Yesterday I was in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Not the prettiest terminal, but I got to go on a shore excursion with the Cruise Director, Mike and the Activity Manager, Luisa. None of us had any idea what we were doing except that we had asked to see crocodiles. We got our wish!
We boarded a little boat that took us up and down the Tarcoles River where we saw Igrets, blue birds, pink birds, iguanas and CROCODILES!! These guys were huge! Our driver pulled up and beached us on a small piece of land where an 80 year old crocodile they call "Osama Bin Laden" resides. He pulled out some raw chicken and led him around out of the water so we could see the whole of him. He was scaley and black and yellow. The dry crocs sat up on land and held their mouths open in order to cool off. The held so still they looked stuffed. I got some of the best footage of my life on this tour. I was so close to this "Osama Bin Laden" fella my knees actually started to shake. Up close you're really reminded that these guys are kin to dinosaurs. They are so amazing.
Just another day of filming...
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
San Fran
One of the perks of this job is the ever-growing list I get to acquire of "Places to Spend a Long Weekend." Along with Cannes, Barbados, Estonia and St. Thomas I can now add San Francisco. In fact, that city may be at the top.
As I rode the trolley up and down the steep streets, with an old Daytona friend by my side, I realized cruise ship time was not enough to explore this city. I got to ride trolleys, have dinner at Pier 39, and drinks at Union Square. I must come back as I did not make it to Alcatraz or Haight-Ashbury, shocking I know.
I did absolutely love it there, though.
Mexico is nice. Beaches in Cabo... very similar to the Caribbean so same old, same old. I can't tell you how happy I am to be back to same old, same old. We plopped down on a towel in Cabo and soaked up the sun. Nothing feels more natural to me than the sound of waves and sizzling in the sunshine.
Loving, loving, loving being back in the warmth. :)
As I rode the trolley up and down the steep streets, with an old Daytona friend by my side, I realized cruise ship time was not enough to explore this city. I got to ride trolleys, have dinner at Pier 39, and drinks at Union Square. I must come back as I did not make it to Alcatraz or Haight-Ashbury, shocking I know.
I did absolutely love it there, though.
Mexico is nice. Beaches in Cabo... very similar to the Caribbean so same old, same old. I can't tell you how happy I am to be back to same old, same old. We plopped down on a towel in Cabo and soaked up the sun. Nothing feels more natural to me than the sound of waves and sizzling in the sunshine.
Loving, loving, loving being back in the warmth. :)
Monday, September 26, 2011
Alaska
Alaska is an experience.
Work has been amazingly busy. Satelitte signal is quite a challenge in the mountainous regions up here. I've got a Cruise Director who never lets up, but we have so much fun when we're working together I don't really mind it. I've put together some great videos here that I'm really proud of. The higher ups here really like my writing which is always nice to hear. I get on really well with the crew here. Most are leaving soon, but it's always so nice when you have a team that just clicks. The Acitivity Manager and I are old friends, my assistant and I laugh all day, the Cruise Director is a really fun guy, the Associate Hotel Director is an old friend from the Eclipse open, and there are so many new friends here.
One thing that's kept me rather busy has been the Shore Excursions I go on with my Cruise Director, Mike. We go out to film the tours and I make mini travel documentaries. One of them was shown in the theatre. I love when we do that. It leads people to talk about the videos around the ship and I get to overhear it. It's great to hear your work complimented.
The tours we've done are incredible. The first one was insane! The Cruise Director calls me the night before and says, "Clear your schedule for tomorrow, we're going to ride a elicopter to a glacier." Oh darn, I guess I'll have to find the time...
Helicopters are incredible. I loved the ride. No steep take off or landing, just pick up and touch down. It was amazingly comfortable. On the Mendenhall Glacier we had to wear these boots over our shoes, I called them "Moon Boots." So we get to the glacier and it's absolutely freezing, but stunning. It was like stepping into another world. I expected dinosaurs to appear around the corner at any minute. There were little rivers running with sides of the most amazing crystal blue.
The best side story to this tour was there was an obnoxious, annoying little boy running around not listening to his parents or the guides. For added humor, he was a fat kid. Mike turned to me and said, "That kid is going to fall in," and I respond with, "Shhh. No he's not." Sure enough, five minutes later we hear, crack, crack, crack and the ice beneath the kid cracked and he was neck deep in glacier water. His dad ran to his side, but no one else seemed to mind. It was quite comical. I swear it was like seeing the fat kid in Willy Wonka fall into the Chocolate River. It was fantastic and I feel only slightly guilty about laughing.
The next tour was in Juneau. Mike and I took a seaplane to the Taku Lodge. It was a hunting lodge in the 1920s and is now a spot for tourists to come see the Taku glacier and river. This tour was not Mike's favorite, but it was right up my alley. It was so relaxing. We flew over mountains and glaciers to land at the lodge. The grounds were amazing. There was a nature trail with waterfalls and some of the most interesting plants I've ever seen. The best part - there were dogs!!!! There were four labradors running around and they loved me. I want a dog so desperately. So Mike and I took a walk around filming the trails and then the beel was rang for dinner. Now, I'm not a salmon fan, but it was so different there. It was such an amazing meal of salmon, home made bread and lemonade with glacier ice in it! They actually go out and chip ice off the glacier to serve to their guests!
While sat for dinner someone near the window called out, "Oh my goodness look!" It was a brown bear! A brown bear had come from the woods to start eating the sand out of the grill. Some of salmon oils had leaked into the sand and he wanted it! I know I was supposed to be frightened, but all I really wanted to do was go and hug it! They're just so cute!
The last tour we went on was in Skagway. We took the White Pass Railway Ride. It was beautiful. It's the same route the miners used to take up to their panning sites. It was a lovely ride and seeing how the scenery changed was awesome. It started very green and rugged and as we climbed higher and higher it started to have that jurassic look again. It was lovely. I spent a lot of time on the platform outside and it felt very tranquil. I took deep breaths and said a prayer of gratitude.
The second part of that tour was a 15 mile bike ride back down the mountain. That was interesting. It was freezing, rain rushed at my face, my fingers and toes went numb and the scenery was majestic. I kept looking around thinking, who knew I'd ever do this!? I spent most of the ride at the back of the line talking with Alex, one of our guides. It helped the 15 miles go by much smoother.
Now I know this is the Alaskan voyage, but I have to say my favorite port has been Victoria, British Columbia. It's a gorgeous little town where we've been able to stay out until 11. Our first time there I went out with such a fun group. There was the Shore Excursion Manager, the Spa Manager, the Cruise Sales Manager, the Port and Shopping Guide, a Shore Excursion Assistant, the Cruise Director, myself and so much laughing. There are no bad restaurants in that town.
Elisha the Cruise Sales Manager and I spent an evening touring the Butchart Gardens. It was very lovely, but I wish we had more sunlight. The gardens smelled soooo nice. The coolest part was the part of the tour we didn't expect. We were taken to the Butterfly Gardens on the way back and there... were... FLAMINGOES!! I have actually never seen flamingoes up close. So Elisha and I were doing everything we could to get their attention for a good picture. I said, "Elisha get them to look up!" She turned and looked at them and said, "Hey! Gobble Gobble!" What!?! We cracked up for a good few minutes about that. For future reference, flamingoes don't go "gobble, gobble," though, they did look up! Probably wondering, why the hell is that girl making turkey noises??
One of the things I'll never forget about Alaska or the Infinity is having my Mom sail for a week. She brought her friend, my new "Aunt" Diane. They had such a blast and I'm still touched by how much the crew went out of their way for them. It really means a lot to know that the crew will go out of their way for my family.
All in all Alaska was nice. Too cold for my liking, but I did some pretty incredible things. I suppose it's time to tick ride in a chopper and see a real bear off the old bucket list. What am I talking about? I don't even have a bucket list. Most of these things just happen. I never even knew I wanted to ride a helicopter until someone told me I was going to. It's an odd life I lead.
Off to Panama...
Work has been amazingly busy. Satelitte signal is quite a challenge in the mountainous regions up here. I've got a Cruise Director who never lets up, but we have so much fun when we're working together I don't really mind it. I've put together some great videos here that I'm really proud of. The higher ups here really like my writing which is always nice to hear. I get on really well with the crew here. Most are leaving soon, but it's always so nice when you have a team that just clicks. The Acitivity Manager and I are old friends, my assistant and I laugh all day, the Cruise Director is a really fun guy, the Associate Hotel Director is an old friend from the Eclipse open, and there are so many new friends here.
One thing that's kept me rather busy has been the Shore Excursions I go on with my Cruise Director, Mike. We go out to film the tours and I make mini travel documentaries. One of them was shown in the theatre. I love when we do that. It leads people to talk about the videos around the ship and I get to overhear it. It's great to hear your work complimented.
The tours we've done are incredible. The first one was insane! The Cruise Director calls me the night before and says, "Clear your schedule for tomorrow, we're going to ride a elicopter to a glacier." Oh darn, I guess I'll have to find the time...
Helicopters are incredible. I loved the ride. No steep take off or landing, just pick up and touch down. It was amazingly comfortable. On the Mendenhall Glacier we had to wear these boots over our shoes, I called them "Moon Boots." So we get to the glacier and it's absolutely freezing, but stunning. It was like stepping into another world. I expected dinosaurs to appear around the corner at any minute. There were little rivers running with sides of the most amazing crystal blue.
The best side story to this tour was there was an obnoxious, annoying little boy running around not listening to his parents or the guides. For added humor, he was a fat kid. Mike turned to me and said, "That kid is going to fall in," and I respond with, "Shhh. No he's not." Sure enough, five minutes later we hear, crack, crack, crack and the ice beneath the kid cracked and he was neck deep in glacier water. His dad ran to his side, but no one else seemed to mind. It was quite comical. I swear it was like seeing the fat kid in Willy Wonka fall into the Chocolate River. It was fantastic and I feel only slightly guilty about laughing.
The next tour was in Juneau. Mike and I took a seaplane to the Taku Lodge. It was a hunting lodge in the 1920s and is now a spot for tourists to come see the Taku glacier and river. This tour was not Mike's favorite, but it was right up my alley. It was so relaxing. We flew over mountains and glaciers to land at the lodge. The grounds were amazing. There was a nature trail with waterfalls and some of the most interesting plants I've ever seen. The best part - there were dogs!!!! There were four labradors running around and they loved me. I want a dog so desperately. So Mike and I took a walk around filming the trails and then the beel was rang for dinner. Now, I'm not a salmon fan, but it was so different there. It was such an amazing meal of salmon, home made bread and lemonade with glacier ice in it! They actually go out and chip ice off the glacier to serve to their guests!
While sat for dinner someone near the window called out, "Oh my goodness look!" It was a brown bear! A brown bear had come from the woods to start eating the sand out of the grill. Some of salmon oils had leaked into the sand and he wanted it! I know I was supposed to be frightened, but all I really wanted to do was go and hug it! They're just so cute!
The last tour we went on was in Skagway. We took the White Pass Railway Ride. It was beautiful. It's the same route the miners used to take up to their panning sites. It was a lovely ride and seeing how the scenery changed was awesome. It started very green and rugged and as we climbed higher and higher it started to have that jurassic look again. It was lovely. I spent a lot of time on the platform outside and it felt very tranquil. I took deep breaths and said a prayer of gratitude.
The second part of that tour was a 15 mile bike ride back down the mountain. That was interesting. It was freezing, rain rushed at my face, my fingers and toes went numb and the scenery was majestic. I kept looking around thinking, who knew I'd ever do this!? I spent most of the ride at the back of the line talking with Alex, one of our guides. It helped the 15 miles go by much smoother.
Now I know this is the Alaskan voyage, but I have to say my favorite port has been Victoria, British Columbia. It's a gorgeous little town where we've been able to stay out until 11. Our first time there I went out with such a fun group. There was the Shore Excursion Manager, the Spa Manager, the Cruise Sales Manager, the Port and Shopping Guide, a Shore Excursion Assistant, the Cruise Director, myself and so much laughing. There are no bad restaurants in that town.
Elisha the Cruise Sales Manager and I spent an evening touring the Butchart Gardens. It was very lovely, but I wish we had more sunlight. The gardens smelled soooo nice. The coolest part was the part of the tour we didn't expect. We were taken to the Butterfly Gardens on the way back and there... were... FLAMINGOES!! I have actually never seen flamingoes up close. So Elisha and I were doing everything we could to get their attention for a good picture. I said, "Elisha get them to look up!" She turned and looked at them and said, "Hey! Gobble Gobble!" What!?! We cracked up for a good few minutes about that. For future reference, flamingoes don't go "gobble, gobble," though, they did look up! Probably wondering, why the hell is that girl making turkey noises??
One of the things I'll never forget about Alaska or the Infinity is having my Mom sail for a week. She brought her friend, my new "Aunt" Diane. They had such a blast and I'm still touched by how much the crew went out of their way for them. It really means a lot to know that the crew will go out of their way for my family.
All in all Alaska was nice. Too cold for my liking, but I did some pretty incredible things. I suppose it's time to tick ride in a chopper and see a real bear off the old bucket list. What am I talking about? I don't even have a bucket list. Most of these things just happen. I never even knew I wanted to ride a helicopter until someone told me I was going to. It's an odd life I lead.
Off to Panama...
Friday, May 6, 2011
I Made it Through the Bermuda Triangle!
Today is the kind of day I remember when I was kid - warm sun, cool breeze, and blue sky. I remember walking home from the bus stop in those perfect light jacket days and just feeling happy. Now for a Florida girl it meant the beginning of a light winter. Here in Bermuda, however, it means the end of spring.
I knew once I started seeing new places I would have the urge to blog again. Bermuda is amazing. Absolutely amazing. We dock in the Royal Naval Dockyard and it’s the cutest little area. There are palm trees, brick sidewalks, pubs, souvenir stands, a gazebo, craft markets and a pharmacy. It’s like our own little town since our ship will stay docked there three days out of the week. We can go to the pharmacy and get amazing mint chocolate chip milkshakes and walk around watching the kids play after school (which we did today) It’s a place we will easily get to know and love. I already love it there. The water is a shallow, pale blue that we can see the bottom of as we’re docking. The pier reminds me of Beach Street, but the streets remind me of St. Augustine… or Portugal. It’s exciting to look around and think of all the things I want to do before we leave. I want to go to the capital, Hamilton, on the ferry. I want to rent a scooter for a day and get lost on the island. I want to be on the beach when the sun goes down. I want to take the free tour through the fort. I want to swim with the Dolphins. I want to swing on the swing set outside Snorkel Park after a night of dancing.
Diana, Lauri and I went straight for the English pub “The Frog and Onion.” Love. Love. Love. Instantly. They have pints of Magners – done.
Last night was our first overnight on the Summit. It was Diana’s first overnight ever. When you haven’t set foot on solid land at night in 6 months you’d be surprised how exciting it really is. I saw the street lamps when we were out during the day and had a jolt of excitement thinking about how I would soon see those lit up. It’s those little things that make life just a little more normal. A giant gang of us got off the ship and went to the crew favorite – Snorkel Park. It’s essentially a beach bar that turns into a night club after dark. It was fun to be at a proper bar, with a breeze (much like Mai Tai’s for my Daytona fans) and ship friends. It’s different, but a novelty.
The greatest part, though, the part that brought tears to my eyes was putting my feet in the waves at night. My favorite thing to do at home is to go to the beach at night. There’s something so natural and beautiful to me about a dark beach. Lauri and Diana and Eric danced around while I just marveled at all the stars and thought of home. I thought of my beach and the way my friends from home dance around at the beach at night. I just thanked God for the amazing things in my life.
Now we’re sailing to New Jersey and I’m counting the days until we get back to Bermuda. I’m a little sad I’ll only have a month here, but with certain special people, it will be quite a month!
I knew once I started seeing new places I would have the urge to blog again. Bermuda is amazing. Absolutely amazing. We dock in the Royal Naval Dockyard and it’s the cutest little area. There are palm trees, brick sidewalks, pubs, souvenir stands, a gazebo, craft markets and a pharmacy. It’s like our own little town since our ship will stay docked there three days out of the week. We can go to the pharmacy and get amazing mint chocolate chip milkshakes and walk around watching the kids play after school (which we did today) It’s a place we will easily get to know and love. I already love it there. The water is a shallow, pale blue that we can see the bottom of as we’re docking. The pier reminds me of Beach Street, but the streets remind me of St. Augustine… or Portugal. It’s exciting to look around and think of all the things I want to do before we leave. I want to go to the capital, Hamilton, on the ferry. I want to rent a scooter for a day and get lost on the island. I want to be on the beach when the sun goes down. I want to take the free tour through the fort. I want to swim with the Dolphins. I want to swing on the swing set outside Snorkel Park after a night of dancing.
Diana, Lauri and I went straight for the English pub “The Frog and Onion.” Love. Love. Love. Instantly. They have pints of Magners – done.
Last night was our first overnight on the Summit. It was Diana’s first overnight ever. When you haven’t set foot on solid land at night in 6 months you’d be surprised how exciting it really is. I saw the street lamps when we were out during the day and had a jolt of excitement thinking about how I would soon see those lit up. It’s those little things that make life just a little more normal. A giant gang of us got off the ship and went to the crew favorite – Snorkel Park. It’s essentially a beach bar that turns into a night club after dark. It was fun to be at a proper bar, with a breeze (much like Mai Tai’s for my Daytona fans) and ship friends. It’s different, but a novelty.
The greatest part, though, the part that brought tears to my eyes was putting my feet in the waves at night. My favorite thing to do at home is to go to the beach at night. There’s something so natural and beautiful to me about a dark beach. Lauri and Diana and Eric danced around while I just marveled at all the stars and thought of home. I thought of my beach and the way my friends from home dance around at the beach at night. I just thanked God for the amazing things in my life.
Now we’re sailing to New Jersey and I’m counting the days until we get back to Bermuda. I’m a little sad I’ll only have a month here, but with certain special people, it will be quite a month!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Virgin Gorda
**Written last night** :) :)
Look at this – two blogs in two days! Today’s excursion was so monumental I couldn’t pass up the chance to share.
Today the Celebrity Summit docked in Tortola – a British Virgin Island – and everyone onboard had heard about this amazing island right near Tortola, Virgin Gorda. So a bunch of people from entertainment and I get up at 8:30 am (yes, me. 8:30. Better believe it.) and catch a ferry to Virgin Gorda. The travel there was most of the day. We arrive and get on an open-air taxi/bus thing and finally make it to The Baths. Our adventure begins.
We squeeze through two huge boulders and begin a journey through one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. These rock formations looked like something out of Jurassic Park. I really did expect to see a pterodactyl overhead at some point. My friends and I climbed all over these things, taking photos and not believing our eyes. Massive boulders leaned against one another and let just a bit of sun peak in and say hello to the shallow water underneath. Diana climbed a rock and took a “Little Mermaid” photo and I was slightly jealous, knowing my little legs wouldn’t reach the top of that boulder. Then when we made our way through the caves the beach we arrived on was hands down, the most beautiful beach I have ever seen, and that’s saying something! It reminded me of those water parks in Orlando they were that perfect, but these weren’t man made. The water was a blue I struggle to describe. It was bright, almost like crystal. There were rocks standing out amongst the swimmers and snorkellers. Mountains in the distance kept us contained in our little paradise. It was incredible. I played “Categories” with a friend and laughed until I couldn’t breathe, each dunk underwater reminding me of playing that game as a kid. A little girl and her father swam near us watching the whole thing and she giggled each time I was thrown underwater. I started talking to her about the difference in “water wings” and “floaties.” My new little friend was named Sienna, she was turning 4 “on June” and with the stresses of ship life lately, she was the happiest conversation I’d had in days.
A little close call with all aboard time and we were back on the ship. It was a funny way to leave behind the Caribbean – literally running through the island of Tortola hearing Caribbean accents yelling, “You’ll be fine, baby. Slow down!” Now we sail off to Bermuda. I’m keeping an eye on the tracking of the ship. Sometime tomorrow we’ll be right along the same latitude as Daytona. I’ll be sailing past home. Perhaps a trip to the top deck and a squint of the eyes is in order. If those I love in Daytona happen
Look at this – two blogs in two days! Today’s excursion was so monumental I couldn’t pass up the chance to share.
Today the Celebrity Summit docked in Tortola – a British Virgin Island – and everyone onboard had heard about this amazing island right near Tortola, Virgin Gorda. So a bunch of people from entertainment and I get up at 8:30 am (yes, me. 8:30. Better believe it.) and catch a ferry to Virgin Gorda. The travel there was most of the day. We arrive and get on an open-air taxi/bus thing and finally make it to The Baths. Our adventure begins.
We squeeze through two huge boulders and begin a journey through one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. These rock formations looked like something out of Jurassic Park. I really did expect to see a pterodactyl overhead at some point. My friends and I climbed all over these things, taking photos and not believing our eyes. Massive boulders leaned against one another and let just a bit of sun peak in and say hello to the shallow water underneath. Diana climbed a rock and took a “Little Mermaid” photo and I was slightly jealous, knowing my little legs wouldn’t reach the top of that boulder. Then when we made our way through the caves the beach we arrived on was hands down, the most beautiful beach I have ever seen, and that’s saying something! It reminded me of those water parks in Orlando they were that perfect, but these weren’t man made. The water was a blue I struggle to describe. It was bright, almost like crystal. There were rocks standing out amongst the swimmers and snorkellers. Mountains in the distance kept us contained in our little paradise. It was incredible. I played “Categories” with a friend and laughed until I couldn’t breathe, each dunk underwater reminding me of playing that game as a kid. A little girl and her father swam near us watching the whole thing and she giggled each time I was thrown underwater. I started talking to her about the difference in “water wings” and “floaties.” My new little friend was named Sienna, she was turning 4 “on June” and with the stresses of ship life lately, she was the happiest conversation I’d had in days.
A little close call with all aboard time and we were back on the ship. It was a funny way to leave behind the Caribbean – literally running through the island of Tortola hearing Caribbean accents yelling, “You’ll be fine, baby. Slow down!” Now we sail off to Bermuda. I’m keeping an eye on the tracking of the ship. Sometime tomorrow we’ll be right along the same latitude as Daytona. I’ll be sailing past home. Perhaps a trip to the top deck and a squint of the eyes is in order. If those I love in Daytona happen
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Quite a Contract... So Far...
Ups and downs out here in the Caribbean and as one person very close to me has pointed out, I have neglected my blogging!
I feel so different coming to the last month of this contract. I know I have made incredible friends this time around and have even begun planning a post-ship life with a few of them. I have realized that while this job I hold is fun and rewarding in its own way, I need, have to have, crave and am completely miserable without creativity in my life.
I have begun editing again. My new assistant and I bounce ideas back and forth and generally work well together. I created a Nascar themed commercial for our race car challenge we do at the poolside (thanks Daytona). I made a commercial for our "Newlywed and not so Newlywed" Game Show in the style of the original show, and Baywatch was the inspiration for my Officer vs Guests Volleyball Tournament promo. It feels good to be creative and feel like I'm kind of turning this place around. There's a whole new archive of promos, I'm creating new movie slides and trying to amp up the production value on things. It seems to be receiving positive feedback.
We are currently sailing to St. Thomas for the last time and then we will be sailing north to begin our Bermuda runs. I am very excited for this. I love the Caribbean, but I am SO ready for something new. I need a new site to see and a new magnet for my wall.
The days run together down here. Nothing really stands out. There's the occasional cruise where something exciting happens (Tiffany being onboard, Lauri's parents on for a visit, Kyle DJs in the crew bar, Under the Sea birthday parties, etc.), but this last week was one of the best sea days ever! I woke up at 3:30 am - yes 3:30 am... ok maybe I was still up - to record the Royal Wedding so it would be rebroadcast throughout the day. So after a loooooong morning of backtiming and scheduling channels so everything would go off without a hitch, I went with Diana, Adam and Eric to high tea at our specialty restaurant, The Normandie. It was so delightful. Adam and Diana - being British - taught Eric and me - being American - all about British tea. As it turns out, I like English Breakfast Tea! We ate those and mini sandwiches and watched the waves roll by. Then we had to run because the tea party in the staff bar was beginning. We all wore tiaras and giant light up engagement rings and the Food and Beverage team even made a wedding cake for the event as we watched William and Kate say "I will." Poor Diana missed London and we all sat around waiting for the kiss. It was a nice way to spend the wedding day - and Diana and all the Brits felt so happy to have a day onboard where they could celebrate being British... seeing as onboard people are typically celebrating not being British.
My friend Lauri likes to speak through lists. So because of her I have the urge to do this. Things I'm looking forward to:
1) Bermuda overnights
2) Spending more time with special people who will be gone soon
3) New Jersey... strange I know...
4) My vacation starting June 5th
5) My trip to the UK on June 10th
6) My first 4th of July in the States in 2 years!
7) A possible road trip to Charlotte
8) Going back to Unity
9) Publix
10)A full day of no work!
Still one month to go. If it's been anything like the last 6 have been I look forward to it. It'll be a month of extreme highs and way down there lows. Let's do it!
I feel so different coming to the last month of this contract. I know I have made incredible friends this time around and have even begun planning a post-ship life with a few of them. I have realized that while this job I hold is fun and rewarding in its own way, I need, have to have, crave and am completely miserable without creativity in my life.
I have begun editing again. My new assistant and I bounce ideas back and forth and generally work well together. I created a Nascar themed commercial for our race car challenge we do at the poolside (thanks Daytona). I made a commercial for our "Newlywed and not so Newlywed" Game Show in the style of the original show, and Baywatch was the inspiration for my Officer vs Guests Volleyball Tournament promo. It feels good to be creative and feel like I'm kind of turning this place around. There's a whole new archive of promos, I'm creating new movie slides and trying to amp up the production value on things. It seems to be receiving positive feedback.
We are currently sailing to St. Thomas for the last time and then we will be sailing north to begin our Bermuda runs. I am very excited for this. I love the Caribbean, but I am SO ready for something new. I need a new site to see and a new magnet for my wall.
The days run together down here. Nothing really stands out. There's the occasional cruise where something exciting happens (Tiffany being onboard, Lauri's parents on for a visit, Kyle DJs in the crew bar, Under the Sea birthday parties, etc.), but this last week was one of the best sea days ever! I woke up at 3:30 am - yes 3:30 am... ok maybe I was still up - to record the Royal Wedding so it would be rebroadcast throughout the day. So after a loooooong morning of backtiming and scheduling channels so everything would go off without a hitch, I went with Diana, Adam and Eric to high tea at our specialty restaurant, The Normandie. It was so delightful. Adam and Diana - being British - taught Eric and me - being American - all about British tea. As it turns out, I like English Breakfast Tea! We ate those and mini sandwiches and watched the waves roll by. Then we had to run because the tea party in the staff bar was beginning. We all wore tiaras and giant light up engagement rings and the Food and Beverage team even made a wedding cake for the event as we watched William and Kate say "I will." Poor Diana missed London and we all sat around waiting for the kiss. It was a nice way to spend the wedding day - and Diana and all the Brits felt so happy to have a day onboard where they could celebrate being British... seeing as onboard people are typically celebrating not being British.
My friend Lauri likes to speak through lists. So because of her I have the urge to do this. Things I'm looking forward to:
1) Bermuda overnights
2) Spending more time with special people who will be gone soon
3) New Jersey... strange I know...
4) My vacation starting June 5th
5) My trip to the UK on June 10th
6) My first 4th of July in the States in 2 years!
7) A possible road trip to Charlotte
8) Going back to Unity
9) Publix
10)A full day of no work!
Still one month to go. If it's been anything like the last 6 have been I look forward to it. It'll be a month of extreme highs and way down there lows. Let's do it!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Watch My Mouth
This will be short, but this event must be blogged about.
So things out here have been less than stellar. All details aside let's just say I've been a little frustrated with life at sea. I decided to share these frustrations at dinner and continue them in the elevator ride with my dear friend Lauri. What does this ship do to show her dislike for my comments?
The elevator shakes a few times, knocking my friend and I around and then just stops. Lauri and I begin making the necessary calls - well Lauri does - I proceed to hold on to the rail with visions of Disney's Tower of Terror running through my mind. I began theorizing whether or not sitting or standing in the dirty crew elevator would effect the injuries I'd receive once we plummeted to our deaths. I tried pressing every button, which made Lauri nervous. After a long talk discussing what we would ever do if we ever got out, we were just about to turn one another for food when the doors were pulled open by our savior! A vision in white!
Ok, so it had only been ten minutes and the hero was actually an electrician in white coveralls who seemed rather disgruntled that we had bothered his evening.
That's not how it'll be written in my sitcom one day, though.
I wonder if Tina was ever trapped in an elevator?
So things out here have been less than stellar. All details aside let's just say I've been a little frustrated with life at sea. I decided to share these frustrations at dinner and continue them in the elevator ride with my dear friend Lauri. What does this ship do to show her dislike for my comments?
The elevator shakes a few times, knocking my friend and I around and then just stops. Lauri and I begin making the necessary calls - well Lauri does - I proceed to hold on to the rail with visions of Disney's Tower of Terror running through my mind. I began theorizing whether or not sitting or standing in the dirty crew elevator would effect the injuries I'd receive once we plummeted to our deaths. I tried pressing every button, which made Lauri nervous. After a long talk discussing what we would ever do if we ever got out, we were just about to turn one another for food when the doors were pulled open by our savior! A vision in white!
Ok, so it had only been ten minutes and the hero was actually an electrician in white coveralls who seemed rather disgruntled that we had bothered his evening.
That's not how it'll be written in my sitcom one day, though.
I wonder if Tina was ever trapped in an elevator?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
All's Fair in Gum Drop Buttons and War
So my Christmas night ended as one of the funniest Christmases of my life.
Our friend Kyle bought a gingerbread man cookie making kit advertising 8 cookies. Well, we opened it up and found only 4... Sign #1 this was going to be an interesting night.
Then we see that to create the decorative frosting you had to create needed butter, milk and water. Being crew members with no kitchen access, we decided to just go with water, same diff, right? And tick off sign #2.
So as Kyle is stirring the powder from the bag into a paper cup obtained in the staff bar with bottled water also obtained from the staff bar, we realize this is going to be tricky.
We let Claire make the first cookie and she created a very generic and sweet looking ginger bread man. Then Kyle moved in and decided to create a Canadian gingerbread man complete with Maple leaf on his chest. Jack then takes it upon himself to give rise to an English cookie (albeit his 3 lions were not exactly recognizable). So of course, being the one American in the room I had to represent and decorate the remaining man with the stars and stripes! He was strong and adorable. Kyle gave me grief for taking all the red candies for my stripes. I simply yelled back, "They're for freedom!!" This sparked a war where England's head was bitten off and America lost a leg. We decided to deem the neutral cookie Switzerland. Then we realized that the Canadian cookie had disappeared. Andi - our French Canadian friend - had rescued him and his him behind a bottle of English vodka. She made the argument that since England was Canada's head of state, he was meant to be hiding there. Typical...
The Canada cookie has not been seen since.
We laughed til we were out of breath that night. It was pretty awesome.
New Year's Eve was not nearly as eventful. Simple countdown came and went. Hugs and kisses and glasses of champagne were in abundance. Crew party downstairs where there was, yes, I'll admit it... dancing.
Now I'm starting 2011 in the same place I was this time in 2010. Well, not exactly the same. Manager now. Cabin at the front of the ship. All new friends. New and very different crew here.
Looking back 2010 was full of more surprises and experiences than I ever imagined. 2011's got a lot to live up to. Big shoes to fill. Come on 2011, I'll be rooting for you. :)
Our friend Kyle bought a gingerbread man cookie making kit advertising 8 cookies. Well, we opened it up and found only 4... Sign #1 this was going to be an interesting night.
Then we see that to create the decorative frosting you had to create needed butter, milk and water. Being crew members with no kitchen access, we decided to just go with water, same diff, right? And tick off sign #2.
So as Kyle is stirring the powder from the bag into a paper cup obtained in the staff bar with bottled water also obtained from the staff bar, we realize this is going to be tricky.
We let Claire make the first cookie and she created a very generic and sweet looking ginger bread man. Then Kyle moved in and decided to create a Canadian gingerbread man complete with Maple leaf on his chest. Jack then takes it upon himself to give rise to an English cookie (albeit his 3 lions were not exactly recognizable). So of course, being the one American in the room I had to represent and decorate the remaining man with the stars and stripes! He was strong and adorable. Kyle gave me grief for taking all the red candies for my stripes. I simply yelled back, "They're for freedom!!" This sparked a war where England's head was bitten off and America lost a leg. We decided to deem the neutral cookie Switzerland. Then we realized that the Canadian cookie had disappeared. Andi - our French Canadian friend - had rescued him and his him behind a bottle of English vodka. She made the argument that since England was Canada's head of state, he was meant to be hiding there. Typical...
The Canada cookie has not been seen since.
We laughed til we were out of breath that night. It was pretty awesome.
New Year's Eve was not nearly as eventful. Simple countdown came and went. Hugs and kisses and glasses of champagne were in abundance. Crew party downstairs where there was, yes, I'll admit it... dancing.
Now I'm starting 2011 in the same place I was this time in 2010. Well, not exactly the same. Manager now. Cabin at the front of the ship. All new friends. New and very different crew here.
Looking back 2010 was full of more surprises and experiences than I ever imagined. 2011's got a lot to live up to. Big shoes to fill. Come on 2011, I'll be rooting for you. :)
Saturday, December 25, 2010
This Message is coming from the Bridge...
Santa has arrived aboard the beautiful Celebrity Summit!
Christmas morning on the Summit has been interesting. My closest friends onboard are youth staff so today they look rather jolly in their elf outfits and red cheeks.
Captain Costas made the announcement that Santa had arrived and was headed to poolside. Then as we all looked around there was the horn section of the orchestra leading a posse of elves and Santa Claus to all the waiting children. The kids were so excited and even I got a bit giddy at the sight of our Aussie Santa.
Last night I enjoyed the Christmas carolling in the Grand Foyer, the Philipinno choir singing a family song in Tagalog, Silent Night with candles and midnight martinis.
The day is so bittersweet. I love being surrounded by good friends and so much festivity but the sight of all the families make me miss my own. So to all those I love out there - and you know who you are - Merry Christmas! Can we do Christmas in July when I get home?
Christmas morning on the Summit has been interesting. My closest friends onboard are youth staff so today they look rather jolly in their elf outfits and red cheeks.
Captain Costas made the announcement that Santa had arrived and was headed to poolside. Then as we all looked around there was the horn section of the orchestra leading a posse of elves and Santa Claus to all the waiting children. The kids were so excited and even I got a bit giddy at the sight of our Aussie Santa.
Last night I enjoyed the Christmas carolling in the Grand Foyer, the Philipinno choir singing a family song in Tagalog, Silent Night with candles and midnight martinis.
The day is so bittersweet. I love being surrounded by good friends and so much festivity but the sight of all the families make me miss my own. So to all those I love out there - and you know who you are - Merry Christmas! Can we do Christmas in July when I get home?
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Whoopsie...
As someone very close to me dutifully pointed out, there has been a serious need for an update. In all honesty, it has absolutely everything and absolutely nothing to do with work. I have been busy on and off - as is the nature of my job. When things are working it's smooth sailing (no pun intended), but when things malfunction then I'm putting in 13 hour days. Therefore, my lack of blog has to do with being busy during the days of pesky equipment and then being lazy when it's smooth sailing. So what's there to tell? Let's see...
My birthday was an event - an event I'm sure my body has not yet recovered from. As I was in the middle of a handover and a giant entertainment cabin change was going on, I was moved to a guest cabin for my final couple nights until I could have my permanent cabin. Yes, I rang in the big 2-4 in a cabin with a double bed, a porthole and a couch. This is like being given the Ferrari as your rental car to your high school reunion - a nice perk to a dreaded event. It was a great night with old and new friends. Like I've said - it's a strange sensation being back on a ship with faces from Century, Summit and Eclipse. It's strange being in certain lounges or restaurants or ports without certain people. It was trippy (for lack of a better word) being in a staff bar filled with old memories with brand new friends and friends with even older memories.
Next big milestone... Thanksgiving. Not as awful as I thoguht it would be. The turkey in the staff mess was dry and I had to be told that the orange-ish thing in the pan was in fact sweet potatoe casserole. Yea...
Luckily I had an American friend who loves Thanksgiving and got us into the guest dining room. The food there was AMAZING! We did the cute little American tradition of going around the table and saying what we were thankful for. So there, sat between two Canadians, I gave thanks for a job I love and good people to spend my holiday with.
The ports are all just how I left them. Delly Deck in St. Thomas, Boatyard in Barbados, Reggae Beach (yes, I visited the goat) in St. Kitts, etc. I have found a few new places - the bar with swinging chairs in St. Thomas and Coconuts in St. Croix. I've found new friends in the youth department and activity staff after saying goodbye to my closest friend this morning. I held back the tears, I am proud to say.
I'm finding the best part of this contract so far is how relaxed the environment is. This is probably because I am coming from the hustle and bustle of Solstice class and Europe, but unless things like a pivotal hard drive holding all the free-to-guest movie files crashes (yes, it did) then I'm pretty calm and happy here.
So Christmas is right around the corner and there's no doubt in my mind that I would rather be at one of my "land" homes. I'd rather have wine with my grandmother or watch little Ariell open her Barbie Dream House. I'd rather say good morning to my grandfather shoveling snow or hold my kitty while watching a parade on TV. I'd rather have my sister wake me up in the morning or bring a new book out to Chandler. I'd rather call my girls or stop by Mikey's. Above all, I'd rather go to midnight service at Unity.
However, I will get to put up my very own Santa Tracker on my channels. I will get to watch the activity staff go carolling around the ship. I will get to watch the most miserable British boy dress as a 6'4" elf. I will get to spend Christmas Eve on the beaches in Barbados. I will get to have a nice dinner in the restaurant and give out Secret Santa gifts. I will get to watch an international choir sing "Silent Night" in the theatre. I will get to go to a crew Christmas party and while we'll all be wishing we were home, we'll make our own home out here on the high seas for the holidays.
God, that was cheesey...
My birthday was an event - an event I'm sure my body has not yet recovered from. As I was in the middle of a handover and a giant entertainment cabin change was going on, I was moved to a guest cabin for my final couple nights until I could have my permanent cabin. Yes, I rang in the big 2-4 in a cabin with a double bed, a porthole and a couch. This is like being given the Ferrari as your rental car to your high school reunion - a nice perk to a dreaded event. It was a great night with old and new friends. Like I've said - it's a strange sensation being back on a ship with faces from Century, Summit and Eclipse. It's strange being in certain lounges or restaurants or ports without certain people. It was trippy (for lack of a better word) being in a staff bar filled with old memories with brand new friends and friends with even older memories.
Next big milestone... Thanksgiving. Not as awful as I thoguht it would be. The turkey in the staff mess was dry and I had to be told that the orange-ish thing in the pan was in fact sweet potatoe casserole. Yea...
Luckily I had an American friend who loves Thanksgiving and got us into the guest dining room. The food there was AMAZING! We did the cute little American tradition of going around the table and saying what we were thankful for. So there, sat between two Canadians, I gave thanks for a job I love and good people to spend my holiday with.
The ports are all just how I left them. Delly Deck in St. Thomas, Boatyard in Barbados, Reggae Beach (yes, I visited the goat) in St. Kitts, etc. I have found a few new places - the bar with swinging chairs in St. Thomas and Coconuts in St. Croix. I've found new friends in the youth department and activity staff after saying goodbye to my closest friend this morning. I held back the tears, I am proud to say.
I'm finding the best part of this contract so far is how relaxed the environment is. This is probably because I am coming from the hustle and bustle of Solstice class and Europe, but unless things like a pivotal hard drive holding all the free-to-guest movie files crashes (yes, it did) then I'm pretty calm and happy here.
So Christmas is right around the corner and there's no doubt in my mind that I would rather be at one of my "land" homes. I'd rather have wine with my grandmother or watch little Ariell open her Barbie Dream House. I'd rather say good morning to my grandfather shoveling snow or hold my kitty while watching a parade on TV. I'd rather have my sister wake me up in the morning or bring a new book out to Chandler. I'd rather call my girls or stop by Mikey's. Above all, I'd rather go to midnight service at Unity.
However, I will get to put up my very own Santa Tracker on my channels. I will get to watch the activity staff go carolling around the ship. I will get to watch the most miserable British boy dress as a 6'4" elf. I will get to spend Christmas Eve on the beaches in Barbados. I will get to have a nice dinner in the restaurant and give out Secret Santa gifts. I will get to watch an international choir sing "Silent Night" in the theatre. I will get to go to a crew Christmas party and while we'll all be wishing we were home, we'll make our own home out here on the high seas for the holidays.
God, that was cheesey...
Friday, November 12, 2010
And I'm Back
It's so nice to come back to a ship you've been on before. So many familiar faces. I don't get lost, the trainings are a breeze, and this two week handover can be done in three days so my former manager, Eddy, is letting me "have a vacation" for the first week. Doesn't mean I'm not busy. I'm hard at work getting settled, finding my uniforms, making mental notes of what to change when I take over, and reuniting with friends.
You wouldn't believe how nice it is to hear so many people tell you how happy they are to see you again.
My first day onboard I pretty much followed Kirsty, the Activity Manager, around doing her errands with her and being caught up on everything onboard.
The next day I joined the ladies (Lauri, Katie, and Kirsty) for greasy egg muffins at the Delly Deck in St. Thomas. Nice to be back at some of my old hot spots.
I got off the ship again in St. Lucia with my friend from Eclipse, Nate. The two of us and two other musicians hit up Rodney Bay Beach. I swear I had no recollection of this island until we made it to the beach. Then I remembered how much I loved it there. I laid on the beach, read my book, played in the water and enjoyed re-obtaining the tan I had missed so much. When we arrived back at the port Nate and I spotted a little bar where we had a couple beers before getting back onboard.
And naturally, Thrusday was Barbados which means The Boatyard. Nowhere else like it. I got my Caribs, and spent about 4 hours in the sun playing frisbee and getting tanner. I did miss the Caribbean.
Now as we're sailing back to Puerto Rico I'm preparing myself to go visit Katie at karaoke. Honestly, it's almost like I never left.
Now I know there's some silly day coming up soon that I'd rather not speak of, but I know many of you want my new address in relation to said day. So here it is:
Mackenzie Ames
Broadcast Operator
Celebrity Summit
PO Box 019158
Miami, FL 33101-9158
Now off to butcher the sweet lyrics of Carly Simon.
You wouldn't believe how nice it is to hear so many people tell you how happy they are to see you again.
My first day onboard I pretty much followed Kirsty, the Activity Manager, around doing her errands with her and being caught up on everything onboard.
The next day I joined the ladies (Lauri, Katie, and Kirsty) for greasy egg muffins at the Delly Deck in St. Thomas. Nice to be back at some of my old hot spots.
I got off the ship again in St. Lucia with my friend from Eclipse, Nate. The two of us and two other musicians hit up Rodney Bay Beach. I swear I had no recollection of this island until we made it to the beach. Then I remembered how much I loved it there. I laid on the beach, read my book, played in the water and enjoyed re-obtaining the tan I had missed so much. When we arrived back at the port Nate and I spotted a little bar where we had a couple beers before getting back onboard.
And naturally, Thrusday was Barbados which means The Boatyard. Nowhere else like it. I got my Caribs, and spent about 4 hours in the sun playing frisbee and getting tanner. I did miss the Caribbean.
Now as we're sailing back to Puerto Rico I'm preparing myself to go visit Katie at karaoke. Honestly, it's almost like I never left.
Now I know there's some silly day coming up soon that I'd rather not speak of, but I know many of you want my new address in relation to said day. So here it is:
Mackenzie Ames
Broadcast Operator
Celebrity Summit
PO Box 019158
Miami, FL 33101-9158
Now off to butcher the sweet lyrics of Carly Simon.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Starting From Scratch?
"Starting From Scratch" was the soundtrack of my flight to Charlotte. Thank God for "This American Life." It keeps me awake for my long day of travel to San Juan.
I always like to think of the start of a new ship like starting from scratch. It would seem, however, this can no longer be the case. I'm returning to a ship I already know. On it are familiar faces from all my past ships. I'll revisit the Caribbean islands I know so well. I already know the best spots for breakfast, beaches and beers.
Much like when leaving Eclipse, I held back the tears this time when leaving home. It may seem like I'm getting better at this leaving thing. I don't think it'll ever be easy. As I told my mother, I get comfortable in places. After two months at home I loved having a couch, going to the grocery store and unlimited opportunities to pick up the phone and call my loved ones (though, admittedly, I did not do that enough). I loved having a space larger than a broom closet to call my own. I began to see how I could be really happy back on land.
However, as one friend put it, "You have the rest of your life to have a kitchen and groceries. and your friends are always here when you get back." Very true. Ship life is something most people never experience. So while I always have plans for my future on land in the back of my mind, I'll try and focus on the delicious Carib beers and sandy beaches I have ahead of me.
I always like to think of the start of a new ship like starting from scratch. It would seem, however, this can no longer be the case. I'm returning to a ship I already know. On it are familiar faces from all my past ships. I'll revisit the Caribbean islands I know so well. I already know the best spots for breakfast, beaches and beers.
Much like when leaving Eclipse, I held back the tears this time when leaving home. It may seem like I'm getting better at this leaving thing. I don't think it'll ever be easy. As I told my mother, I get comfortable in places. After two months at home I loved having a couch, going to the grocery store and unlimited opportunities to pick up the phone and call my loved ones (though, admittedly, I did not do that enough). I loved having a space larger than a broom closet to call my own. I began to see how I could be really happy back on land.
However, as one friend put it, "You have the rest of your life to have a kitchen and groceries. and your friends are always here when you get back." Very true. Ship life is something most people never experience. So while I always have plans for my future on land in the back of my mind, I'll try and focus on the delicious Carib beers and sandy beaches I have ahead of me.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Finer Things
I spend a lot of my time on ships doing things that are very out of the ordinary for a little semi-redneck from the home of NASCAR. I occasionally eat in five star, French restaurants. I'll sit at sidewalk cafes in France and Spain with sangria. I sometimes go to the wine and cheese events at the bow of the ship under the stars. These are the things I do occasionally that remind me I'm kind of a grown up, and a slightly cultured one at that.
However there is one event I often attend that deserves its own entry: our ladies catch-up sessions in the wine bar onboard, Cellar Masters. We ladies (and sometimes Franklin) make it a point to meet once a cruise for wine/champagne delivered by our favorite sommelier Dennis and simply sit and chat about our lives. We cover all topics from men, work, home, frustrations, promotions, celebrations and consoling. It is amazing to sit with a glass of Reisling (always my drink of choice) and be surrounded by women of all ages from all departments and be able to relate. I thought about this during our session last night.
Typically we have Grace the Acupuncturist, Fiona the Port and Shopping Guide, Jenn the Nurse, Liv the Gift Shop Manager, sometimes Olga the Cruise Director's Wife, and sometimes Martine the Financial Controller. The ages range from 23 (yours truly) up to 48. We come from America, England, New Zealand, Russia, and Scotland. We clearly work in all different areas onboard and some have been doing ships far longer than others. Some are ready to be done and settle at home, while others seem to love the life at sea too much to let go. It is an eclectic and fun group.
Often we break into smaller chatting sessions. For example, last night Jenn and Fiona got into Jenn's frustrations with work, while Grace and I began a deep discussion of religion and our upbringings.
I can't say I haven't felt completely privileged to be let in on wine catch-up sessions. These women are amazing and have all taught me things in one way or another. I've been let in on perspectives I never considered and feel much more enriched for simply enjoying the finer things, like a nice glass of Reisling and the company of, as Fiona calls it, "The Bitches of Eastwick."
However there is one event I often attend that deserves its own entry: our ladies catch-up sessions in the wine bar onboard, Cellar Masters. We ladies (and sometimes Franklin) make it a point to meet once a cruise for wine/champagne delivered by our favorite sommelier Dennis and simply sit and chat about our lives. We cover all topics from men, work, home, frustrations, promotions, celebrations and consoling. It is amazing to sit with a glass of Reisling (always my drink of choice) and be surrounded by women of all ages from all departments and be able to relate. I thought about this during our session last night.
Typically we have Grace the Acupuncturist, Fiona the Port and Shopping Guide, Jenn the Nurse, Liv the Gift Shop Manager, sometimes Olga the Cruise Director's Wife, and sometimes Martine the Financial Controller. The ages range from 23 (yours truly) up to 48. We come from America, England, New Zealand, Russia, and Scotland. We clearly work in all different areas onboard and some have been doing ships far longer than others. Some are ready to be done and settle at home, while others seem to love the life at sea too much to let go. It is an eclectic and fun group.
Often we break into smaller chatting sessions. For example, last night Jenn and Fiona got into Jenn's frustrations with work, while Grace and I began a deep discussion of religion and our upbringings.
I can't say I haven't felt completely privileged to be let in on wine catch-up sessions. These women are amazing and have all taught me things in one way or another. I've been let in on perspectives I never considered and feel much more enriched for simply enjoying the finer things, like a nice glass of Reisling and the company of, as Fiona calls it, "The Bitches of Eastwick."
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Eclipsed Them All
As I'm coming to the last few weeks of this longer-than-normal contract I have to look back at the changes I've made. It's been so much more than changing of ship, scenery, and job. I look back at how my priorities have changed in the last few months. It used to be all about the ports and the shopping and the fun. Now I see myself taking the job more seriously (not too seriously, mind you). I like being in the office. I don't feel gutted if I miss a Barcelona here or a Vigo there. I'm happy to be productive onboard. Is that maturity I smell? Wait... maybe that was the tuna I had for lunch...
Anyway, I find I value my time on the ship just as much as the ports. Maybe it's this ship? Maybe it's this group of friends? Maybe it's just this time in my life?
I can't describe it. Things feel different. I don't have that anxious feeling about leaving. I will be sad to leave Jenn on the gangway. I will be even sadder if I have to leave Tim and Matt in the parking lot as they board the bus to the airport and I board a bus to hotel for my inevitable overnight. I will be sad to watch the Eclipse from the back window and I will of course cry as I say my goodbye. I feel good about it all this time, though. It's like I almost can't wait for that moment of standing on the pier, looking back with a giant sigh of relief and thinking "I did it."
I am ready to go home, though. So completely ready. As much as I'll miss my acapella guys and that British nurse that's joined at my hip, I'm ready to see my family. Ready to have a cider at McK's with Nicole, Mikey and Vonne. Ready for a night of Glee and Kraft macaroni and cheese. Ready to see my mom at the airport. Ready to see the beauty and filth of NYC again. Ready to spend time with my family in Bath. Ready to have Pirate's Booty and "Tiffy Drinks" with Leigh and Tiff. Ready to celebrate Allie's 21st! Ready to blame Rod for a night of too much drinking. Ready to hit up North Carolina for reunions with girlies and Elon homecoming! Ready to sleep a whole night with no phone interruptions. Sounds like a pretty fantastic vacation, right?
Then I'll be ready to start it all over again, with a holiday season back on the Celebrity Summit.
For now, though, I suppose I'll focus on these last few weeks of projects, ports and parties on the ship I opened, my baby, the Celebrity Eclipse.
Anyway, I find I value my time on the ship just as much as the ports. Maybe it's this ship? Maybe it's this group of friends? Maybe it's just this time in my life?
I can't describe it. Things feel different. I don't have that anxious feeling about leaving. I will be sad to leave Jenn on the gangway. I will be even sadder if I have to leave Tim and Matt in the parking lot as they board the bus to the airport and I board a bus to hotel for my inevitable overnight. I will be sad to watch the Eclipse from the back window and I will of course cry as I say my goodbye. I feel good about it all this time, though. It's like I almost can't wait for that moment of standing on the pier, looking back with a giant sigh of relief and thinking "I did it."
I am ready to go home, though. So completely ready. As much as I'll miss my acapella guys and that British nurse that's joined at my hip, I'm ready to see my family. Ready to have a cider at McK's with Nicole, Mikey and Vonne. Ready for a night of Glee and Kraft macaroni and cheese. Ready to see my mom at the airport. Ready to see the beauty and filth of NYC again. Ready to spend time with my family in Bath. Ready to have Pirate's Booty and "Tiffy Drinks" with Leigh and Tiff. Ready to celebrate Allie's 21st! Ready to blame Rod for a night of too much drinking. Ready to hit up North Carolina for reunions with girlies and Elon homecoming! Ready to sleep a whole night with no phone interruptions. Sounds like a pretty fantastic vacation, right?
Then I'll be ready to start it all over again, with a holiday season back on the Celebrity Summit.
For now, though, I suppose I'll focus on these last few weeks of projects, ports and parties on the ship I opened, my baby, the Celebrity Eclipse.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Wait, Where Are the Pews?
So what did I do with my day today?
Well, I went into St. Petersburg, Russia and was the videographer of a Russian Orthodox wedding in a classic cathedral. Yea...
So I had my buddy Dany with me and we had a game plan. He would set up in the back behind the pews for a straight on shot of the couple at the altar and I would roam around getting different angles. Simple, right?
Imagine our surprise when we walked in and there were no pews... Just one long walkway. Well, here's how they do it in Russia. The couple stood at the beginning of this walkway in this elaborately ornate cathedral. Golds and blues among these antiks of saints and Jesus. Dany and I had to scrub the initial game plan and go with the flow. Bigger problem? As I'm not Russian and neither is my Canadian friend, we can't step on the carpet - leaving me stuck on my side and him on the other. Communication was not possible. Luckily, he and I work so well together a few minutes in he could see what I was doing (straight on, steady shot) so he knew what to do (close ups). I kept a close eye on my little foot as to not step on the sacred carpet. I was so careful, as I was also the only woman in the room with no head cover. Those of you who know me know I am extremely spiritual and very cautious of respecting other religions. Not having a head cover was so embarrassing for me.
The ceremony involves a choir (that I could never spot) and Russian priests who sing the whole service. It's all in Russian so I haven't a clue what I was listening to. The best man and maid of honor (I suppose that's what you call them) stand behind the bride and groom and follow them down the aisle, which they cover in installments. First there's a candle lighting. The priests sing, read from the Bible and everyone crosses themselves. Then they move down the aisle and go over this little stage thing and the best man and maid of honor stay on the stage above the couple. Then another priest in the prettiest green robes brings these crowns out to be held over the heads of the couple by the best man and maid of honor. They continue singing and then the couples moves up onto the altar where the priest gives them each antik icons to hold. That's when they come to the end, stand holding their icons and the guests are meant to approach them, wish the best of luck, and kiss their icons.
It was certainly not something I ever thought I would see.
After the ceremony we waited outside the church as they rang the bells and then the whole lot of us (most of the senior staff onboard and family) went to the square in front of St. Isaac's Cathedral for photos. I am a friend of the bride so it was very sweet of her to ask for a picture with me without my camera. My friends I took our own photos, we drank champagne from plastic cups and did shots of vodka on the river side. For good luck, of course...
Then there was a small, quick reception in one of the specialty restaurants onboard with cake cutting, chocolate fondues and more champagne.
Really not a bad way to spend my last Russia day. 48 days left on the Eclipse...
Well, I went into St. Petersburg, Russia and was the videographer of a Russian Orthodox wedding in a classic cathedral. Yea...
So I had my buddy Dany with me and we had a game plan. He would set up in the back behind the pews for a straight on shot of the couple at the altar and I would roam around getting different angles. Simple, right?
Imagine our surprise when we walked in and there were no pews... Just one long walkway. Well, here's how they do it in Russia. The couple stood at the beginning of this walkway in this elaborately ornate cathedral. Golds and blues among these antiks of saints and Jesus. Dany and I had to scrub the initial game plan and go with the flow. Bigger problem? As I'm not Russian and neither is my Canadian friend, we can't step on the carpet - leaving me stuck on my side and him on the other. Communication was not possible. Luckily, he and I work so well together a few minutes in he could see what I was doing (straight on, steady shot) so he knew what to do (close ups). I kept a close eye on my little foot as to not step on the sacred carpet. I was so careful, as I was also the only woman in the room with no head cover. Those of you who know me know I am extremely spiritual and very cautious of respecting other religions. Not having a head cover was so embarrassing for me.
The ceremony involves a choir (that I could never spot) and Russian priests who sing the whole service. It's all in Russian so I haven't a clue what I was listening to. The best man and maid of honor (I suppose that's what you call them) stand behind the bride and groom and follow them down the aisle, which they cover in installments. First there's a candle lighting. The priests sing, read from the Bible and everyone crosses themselves. Then they move down the aisle and go over this little stage thing and the best man and maid of honor stay on the stage above the couple. Then another priest in the prettiest green robes brings these crowns out to be held over the heads of the couple by the best man and maid of honor. They continue singing and then the couples moves up onto the altar where the priest gives them each antik icons to hold. That's when they come to the end, stand holding their icons and the guests are meant to approach them, wish the best of luck, and kiss their icons.
It was certainly not something I ever thought I would see.
After the ceremony we waited outside the church as they rang the bells and then the whole lot of us (most of the senior staff onboard and family) went to the square in front of St. Isaac's Cathedral for photos. I am a friend of the bride so it was very sweet of her to ask for a picture with me without my camera. My friends I took our own photos, we drank champagne from plastic cups and did shots of vodka on the river side. For good luck, of course...
Then there was a small, quick reception in one of the specialty restaurants onboard with cake cutting, chocolate fondues and more champagne.
Really not a bad way to spend my last Russia day. 48 days left on the Eclipse...
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The Big Cheese
This being boss thing isn't too bad. I kinda like being in charge. I can run this office the way I want to and don't have to follow anyone's schedule but my own (and the Cruise Director...) I can get used to this.
I'm feeling rather thoughtful at present, though. I had a picnic in Copenhagen last week, beers in Germany, and today had my lunch at the back of the ship with the skyline of Stockholm as our backdrop. I take it for granted some days. Don't get me wrong, though no one seems to believe me, there are definite cons to living out here. Moments where I'm laughing til my sides hurt on a blanket in Denmark make it bearable, though.
I like to write out these moments where I realize what I've got going here, so that when I do silly things like complain about having to work in Russia I can have a nice reminder that I'm lucky.
I just had one of those moments again. I was pleasantly greeted this morning with an e-mail from my sister. I always love hearing from family out here, especially Allie. She writes asking for advice on study abroad and which country she should apply for. I read it and immediately started giving it some thought when I had to stop and take notice of how easily I was able to consider my response. I've spent significant time in both countries and realized I was fully capable of giving insight on a matter of world travel. It's another "shake my head" moment. Another moment where I realize how lucky I am. Another moment I never in my wildest dreams I would ever have. Who would have ever guessed I would be able to tell my little sister which country she'd like more... because I've been to both!
The big boss in Europe... again...
I'm feeling rather thoughtful at present, though. I had a picnic in Copenhagen last week, beers in Germany, and today had my lunch at the back of the ship with the skyline of Stockholm as our backdrop. I take it for granted some days. Don't get me wrong, though no one seems to believe me, there are definite cons to living out here. Moments where I'm laughing til my sides hurt on a blanket in Denmark make it bearable, though.
I like to write out these moments where I realize what I've got going here, so that when I do silly things like complain about having to work in Russia I can have a nice reminder that I'm lucky.
I just had one of those moments again. I was pleasantly greeted this morning with an e-mail from my sister. I always love hearing from family out here, especially Allie. She writes asking for advice on study abroad and which country she should apply for. I read it and immediately started giving it some thought when I had to stop and take notice of how easily I was able to consider my response. I've spent significant time in both countries and realized I was fully capable of giving insight on a matter of world travel. It's another "shake my head" moment. Another moment where I realize how lucky I am. Another moment I never in my wildest dreams I would ever have. Who would have ever guessed I would be able to tell my little sister which country she'd like more... because I've been to both!
The big boss in Europe... again...
Sunday, July 4, 2010
USA is A-OK!
My great to the eighth power grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War. Eleazer Hill fought the Brits to secure my independence as an American. How did I ring in this Independence Day? Taking photos with my best friend onboard - a Brit. He's looking down on me and shaking his head. I couldn't avoid a chuckle at that last night.
Another 4th in another country. Oddly enough, though, this time I'm Russia. Probably one of the last places an American wants to spend the day celebrating their country. I'm staying on the ship today.
Last night we had a USA Day party on the top deck. Not too crowded, but we managed to show people what Americans do. We had beer pong and flip cup and I was rushed with memories of Elon and Duke. The girls beat the boys in flip cup, naturally. It was just fun to paint stars on my face and put on anything red, white and blue.
Needless to say, getting up for work this morning wasn't the easiest. I've just come back from an unsatisfying burger at our crew BBQ. As much fun as the party was, today I'd much rather be in the States with a beer, a burger and plans to see fireworks. As glamorous as it may seem to have this job, and while I'm constantly surrounded by a crew of roughly 1200, there are days like today where I wish I had a 9-5 job, an apartment, a car, and were simply at home.
Happy 4th of July to all my fellow Americans!!!
Another 4th in another country. Oddly enough, though, this time I'm Russia. Probably one of the last places an American wants to spend the day celebrating their country. I'm staying on the ship today.
Last night we had a USA Day party on the top deck. Not too crowded, but we managed to show people what Americans do. We had beer pong and flip cup and I was rushed with memories of Elon and Duke. The girls beat the boys in flip cup, naturally. It was just fun to paint stars on my face and put on anything red, white and blue.
Needless to say, getting up for work this morning wasn't the easiest. I've just come back from an unsatisfying burger at our crew BBQ. As much fun as the party was, today I'd much rather be in the States with a beer, a burger and plans to see fireworks. As glamorous as it may seem to have this job, and while I'm constantly surrounded by a crew of roughly 1200, there are days like today where I wish I had a 9-5 job, an apartment, a car, and were simply at home.
Happy 4th of July to all my fellow Americans!!!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
One Year
One year. Today is one year since I joined my first ship. One year since I walked onto the Celebrity Century. One year I looked at Avid with scared little eyes. Today I have those same scared little eyes, but it's as I look at the manager phone and computer. I am responsible for training and showing around the guy taking my place. I am officially the Broadcast Manager of the Celebrity Eclipse.
What a difference a year makes...
What a difference a year makes...
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Oh! Is That the Sun?
Training, World Cup, training, World Cup, sleep, eat, World Cup, training. That's been my life. I take over as manager at the end of this cruise - which is a week away. It's been quite hectic in the BCC. I have been off the ship twice this cruise. It makes me yearn for our picnic in Copenhagen. It will be my last time off the ship for I don't know how long. Luckily, though, this is not the kind of ship you mind being stuck on. It's also not the itinerary you feel like you're missing. I've done all the sightseeing these places have to offer. I don't mind focusing on my job for a while. Barring a trip to Stonehenge, there's not much else I'm dying to do out here in the Baltic.
When I do get free time, though, I take full advantage. Drinks at the choo-choo bar in Germany and lunches in the sun of Stockholm. Talking to Swedish locals and nights spent with good friends and soccer are getting me through. I'm quickly learning about soccer and finding I can really get into a game if I'm invested in one of the teams. For example, last night I was riveted watching the England v Algeria game, but right now I'm monitoring Ghana v Australia and well, I'm blogging. I am completely taken in by the US games. I put aside everything to watch the US v Slovenia game and find myself reading more about it on espn.com. I'm even shouting player names at the screen...
Yep, I've been caught up in the World Cup fever. It's just fun to have a chance to cheer for our own countries when we're all so far from home.
Tune in next time to see how well I handle this manager thing...
When I do get free time, though, I take full advantage. Drinks at the choo-choo bar in Germany and lunches in the sun of Stockholm. Talking to Swedish locals and nights spent with good friends and soccer are getting me through. I'm quickly learning about soccer and finding I can really get into a game if I'm invested in one of the teams. For example, last night I was riveted watching the England v Algeria game, but right now I'm monitoring Ghana v Australia and well, I'm blogging. I am completely taken in by the US games. I put aside everything to watch the US v Slovenia game and find myself reading more about it on espn.com. I'm even shouting player names at the screen...
Yep, I've been caught up in the World Cup fever. It's just fun to have a chance to cheer for our own countries when we're all so far from home.
Tune in next time to see how well I handle this manager thing...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
World Cup Craziness
Just a quick observation. At home I would've noticed the World Cup in passing and probably wondered why it was taking up so much broadcast time. I wouldn't have noticed any of them games and stuck to my "soccer is boring" mind set.
Being on ship with colleagues from every country represented in the cup has changed my perspective. Though I am forced to watch every game, as a part of my job monitoring the channels, I probably would anyway. I watched my very first full soccer game yesterday.
I still don't find it to be the most fascinating sport of all, but I'm getting an aspect of it I would have never I thought I would have experienced.
I watched the kick off as I toasted champagne with two South Africans and two Brits. I spent the second half of the game watching in the crew bar with a giant group of rowdy South Africans speaking in Afrikaans, sat next to a group of Mexicans drinking Corona and speaking Spanish. It was such an energetic feel it made me get in on the action. Now I pick a team at the start of each game. I overheard my friend Jenn say she didn't really care about one of the games as she didn't have any friends from wither country. How strange, that's how I'm picking my teams. I root for the country that I have more friends in. Just another moment to stop and say, yes, while that feels normal on a ship, it's not normal. It's fantastic.
Tonight's the England v US game. I've asked my friends to try and find an America jersey for me - hey I'll need one for the 4th anyway, right? I am a little scared, though. It will probably be one of the most aggressive nights this crew bar will ever see. We have a rather large American population within entertainment, and as we're out of Southampton, Celebrity wants to send all of their British employees to the Eclipse. We also have about half and half guests onboard as well. As Jenn says, "the though of this game will get me through embarkation day." :)
Being on ship with colleagues from every country represented in the cup has changed my perspective. Though I am forced to watch every game, as a part of my job monitoring the channels, I probably would anyway. I watched my very first full soccer game yesterday.
I still don't find it to be the most fascinating sport of all, but I'm getting an aspect of it I would have never I thought I would have experienced.
I watched the kick off as I toasted champagne with two South Africans and two Brits. I spent the second half of the game watching in the crew bar with a giant group of rowdy South Africans speaking in Afrikaans, sat next to a group of Mexicans drinking Corona and speaking Spanish. It was such an energetic feel it made me get in on the action. Now I pick a team at the start of each game. I overheard my friend Jenn say she didn't really care about one of the games as she didn't have any friends from wither country. How strange, that's how I'm picking my teams. I root for the country that I have more friends in. Just another moment to stop and say, yes, while that feels normal on a ship, it's not normal. It's fantastic.
Tonight's the England v US game. I've asked my friends to try and find an America jersey for me - hey I'll need one for the 4th anyway, right? I am a little scared, though. It will probably be one of the most aggressive nights this crew bar will ever see. We have a rather large American population within entertainment, and as we're out of Southampton, Celebrity wants to send all of their British employees to the Eclipse. We also have about half and half guests onboard as well. As Jenn says, "the though of this game will get me through embarkation day." :)
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