5 June 08
almost to So'ton
OMG - had to post .. first of all, I will say "Told You So, Amie!!!"
Amie is coming back ... Miss I-Am-Not-Coming-Back-To-Ships-Ever .... tomorrow!!!! She called Hardings and they have an opening here tomorrow since Steph is leaving. So they gave her a month contract .. till the 4th of July. Which is perfect as that is when Clare and I are leaving!
Amie just posted a message to me on Facebook - I had to read it 3 times before it sunk in! Then I took off skipping down the hall to the shops and ran in and yelled it at Clare and Pierre "Amie's coming tomorrow!!" Which they said "we know - she had made plans for lunch with us last week" (she was coming on for a visit tomorrow) And I said "noooo, she is coming back to work .. TOMORROW!" Clare and I did some sort of a Happy Dance/Jig .. then ran down and told Gemma!
Happy Happy Joy Joy!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
De-Brief'ing
5 June 08
At sea - heading back to So'ton
Not too much going on today - its a sea day and the last day of the cruise before turnaround tomorrow. Yesterday we were in Stavanger, Norway; I didn't go ashore though. First of all we were completely all knackered after being up until the wee hours of the morning .. and the shoppies had to receive a delivery and do a stock take, so they weren't going ashore. So without them or Cat to make me go .. off to bed I went :-) We are back in Stavanger 2 more times over the next two cruises, so it wasn't a big deal at all. Instead caught up on laundry and much needed SLEEP
The night before we had the Leavers/Joiners Disco and it was a GREAT time .. I don't know why, but everyone was in a party mood that night. Seemed by the time I got there at 11.30 half of the crew bar was already pissed! The disco itself was good ... Amie and Cat were sorely missed though :(
After the disco, a bunch of us all went to the crew deck on deck 4 .. since it was still going to be somewhat light out. It was weird!! I mean it was dark - but the sun was still off in the distance (under the horizon) so it was trying to come up already or something. Wacky if you ask me. There was lots of silliness going on; was quite the party as more people kept showing up. I don't know how we didn't get in trouble .. since that deck is right on the bow and is completely overlooked by the bridge above. Guess the guys on watch thought it was more funny than annoying, so no one from Security was called on us :-)
Once we were too cold to be out there any more .. we headed back downstairs. The crew bar had cleared out, bar a few of the guys playing pool. So we went to Clare's cabin and then across the hall to Jack's cabin (one of the guys from Stores) they had a bigger cabin, so we all hung out in there for a while. Then of course the "Mad Midnight Munchies" attacked .. so off to the crew mess we went ... got some cool pics through the porthole of the sun really trying to come up - this was like 3.30am!
Anyway - here are the pics from the Disco and the aftermath:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.5i3x6poj&x=0&y=thblyc&localeid=en_US
Tomorrow we are back in So'ton and I am getting a vistor .. Sam is driving down from London to spend the day with me !!! YAY .. I am so excited .. it has been ages since I have seen her; and I am having my first visitor on turnaround day! LOL So I will give her the Grand Tour, have some lunch, etc. Should be a good day (now I need to get Alice to clean up her stuff in the cabin - haha!)
Next cruise is the Baltic and a few of our Norwegian ports are repeated .. so I will get off to see the ones I didn't and if the weather is as nice as it was in Eidfjord again, I will surely be going ashore to enjoy a beer with the beautiful scenery.
At sea - heading back to So'ton
Not too much going on today - its a sea day and the last day of the cruise before turnaround tomorrow. Yesterday we were in Stavanger, Norway; I didn't go ashore though. First of all we were completely all knackered after being up until the wee hours of the morning .. and the shoppies had to receive a delivery and do a stock take, so they weren't going ashore. So without them or Cat to make me go .. off to bed I went :-) We are back in Stavanger 2 more times over the next two cruises, so it wasn't a big deal at all. Instead caught up on laundry and much needed SLEEP
The night before we had the Leavers/Joiners Disco and it was a GREAT time .. I don't know why, but everyone was in a party mood that night. Seemed by the time I got there at 11.30 half of the crew bar was already pissed! The disco itself was good ... Amie and Cat were sorely missed though :(
After the disco, a bunch of us all went to the crew deck on deck 4 .. since it was still going to be somewhat light out. It was weird!! I mean it was dark - but the sun was still off in the distance (under the horizon) so it was trying to come up already or something. Wacky if you ask me. There was lots of silliness going on; was quite the party as more people kept showing up. I don't know how we didn't get in trouble .. since that deck is right on the bow and is completely overlooked by the bridge above. Guess the guys on watch thought it was more funny than annoying, so no one from Security was called on us :-)
Once we were too cold to be out there any more .. we headed back downstairs. The crew bar had cleared out, bar a few of the guys playing pool. So we went to Clare's cabin and then across the hall to Jack's cabin (one of the guys from Stores) they had a bigger cabin, so we all hung out in there for a while. Then of course the "Mad Midnight Munchies" attacked .. so off to the crew mess we went ... got some cool pics through the porthole of the sun really trying to come up - this was like 3.30am!
Anyway - here are the pics from the Disco and the aftermath:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.5i3x6poj&x=0&y=thblyc&localeid=en_US
Tomorrow we are back in So'ton and I am getting a vistor .. Sam is driving down from London to spend the day with me !!! YAY .. I am so excited .. it has been ages since I have seen her; and I am having my first visitor on turnaround day! LOL So I will give her the Grand Tour, have some lunch, etc. Should be a good day (now I need to get Alice to clean up her stuff in the cabin - haha!)
Next cruise is the Baltic and a few of our Norwegian ports are repeated .. so I will get off to see the ones I didn't and if the weather is as nice as it was in Eidfjord again, I will surely be going ashore to enjoy a beer with the beautiful scenery.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
First time for Artemis
3 June 08
Skjolden, Norway
This was a SMALL village .. not even considered a town in my opinion. It was quaint and tiny; not much to *do* per say .. but I enjoyed it as well. Gemma and I were on our own today; Pierre was on IPM and we couldn't get Clare out of bed :-)
Artemis had never been to this "port" before .. so they were very happy to have us. It is a new area for cruise ships and they only get about 6 per year right now; we were the first of the year!
It was a tender port, so once we got ashore we took a look at a little map of the village. We wandered around mostly .. down to the "beach" and up the trail to the waterfalls. Stopped for an ice cream at a little supermarket (and when I say little, it was *tiny*) and walked some more. The good thing about Norway is all the walking and "hiking" as it were. Nothing is flat, that is for sure!
Got some great pictures of the larger of the waterfalls .. reflecting onto a pond that was so still, it was like glass! Also had some nice shots of the ship with the mountains and falls (and snow) in the back drop.
Not sure what the sign "Spill Her" actually means in Norwegian .. but it was a good giggle for Gemma and I so I had to snap a pic
Skjolden, Norway
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.4np9s383&x=0&y=-jrcrq4&localeid=en_US
Tomorrow we are back out of the fjords and onto the coast, to Stavanger, Norway. Then off we go back to the UK for another turnaround. Tonight we have a disco; its going to be soo strange without Cat and Amie there! :(
Skjolden, Norway
This was a SMALL village .. not even considered a town in my opinion. It was quaint and tiny; not much to *do* per say .. but I enjoyed it as well. Gemma and I were on our own today; Pierre was on IPM and we couldn't get Clare out of bed :-)
Artemis had never been to this "port" before .. so they were very happy to have us. It is a new area for cruise ships and they only get about 6 per year right now; we were the first of the year!
It was a tender port, so once we got ashore we took a look at a little map of the village. We wandered around mostly .. down to the "beach" and up the trail to the waterfalls. Stopped for an ice cream at a little supermarket (and when I say little, it was *tiny*) and walked some more. The good thing about Norway is all the walking and "hiking" as it were. Nothing is flat, that is for sure!
Got some great pictures of the larger of the waterfalls .. reflecting onto a pond that was so still, it was like glass! Also had some nice shots of the ship with the mountains and falls (and snow) in the back drop.
Not sure what the sign "Spill Her" actually means in Norwegian .. but it was a good giggle for Gemma and I so I had to snap a pic
Skjolden, Norway
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.4np9s383&x=0&y=-jrcrq4&localeid=en_US
Tomorrow we are back out of the fjords and onto the coast, to Stavanger, Norway. Then off we go back to the UK for another turnaround. Tonight we have a disco; its going to be soo strange without Cat and Amie there! :(
Nighttime in Norway
Just wanted to show you real pics of what nighttime looks like up here in Norway
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.3kvym5zn&x=0&y=ywap35&localeid=en_US
First pics of the sunset were taken at about 9.30pm
Then the pics after were taken at 12.15am!
The last pic of my port hole is from when I got into my cabin at 2am!!! OMG!
Craziness :-)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.3kvym5zn&x=0&y=ywap35&localeid=en_US
First pics of the sunset were taken at about 9.30pm
Then the pics after were taken at 12.15am!
The last pic of my port hole is from when I got into my cabin at 2am!!! OMG!
Craziness :-)
Monday, June 2, 2008
A Happy Place
2 June 08
Norwegian Fjords
Holy moly .. so I finally found the places they make those cool IMAX movies of beautiful rivers, snow capped mountains and tranquil scenery ... its Norway!
Firstly, my satellite connection went out as we pulled into the berth; so I didn't have much to do. While I was doing bits and bobs, I waited for the shoppies to finish their drill and then we were all going for breakfast. I had seen out the windows that it was really pretty - so I of course had the camera. However, I wasn't prepared for what was really outside. The ship was docked right up against these beautiful snow capped mountains .. and there were even some waterfalls starting because it was so warm! We sat out on the Conservatory deck to eat ... it was like I was watching the IMAX movie while having breakfast; it was surreal.
After breakfast, we went to go get ready(changed out of work clothes and we put on shorts!); then Pierre, Gemma, Cat (shoppie Cat - not my Cat), Steph and me and headed out. There wasn't a lot to do, but it was such a nice day (a high of 29c - so that is 85!) so we knew we were just going to wander around (and I was going to take lots of pics!!) The town was so cute .. but not much to do .. so we followed a foot path that took us along the river .. soo pretty.
There isn't much to explain .. so I will leave you to the pics. They explain more than I ever could
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.469k455f&x=0&y=-ws05md&localeid=en_US
Remember to check our webcam - last night it didn't get dark till midnight !!! So if it is dinner time by you, add 6 hrs and that is the time here. I want to go out and take some pics tonight after work to prove it :-)
Tomorrow we are in Skjolden - another city inside the fjords. Probably won't have a connection until we sail again in the evening.
Norwegian Fjords
Holy moly .. so I finally found the places they make those cool IMAX movies of beautiful rivers, snow capped mountains and tranquil scenery ... its Norway!
Firstly, my satellite connection went out as we pulled into the berth; so I didn't have much to do. While I was doing bits and bobs, I waited for the shoppies to finish their drill and then we were all going for breakfast. I had seen out the windows that it was really pretty - so I of course had the camera. However, I wasn't prepared for what was really outside. The ship was docked right up against these beautiful snow capped mountains .. and there were even some waterfalls starting because it was so warm! We sat out on the Conservatory deck to eat ... it was like I was watching the IMAX movie while having breakfast; it was surreal.
After breakfast, we went to go get ready(changed out of work clothes and we put on shorts!); then Pierre, Gemma, Cat (shoppie Cat - not my Cat), Steph and me and headed out. There wasn't a lot to do, but it was such a nice day (a high of 29c - so that is 85!) so we knew we were just going to wander around (and I was going to take lots of pics!!) The town was so cute .. but not much to do .. so we followed a foot path that took us along the river .. soo pretty.
There isn't much to explain .. so I will leave you to the pics. They explain more than I ever could
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.469k455f&x=0&y=-ws05md&localeid=en_US
Remember to check our webcam - last night it didn't get dark till midnight !!! So if it is dinner time by you, add 6 hrs and that is the time here. I want to go out and take some pics tonight after work to prove it :-)
Tomorrow we are in Skjolden - another city inside the fjords. Probably won't have a connection until we sail again in the evening.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Bridge Tour and Sail Away
1 June 08
Bergen, Norway
Why don't I get lucky enough to get In Port Tanning on nice days anymore?? Or why does the sun come out and its gets nice at the END of the day?? Oy!
I didn't go ashore today b/c I only had a few hours between IPM and going back to work .. so I decided since it was yucky and chilly out, and we were coming back here in less than 2 weeks, I would just relax today. Had a great day of just that.
Went back to work at 4 and then at 5.45 went to meet Zak, the Exec Purser, who was going to take me up to the bridge for the sailaway, as well as give me a tour!
It was really cool .. got to see all the neat stuff (in its older days since the ship is 26 yrs old!) and though I have been up to a bridge before (first Carnival ship I was on - they still allowed Bridge tours) I had never been up there while we were MOVING! It was awesome .. got to watch the officers pull her out of her berth, back her up, turn her 'bow to starboard' and get on our way. All along watching the controls; the engines firing up, the thrusters turning us, our direction changing and the speed moving up .. then sailing along the channel alone was amazing!!
The weather had cleared up about an hour before I went up to the bridge; it got all sunny out and actually really warm! It was lovely really. So anyway, I got to stand on the Port Bridge Wing while we sailed out. I took a ton of pics, as it was so beautiful. Zak had to go about 45 mins later, but Captain invited me to stay on without him. The first officer, Richard, said it was a really neat sail along the channel and to keep my camera close. I got to see some Navigation charts - both the electronic as well as the hand written one (they still map it out in pencil - ALWAYS) Sooo cool! (I know - I sound like a guy .. but I like this stuff!)
So I didn't take any pics inside - I felt it disrespectful because they were actually working. I took a few from inside looking out (you can tell by where the mast on the bow is in the pic) But the rest were from the bridge wing.
Bergen Sail Away:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.akiqxpj7&x=0&y=-97o5op&localeid=en_US
Tomorrow we are in Eidfjord, Norway. Supposed to be a beautiful sail in - but its early :( However, the sail out will be just as good - so for now, I am keeping my camera locked in the cyber so it is always on hand! No one is on IPM tomorrow - so off we go into port. (Though we wont be eating out much - it is expensive as HELL .. about 70 Krone for a beer! Which is about 7 pounds .. holy crap!) So mostly, wandering around it will be! (Heck, I heard McDonalds even is expensive)
Oh and the P&O site has changed .. they now use Google Earth to track the ships .. its very cool. Check it out when you have a second. Also, if you check it when it is late at night for us, notice how light it is!! 11pm here looks like about 7pm elsewhere. (and we are currently 6 hrs ahead of the East Coast FYI)
http://www.pocruises.com/Ships/WebcamsAndTracking.axd
Bergen, Norway
Why don't I get lucky enough to get In Port Tanning on nice days anymore?? Or why does the sun come out and its gets nice at the END of the day?? Oy!
I didn't go ashore today b/c I only had a few hours between IPM and going back to work .. so I decided since it was yucky and chilly out, and we were coming back here in less than 2 weeks, I would just relax today. Had a great day of just that.
Went back to work at 4 and then at 5.45 went to meet Zak, the Exec Purser, who was going to take me up to the bridge for the sailaway, as well as give me a tour!
It was really cool .. got to see all the neat stuff (in its older days since the ship is 26 yrs old!) and though I have been up to a bridge before (first Carnival ship I was on - they still allowed Bridge tours) I had never been up there while we were MOVING! It was awesome .. got to watch the officers pull her out of her berth, back her up, turn her 'bow to starboard' and get on our way. All along watching the controls; the engines firing up, the thrusters turning us, our direction changing and the speed moving up .. then sailing along the channel alone was amazing!!
The weather had cleared up about an hour before I went up to the bridge; it got all sunny out and actually really warm! It was lovely really. So anyway, I got to stand on the Port Bridge Wing while we sailed out. I took a ton of pics, as it was so beautiful. Zak had to go about 45 mins later, but Captain invited me to stay on without him. The first officer, Richard, said it was a really neat sail along the channel and to keep my camera close. I got to see some Navigation charts - both the electronic as well as the hand written one (they still map it out in pencil - ALWAYS) Sooo cool! (I know - I sound like a guy .. but I like this stuff!)
So I didn't take any pics inside - I felt it disrespectful because they were actually working. I took a few from inside looking out (you can tell by where the mast on the bow is in the pic) But the rest were from the bridge wing.
Bergen Sail Away:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.akiqxpj7&x=0&y=-97o5op&localeid=en_US
Tomorrow we are in Eidfjord, Norway. Supposed to be a beautiful sail in - but its early :( However, the sail out will be just as good - so for now, I am keeping my camera locked in the cyber so it is always on hand! No one is on IPM tomorrow - so off we go into port. (Though we wont be eating out much - it is expensive as HELL .. about 70 Krone for a beer! Which is about 7 pounds .. holy crap!) So mostly, wandering around it will be! (Heck, I heard McDonalds even is expensive)
Oh and the P&O site has changed .. they now use Google Earth to track the ships .. its very cool. Check it out when you have a second. Also, if you check it when it is late at night for us, notice how light it is!! 11pm here looks like about 7pm elsewhere. (and we are currently 6 hrs ahead of the East Coast FYI)
http://www.pocruises.com/Ships/WebcamsAndTracking.axd
Amie's Last Hoorah
1 June 08
Whooops, somehow I forgot to post the pics from Amie's last night on the ship .. what good fun we had! Since no one had to be up too early, we had a rockin' night .. we ended up getting Amie a cake 1) because she was leaving and 2) because the day after was her birthday.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.8u7sqpmr&x=0&y=wje41u&localeid=en_US
The IPM card; its what we have to carry when we are on In Port Manning. (or as we call it, In Port Tanning LOL) Amie hates IPM and is always trying to figure out 3 cruises from now who is on what day. Its hilarious.
We ended up with my new best boys .. Charlie and Vasil .. and Pav came along for the fun too. What a hoot we had .. it was like our own private party! What a laugh!!! :) Good times!!
Whooops, somehow I forgot to post the pics from Amie's last night on the ship .. what good fun we had! Since no one had to be up too early, we had a rockin' night .. we ended up getting Amie a cake 1) because she was leaving and 2) because the day after was her birthday.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.8u7sqpmr&x=0&y=wje41u&localeid=en_US
The IPM card; its what we have to carry when we are on In Port Manning. (or as we call it, In Port Tanning LOL) Amie hates IPM and is always trying to figure out 3 cruises from now who is on what day. Its hilarious.
We ended up with my new best boys .. Charlie and Vasil .. and Pav came along for the fun too. What a hoot we had .. it was like our own private party! What a laugh!!! :) Good times!!
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