiser (15+ cruises on Princess), I must say that it is virtually impossible to "fall" off a cruise ship.  Those who go overboard are drunk and standing on the railings, suicides, or murders.  However, most large ships have a big cooler in Sick Bay, as cruises cater to old people, and deaths by natural causes happen on a weekly basis.  Thus, the cooler.

I have been on ships with norovirus victims (never me, though).  We got on one ship that delayed boarding because they brought in extra staff to sanitize the ship between voyages.  (Ships dock in the morning, unload, clean, reload, and are gone by 5:00 PM.)  There were about 15 ambulances waiting at the dock to take away people who needed medical treatment after the cruise.  I ALWAYS travel with my own Clorox wipes, and I wipe down faucets, toilets, remote controls, lamp switches, etc., in our cabin as needed.  ALWAYS on the first day, and if there's norovirus, EVERY day.  

Yep, that wouldn't be something either Matt or BG would want to mention.  LOL.

The "omnipresent norovirus" was one cruise ship "myth" I was hoping they'd attack, because it is my #1 reason for not wanting to ever cruise. A close second is "threat of motion sickness looming."

[AZChristian]

2 minutes ago, ClareWalks said:

The "omnipresent norovirus" was one cruise ship "myth" I was hoping they'd attack, because it is my #1 reason for not wanting to ever cruise. A close second is "threat of motion sickness looming."

Please believe me - it is NOT omnipresent.  If you practice some common sense procedures (frequent hand-washing, NEVER touch railings or elevator buttons), you will probably never encounter it.  When there is noro on a ship, they go into a heightened cleaning awareness.  Patrons are not allowed to touch salt and pepper shakers, serving spoons at the buffet, etc.  (However, we noticed that they never wiped off the menus, which everyone knows are the DIRTIEST things in any restaurant.)   

And we were in 25-foot seas in Glacier Bay, Alaska.  The stabilizers are put out.  The hardest thing was not rolling out of bed all night.  LOL.  And there are patches, pills, etc., to help with that.  Start with a short trip and see if you like it!

[ennui]

So, I Googled for cruise ship deaths. There's actually a website for this, and you'd be surprised at all the ways you can die on a cruise ship, including murder.  Overboard, murdered, murdered in port, drowning, drowning on excursion, plane crash excursion, terror attack, the list is very long!

[Vermicious Knid]

The last Trump season was actually in the can for a year before broadcast, and possibly the one before that. So this has been the trend.

On the other hand, the live finales were bloated with filler. But it's fun to go out and try the products when they have them. The ice cream was good.

[RealReality]

On 2/8/2017 at 7:44 PM, Jextella said:

This is toughie for because I like both Boy George and Matt!

Agree with all that BG has far more advantages.  The good news is that Matt's tagline is amazing.  Although BG's does match the cruise line he's promoting.  Hopefully it will be a good showdown.

Also in support of BG getting rid of the piano player!

Yes.  Some would call it a diva moment, but I was glad that BG took a stand AND called out the producers on their B.S..

You think it's so hard in a city like LA to find a keyboard player to replace that guy?  No. So there was no other reason to insist BG work with him than to hope that it all ended in a fight.

I wouldn't be surprised if he was told to behave that way by the producers in the hopes of getting some drama.  

Because honestly, you're working with boy George and you're going to tell him to change a song because you somehow know better?  

I'm rooting for BG.  I just like him better.  Matt seems like a very nice man, and I think he has done well.  But BG just makes me smile and it's so very effortless.

Will agree he was given the better team though.  Carson is an absolute weapon on this task.  I think he takes the place of like two - three team members.  Laila is a very task oriented hard worker.  And porsha....well porsha can look really good in any of their pictures.

Edited February 11, 2017 by RealReality

[RealReality]

10 hours ago, Vermicious Knid said:

The last Trump season was actually in the can for a year before broadcast, and possibly the one before that. So this has been the trend.

On the other hand, the live finales were bloated with filler. But it's fun to go out and try the products when they have them. The ice cream was good.

Ha ha, the ice cream was good.  I liked penn' s better, but his was like chocolate pretzel or something amazing.  I was surprised by how good traces was though.  It was maple something.

[leighdear]

Every few years I find another reason to fall in love with Boy George again.  Since the band's heydays in the 80's, he's always been somebody I followed and adored, even through his tumultuous years.  I literally have a Best Of Culture Club CD in the center console of my car RIGHT NOW!....*LOL*   He's had excellent planning and strategy skills.  And I love that Carson is his 2nd in command for the last task. 

No doubt who I'm rooting for to win, and I like Matt, but.....there's just something about him that comes off way too needy & desperate.  Maybe it was his knowledge spewing overload from the Harry Potter task, but he just always seems on the edge of mania to me.  

Regardless, they've served good charities, had good tasks, entertaining contestants and The Governator.  It's been a better show than I had anticipated.    

[silverspoons]

Have they ever said why they are doing double episodes? I like to watch an hour of reality or sitcoms while I'm unwinding and getting ready to go to bed. 2 hours is a bit too much especially of one show. The contestants and the show is all over daytime TV , it is either watch or get spoiled the next day. Masterchef drags out a season for 15 weeks and it does fine in the ratings. NBC didn't bring back biggest loser so it should have a "slot" for Celebrity Apprentice to be on for 12 weeks.

Edited February 11, 2017 by silverspoons

[Lonesome Rhodes]

Some myths they could choose to dispel:  All meals are free.  Non-alcoholic drinks are all free.  The ship's owners first and last consideration is passenger safety and well-being.  Access to poolside lounges and such are simply first-come, first-served.  Maintenance is always super quick to respond to any room issues you may encounter.  If something should go awry, the ship's crew behave in the best  traditions of the sea, which is to say, selflessly.

I know.  There simply isn't time to include all of this.

BG in the finale is a joke.  He most certainly is not the buffoon he likes to portray and utilize as a shield.  Being 8 years sober?  As great an accomplishment in life as I can imagine.  But, the savvy to lead as a legit Project Manager?  Silly.  He was carried almost every week.  Was that his strategy, as it was Brooke's for the first several weeks?  Partly.  May as well make lemonade out of a lemon, right?

Matt is the clear Apprentice per the show's origin.  Brooke is a pretty clear second or third, to me.  Carson merits some consideration, yet he too often would go off on some waaaaaay out there tangents.

So, do we know what Arnold's line will be when he announces the winner?  Perhaps, "Get to the choppah you just won!"  Will he close the show with a wink at us and ""I'll be bahk?"

[MrSmith]

On 2/7/2017 at 7:35 AM, cooksdelight said:

But ... the blonde girl? Huh?? It's almost like they want Matt to suffer.

Maybe they're putting Carrie Keagan on Matt's team as a consolation prize? After all, she is nice to look at. LOL

[LoneHaranguer]

On 2/11/2017 at 5:21 PM, silverspoons said:

Have they ever said why they are doing double episodes?

I presume it's because they couldn't stretch out each episode to fill the two-hour block NBC has been devoting to a reality competition each week. I much prefer this to the shameless padding they've done with shows like America's Got Talent and The Voice.

[abstractstuff]

13 hours ago, Lonesome Rhodes said:

Some myths they could choose to dispel:  All meals are free.  Non-alcoholic drinks are all free.  The ship's owners first and last consideration is passenger safety and well-being.  Access to poolside lounges and such are simply first-come, first-served.  Maintenance is always super quick to respond to any room issues you may encounter.  If something should go awry, the ship's crew behave in the best  traditions of the sea, which is to say, selflessly.

I know.  There simply isn't time to include all of this.

BG in the finale is a joke.  He most certainly is not the buffoon he likes to portray and utilize as a shield.  Being 8 years sober?  As great an accomplishment in life as I can imagine.  But, the savvy to lead as a legit Project Manager?  Silly.  He was carried almost every week.  Was that his strategy, as it was Brooke's for the first several weeks?  Partly.  May as well make lemonade out of a lemon, right?

Matt is the clear Apprentice per the show's origin.  Brooke is a pretty clear second or third, to me.  Carson merits some consideration, yet he too often would go off on some waaaaaay out there tangents.

So, do we know what Arnold's line will be when he announces the winner?  Perhaps, "Get to the choppah you just won!"  Will he close the show with a wink at us and ""I'll be bahk?"

BBM. Thank you! I was starting to think I was watching a completely different show. I like Boy George fine enough I guess, but I haven't seen a brilliant, mastermind, most people are lifting him up to be. I'm only speaking of his time on this show, not talent in general. Matt on the other hand, is the epitome of what a winner should be. He has performed heads and tails above anyone else, and deserves tow in 100% over George. I can see George winning and Matt being gracious, and it will flash me back to Annie Duke being completely screwed by that hag Rivers. 

[booboopbedoo]

I miss Gary Busey