7 Aug 08
Somewhere between losing my mind and jumping over board!!
Wow – I am having a hell of an afternoon!! The satellite connection has been pretty bad so of course I am taking all the heat. Whew!!
Any hooo …. I digress
So let me back up .. yesterday we had a “cruise-by” in Tracy Arm fjord. It was gorgeous there! Kind of like a cross between Norway and Antartica. As I said to one of the girls I met, it is ‘Norway with Ice’. LOL I had woken up early (not sure why) and so I turned on my porthole (which means I put on the tv to ch 31 which is the view from the bridge) and since it was so pretty, I couldn’t resist getting out to take some pics. Luckily I don’t have far to go as 3 doors from me is a door to the “porch” which is a deck on the front of the ship; and since no pax can go out there, it belongs to only crew. And there aren’t many crew members living up that way, nor were they even awake! So I had the place to myself. Of course I took lots of good pics – but with this satellite connection being so bad – I might actually have to go ashore in ports to do my uploads. Sorry! I am currently trying to get them online now and I will see how it works out. If not, I will ask around to some of the other managers who are in this area where I can get some free wi-fi.
We arrived in Juneau yesterday afternoon and Sheryl was planning to go to Costco and Fred Myers (Target or Walmart – but better!). I figured I would tag-along so 1) I knew where it was, etc and 2) I needed a few snacks for my cabin. There is a shuttle for crew that takes us to the above as well as Wal-Mart and the local mall. It is $10 roundtrip which was cool. So I got a few books, cereal bars and my favorite trailmix in Costco; then in FM I needed a few little odds and ends. I could have spent more time in there, but I was afraid to miss the last shuttle, so I wanted to go out and wait for it while Sheryl and Jo (from the casino) finished up.
We got back to the ship, unloaded our stuff and then Sheryl and I headed back out for some dinner. She said she was in the mood for Chinese and knew of a great place in town. The town was adorable! We took the shuttle in, since our ship was farthest from town and it is quite a little hike; then we walked over to the Chinese place and YUM! I was even good LOL though I did have rice. Oh well. After dinner, we passed by a ‘really good shoe store’ as per Sheryl. Ha ha I say! I spent more than normal on a really good pair of shoes. Good arch, soft heel, etc (since when did I get so old sounding?!?) The cool thing is – I can wear them around the ship and they won’t look “worn” so if it turns out I don’t like them – I can return them! There are definitely some perks to doing the same run week after week.
We got back shortly before 9 and then I had to get to work for 9.30; after work there was going to be a live band in the crew bar, so I made my way down there around 11.45. I definitely don’t like being new! I was waiting for Sheryl, had gotten a drink at the bar (but you cant sit at the bar like you could on Artemis) and felt out of place. I didn’t see anyone I knew well enough to go over and sit with and anyone else that was there was more like someone I had met once in passing. So I was relieved when Sheryl got there; I feel bad that she is kind of like my babysitter, but she says she doesn’t mind and remembers what it is like to be new to a cruise line and not know anyone. It sucks!! But she introduced me to some more people and as the days go on I get a little more comfortable with people; today the Comp Officer and I were joking around about my lack of experience with using the manuals to open a door (he was teasing me), one of the shoppies and I had a giggle over something, etc. So hopefully it just takes time. Everyone who knows me, knows I am not quiet and shy. But I certainly am not able to be myself just yet and it is weird!!
Today we were in Skagway, Alaska. I had made plans to meet the MTN manager from the Island Princess (Jelena) for breakfast. We met about 10.30 by her gangway (she docks in front of me on the pier) and then we walked the short way into the little town. It was cute. It was like the mid-west meets Alaska. We wandered over to a restaurant Jelena thought would be open, but they weren’t. However, a few doors away there was a rustic little coffee shop that had a good menu (breakfast sandwiches on bagels!) and nice smelling coffees! So we grabbed a booth and chatted away for a while. It is always nice to catch up with other managers and talk about things; whether it is directly involved with work or just ship life. And I know our managers shore-side love it too. (they also love when we send a pic – which we took) After we finished up we walked around the town and then she was going to meet a friend at Starbucks. I was going to treat myself to a Caramel Macchiato, but I decided that since I already had one cappachino I didn’t need to be bouncing around the ship! So I went for a fruit smoothie instead. Jelena and I parted ways and made a date for 2 weeks from today (our ships are only in every other week together).
I had a nice leisurely walk back to the ship where I took some great flower pics and came across a creek that had salmon swimming up it! It was soo cool!! I even got some pics of a fisherman trying to reel in ‘the big one’. LOL
Unfortunately, by the time I finished writing this post, not one single pic was uploaded. So it looks like it might need to wait till I get to port. I will try again tomorrow – but please be patient; I am here every week, so you won’t miss out on anything – ha ha
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Friday, August 8, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Welcome to the Last Frontier!
5 aug 08
Aww, bless her .. Mom Mom (Scott's grandmother) had always wanted to come to Alaska on a cruise as she said (all the time, mind you) that "Alaska was the last frontier". So I thought of her today; poor thing never did make it up here before she passed on.
Anyway!
We were in Ketchikan, Alaska today; I opted to stay onboard. I wanted to wander the ship on my own without so many pax on board (watching me get lost LOL) and figure out some more crew passages, etc. Besides, Sheryl and Dave were just going into town to wander. So nothing I can't do next week (or the week after ..) Basically I have heard that if you aren't on a tour - there isn't much to do other than shop and dine. So I could skip both most times! Lastly - my ankles are swollen again so I need to keep off my feet when I can. (No I am not having ANY salt, yes my BP is fine) Its because of all the steel I am surrounded by, as well as being on my feet A LOT. It will go down; like last time. Its just that I am not used to being on my feet, around all this steel, walking this much and climbing so many stairs!
The stair thing is good though; gives me exercise. I am still doing great with my eating. (yes I know it has only been a few days - but a challenge nonetheless) I will not eat bread itself; or rice. I only allow myself a starch (potatoes or pasta) once a day. I dont count cereal in that b/c it is high fiber with low fat milk and a banana. I have fruit as my "dessert" and allow myself a 1" chunk of cheese after dinner with some cantaloupe. Once I am comfortable with my eating habits, I will cut down on the actual portion sizes. (I eat a normal sized salad, as well as my meal) I went topside today and found the pax buffet called Horizons Court (it was called the Conservatory on Artemis) and wow - the food options are sooo much better! Full salad bar .. YUM! I had a beautiful salad of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, grated cheese and then low fat italian dressing. I then had a piece of turkey with green beans for my meal. Dinner was a caesar salad and veal scallopine w/veggies; delish! I think I can do this - someone is actually doing all the cooking for me, so why not?! And now that the food options are better, I am going to give it 110%.
Ok - enough about my diet and food! :)
Last night was the disco; Sheryl and I went to the Wardroom first for a bit, then headed to the crew bar. WOW - it was like a small nightclub. Not anything like the Artemis'a tiny crew bar disco's (though I missed all my friends last night) I met some more people (friends and acquaintances of Sheryl's) so I hope soon enough I will be making my own friends. We hung out there for a while and at about 2am, I called it quits. Even though it was clocks-back, I still had to get some rest and be at work for 8am. I am so tired. But not to worry; I think it is the time change, the fact that I am working hard and then running all over this ship to get anywhere! I am sure I will be good by next week.
Took lots of pics of the ship, the view from topside into town, etc. I am going to work on getting the pics uploaded and resized on my laptop tonight; if we have a satellite connection tomorrow morning, then I will get them online. If not, it will have to wait till Juneau tomorrow afternoon.
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Aww, bless her .. Mom Mom (Scott's grandmother) had always wanted to come to Alaska on a cruise as she said (all the time, mind you) that "Alaska was the last frontier". So I thought of her today; poor thing never did make it up here before she passed on.
Anyway!
We were in Ketchikan, Alaska today; I opted to stay onboard. I wanted to wander the ship on my own without so many pax on board (watching me get lost LOL) and figure out some more crew passages, etc. Besides, Sheryl and Dave were just going into town to wander. So nothing I can't do next week (or the week after ..) Basically I have heard that if you aren't on a tour - there isn't much to do other than shop and dine. So I could skip both most times! Lastly - my ankles are swollen again so I need to keep off my feet when I can. (No I am not having ANY salt, yes my BP is fine) Its because of all the steel I am surrounded by, as well as being on my feet A LOT. It will go down; like last time. Its just that I am not used to being on my feet, around all this steel, walking this much and climbing so many stairs!
The stair thing is good though; gives me exercise. I am still doing great with my eating. (yes I know it has only been a few days - but a challenge nonetheless) I will not eat bread itself; or rice. I only allow myself a starch (potatoes or pasta) once a day. I dont count cereal in that b/c it is high fiber with low fat milk and a banana. I have fruit as my "dessert" and allow myself a 1" chunk of cheese after dinner with some cantaloupe. Once I am comfortable with my eating habits, I will cut down on the actual portion sizes. (I eat a normal sized salad, as well as my meal) I went topside today and found the pax buffet called Horizons Court (it was called the Conservatory on Artemis) and wow - the food options are sooo much better! Full salad bar .. YUM! I had a beautiful salad of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, grated cheese and then low fat italian dressing. I then had a piece of turkey with green beans for my meal. Dinner was a caesar salad and veal scallopine w/veggies; delish! I think I can do this - someone is actually doing all the cooking for me, so why not?! And now that the food options are better, I am going to give it 110%.
Ok - enough about my diet and food! :)
Last night was the disco; Sheryl and I went to the Wardroom first for a bit, then headed to the crew bar. WOW - it was like a small nightclub. Not anything like the Artemis'a tiny crew bar disco's (though I missed all my friends last night) I met some more people (friends and acquaintances of Sheryl's) so I hope soon enough I will be making my own friends. We hung out there for a while and at about 2am, I called it quits. Even though it was clocks-back, I still had to get some rest and be at work for 8am. I am so tired. But not to worry; I think it is the time change, the fact that I am working hard and then running all over this ship to get anywhere! I am sure I will be good by next week.
Took lots of pics of the ship, the view from topside into town, etc. I am going to work on getting the pics uploaded and resized on my laptop tonight; if we have a satellite connection tomorrow morning, then I will get them online. If not, it will have to wait till Juneau tomorrow afternoon.
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Tuesday, August 5, 2008
First Sea Day
4 Aug 08 ~ Happy Birthday Mom!!!
Today has been a long day; but a good one. I feel a little more at home on the ship as well as with the process of the Princess systems. I have been here most of the day, sans my lunch break and of course my nap break LOL. I am off from 4pm till 7.30 on sea days so it allows me for my nap before I head to dinner :) (though I woke up late and skipped dinner at 6.30 and went to work instead and then took a half hour to eat later on)
I am delighted with the food options - I can eat off the pax menu from upstairs, and it also offers the spa menu so I can order from that. I had a salad and a burger (no fries!) at lunch and a salad, soup and turkey for dinner. And I am trying hard to stick to my new rule: NO DESSERTS Since that is hard, I have been having lots of fruit instead and I will allow myself a little cheese once a day.
Our laminex cards (ID) were issued today and man, they put everything on them - hair, eyes, height, WEIGHT, date of birth .. Oi! I told them that I wanted a new one when I lost some weight :) The guy told me I was gorgeous the way I was (silly indian boys) LOL but it was still nice to hear!
I never made it out last night with Sheryl - I was too exausted by the time I left work. I went right into my bed around 10.30 and slept like a rock till 7.45! I certainly have missed the gentle sway of the ship (and the dark room too!) it is DE-LITE-FUL for sleeping!!! I promised I will go out tonight .. though I am already struggling and it is only 10.15pm. I will be here another 15 mins or so and then I will go back to my cabin and change. We can wear jeans and such to the crew bar, which is SWEEEET. Plus, since it is smoking in there, I dont want any of my work clothes to get stinky. There are so many nicer "perks" on here than on P&O for us; which I am loving!
That's all for now
.
Today has been a long day; but a good one. I feel a little more at home on the ship as well as with the process of the Princess systems. I have been here most of the day, sans my lunch break and of course my nap break LOL. I am off from 4pm till 7.30 on sea days so it allows me for my nap before I head to dinner :) (though I woke up late and skipped dinner at 6.30 and went to work instead and then took a half hour to eat later on)
I am delighted with the food options - I can eat off the pax menu from upstairs, and it also offers the spa menu so I can order from that. I had a salad and a burger (no fries!) at lunch and a salad, soup and turkey for dinner. And I am trying hard to stick to my new rule: NO DESSERTS Since that is hard, I have been having lots of fruit instead and I will allow myself a little cheese once a day.
Our laminex cards (ID) were issued today and man, they put everything on them - hair, eyes, height, WEIGHT, date of birth .. Oi! I told them that I wanted a new one when I lost some weight :) The guy told me I was gorgeous the way I was (silly indian boys) LOL but it was still nice to hear!
I never made it out last night with Sheryl - I was too exausted by the time I left work. I went right into my bed around 10.30 and slept like a rock till 7.45! I certainly have missed the gentle sway of the ship (and the dark room too!) it is DE-LITE-FUL for sleeping!!! I promised I will go out tonight .. though I am already struggling and it is only 10.15pm. I will be here another 15 mins or so and then I will go back to my cabin and change. We can wear jeans and such to the crew bar, which is SWEEEET. Plus, since it is smoking in there, I dont want any of my work clothes to get stinky. There are so many nicer "perks" on here than on P&O for us; which I am loving!
That's all for now
.
Monday, August 4, 2008
My Address On The Ship
4 Aug 08
I know how some of you have already asked me for the address at the ship (Kelly wants to send me year old raisins and some Nerds from Cupcake!) so here it is:
Stacy Mihalik, Internet Manager
Star Princess, Cabin 10123
Quay Cruise Agencies
21905 64th Avenue West Suite 301B
Mountlake Terrace WA 98043 USA
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I know how some of you have already asked me for the address at the ship (Kelly wants to send me year old raisins and some Nerds from Cupcake!) so here it is:
Stacy Mihalik, Internet Manager
Star Princess, Cabin 10123
Quay Cruise Agencies
21905 64th Avenue West Suite 301B
Mountlake Terrace WA 98043 USA
.
.
Day 1
3 Aug 08
Seattle, WA
So much for a lie in! Someone forgot to tell me I needed to clear immigration at 7am today – so I got a nice wake up call from the Crew Supervisor to get my bum out to the terminal. Oi!
Anyway once that was over, I figured I would get my morning stuff out of the way and settle the balances with the Accounts Purser; I am not sure I got all of my reporting correct, but I am sure my shore side will let me know if I didn’t.
I tried to go back to sleep – but by then my mind was buzzing with questions I had for Talia (the previous ICM) as well as Maria (my shoreside manager). So I couldn’t sleep and instead got up and starting making notes. It was a good thing I was up since my “roommate” came by. She didn’t realize I was getting on last night and thought she would re-organize her stuff before I got there. She is really cool – her name is Sheryl, she is American (YAY) and she is from Philly!! (double YAY) She actually grew up in Plymouth Meeting so it was so cool to be able to chat with her about where I have lived and she actually knows where it is!! We chatted for what seems like forever, then she left and I chilled out for a bit and “decorated” a little. Got more organized as well. Then started the process of getting in the shower, getting dressed and trying to figure out where everything is! I didn’t do too bad – I have a good setup I think.
So I went down for an early lunch since I skipped breakfast. Of course, prior to leaving I needed to consult my ship map so I knew where I was going. Wow – this thing is big – it takes me almost 10 mins to get from my cabin down to the officer’s mess! But I found it with no problem, which was relieving. Man, the food is MUCH better. I had a nice salad to start and then a piece of fish and some peas, with fruit to finish it up. I am really going to try to be healthy. I definitely will get more exercise!! After that I slowly made my way up to Deck 7 just to get my bearings some more. I had to go to Watertight Door training at 1pm so then I headed back up to my cabin for a few before I had to go to the Crew Bar. (you should see the size of the crew bar – it is huge!) After training, I had to get ready for work at 2, so then I made my way to the café from the cabin. I did well getting there with no problems. So I can get to the major places now. Hopefully no one asks me to go someplace I haven’t been yet LOL.
I was at work until the Muster Drill; it was nice because I didn’t need to do it this time around. On Princess we are considered Guest Lecturer’s – so we don’t participate in drills! Yahoooooey! I know the girls from Artemis are going to be jealous about that one; sorry ladies. After the drill was over I went out on the front of my “balcony” and watched us sail away. Basically the balcony is the little area on the forward part of Deck 10; but since I am all the way up front (I am right under the bridge) I only have to walk a few feet to go out there. So its nice to have. Being out there I also discovered the hot tubs and pool for the crew below me on Deck 8. So that is good too! I took some pics of the Seattle skyline but I don’t have my manager account yet to take the time to load them. So I will take some pics of my cabin tonight (so you can see it) and hopefully will have my account tomorrow to get them loaded up.
I think that is all for now – my shift is almost over and I am going to go up to my cabin and change and then head over to the Wardroom for a drink with Sheryl. I am still pooped out, so it wont be a late night. (Besides, there is a disco tomorrow – need to be on my game for that!) LOL
.
Seattle, WA
So much for a lie in! Someone forgot to tell me I needed to clear immigration at 7am today – so I got a nice wake up call from the Crew Supervisor to get my bum out to the terminal. Oi!
Anyway once that was over, I figured I would get my morning stuff out of the way and settle the balances with the Accounts Purser; I am not sure I got all of my reporting correct, but I am sure my shore side will let me know if I didn’t.
I tried to go back to sleep – but by then my mind was buzzing with questions I had for Talia (the previous ICM) as well as Maria (my shoreside manager). So I couldn’t sleep and instead got up and starting making notes. It was a good thing I was up since my “roommate” came by. She didn’t realize I was getting on last night and thought she would re-organize her stuff before I got there. She is really cool – her name is Sheryl, she is American (YAY) and she is from Philly!! (double YAY) She actually grew up in Plymouth Meeting so it was so cool to be able to chat with her about where I have lived and she actually knows where it is!! We chatted for what seems like forever, then she left and I chilled out for a bit and “decorated” a little. Got more organized as well. Then started the process of getting in the shower, getting dressed and trying to figure out where everything is! I didn’t do too bad – I have a good setup I think.
So I went down for an early lunch since I skipped breakfast. Of course, prior to leaving I needed to consult my ship map so I knew where I was going. Wow – this thing is big – it takes me almost 10 mins to get from my cabin down to the officer’s mess! But I found it with no problem, which was relieving. Man, the food is MUCH better. I had a nice salad to start and then a piece of fish and some peas, with fruit to finish it up. I am really going to try to be healthy. I definitely will get more exercise!! After that I slowly made my way up to Deck 7 just to get my bearings some more. I had to go to Watertight Door training at 1pm so then I headed back up to my cabin for a few before I had to go to the Crew Bar. (you should see the size of the crew bar – it is huge!) After training, I had to get ready for work at 2, so then I made my way to the café from the cabin. I did well getting there with no problems. So I can get to the major places now. Hopefully no one asks me to go someplace I haven’t been yet LOL.
I was at work until the Muster Drill; it was nice because I didn’t need to do it this time around. On Princess we are considered Guest Lecturer’s – so we don’t participate in drills! Yahoooooey! I know the girls from Artemis are going to be jealous about that one; sorry ladies. After the drill was over I went out on the front of my “balcony” and watched us sail away. Basically the balcony is the little area on the forward part of Deck 10; but since I am all the way up front (I am right under the bridge) I only have to walk a few feet to go out there. So its nice to have. Being out there I also discovered the hot tubs and pool for the crew below me on Deck 8. So that is good too! I took some pics of the Seattle skyline but I don’t have my manager account yet to take the time to load them. So I will take some pics of my cabin tonight (so you can see it) and hopefully will have my account tomorrow to get them loaded up.
I think that is all for now – my shift is almost over and I am going to go up to my cabin and change and then head over to the Wardroom for a drink with Sheryl. I am still pooped out, so it wont be a late night. (Besides, there is a disco tomorrow – need to be on my game for that!) LOL
.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
I'm Baaaack!
2 Aug 08
Ogden Point - Victoria, Canada
Well I have been on the ship since 5pm and I have already worked what feels like a full sea day!
I have been all over this ship 3x at least and I still have no idea where anything is other than my cabin and the pax cafe; but I guess that is ok. Not sure I can find the mess - but that might help me with my diet! LOL
I unpacked a lot tonight and now I am in the cafe - the connection here is AWFUL!! I have been working my ass off and I have only been here for an hour and a half .. UGH .. I hope the connection isn't like this all the time - I might go overboard!
Anyway - my last pax is *finally* leaving, so I am closing the cafe and heading right to my bed!! I am freaking exausted .. I will write more tomorrow, I promise!
Ogden Point - Victoria, Canada
Well I have been on the ship since 5pm and I have already worked what feels like a full sea day!
I have been all over this ship 3x at least and I still have no idea where anything is other than my cabin and the pax cafe; but I guess that is ok. Not sure I can find the mess - but that might help me with my diet! LOL
I unpacked a lot tonight and now I am in the cafe - the connection here is AWFUL!! I have been working my ass off and I have only been here for an hour and a half .. UGH .. I hope the connection isn't like this all the time - I might go overboard!
Anyway - my last pax is *finally* leaving, so I am closing the cafe and heading right to my bed!! I am freaking exausted .. I will write more tomorrow, I promise!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Time to go!
31 July 08
All my bags are packed; I'm ready to go; I'm standin' here outside the door ..
:)
Its that time again folks - I am leaving tomorrow morning at 5am for the airport. I have a 7.30am flight from JFK to Vancouver then a connection to Victoria. I stay overnight in Victoria and then I will be meeting the ship in the early evening when it comes in. (Now if only the ship had a million bucks on it for me - then my ship *really* would have come in!! LOL)
I am soo very excited. I love the adventure of this; new people, new ship, new places to see. Its like I get to start "over" every time I get on a ship. No one knows my past, no one can judge me for what mistakes I made before now. Its amazing to just be ME and let the chips fall where they may. I love it!!
Of course I will be blogging much more now that I am going back out to ships. I am supposed to have wi-fi at the hotel I am staying at, so I will be sure to check in that evening. Don't forget I will be 3 hrs behind East Coast time .. so no early morning phone calls!! :D
xoxoxoxo
S
.
All my bags are packed; I'm ready to go; I'm standin' here outside the door ..
:)
Its that time again folks - I am leaving tomorrow morning at 5am for the airport. I have a 7.30am flight from JFK to Vancouver then a connection to Victoria. I stay overnight in Victoria and then I will be meeting the ship in the early evening when it comes in. (Now if only the ship had a million bucks on it for me - then my ship *really* would have come in!! LOL)
I am soo very excited. I love the adventure of this; new people, new ship, new places to see. Its like I get to start "over" every time I get on a ship. No one knows my past, no one can judge me for what mistakes I made before now. Its amazing to just be ME and let the chips fall where they may. I love it!!
Of course I will be blogging much more now that I am going back out to ships. I am supposed to have wi-fi at the hotel I am staying at, so I will be sure to check in that evening. Don't forget I will be 3 hrs behind East Coast time .. so no early morning phone calls!! :D
xoxoxoxo
S
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