The Drydock Diaries

On Sunday, everyone was up early. James, Toby, Alessadra and Chris went forth to the gangways and worked disembarking the passengers. I was lucky enough to be on the publix/einstein brother's bagels run to stock up on snacks and last minute christmas sweets. At 12 o'clock, we sailed out of Port Everglades passenger free, bound for Freeport, Bahamas. We all stood drinking strongbow cider on the deck 11 forward balcony- best sail away party I've ever had.

At the moment, the ship is raised 30ft off the ground. On the first night we arrived, they took down all our lifeboats and then raised the ship from the water. Everything is exposed - and it's really fascinating to see the size of those two huge propellers and the scale of the part of the ship that is normally hidden under the waves. The gangway is extremely steep and crazy rickety metal. it feels like climbing up and down a roller-coaster.. and rattles like one as well.

All the cruise staff have to do is a bit of cleaning and tidying. we spent hours scrubbing down the ceramics cart, sorting out our lockers, cupboards and folders and doing inventories of everything. At this point however, we are done with our work.

We've had a big change in our team - Eric (the deputy) and Sam (our CD) have both gone home. We now have Elaine from england as our deputy and ron goodman as our cruise director. Ron seems like a champ- but he's going to be different to Sam... he's much more the traditional style CD- although is a really cool guy and should be lots of fun. I miss Sam already- she is an amazing cruise director and a good friend as well - so professional yet totally nuts at the same time. so glad she is coming back in february.

ON our first night, we went out for dinner at a pizza restaurant with the whole team. Next night we went to Zorba's greek restaurant then hung out in the piazza at port lucaya. it isn't a massively pumping place, but the people are nice and there's lots of good food around. My favourite haunt is the radison resort- it costs $20 to go in but it has everything - a beachside pool, jaccuzis, deck chairs, dive in bar - it's lovely. I went there by myself today because I couldn't find any of my team (they were all still asleep at 11am!!).


Last night James, Alessandra, Brian (compo) and the crazy brazillians went to the "fish fry" at smith's point. basically this was just a massive party at a beach side bar. I had 8 conch fritters for $2, cheap beers and some crazy times on the open air dance floor. The place was filled with locals and tourists alike and the vibe was unreal. we danced the night away. After that, we headed back to Roosters, which is a bar that has been built on top of shipping containers right near the ship yard. it's awesome... although somewhat of a let down after the raging moonlit party at the fish fry.

The ship is kind of a mess at the moment, carpets being pulled up, things being replaced and torn down. we are not allowed to wear thongs for safteys sake. There are several hundred random contractors living on board at the moment as well... they are pretty scummy in general. WHen you walk past a group of them they all sleazily check you out and make comments in portugese. It's really really annoying because, I live here, this is my home .. and you feel violated when people come into your home and act like that.

Officers mess has been moved to the michaelangelo dinging room (with the contractors), which is a ice change - but the menu is very limited (of course.. as the dining room is on skeleton staff).

Apart from that, I've been doing a lot of revision of my trivias and gameshows, tweaking them to take them to the next level in quality.

More updates to come in Dry Dock Diaries soon!

one week in

Well, its been a week since I embarked the Ruby Princess in Venice- and what a week it has been! I’m loving life here back on the big ship. The Ruby is exactly the same as my first ship. So, coming on board, I already knew the place like the back of my hand. I’m constantly being jarred by seeing different artwork on the walls here though… strangely disturbing to see a different painting than what you subconsciously expected.

My team on here is great. The whole department is so friendly and welcomed me and Hannah with open arms. It's definitely a party ship, though- which is both good and bad. I havn’t been to sleep before 2am so far.

The weather, on the other hand, has been AWFUL! Cold, rainy and windy every day. I didn’t even go to Cannes yesterday because it was just so miserable. Today, in beautiful Barcelona, was the first day of sun.Already the mood of the passengers has been lifted by the cheerful weather!

The passengers on the crossing are fine, but extremely stereotypical cruisers. Imagine an American couple aged in their mid 60’s. They are wearing walking shoes, bum bags and the man is wearing some kind of technical fishing vest and a US airforce hat. Both have sunglasses with sunglass holders attached and the woman’s shirt may or may not have tropical fish or birds splashed across it. These are passengers who have cruised a million times before and know how to get what they want. They’ll systematically go around and ask each of the cruise staff the same question, then come back to you and tell you what other people have said to try and get their way. They will also talk to you for hours about how our library is crap and Holland America has tea and coffee in it’s library everyday and how they’re cancelling their next princess cruise for this reason.

So, they’re nice, but they are tiring and we’re  all making a big effort to keep on their good side.

The crew club on this ship is great and there are always cool events on to keep us crew members occupied. Last night, we had a crew show with the hypnotist on board at the moment, and of course I volunteered. There are 50 levels of hypnosis.. and I think I was about at a level 20. I was really suggestible and would do all the things he told me to do, but when it came to seeing things that were’nt there (eg. When he told us he was going invisible), I could see him the whole time. SO.. I faked it a bit. But it was really fun and I’m thoroughly embarrassed today!

Then there was a raffle of all this awesome electronics – ipods, speakers, laptops. Of course, I won nothing.

Today in Barcelona I caught up with Tanzer, a friend from Brisbane who’s recently moved to Barcelona. He took me to a bar secluded in the open air atrium created by a block of buildings that contained a beautiful garden.’ Bar in the garden’ was it’s rather apt name. It was great to catch up with him and hear the tales of his recent move, and semi-whirlwind romance with his now-wife, which I missed while I was at sea the last time.

Tomorrow is a sea day, during which we’ll be passing out of the meditteranian sea. The next day we will be in Lisbon, Porgugal and then after that, welcome to the Atlantic Crossing!

A new adventure

The seatbelt light has flashed off on Flight EK 435 to Dubai and I’m well and truly on my way to a new adventure. In two days time, I’ll be joining the crew of the Ruby Princess, the jewel of the Princess fleet.

Throughout my day; from waking up, through last minute packing mania to sitting in the now-strangely-comfortable departure lounge chair- I had been feeling a strange trepidation about “escaping completely” this time. In my two months at home, I had truly “settled” back in to the Brisbane lifestyle. Constant coffee, cocktails and dinners with friends, job hunting, uni applications and gorgeous spring days out at the races, Parklife and Oktoberfest… I was feeling very “at home”. Last holidays, I grabbed a quick 3.5 weeks and heading back was easy.. but this time, the ties are stronger.

This being said, as I walked down the tunnel to board the plane, a big wave of excitement washed over me. I’m off to Europe once more (ableit briefly), I’m going to experience an atlantic crossing, and I’m going to have those near and dear to me come and experience cruising with me. Freakin awesome!

My newfound feelings of wellbeing were taken to insane levels after I was seated. Seat 31A. Window seat. You always try to play it cool when, as the flow of passengers through the cabin slows to a trickle, and the two seats next to you remain empty. You try not to get over excited. Not to get your hopes up of a couch-style flight. You have to wait for that “cabin crew arm doors” announcement and then.. let the good times roll! I’m currently seated leaning against the window of seat 31A with three pillows softening that annoying chair-arm-in-the back. My legs are resting comfortably across seats 31B and 31C.. my computer is sitting on my lap and I’m sipping a glass of fortified red (tastes like ass.. but.. still adds to the luxury of my current surrounds). This is the ultimate. You could not hope for more!

 It’s a good start to what will hopefully be an amazing contract on the Ruby Princess. The Ruby is the sister ship of my first ship, the Emerald Princess- and thus is a carbon copy. I know exactly where my cabin is and exactly how to get around. No learing curve for me! After the atlantic crossing, we’ll also be doing the exact same itinerary as I did on the Emerald- 7 day Eastern Carribean. Basically, this is the most unforgiving itinerary of all. Tits and teeth every night, 9.5 hours average a day, tender port for 3400 people. I know the score! But I can’t wait. This contract I will have the pleasure of working with my good mate Toby, who I trained with on the Sapphire back in April last year. From the instant I met this boy, I knew we were going to get along like a house on fire. Can’t wait to see his face again!

I’m also excited to meet my new team – not just the cruise staff but the whole ENTS department and indeed, the entire crew 1200 strong. Ugh there weren’t even that many people in total on the Pacific Princess.

But for the time being, I’m settled in here flying over Alice springs. It’s a 13.5 hour flight, so I’m glad to be so comfortable! Now let’s see if I can sleep

I didn't forget.. i swear

ok.. so just so you know I havn't forgotten about my blog. I became angry at it because all the pictures went away and with my limited internet time, I don't have a way to fix it. However, it appears that the pictures have miraculously returned and, thus, so has my desire to write in the blog.

It's late at night now and i should be asleep, but instead I'm chewing up my ridiculously costly internet time looking for an iphone app for a Pompeii walking tour (where I'm going tomorrow). In the next few days, expect the following blog articles to appear (if I write it, I figure I have to do it)-
 - 12 day med explorer port review
- bye bye frankie, hello shane
- Venice, rain and shine
- Kusadasi by nite

so much to write - but it's time to bite the bullet and do it - you know, I only have 28 days left on board! can't believe it - they say time flies when you are having fun!!

In the Med...

That thing happened again. That thing where you get lazy with blog posts. When the wall of things to write about get so high you think you’d need a freakin jetpack to get clear of it.

But today I’m getting clear. I’m sitting in the crew bar right now trying to survive the phillipino mafia controlled karaoke session. Someone is singing some Maroon 5 song.

So.. what has been happening? Since I last wrote, I’ve seen a lot of things. I visited the new, post revolution Egypt and saw the pyramids, sphinx and King Tut’s treasures. Egypt is free and the people are enthusiastic, but I was struck by the amount of rubbish lying in the streets. More than India. Or Sub-saharan Africa.. or .. ANYWHERE. Apparently Mubarak let urban hygiene decline while he siphoned off the cash. The biggest fight in the country now is the battle every tourist fights when getting off the tourist bus and being attacked by vendors and men offering camel rides. Every time you run a “ONE DOLLAR ONE DOLLAR” gauntlet.

I’ve also been to Israel and sunbathed on the beaches of Haifa, where only two months ago there was a terrorist rocket attack. I’ve seen the sea of Galilee and dipped my feet in the river Jordan – which is remarkably creek-sized and surrounded by eucalyptus trees. It felt like somewhere out the back of Egypt, not the site of a biblical scene. We travelled to Nazareth and saw the Golan Heights, visited the site of the “loaves and fishes” and the “water into wine” miracles. I have yet to do Jerusalem howeer, the wailing wall and stations of the cross await!

I’ve rode a mule up the steep slopes of Santorini to take in possibly the most amazingly spectacular views imaginable. Whitewashed houses, blue domes, pastels and arches- santorini is stunning. As is the local delicacy, caramel coated almonds. Mmmm. We had lunch with views of the caldera and the heart of the volcano, Thera, rumoured to be the home of the lost city of atlantis.

I’ve also had the chance to climb the acropolis and eat gyros in the streets of Athens. It rained. while we were on the Acropolis. I’m going back to get “sunshine” photos.

I have also had the chance to visit the ancient ruined city of Ephisis, near Kusadasi, Turkey. Ephesis was a site to see, excavated and reassembled by archaeologists with a passion bordering on obsession. From the old to the new, kusadasi is the ultimate “genuine fake” shoppers paradise. I scored a convincing abacrombie and fitch tracksuit for $20. Jasmine, the cutest and sweetest dancer of all, however, was positively violent in her bargaining and I had to rush out of the store to help with the “walk away” bargaining technique she was employing. Jasmine is one tough kid.

I have also lost my whole team in the last week. After 8 months, our beautiful cast has finally returned home. Natalie has also gone home after her short world cruise contract. Suddenly, it’s just Sam, Nicola, Amy and I left in our little group. I’ve moved cabins up to deck four, into the large sized line captain cabin. The line captain, Demi, has moved in to our old cabin down on three. I am now sharing with a lovely girl from Sydney called Chloe. The new cast are all lovely, but it is hard when most of your friends leave on the same day. I got so sick of writing heartfelt notes to everyone. GAH emotions… so draining.

With the new cast on board, I’m looking forward to lots of new adventures and lots of hot gossip. Today we were in Sicily and tomorrow we are going to Malta. After that we hit the Greek Islands, then up via Croatia to Venice, where we have an overnight stop. I can’t wait to visit the next lot of ports. I’m also looking forward to visiting the dead sea, Pompeii and maybe doing an overnight tour in Jerusalem (I put my name down and I’m keeping my fingers crossed!!).

End of the World Cruise

I can’t believe the world cruise has finally drawn to a close. This morning we said goodbye to all but 42 of our passengers – a large percentage of which had been on board for the full 107 days. It’s been an emotional few days, with many tears spilled from not only the eyes of the passengers, but of the crew as well. We’ve really come to know these passengers, and the majority of them I genuinely like. I think the real difference is that we’ve become comfortable with each other – the line that normally exists between passengers and crew has become blurred a bit – we’re friends with many of them.

Sending them down the gangway this morning was a strange feeling. But it was nice that in my final disembarking group in the cabaret lounge were Merle & Eddie, Zi Zi and a few other passengers who I really know well- and really like. We just sat and hung out. On which other cruise does one get to “hang out” during disembarks.

I have delivered 40 trivias (it would have been 43 had I not gotten sick), done 3 instalments of my music game show, hosted 12 games of deck quoits, had a water balloon fight on deck with Greg Brady and his adorable son Brandon, Painted myself purple for Indian theme night, been to dinner 8 times with passengers in the dining room, given out several hundred luggage tags, survived margarita madness 3 times(with the same passengers in attendance each time), saw 5 boats made of rubbish successfully traverse the pool in the rockiest, most insanely dangerous boat building competition ever, received 31 photos from passengers, thrown-up during the judging of the scavenger hunt- only to be joined by two of the passengers 2 seconds later, greeted 72 shows in the cabaret lounge, survived 6 Frankie-style karaokes, came third in the crew pop-idol, received 8 huge bags of shampoo and sundries from disembarking passengers (it’s like Christmas in our cabin right now- we have 10 bottles of sunscreen!), witnessed the likes of Oman, Mozambique, Namibia, Togo, Ghana & Senegal, worn my stupid horse hat for 11 horse racing sessions AND collected more random arts and crafts stuff for passenger’s random projects than I’d care to remember. It’s been an amazing experience- I just completed the world cruise. Hells yea!

50's and 60's night - me, frankie and nat

Merle (an aussie passenger) and I at the random NYE party

Tim's Mum & Grandma with Me and Nat

The team in the pacific lounge saying bye to brett

 

New passengers are here. And there are young people! I have been virtually mobbing them and inviting them to hang out with me. All the new passengers seem really friendly – and they can’t understand how people could cruise for 107 days. They think the world cruisers are crazy... and I guess they are- but, my gosh we had a good time together!

Brett has gone on holidays and I have a new boss today, Susan. Brett was a wonderful cruise director and I am so glad I got a chance to work with him. Susan seems really nice though, so I’m also looking forward to getting to work with her. I am just so stoked to be in the Med. This is why I signed up in the first place- and I’m finally here.

Tomorrow, we’re in Sorrento- where we are planning to rent bikes and take them all over the island. Coming soon, Egypt and Greece. I just have to pinch myself constantly to believe I’m here.

Portofino - the most beautiful place in the world (well, i think)

I was lucky enough to score a tour in Portofino, which is a place I knew very little about before arriving. Actually, the extent of my knowledge prior to the visit was that there was a clothes shop called Portofino in Brisbane that sold brightly coloured Italian style clothes near the old 411 bus stop on Adelaide St.

For the third day in a row, the sky was crystal clear as we boarded our little tender boat to go ashore in the tiny port. Even the ride in was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. We glided across the glassy Mediterranean waters towards what can only be described as a postcard scene. A wall of Mediterranean vegetation rose in front of us, umbrella pines and palm trees spotting the picture, and nestled in between two headlands was a pastel village that looked like something from the 1600s. There were stately villas perched the high lands, some complete with bell towers and look outs, all bathed in the early morning light. Jasmine and I (both on the same tour), could not believe our eyes.

Once ashore, we boarded a small ferry for our trip to the next town along, Santa Margarita. Normally, a tour bus would have sufficed, but the roads connecting the towns along the coast are so narrow and winding, a large bus can simply not negotiate them. We motored past more and more breathtaking scenes along our route to Santa margarita. This town was also stunning, although much larger with a population of 30,000, all living in the most gorgeously decorated pastel buildings. The influence of the Genoese was extremely strong in this area, and you can tell that it has been wealthy throughout the ages.   WE visited a magnificent church and soaked up the atmosphere. We were to have free time in this little place on the way back, where I ate gelato in the square, bought fresh foccacia and Genoese style Pesto and sat on the grass on the promenade.

We also visited a third town, this time by bus. This place (I forget the name) had a castle in the harbour and a cafe where we were treated to free foccacias and real Italian coffee... ah they know how to do coffee.

It was an absolutely stunning day. After the tour returned, I wandered the streets of Portofino trying to imagine what it would be like to live in such a picturesque place. I can’t believe I am in the Mediterranean for the rest of my contract. I can’t believe how lucky I am.