31 March 08
Departing Cozumel, Mexico
Pretty cool day considering I have been here 1000 times before. Wandered around with some of the girls this morning; found a store that sold toiletries, so we all stocked up on things we needed :) Then some of them had to be back for IPM at 1 and some were coming off IPM, so we went back to the ship and exchanged some of them LOL
By then it was after lunch time and most of us were starved! We headed back over into the pier shops and into Senior Frogs. Ordered some fun drinks and some yummy food. The staff there is hilarious .. silly, fun and even a bit on the raunchy side, but with our group .. we loved it!
So I will warn you now - some of the pics can be Rated R (or Rated X depending on how much of a prude you are! LMFAO!!!) Its amazing how entertained people can be with balloons and booze!
It was the usual suspects there .. the "regulars" from the crew bar .. towards the middle of the afternoon my friend from MTN, Marshall, was able to stop over for a beer. His ship had a last minute port change and ended up being in today! (He and I went to training together in FL before going to our ships - and we were supposed to have lunch last time I was in Cozumel - but if you remember, we never made it to land that day)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.9auea267&x=0&y=x2h0ab&localeid=en_US
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Party Pics
We have had a few parties over the last several days and I have been crap at getting them up here .. so here they are:
Pool Party (for Jenna's Birthday - one of the photog's) The pics are silly.. most of them .. I didn't even take the pics (Jenny, Sam and Jacqui used my camera and a few others) so don't pay any mind to them LOL
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.7iwct23z&x=0&y=-444bnn&localeid=en_US
The Angels vs Devils Disco: (What a great Disco! Why does it always have to end so early? Damn Night Manager!! Grrr)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.923dpdwv&x=0&y=-8our7b&localeid=en_US
Pool Party (for Jenna's Birthday - one of the photog's) The pics are silly.. most of them .. I didn't even take the pics (Jenny, Sam and Jacqui used my camera and a few others) so don't pay any mind to them LOL
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.7iwct23z&x=0&y=-444bnn&localeid=en_US
The Angels vs Devils Disco: (What a great Disco! Why does it always have to end so early? Damn Night Manager!! Grrr)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.923dpdwv&x=0&y=-8our7b&localeid=en_US
The best day in paradise
30 March 08
Santo Thomas de Castilla, Guatemala
(yeah sorry - its Guatemala ... not Nicaragua LOL)
Yesterday was the best day EVER! Better than Barbados .. mainly because I wasn't on the beach or in the water as much as I was up in The Boatyard's bar .. But here I was on the beach from the minute we got there. What could be better than hanging with your friends on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (not just my opinion, ask Samantha Brown from The Travel Channel!) sipping margaritas, while sitting in a beach chair IN the water :) Can you tell me how life can get any freakin better?!?!? Oh and I met some Americans from CA .. God, I never realized how much I miss *normal* people (Sorry to Sam, Ash, etc .. nothing personal .. though you guys are more American than foreigners anyway ... LOL)
Anyway the pics pretty much speak for themselves .. after a FAB day we went back to the ship around 4.30 where I fell into a very long, margarita-induced, coma .. oh I mean sleep LOL
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.8ninunwv&x=0&y=n3mtqr&localeid=en_US
(I had my good camera with me - so I only took pics in the beginning - once the margaritas were flowing, I put it away since I was afraid I would drop it in the sand, water .. or worse, my drink!)
Santo Thomas de Castilla, Guatemala
(yeah sorry - its Guatemala ... not Nicaragua LOL)
Yesterday was the best day EVER! Better than Barbados .. mainly because I wasn't on the beach or in the water as much as I was up in The Boatyard's bar .. But here I was on the beach from the minute we got there. What could be better than hanging with your friends on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (not just my opinion, ask Samantha Brown from The Travel Channel!) sipping margaritas, while sitting in a beach chair IN the water :) Can you tell me how life can get any freakin better?!?!? Oh and I met some Americans from CA .. God, I never realized how much I miss *normal* people (Sorry to Sam, Ash, etc .. nothing personal .. though you guys are more American than foreigners anyway ... LOL)
Anyway the pics pretty much speak for themselves .. after a FAB day we went back to the ship around 4.30 where I fell into a very long, margarita-induced, coma .. oh I mean sleep LOL
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.8ninunwv&x=0&y=n3mtqr&localeid=en_US
(I had my good camera with me - so I only took pics in the beginning - once the margaritas were flowing, I put it away since I was afraid I would drop it in the sand, water .. or worse, my drink!)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Houston, we have a problem
28 Mar 08
On our way to paradise – Roatan, Honduras
On our way to paradise – Roatan, Honduras
Well it’s been a hell of a day at sea! I ran a Frequent User promo – which normally brings the pax in like shoppers after Thanksgiving, but yet .. I only did 577 pounds! VERY LOW for that promo .. I normally can hit over 1000 pounds at least. These people just aren’t spending anymore .. They started off with a bang; but supposedly since we have had all the troubles, they are feisty and pissy, so they aren’t spending. Damn! So yet another month, not making target.
About 6pm Captain came on – and in my head I went “uh oh” - since he normally doesn’t come on at that time for anything unless there is something important to say. Well he tells us we are going to get to Roatan on time tomorrow and stay till our normal time (thank the lords above) but that on Sunday we will need to leave Santo Thomas, Nicaragua about 5 hours early because Engine 4 is on the fritz and overheating - so in order to make Cozumel on time on Monday, we need to leave earlier on Sunday. What the hell is going on with this ship?!?!? Some crew say this Captain does things different .. and doesn't use his expertise .. so some of the things could have been avoided. That is the scuttle-butt around here .. as well as Ash telling me some of the same things.
So then we got our CSQ’s tonight – I went to read mine thinking ok, well if nothing else I will do ok in the Customer Service part of my job. Nope! Think again, my friend. Other than a few positive comments .. And my normal “its too expensive” ones .. I got ripped on a few!! WTF?? How can I be soo good one cruise and suck ass the next? Well I was seriously pissed off! Then for fun .. And to see how other dept’s did (thanks to Pip for the idea as I was wingeing at her about it on IM tonight) it seems we were ripped apart in every dept – here are some of my favorites:
F&B – “Sweets are too sweet”
Photo – “Photographers are no where to be seen”
Entertainment – “Cruise Director is called Mr Invisible by some of us passengers”
Entertainment – “Should have BBC World during entire cruise, not just in UK”
Shops – “Shops aren’t big enough”
These people are just mad! (IE: Mad means Crazy in Brit-Speak) At least I felt a little better once I read them – since some of them were hilarious .. And just so far from the truth! I mean hell, the photogs are always out .. Our cruise director is probably out “on deck” more than any other HOD (head of dept) and you can’t get effen BBC WORLD in the Caribbean you effen nutters!
Can’t wait for tonight – Spa Disco .. Angels and Devils .. any ideas on what I will be? :P
Tomorrow – the beach in Roatan .. all day!!!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Didn't see Panama Jack ..
.. but saw his friends with his hat on!
27 Mar 08
Limon, Costa Rica
Another birthday today – Happy Birthday Kellu!!
Ok, that’s done .. We were in Panama yesterday .. not much to do there other than a Panama tour. I was supposed to go with Jill and Cat .. Jill was getting a private tour from her Excurisions contact (she is the Shore Excursions Manager) but somehow I never found them in the terminal when they said they were looking for me. Oh well.
In the meantime while I was waiting for them – I wandered around with Lucy, Brooke and Alice .. checking out the table vendors and shops. Decided to go for a margarita on the outside bar .. was really nice! (the bar and being outside was too! LOL) Seriously, the margaritas were the best .. I normally don’t like them on the rocks, but they were kick ass! (Pip – you would have loved them!!!)
We didn’t do much .. after that, we decided to go to the other bar in the terminal (The Wahoo Bar) and try their margaritas out .. they were so good as well we aren’t even sure which one is better! Lucy had to go do IPM at 1, so she and Brooke left after that. Alice still had another hour before she needed to go back to work, so we went for one more drink at the last bar (how many bars are in this terminal??) which was right at the bottom of the gangway to the ship.
After the 3rd margarita – I went up on Deck 9 ½ while Alice went back to work. I proceeded to fall into a nice, margarita-induced, snooze :) Got a little sun .. still working on the tan of course .. then about 3.30 then sun was going behind some possibly nasty clouds .. I wanted to nap in my own bed anyway. So nap away in my own bed I did! Liz and Aunt Pat would be so proud at all the napping I do .. LOL. The first day Alice got on she told me she isn’t ‘the napping kind’ (as I was laying on my bed and getting ready for my daily siesta) .. I said “oh you just wait” and she’s not even here a week and already she is looking to nap LMAO!!
Anyway – here are some pics from yesterday:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.53kyxgwf&x=0&y=-cltei9&localeid=en_US
We were in Limon Costa Rica today .. but you have seen it before since we were here on the last cruise .. so I didn’t take any pics today. Tomorrow is a sea day and then Yahoooo we are in Roatan on Sunday .. can’t wait for that beach!!!
27 Mar 08
Limon, Costa Rica
Another birthday today – Happy Birthday Kellu!!
Ok, that’s done .. We were in Panama yesterday .. not much to do there other than a Panama tour. I was supposed to go with Jill and Cat .. Jill was getting a private tour from her Excurisions contact (she is the Shore Excursions Manager) but somehow I never found them in the terminal when they said they were looking for me. Oh well.
In the meantime while I was waiting for them – I wandered around with Lucy, Brooke and Alice .. checking out the table vendors and shops. Decided to go for a margarita on the outside bar .. was really nice! (the bar and being outside was too! LOL) Seriously, the margaritas were the best .. I normally don’t like them on the rocks, but they were kick ass! (Pip – you would have loved them!!!)
We didn’t do much .. after that, we decided to go to the other bar in the terminal (The Wahoo Bar) and try their margaritas out .. they were so good as well we aren’t even sure which one is better! Lucy had to go do IPM at 1, so she and Brooke left after that. Alice still had another hour before she needed to go back to work, so we went for one more drink at the last bar (how many bars are in this terminal??) which was right at the bottom of the gangway to the ship.
After the 3rd margarita – I went up on Deck 9 ½ while Alice went back to work. I proceeded to fall into a nice, margarita-induced, snooze :) Got a little sun .. still working on the tan of course .. then about 3.30 then sun was going behind some possibly nasty clouds .. I wanted to nap in my own bed anyway. So nap away in my own bed I did! Liz and Aunt Pat would be so proud at all the napping I do .. LOL. The first day Alice got on she told me she isn’t ‘the napping kind’ (as I was laying on my bed and getting ready for my daily siesta) .. I said “oh you just wait” and she’s not even here a week and already she is looking to nap LMAO!!
Anyway – here are some pics from yesterday:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.53kyxgwf&x=0&y=-cltei9&localeid=en_US
We were in Limon Costa Rica today .. but you have seen it before since we were here on the last cruise .. so I didn’t take any pics today. Tomorrow is a sea day and then Yahoooo we are in Roatan on Sunday .. can’t wait for that beach!!!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Columbia - Cocaine Capital of the World!
26 Mar 08
Colon, Panama
First of all Happy Birthday to Kir! Sorry I can’t be there to celebrate with you!! Miss you!!
And a Happy Birthday to Mr Hot Ass himself .. Kenny Chesney J
Ok, that out of the way .. yesterday we were in Santa Marta, Columbia. It was the first time for P&O (and after my story, you will join me in thinking it was also our last). We got in without any trouble; I wasn’t going to go ashore since it was only a half day port. But Cat wanted to go out and walk around in the sunshine, so I agreed. We walked out of the port gates and started getting bombarded with people selling us stuff .. sunglasses, tee shirts, whatever. It was like the parking lot of a concert and all those guys selling boot-leg shirts. I didn’t like how pushy they were, as opposed to just taking no. A few of them were whistling under their breathe at me as I walked away .. and a handful of them asked me to come home with them. They liked my blond hair and blue eyes. One of them even motioned that they liked my big “booty”. I guess I am one of a kind in those parts J Its funny now – but at the time, I was quite uncomfortable. I obviously was carrying cash, ID and I had my good camera, so I was a little concerned about that. We stayed on the main road – Cat wanted to go down a side street, bless her – but I don’t think she thought it as bad as it was. From a distance it looked like a quaint street like we had seen in Montevideo or something. But once we crossed the main road I told Cat ‘no way’ It wasn’t filled with tourists at all .. it was all locals. God knows someone was going to try to sell us coke, attempt to kidnap me .. or both!
Being from NY it takes a lot to make me uncomfortable. However, living in the ghetto in Philly taught me a lot about street-smarts and to go with my gut. My instincts said no, so I wasn’t going. We ended up heading back to the ship along the beach and then back on. We were off all of about 45 mins LOL.
Well when I got back, I threw some laundry in and then what else .. went up on deck J Sat with Carlin for a while .. just chatting and sunbathing on 9 ½. We were supposed to sail at 1pm but by about 1.30 we still hadn’t. Captain came on and said the local officials wanted to inspect the underbelly of the ship and had to have divers come to do so – so we were going to be held up for about an hour. I am not sure what the officials were looking for .. stowaway Columbians holding their breath? Bags of coke attached to the hull? Come on now! We finally departed at a few mins before 3 – just in time for my nail appt with Buddy.
She and I always catch up and gossip when I get my nails done – turns out one of our waiters had been slashed during an attempted mugging right before we left! Some woman came up to him right outside the port gates (she has balls!!) and tried to get his money. When he told her over and over he didn’t have any – she slashed him in the arm! Holy crap!! I don’t know the guy personally – but I still feel so bad for him. He is doing fine – but that was the reason we didn’t leave right at 1 as well .. they had to talk to the local police .. along with the port officials being wankers.
Other than all of that – took some neat pics of the town. Don’t know that I EVER want to go to Columbia again .. but we will see. Maybe there is a nice area somewhere I don’t know about - LOL - though I doubt it!
Here are the pics:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.81ayizen&x=0&y=qrggjb
Colon, Panama
First of all Happy Birthday to Kir! Sorry I can’t be there to celebrate with you!! Miss you!!
And a Happy Birthday to Mr Hot Ass himself .. Kenny Chesney J
Ok, that out of the way .. yesterday we were in Santa Marta, Columbia. It was the first time for P&O (and after my story, you will join me in thinking it was also our last). We got in without any trouble; I wasn’t going to go ashore since it was only a half day port. But Cat wanted to go out and walk around in the sunshine, so I agreed. We walked out of the port gates and started getting bombarded with people selling us stuff .. sunglasses, tee shirts, whatever. It was like the parking lot of a concert and all those guys selling boot-leg shirts. I didn’t like how pushy they were, as opposed to just taking no. A few of them were whistling under their breathe at me as I walked away .. and a handful of them asked me to come home with them. They liked my blond hair and blue eyes. One of them even motioned that they liked my big “booty”. I guess I am one of a kind in those parts J Its funny now – but at the time, I was quite uncomfortable. I obviously was carrying cash, ID and I had my good camera, so I was a little concerned about that. We stayed on the main road – Cat wanted to go down a side street, bless her – but I don’t think she thought it as bad as it was. From a distance it looked like a quaint street like we had seen in Montevideo or something. But once we crossed the main road I told Cat ‘no way’ It wasn’t filled with tourists at all .. it was all locals. God knows someone was going to try to sell us coke, attempt to kidnap me .. or both!
Being from NY it takes a lot to make me uncomfortable. However, living in the ghetto in Philly taught me a lot about street-smarts and to go with my gut. My instincts said no, so I wasn’t going. We ended up heading back to the ship along the beach and then back on. We were off all of about 45 mins LOL.
Well when I got back, I threw some laundry in and then what else .. went up on deck J Sat with Carlin for a while .. just chatting and sunbathing on 9 ½. We were supposed to sail at 1pm but by about 1.30 we still hadn’t. Captain came on and said the local officials wanted to inspect the underbelly of the ship and had to have divers come to do so – so we were going to be held up for about an hour. I am not sure what the officials were looking for .. stowaway Columbians holding their breath? Bags of coke attached to the hull? Come on now! We finally departed at a few mins before 3 – just in time for my nail appt with Buddy.
She and I always catch up and gossip when I get my nails done – turns out one of our waiters had been slashed during an attempted mugging right before we left! Some woman came up to him right outside the port gates (she has balls!!) and tried to get his money. When he told her over and over he didn’t have any – she slashed him in the arm! Holy crap!! I don’t know the guy personally – but I still feel so bad for him. He is doing fine – but that was the reason we didn’t leave right at 1 as well .. they had to talk to the local police .. along with the port officials being wankers.
Other than all of that – took some neat pics of the town. Don’t know that I EVER want to go to Columbia again .. but we will see. Maybe there is a nice area somewhere I don’t know about - LOL - though I doubt it!
Here are the pics:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.81ayizen&x=0&y=qrggjb
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Aruba
24 March 08
Orangestad, Aruba
I have to say - I am quite disappointed .. Aruba was so great the last time I was here ( with Yafa 2 yrs ago .. and it was great then - wow! LOL) Anyway, 90% of the stores were closed .. for "Easter Monday" Is that really a holiday? Did The Big J really do anything special that day ? Wouldn't he be tired from rising from the dead the day before?? :) Sorry - not meant to offend anyone .. but I think Easter Monday is just some BS reason to have off another day from work.
Anyway - Amie and I were going to go to the beach, but the weather was overcast and very windy .. I hate wind on the beach!! So we opted to just walk around - not knowing EVEYTHING was closed - ugh. After we had a little lunch we ended up going back on the ship to lay out .. no point in wasting money to go to the beach on a crappy day when we can lay on deck for free :) Snoozed in the semi-sun up there the rest of the afternoon - was quite nice since the wind kept you cool (the sun is HOT) and we both got some nice color too.
Here are the pics from Aruba:
as you can see .. it was a GHOST TOWN (compared to the last time I was there)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.8pi68ry7&x=0&y=-k8hun7
Worked last night till 11, then there was a Photo Lab party for Jenny's birthday - not a whole bunch of people, but my normal crew bar buddies - was cool since I didn't need to be in Rig of the Day .. so I wore JEANS! Bloody hell I was a happy camper to put jeans on! Good time had by all!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.1iznxcn3&x=0&y=fhoglf
Orangestad, Aruba
I have to say - I am quite disappointed .. Aruba was so great the last time I was here ( with Yafa 2 yrs ago .. and it was great then - wow! LOL) Anyway, 90% of the stores were closed .. for "Easter Monday" Is that really a holiday? Did The Big J really do anything special that day ? Wouldn't he be tired from rising from the dead the day before?? :) Sorry - not meant to offend anyone .. but I think Easter Monday is just some BS reason to have off another day from work.
Anyway - Amie and I were going to go to the beach, but the weather was overcast and very windy .. I hate wind on the beach!! So we opted to just walk around - not knowing EVEYTHING was closed - ugh. After we had a little lunch we ended up going back on the ship to lay out .. no point in wasting money to go to the beach on a crappy day when we can lay on deck for free :) Snoozed in the semi-sun up there the rest of the afternoon - was quite nice since the wind kept you cool (the sun is HOT) and we both got some nice color too.
Here are the pics from Aruba:
as you can see .. it was a GHOST TOWN (compared to the last time I was there)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.8pi68ry7&x=0&y=-k8hun7
Worked last night till 11, then there was a Photo Lab party for Jenny's birthday - not a whole bunch of people, but my normal crew bar buddies - was cool since I didn't need to be in Rig of the Day .. so I wore JEANS! Bloody hell I was a happy camper to put jeans on! Good time had by all!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.1iznxcn3&x=0&y=fhoglf
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter Disco
Last night was another disco - wasn't great - music wasn't fab or anything .. and a lot of people didn't show up .. (Ents, some Officers, etc) Still had fun hanging with the girls - including my new cabin mate, Alice. She is on the left in one of the group pics in the beginning
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.8rnhsoin&x=0&y=49ly9t
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.8rnhsoin&x=0&y=49ly9t
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Update
Since a few of you have been asking ....
1) Feet ~ are sore .. but I am on them A LOT this week .. several ports in a row, so I am on the go. However, I have been sneaking around in my Crocs - ahhh, those people are geniuses. I need to get another pair in black, since I technically need to be in black shoes (or Navy ) for during the day. Anyone know if I can order them online to be shipped to the UK?
2) BP ~ VERY GOOD!!! I am off the pills for about 2 weeks now, have had to go in daily for checks .. and it has been coming down .. it was about 145 a few days after I came off them .. then down into the 130's .. today (well this evening) it was 120/80!!! I told everyone that Dr in FL was a quack. I knew it was stress. Here I am now, a few pounds lighter, not stressed and waa-laa .. all is good. After today - I need to do a few more days of daily checks, then they will go to every few days, and then once a week, etc
I think that was it - anything else you need to know? Email me or post a comment :)
And P.S. - I know the difference between Shep's Pie and Cottage Pie .. I just cant tell which one is which by tasting them - needed to clarify that LOL. Sam, I got the same Shepherd=Lamb example on the ship :) Good job!
1) Feet ~ are sore .. but I am on them A LOT this week .. several ports in a row, so I am on the go. However, I have been sneaking around in my Crocs - ahhh, those people are geniuses. I need to get another pair in black, since I technically need to be in black shoes (or Navy ) for during the day. Anyone know if I can order them online to be shipped to the UK?
2) BP ~ VERY GOOD!!! I am off the pills for about 2 weeks now, have had to go in daily for checks .. and it has been coming down .. it was about 145 a few days after I came off them .. then down into the 130's .. today (well this evening) it was 120/80!!! I told everyone that Dr in FL was a quack. I knew it was stress. Here I am now, a few pounds lighter, not stressed and waa-laa .. all is good. After today - I need to do a few more days of daily checks, then they will go to every few days, and then once a week, etc
I think that was it - anything else you need to know? Email me or post a comment :)
And P.S. - I know the difference between Shep's Pie and Cottage Pie .. I just cant tell which one is which by tasting them - needed to clarify that LOL. Sam, I got the same Shepherd=Lamb example on the ship :) Good job!
Happy Easter!
23 March 08
At sea, enroute to Aruba
Happy Easter everyone!
I know it is Easter Sunday .. but it really isn't any different. They had church services onboard (but they have that every Sunday anyway) and I don't know that lunch was any different for them - it certainly wasn't for us. We have the *same* thing every Sunday for lunch .. fish and chips, Shepherds Pie (Or is it Cottage? Never can tell them apart) Mushy Peas (BLECH!) and some sort of beef. Boooooring .. I like the pie .. but enough is enough. And the fries - jeezus, I don't even *want* to eat them because they are served so much - which is a good thing I guess!
Anyway, yesterday we were in Barbados - what a great freaking time!!! Met up with Marcus in the am, and just walked around the terminal and port area. Ran into Brooke and Lucy at the little tiki hut outside so we sat there, chatted and had a few rum punches. Damn that stuff is lethal - it is soo yummy and easy to go down .. then you have to stand up .. wowee ! After a few drinks, we went to eat and then shop around a bit. Lucy and I found the rum punch in one of the Duty Free stores .. so of course we had to get some! Marcus hung around till 1 with me just shopping and such - then we walked back to my ship to meet up with Sam, Cat and Jill to head off to the Boatyard ( a great beach bar/club that is very popular with the crew from all the ships) Marcus then headed back to his ship to get ready for work and we headed off!
The Boatyard was an absolutle blast!! I have been hearing about this place all contract and I was having so much fun - you will see from the pics! The girls from my ship were in Bikini Shaking contests and Colada Slurping contests - Artemis gals won them both :) Yeah I know Mom - something to be proud of right? Well, I thought it was hilarious. Anyway .. we were there till about 6, then I had had enough .. was fairly tipsy, hot, wet (the swimming was awesome!) and very sandy. I wanted a shower and my bed! LOL We headed back and I did just that ..
Here are my pics - no need for explanations .. lots of rum punch was flowing .. nuff said!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.5nc7xqen&x=0&y=-tw1ns4
At sea, enroute to Aruba
Happy Easter everyone!
I know it is Easter Sunday .. but it really isn't any different. They had church services onboard (but they have that every Sunday anyway) and I don't know that lunch was any different for them - it certainly wasn't for us. We have the *same* thing every Sunday for lunch .. fish and chips, Shepherds Pie (Or is it Cottage? Never can tell them apart) Mushy Peas (BLECH!) and some sort of beef. Boooooring .. I like the pie .. but enough is enough. And the fries - jeezus, I don't even *want* to eat them because they are served so much - which is a good thing I guess!
Anyway, yesterday we were in Barbados - what a great freaking time!!! Met up with Marcus in the am, and just walked around the terminal and port area. Ran into Brooke and Lucy at the little tiki hut outside so we sat there, chatted and had a few rum punches. Damn that stuff is lethal - it is soo yummy and easy to go down .. then you have to stand up .. wowee ! After a few drinks, we went to eat and then shop around a bit. Lucy and I found the rum punch in one of the Duty Free stores .. so of course we had to get some! Marcus hung around till 1 with me just shopping and such - then we walked back to my ship to meet up with Sam, Cat and Jill to head off to the Boatyard ( a great beach bar/club that is very popular with the crew from all the ships) Marcus then headed back to his ship to get ready for work and we headed off!
The Boatyard was an absolutle blast!! I have been hearing about this place all contract and I was having so much fun - you will see from the pics! The girls from my ship were in Bikini Shaking contests and Colada Slurping contests - Artemis gals won them both :) Yeah I know Mom - something to be proud of right? Well, I thought it was hilarious. Anyway .. we were there till about 6, then I had had enough .. was fairly tipsy, hot, wet (the swimming was awesome!) and very sandy. I wanted a shower and my bed! LOL We headed back and I did just that ..
Here are my pics - no need for explanations .. lots of rum punch was flowing .. nuff said!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.5nc7xqen&x=0&y=-tw1ns4
Friday, March 21, 2008
Have I Told You Lately ...
21 March 08
Fort-de-France, Martinique
.. that I just *love* the islands???
We are in Fort De France, Martinique today - another new port for me and another great day :)
Worked till half 10 then had Crew Hotel Training (Survival Equipment was today's topic) finished at 11 and then met the girls quay-side at 11.15. Tanya, Clare, Amie and I wanted to go to the beach .. we tried to get a taxi but the guy was pulling out a map and telling us to take the ferry, etc. (Btw, I do my research before I ever get off the ship when we are in port if we are going anywhere but to the town) So we start walking away and he is yelling over "madamoiselle .. madamoiselle" and trying to get us to go with him - I tell him .. in my best NY attitude .. "you just told me to take the ferry - beat it" :)
Anyway, we walk towards the front of the port and another taxi guy comes up and tells us he will take us to the beach for $20 US. Now we are talking! So he drove us to a secluded beach - nice, but we were hoping for something with a place to eat, etc. So he then took us to a nice hotel nearby and said we can use their beach - since it wasn't really "theirs"
It was a beautiful hotel - up on a bluff, overlooking the water .. gorgeous! The people there were a bit cheeky (aka "rude") but its the French .. I wasn't surprised to be honest. I took some really great photos though. Had a nice day on the beach with the girls .. after quite a few hours it got too hot and we were hungry (the restaurant prices were ridiculous - 15euro for a freakin salad) so we left and when we got into town - realized everything was closed!! WTF?? Well duh - it was late afternoon on Good Friday .. ahh, how we keep forgetting. So where did we eat you ask? One of the only 2 places in town that were open - KFC or McDonalds - so we opted for KFC. Pretty funny! Was yummy though ..
Headed back to the ship around 4ish and went up on deck 9 1/2 to just enjoy the rest of the sun, fresh air and scenery. Was really a lovely day! Here are the pics - I took about 75, but I cut them down a bit :)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.3b172j2n&x=0&y=-852d6g
Up Next - Georgetown, Barbados - tomorrow
Fort-de-France, Martinique
.. that I just *love* the islands???
We are in Fort De France, Martinique today - another new port for me and another great day :)
Worked till half 10 then had Crew Hotel Training (Survival Equipment was today's topic) finished at 11 and then met the girls quay-side at 11.15. Tanya, Clare, Amie and I wanted to go to the beach .. we tried to get a taxi but the guy was pulling out a map and telling us to take the ferry, etc. (Btw, I do my research before I ever get off the ship when we are in port if we are going anywhere but to the town) So we start walking away and he is yelling over "madamoiselle .. madamoiselle" and trying to get us to go with him - I tell him .. in my best NY attitude .. "you just told me to take the ferry - beat it" :)
Anyway, we walk towards the front of the port and another taxi guy comes up and tells us he will take us to the beach for $20 US. Now we are talking! So he drove us to a secluded beach - nice, but we were hoping for something with a place to eat, etc. So he then took us to a nice hotel nearby and said we can use their beach - since it wasn't really "theirs"
It was a beautiful hotel - up on a bluff, overlooking the water .. gorgeous! The people there were a bit cheeky (aka "rude") but its the French .. I wasn't surprised to be honest. I took some really great photos though. Had a nice day on the beach with the girls .. after quite a few hours it got too hot and we were hungry (the restaurant prices were ridiculous - 15euro for a freakin salad) so we left and when we got into town - realized everything was closed!! WTF?? Well duh - it was late afternoon on Good Friday .. ahh, how we keep forgetting. So where did we eat you ask? One of the only 2 places in town that were open - KFC or McDonalds - so we opted for KFC. Pretty funny! Was yummy though ..
Headed back to the ship around 4ish and went up on deck 9 1/2 to just enjoy the rest of the sun, fresh air and scenery. Was really a lovely day! Here are the pics - I took about 75, but I cut them down a bit :)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.3b172j2n&x=0&y=-852d6g
Up Next - Georgetown, Barbados - tomorrow
Ooops!
Just realized I never posted my pics from Madeira! No wonder you all were itching to see pics .. last place you would have seen would be Key West really .. since I didn't do many pics in Ft Lauderdale and Nassau!
Anyway - here is Madeira, Portugal (though it is off the NE coast of Africa)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.7qk3vvxr&x=0&y=-mb32cp
Anyway - here is Madeira, Portugal (though it is off the NE coast of Africa)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.7qk3vvxr&x=0&y=-mb32cp
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Is that actually land????
20 March 08
St John's, Antigua
Holy hell - we are finally on land! Jeezus, that was a long haul this time - 9 freaking days at sea .. and I was not able to get off in Southampton, so I have been on board since 6 March in Madeira! (Speaking of Madeira - forgot to post those pics - will do that on my next post)
Anyway .. had to work till 11am and had found out last night that the Explorer of the Seas (the ship Marcus is on) was going to be in port with us. I had emailed him in hopes he would check his email and maybe we could meet up. If not, we still had plans for Sat in Barbados. I was dying to go ashore .. just to get on land and off this tin can (sorry there 'ol lady) So I ran out of work with a min to go before 11 and went to my cabin to get changed .. already had my rucksack packed :) Walked off the ship and Marcus was waiting for me at the end of the pier (he wasn't allowed down the pier - only if you had a cruise card or a crew ID) Was soooo happy to see him - was like getting a hug from back home. So we chatted for a few about what to do and what time we had to be back to our respective ships .. then walked around a bit; met up with Amie and Clare and window shopped with them .. then they were heading to the beach and we went to go get lunch. Had a nice leisurely lunch just catching up .. he wanted to hear all about my ship life :)
After lunch, we wandered around some more and ran back into Amie and Clare, who were at an outdoor patio bar (they didnt make it to the beach LOL) So we went to sit with them, ordered some fun drinks - yummy pina coladas - and just sat and people watched while listening to caribbean music and watching some lady dance with a pineapple on her head (see the pics)
Jill, Martin and Cat (not my Cat, another Cat) had also joined us by then. Marcus left about 2ish as he had to get back and get ready for work - we said we would see each other in 2 days .. that was cool! Anyways after we finished our round of drinks, we went for some pizza - they say it was one of the best pizza places in the caribbean so I was sying to try it. It was DAMN good .. not thick dough like NY .. it was a thin crust .. but it was scrummy!!
When we were done stuffing our faces full of food that we DON'T get on the ship ... Clare wanted to go shopping and I wanted to head back and lay down (I need my naps - even if they are short!) before I went to work. Plus I wanted to take some more pics of the town and the ships before they left.
Here are my pics from today:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.1cim9j3j&x=0&y=9si669
P.S. - Steve and Di - I don't have your email address, so email me at sashasatsea@gmail.com
St John's, Antigua
Holy hell - we are finally on land! Jeezus, that was a long haul this time - 9 freaking days at sea .. and I was not able to get off in Southampton, so I have been on board since 6 March in Madeira! (Speaking of Madeira - forgot to post those pics - will do that on my next post)
Anyway .. had to work till 11am and had found out last night that the Explorer of the Seas (the ship Marcus is on) was going to be in port with us. I had emailed him in hopes he would check his email and maybe we could meet up. If not, we still had plans for Sat in Barbados. I was dying to go ashore .. just to get on land and off this tin can (sorry there 'ol lady) So I ran out of work with a min to go before 11 and went to my cabin to get changed .. already had my rucksack packed :) Walked off the ship and Marcus was waiting for me at the end of the pier (he wasn't allowed down the pier - only if you had a cruise card or a crew ID) Was soooo happy to see him - was like getting a hug from back home. So we chatted for a few about what to do and what time we had to be back to our respective ships .. then walked around a bit; met up with Amie and Clare and window shopped with them .. then they were heading to the beach and we went to go get lunch. Had a nice leisurely lunch just catching up .. he wanted to hear all about my ship life :)
After lunch, we wandered around some more and ran back into Amie and Clare, who were at an outdoor patio bar (they didnt make it to the beach LOL) So we went to sit with them, ordered some fun drinks - yummy pina coladas - and just sat and people watched while listening to caribbean music and watching some lady dance with a pineapple on her head (see the pics)
Jill, Martin and Cat (not my Cat, another Cat) had also joined us by then. Marcus left about 2ish as he had to get back and get ready for work - we said we would see each other in 2 days .. that was cool! Anyways after we finished our round of drinks, we went for some pizza - they say it was one of the best pizza places in the caribbean so I was sying to try it. It was DAMN good .. not thick dough like NY .. it was a thin crust .. but it was scrummy!!
When we were done stuffing our faces full of food that we DON'T get on the ship ... Clare wanted to go shopping and I wanted to head back and lay down (I need my naps - even if they are short!) before I went to work. Plus I wanted to take some more pics of the town and the ships before they left.
Here are my pics from today:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.1cim9j3j&x=0&y=9si669
P.S. - Steve and Di - I don't have your email address, so email me at sashasatsea@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
St Patty's Day
17 March 08
Somewhere in the Atlantic - but getting very close to the caribbean
We are close enough to the caribbean .. I was actually sunbathing yesterday! It was glorious! After several chilly days on the crossing to England, then the absolute crap weather IN England .. then of course more chilly days leaving England .... it was sooo awesome to get out on deck again. A few of us were up there .. and we just kept sighing saying 'this is so great!'
I didn't get out there today - I was so tired (disco last night) and I am trying to fight off a cold - so I went for a nice long nap in my bed. It worked out because the sun went in about an hour after I went to sleep (Sam told me LOL she is the sun-watcher) I didnt sleep great - you never really do when you have that fever mouth .. ick it sucks! I am going to take 2 Tylenol PM as soon as I get off of work tonight and then watch a movie. No more partying unless it is a disco night. Usually a normal night in the crew bar is pretty quiet - so I am not missing anything. Plus, the crew bar isn't the same without Ash - even when it was dead we always hung out with the "regulars" LOL .. even if I do go down there, it is for one glass of wine and then I leave to go back to my cabin and into my bed. Funny how things change you, eh?
Here are some pics from the party - most people you know .. some are new crew .. the pics at the end were from Verity's cabin (one of the dancers) after the disco ended and I was having fun playing dress up :)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.3pg656yn&x=0&y=-p805je
Somewhere in the Atlantic - but getting very close to the caribbean
We are close enough to the caribbean .. I was actually sunbathing yesterday! It was glorious! After several chilly days on the crossing to England, then the absolute crap weather IN England .. then of course more chilly days leaving England .... it was sooo awesome to get out on deck again. A few of us were up there .. and we just kept sighing saying 'this is so great!'
I didn't get out there today - I was so tired (disco last night) and I am trying to fight off a cold - so I went for a nice long nap in my bed. It worked out because the sun went in about an hour after I went to sleep (Sam told me LOL she is the sun-watcher) I didnt sleep great - you never really do when you have that fever mouth .. ick it sucks! I am going to take 2 Tylenol PM as soon as I get off of work tonight and then watch a movie. No more partying unless it is a disco night. Usually a normal night in the crew bar is pretty quiet - so I am not missing anything. Plus, the crew bar isn't the same without Ash - even when it was dead we always hung out with the "regulars" LOL .. even if I do go down there, it is for one glass of wine and then I leave to go back to my cabin and into my bed. Funny how things change you, eh?
Here are some pics from the party - most people you know .. some are new crew .. the pics at the end were from Verity's cabin (one of the dancers) after the disco ended and I was having fun playing dress up :)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.3pg656yn&x=0&y=-p805je
Saturday, March 15, 2008
1st Missed Port of Call
La Coruna, Spain
We had to miss this port due to the bad weather and leaving Southampton late and then our anchor damage and the need for repairs before the Atlantic crossing. Good thing, eh?
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/weather/2008/03/14/vo.spain.wave.ap#
This happened the same day we were supposed to be there!!!
Holy crap!! (said Peanut style!)
We had to miss this port due to the bad weather and leaving Southampton late and then our anchor damage and the need for repairs before the Atlantic crossing. Good thing, eh?
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/weather/2008/03/14/vo.spain.wave.ap#
This happened the same day we were supposed to be there!!!
Holy crap!! (said Peanut style!)
Artemis News
Here is some news I found online about my little old lady:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2447
http://cruiseshipheadlines.blogspot.com/2008/03/southampton-daily-echo-uk-cruise-ship.html
but not to be confused with this:
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080311/img/pwl-europe-weather-storm-53-83585399aa8b0.html
Holy crap!! Could you imagine running onto the beach like that .. yikes! That would have been one hell of a site to wake up to for us ... trying to explain to our pax .. "well we aren't going to the caribbean - but we will be on a beach for the next 30 days!" LOL!!
http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=2447
http://cruiseshipheadlines.blogspot.com/2008/03/southampton-daily-echo-uk-cruise-ship.html
but not to be confused with this:
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080311/img/pwl-europe-weather-storm-53-83585399aa8b0.html
Holy crap!! Could you imagine running onto the beach like that .. yikes! That would have been one hell of a site to wake up to for us ... trying to explain to our pax .. "well we aren't going to the caribbean - but we will be on a beach for the next 30 days!" LOL!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Checking in ..
My blog has been kind of boring lately huh? Well all the sea days crossing over to England .. and now crossing back .. not much to see. Lots of friggin water!
Last night was the Joiners Disco. It was fun - had a little too much to drink .. and then went to bed late. :-) Missed Ash something crazy though. Even before we got together, we always hung out - so it is just so strange to be there without him. We have talked everyday - either on the phone or on Yahoo IM (or both if we are lucky)
Here are a few pics from last night - usual good laughs with my pals
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.3pwpig6n&x=0&y=udyif7
We have several more days at sea - 5 to be exact! We will get to Antigua on the 20th .. we are missing St Kitts. I think I mentioned that already. Won't be missing Barbados - which is great and the best part is, we will be there till midnight that night .. woo hoo .. so everyone is going out that night. I am begging Cory (the new Comms manger, who is so cool - not even in the same category as The Muppet!) to let me work my hours in the morning and make up any other hours the day before (or 2 days after LOL) There is an awesome bar there called the Boatyard. Everyone is already psyched to go :) Anyway - we still have 7 days before we get there.
If you are curious to see where we are in the crossing:
http://www.sailwx.info/shiptrack/cruiseships.phtml
That's all for now .. will try to keep the blog interesting for the next few days ... then Caribbean Islands .. here we come!! YAY :-)
Last night was the Joiners Disco. It was fun - had a little too much to drink .. and then went to bed late. :-) Missed Ash something crazy though. Even before we got together, we always hung out - so it is just so strange to be there without him. We have talked everyday - either on the phone or on Yahoo IM (or both if we are lucky)
Here are a few pics from last night - usual good laughs with my pals
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.3pwpig6n&x=0&y=udyif7
We have several more days at sea - 5 to be exact! We will get to Antigua on the 20th .. we are missing St Kitts. I think I mentioned that already. Won't be missing Barbados - which is great and the best part is, we will be there till midnight that night .. woo hoo .. so everyone is going out that night. I am begging Cory (the new Comms manger, who is so cool - not even in the same category as The Muppet!) to let me work my hours in the morning and make up any other hours the day before (or 2 days after LOL) There is an awesome bar there called the Boatyard. Everyone is already psyched to go :) Anyway - we still have 7 days before we get there.
If you are curious to see where we are in the crossing:
http://www.sailwx.info/shiptrack/cruiseships.phtml
That's all for now .. will try to keep the blog interesting for the next few days ... then Caribbean Islands .. here we come!! YAY :-)
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Ports Of Britain
So much for being “on our way again”! Woke up yesterday morning after a terrible night at sea (I never am bothered by the movement if I am sleeping – but everything in my cabin was shifting and banging around and I kept getting woken up!!) Anyway – turns out, we had to head back to England! The weather and seas were so bad, it broke the chains of the anchor (holding it in place) and the anchor got free and started banging around. Put a few holes in the ship! Yikes! A few cabins on my deck had some water in them, but it wasn’t on my side – it was the starboard side. So some have a big mess over there ..
They made an announcement yesterday morning that we had turned around in the early hours of the morning and were taking us back to the closest port in England – Falmouth (Cornwall) for repairs. We got there at about lunchtime then we had to wait for the P&O people to come out and look at the damage. We were able to fix it and get on our way around 10pm last night. We are not going to get to the Caribbean till the 20th – so we are going to miss Antigua. Supposedly, the company is looking at the whole itinerary and might muck up the whole thing! (that is the scuttle-butt around the crew areas – the Captain touched on it lightly in his announcement, but I don’t think the pax figured it out) Effers – just let us pick up where we should! If they mess with our Barbados day, I am going to be angry – I am supposed to meet Marcus for lunch that day dammit!
Went out to the crew bar for a little bit again last night – its so different there with so many people missing. I know I said that before, but its so true. Tonight is supposed to be the Joiners Disco. Might be a good time – but I know I am missing Ash like crazy and it won’t be the same without him. Funny how things work huh? I guess the old sayings are true – ‘what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger’ and ‘the best things come to those who wait’ (I could think of about 20 others right now but I won’t bore you!)
ANYWAY, so that is the story for now. We are at sea for at least a week – whoopee!
P.S. – this is my going away gift from Ash: (great choice huh?) I love it - I don't even take it off!
http://www.swarovski.com/product/Blink+Heart+Pendant/Web_US/en?CategoryName=0104041&ProductPage=0
They made an announcement yesterday morning that we had turned around in the early hours of the morning and were taking us back to the closest port in England – Falmouth (Cornwall) for repairs. We got there at about lunchtime then we had to wait for the P&O people to come out and look at the damage. We were able to fix it and get on our way around 10pm last night. We are not going to get to the Caribbean till the 20th – so we are going to miss Antigua. Supposedly, the company is looking at the whole itinerary and might muck up the whole thing! (that is the scuttle-butt around the crew areas – the Captain touched on it lightly in his announcement, but I don’t think the pax figured it out) Effers – just let us pick up where we should! If they mess with our Barbados day, I am going to be angry – I am supposed to meet Marcus for lunch that day dammit!
Went out to the crew bar for a little bit again last night – its so different there with so many people missing. I know I said that before, but its so true. Tonight is supposed to be the Joiners Disco. Might be a good time – but I know I am missing Ash like crazy and it won’t be the same without him. Funny how things work huh? I guess the old sayings are true – ‘what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger’ and ‘the best things come to those who wait’ (I could think of about 20 others right now but I won’t bore you!)
ANYWAY, so that is the story for now. We are at sea for at least a week – whoopee!
P.S. – this is my going away gift from Ash: (great choice huh?) I love it - I don't even take it off!
http://www.swarovski.com/product/Blink+Heart+Pendant/Web_US/en?CategoryName=0104041&ProductPage=0
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Here We Go (Again)
We have finally left Southampton after an 18 hour delay in departure, due to the continuous nasty storms in and around the area. We left at 10am this morning, got through the English Channel with some lumpy seas and are now back in the Bay of Biscay again .. with lots of rough water to deal with!
We were supposed to have a port in La Coruna, Spain tomorrow; but with the late departure and the rough seas (we cant go fast in the rough water - we are only going about 11 knots at the moment) we aren't going to make it and instead our new captain has plotted a course straight for Antigua - which is our first port once we cross the pond. I am not worried about missing Spain as it is on one of the next cruises in the Med. I dont think too many pax are upset either - since once we get to the Caribbean we are in port almost every day. The most sea days we have is one in between 2 ports. So we won't have the long hauls like we did on the S American Odessey trip. After this crossing, the next long leg of sea days will be in early April when we head back across the pond and to Madeira again. (Turns out one of my Cyber Friends from Work On Cruise Ships will also be in Madeira on the same day - we are going to meet for lunch!!)
Ash signed off yesterday :( We were able to spend the whole day together, before he had to leave the ship around 2.30pm. It was sad as he was leaving and so were so many other people including my cabin-mate Shanessa. I was really bummed out last night - the crew bar was dead and with so many new faces on the ship (crew AND pax) I was sad. I did get a nice phone call from him this morning once he landed in Mumbai and went through customs; then he emailed me this evening to let me know he got into Calcutta and home ok. He misses me like crazy he said. Awww :)
We were supposed to have a port in La Coruna, Spain tomorrow; but with the late departure and the rough seas (we cant go fast in the rough water - we are only going about 11 knots at the moment) we aren't going to make it and instead our new captain has plotted a course straight for Antigua - which is our first port once we cross the pond. I am not worried about missing Spain as it is on one of the next cruises in the Med. I dont think too many pax are upset either - since once we get to the Caribbean we are in port almost every day. The most sea days we have is one in between 2 ports. So we won't have the long hauls like we did on the S American Odessey trip. After this crossing, the next long leg of sea days will be in early April when we head back across the pond and to Madeira again. (Turns out one of my Cyber Friends from Work On Cruise Ships will also be in Madeira on the same day - we are going to meet for lunch!!)
Ash signed off yesterday :( We were able to spend the whole day together, before he had to leave the ship around 2.30pm. It was sad as he was leaving and so were so many other people including my cabin-mate Shanessa. I was really bummed out last night - the crew bar was dead and with so many new faces on the ship (crew AND pax) I was sad. I did get a nice phone call from him this morning once he landed in Mumbai and went through customs; then he emailed me this evening to let me know he got into Calcutta and home ok. He misses me like crazy he said. Awww :)
Sunday, March 9, 2008
We're Home!
Ok, well it isn't home for me - but it is home for about half of the crew onboard. We came into Southampton early - there was a storm chasing us up the coast of Spain that is supposed to arrive here later tonight, so the Captain "stepped on the gas" yesterday to get us into port early so we can just be here at our berth and not out to sea (in the english channel) when the storm comes through.
Here are some pics that I hadn't had a chance to get uploaded till now:
My CRUISE Award:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.ce840uov&x=0&y=94lyh0
And the little blurb in the Friday MTN Newsletter about my award:
Big congratulations to Stacy on the Artemis who was awarded a certificate of commendation acknowledging her outstanding achievements onboard for Customer Service and was honored as a runner up for this award. This is huge! This award is rarely given to concession staff let alone on their FIRST CONTRACT. Way to go Stacy!
Some random pics from the last few days:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.72yv1o8v&x=0&y=-6pbtcj
Amie - holding on for dear life in the crew bar during rough seas
Ash giving me some lovin'
Sam, Jenny and Me at the 'Leavers Disco'
Me and Ash (doesn't he look mad?? LOL)
Amie and Me
Jo (Bubbles) and me (she is one of my mentors - and is the Food & Bev Manager)
Silly pic - look at Clare!!
Lizzie and me (my mentor)
If you havent guessed from all the pics - Ash and I have been seeing each other. Kind of just happened really; he has been my best guy friend onboard since Day 1 and after the whole Ajay nonsense asked me to grab dinner one night just to talk. Well it all kind of just happened after that that we got together - and now I am crazy about him and he is the same about me. Spoils me rotten (can anyone say good taste in jewelry?!?) and treats me like a Queen. Of course, there is always some kind of a downside right - what is it you ask? He is signing off tomorrow! :( :( There is a silver lining though - he is going back to Norwegian after his vacation and since he knows I am going there as well, wants to make sure he is assigned with me. We will see - I am going into it all with a pinch of salt, since I also know how promises are made during ship life only to grow apart during leave and/or be sent to different ships. However, I am trying to just take it as it happens. Everything happens for a reason ... right ?
Here are some pics that I hadn't had a chance to get uploaded till now:
My CRUISE Award:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.ce840uov&x=0&y=94lyh0
And the little blurb in the Friday MTN Newsletter about my award:
Big congratulations to Stacy on the Artemis who was awarded a certificate of commendation acknowledging her outstanding achievements onboard for Customer Service and was honored as a runner up for this award. This is huge! This award is rarely given to concession staff let alone on their FIRST CONTRACT. Way to go Stacy!
Some random pics from the last few days:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.72yv1o8v&x=0&y=-6pbtcj
Amie - holding on for dear life in the crew bar during rough seas
Ash giving me some lovin'
Sam, Jenny and Me at the 'Leavers Disco'
Me and Ash (doesn't he look mad?? LOL)
Amie and Me
Jo (Bubbles) and me (she is one of my mentors - and is the Food & Bev Manager)
Silly pic - look at Clare!!
Lizzie and me (my mentor)
If you havent guessed from all the pics - Ash and I have been seeing each other. Kind of just happened really; he has been my best guy friend onboard since Day 1 and after the whole Ajay nonsense asked me to grab dinner one night just to talk. Well it all kind of just happened after that that we got together - and now I am crazy about him and he is the same about me. Spoils me rotten (can anyone say good taste in jewelry?!?) and treats me like a Queen. Of course, there is always some kind of a downside right - what is it you ask? He is signing off tomorrow! :( :( There is a silver lining though - he is going back to Norwegian after his vacation and since he knows I am going there as well, wants to make sure he is assigned with me. We will see - I am going into it all with a pinch of salt, since I also know how promises are made during ship life only to grow apart during leave and/or be sent to different ships. However, I am trying to just take it as it happens. Everything happens for a reason ... right ?
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Perfect Storm
Ahoy, me mateys! Batten down yer hatches ... and tie everything down nice and low ... cause the weather that's a comin', well she's about to blow!
This is the email we got this morning:
From: <ASSCAP@pocruises.com>
To: <MV.Artemis@pocruises.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 5:04 AM
Subject: HEAVY WEATHER WARNING
> > Dear All
> > Please be advised that the weather forecast for our voyage from Madeira to> Southampton is for strong winds and a very heavy swell. Please ensure that your work places and living spaces are properly and> effectively secured for sea. Please ensure also that the M1 working alleyway is kept as clear of stores> as possible and anything left in this area is also properly secured for sea.
> > Best Regards
> > Staff Captain
>> Artemis
Well yikes! Supposedly it is going to be worse than yesterday and last night ... poor old lady is going to really take a beating. Sometimes when we are down on Deck 1 Fwd, she sounds like she is going to break apart. It is wild! I didnt have any motion sickness yesterday so hopefully I am ok for this one too. Should be interesting!
BTW, I am now on England time - so 5 hrs ahead of the East Coast. Just an FYI if you are looking for me online on IM or anything
Today we were in Madeira, Portugal ~ very cute town! Has a very European flair to it - reminded me of some towns in the Alps in Austria. Just walked around with Sam and had some lunch (you will always find crew eating out in ports!! Our food is just rubbish!) and wandered through town and in and out of some of the shops.
We are out to sea for the next 3 days - then we arrive in Southampton, England on Monday morning for turnaround ("turnaround" means just that - go in, drop off pax, pick up supplies, load new pax and get out) I can't wait till all these sea days are over and we are back in the Caribbean and hitting ports daily or at least every other day!
Will work on getting some of my Madeira shots uploaded tomorrow.
This is the email we got this morning:
From: <ASSCAP@pocruises.com>
To: <MV.Artemis@pocruises.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 5:04 AM
Subject: HEAVY WEATHER WARNING
> > Dear All
> > Please be advised that the weather forecast for our voyage from Madeira to> Southampton is for strong winds and a very heavy swell. Please ensure that your work places and living spaces are properly and> effectively secured for sea. Please ensure also that the M1 working alleyway is kept as clear of stores> as possible and anything left in this area is also properly secured for sea.
> > Best Regards
> > Staff Captain
>> Artemis
Well yikes! Supposedly it is going to be worse than yesterday and last night ... poor old lady is going to really take a beating. Sometimes when we are down on Deck 1 Fwd, she sounds like she is going to break apart. It is wild! I didnt have any motion sickness yesterday so hopefully I am ok for this one too. Should be interesting!
BTW, I am now on England time - so 5 hrs ahead of the East Coast. Just an FYI if you are looking for me online on IM or anything
Today we were in Madeira, Portugal ~ very cute town! Has a very European flair to it - reminded me of some towns in the Alps in Austria. Just walked around with Sam and had some lunch (you will always find crew eating out in ports!! Our food is just rubbish!) and wandered through town and in and out of some of the shops.
We are out to sea for the next 3 days - then we arrive in Southampton, England on Monday morning for turnaround ("turnaround" means just that - go in, drop off pax, pick up supplies, load new pax and get out) I can't wait till all these sea days are over and we are back in the Caribbean and hitting ports daily or at least every other day!
Will work on getting some of my Madeira shots uploaded tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Sorry!
Sorry to confuse everyone on my last entry - no I am not moving ships mid-contract (that I know of) I know it was considered by MTN, but they didn't realize the Miami office of the USCG was going to be so behind in issuing the MMD cards. So by the time I get it, this contract will be over anyway (unless by some miracle, it is faster than they say)
My next choice of cruise lines is Norwegian. I wanted them from the start; I don't have the option of picking ships/cruise lines on my first contract and I was "assigned" to P&O. Norwegian has a more laid back approach to cruising (no meal times - do everything, do nothing - they don't care!) called Freestyle Cruising. So it seems it would be a better fit for me. I also know some people here who are going back to Norwegian (mostly galley guys .. Ash in particular) and it would be good to see some familiar faces.
Now I have told MTN I need to be home in November for Mark's wedding - NO MATTER WHAT. So I have told them that they can do what they want with me until then to make that happen. So I don't know if I will come home in June on vacation and then go back out, or if I will finish my contract here and go right to my next ship. (Once I get my Captain pic from the Award .. I will send it to MTN and then ask LOL)
Did I clear that all up for everyone?? :-)
My next choice of cruise lines is Norwegian. I wanted them from the start; I don't have the option of picking ships/cruise lines on my first contract and I was "assigned" to P&O. Norwegian has a more laid back approach to cruising (no meal times - do everything, do nothing - they don't care!) called Freestyle Cruising. So it seems it would be a better fit for me. I also know some people here who are going back to Norwegian (mostly galley guys .. Ash in particular) and it would be good to see some familiar faces.
Now I have told MTN I need to be home in November for Mark's wedding - NO MATTER WHAT. So I have told them that they can do what they want with me until then to make that happen. So I don't know if I will come home in June on vacation and then go back out, or if I will finish my contract here and go right to my next ship. (Once I get my Captain pic from the Award .. I will send it to MTN and then ask LOL)
Did I clear that all up for everyone?? :-)
Monday, March 3, 2008
Wow - the scenery
Water, water - everywhere!
Jeesh, everyday I wake up - more water! :-)
More than halfway across the pond now .. only two more sea days and we will finally be on land! (ok well the ship won't, but I will!)
Last night we had a Crew Deck Party BBQ - was fun!! Wish it lasted longer (or went later - it started at 9.30 .. which is too early since most people work till 10 or so) and it ended at 11.30 so a lot of people ended up in the crew bar (was the most I have seen on a non-disco night ever!)
Brought my camera - took some fun pics:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.56j00kkn&x=0&y=bx52un
First pic is of me and Cat hugging Jill (she is the new Shore Ex Manager and lives between me and Cat) Then just some fun pics at the party; some pics of me and Ash (Fresh Kebab) He is my best mate and I love him to pieces - we are going to both be working for Norwegian next so we are chuffed!
That's all for now - we have our next disco for the 'leavers' (people signing off in Southampton) on the 7th so that will be one hell of a par-tay!
Jeesh, everyday I wake up - more water! :-)
More than halfway across the pond now .. only two more sea days and we will finally be on land! (ok well the ship won't, but I will!)
Last night we had a Crew Deck Party BBQ - was fun!! Wish it lasted longer (or went later - it started at 9.30 .. which is too early since most people work till 10 or so) and it ended at 11.30 so a lot of people ended up in the crew bar (was the most I have seen on a non-disco night ever!)
Brought my camera - took some fun pics:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.56j00kkn&x=0&y=bx52un
First pic is of me and Cat hugging Jill (she is the new Shore Ex Manager and lives between me and Cat) Then just some fun pics at the party; some pics of me and Ash (Fresh Kebab) He is my best mate and I love him to pieces - we are going to both be working for Norwegian next so we are chuffed!
That's all for now - we have our next disco for the 'leavers' (people signing off in Southampton) on the 7th so that will be one hell of a par-tay!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Just Checking In
Nothing to report - same stuff, different day. Hey, we are at sea crossing the pond - so the scenery never changes!
We get to Madeira, Portugal on Thursday - can't wait to get on land! The seas are much better and very smooth (average sea day) so it is quite comfortable.
Tonight is a Crew BBQ on Deck 3 Aft - so I will bring my camera and hopefully it will be fun
Dont have my pic with Captain yet .. should have it tomorrow though (I hope)
We get to Madeira, Portugal on Thursday - can't wait to get on land! The seas are much better and very smooth (average sea day) so it is quite comfortable.
Tonight is a Crew BBQ on Deck 3 Aft - so I will bring my camera and hopefully it will be fun
Dont have my pic with Captain yet .. should have it tomorrow though (I hope)
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Results
Well, I got Runner Up in the awards! OMG - I was shocked
Totally wasn't expecting that - seriously .. I was just pleased to be nominated in the first place.
Captain says a little something about the person - but he kept leaving out certain words when he was describing my "over and above" instance (since I am the only internet manager - everyone would know it was me and he wanted to keep up the suspense for a minute)
Anyway, I got presented with the Runner Up Award, a Letter of Commendation, a 25 pound onboard credit and a silver CRUISE pin (everyone gets a purple one when they get onboard - silver means you were a runner up - gold means you won it) Plus I got a pic with the Captain :)
As soon as I get my pic, I will scan it and the award and post it up here
Totally wasn't expecting that - seriously .. I was just pleased to be nominated in the first place.
Captain says a little something about the person - but he kept leaving out certain words when he was describing my "over and above" instance (since I am the only internet manager - everyone would know it was me and he wanted to keep up the suspense for a minute)
Anyway, I got presented with the Runner Up Award, a Letter of Commendation, a 25 pound onboard credit and a silver CRUISE pin (everyone gets a purple one when they get onboard - silver means you were a runner up - gold means you won it) Plus I got a pic with the Captain :)
As soon as I get my pic, I will scan it and the award and post it up here
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