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.
Friday, November 12, 2010
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!!!
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