Well, I’ve been onboard the Grand Princess for just over 6 weeks now, and am having a great time. I didn’t get back into the Tour department, but I am doing Art part-time, as well as the front desk. As long as I get to learn something new and have a little break from the desk, all is well Maybe I’ll become an art expert while I’m at it.
The ports are similar to that of the Ruby, but I have been to some new ones. Gibraltar, as well as some ports in Spain that I didn’t get to see before. I’ve also been on some excellent tours. So far – a drive around the French Riviera, Pompeii, the World War 11 Tunnels (as well as the apes) in Gibraltar, and Gaudi’s La Pedrera. Have enjoyed some great pizza in Italy, and will soon get to see Croatia, hopefully Normandy and other fun ports before we head back to the Caribbean.
I have also met some wonderful people, the ones that you know you’ve made a connection with and will remain close over the many years to follow. Some I knew from the Ruby, but my close ones are all new, from places like Australia, Brazil, Germany, the UK and others. Hopefully I’ll be able to post some photos soon, but the internet on the ship is really rather slow, so I haven’t had the opportunity, and it would make it super expensive. Next time I have a chill day, I’ll bring my laptop ashore to post some new albums.
Talk soon!
xoxo
Care
Monday, August 29, 2011
Friday, November 26, 2010
Caribbean Warmth
Loving the warmth of the Caribbean. I haven’t been off ship in a week, but am luckily going to overnights on Monday, which means I’ll have three weeks of enjoying the beaches and doing excursions. We had reorganization and lots of training the past little while, which resulted in some long days, but thankfully that is over with now. Still short staffed, but doing the best we can :)
Have had a lot of new joiners come on the ship, and there is a newbie on the front desk, so YEAH! I’m no longer the new girl...well, technically.
Have been talking with some of the higher ups about joining the Ruby again in the spring and getting the full benefit of the Mediterranean – will see what happens. I might also extend to April, so I can avoid the cold winter months of Canada (sorry for everyone suffering it now).
Hope all is well – I’ll be sure to work on my tan and take a good picture
xoxo
Have had a lot of new joiners come on the ship, and there is a newbie on the front desk, so YEAH! I’m no longer the new girl...well, technically.
Have been talking with some of the higher ups about joining the Ruby again in the spring and getting the full benefit of the Mediterranean – will see what happens. I might also extend to April, so I can avoid the cold winter months of Canada (sorry for everyone suffering it now).
Hope all is well – I’ll be sure to work on my tan and take a good picture
xoxo
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Well, my Mediterranean life has come to an end, and I’m rather sad I didn’t get to spend more time out here...next contract I suppose. I’ve seen some lovely places and hope to see many many more. The people have been amazing, and I’m sad to see many of them end their contracts in the next few weeks, but we still have a few sea days and a few contracts in the Caribbean to share together...I do still miss my training group a great deal.
I’ve adapted quite well on board, if I do say so myself. Spend a few hours in the crew bar each night just hanging out with people and getting to know the atmosphere...I’m on the late shift – usually 12-4pm and 7-11pm on the good days, and full 11 or 12 hour shifts on the turnarounds, which means I’ve become a night owl until my rotar changes...still eating well, but can see that I’ll be sick of this menu in a short time...oh well, just means I can eat at the ports. I’m rather sad I didn’t have more money to actually shop in the Med, as the prices were awesome for end of season things...next year? The trend seems to be extension of contracts, which wouldn’t be too bad – resulting in me actually being home in the spring and not winter still.
Venice was my favourite port so far – sooooo beautiful and unique, and I got a real kick out of the streets being waterways filled with boats...sooo breathtaking, my photos don’t do it justice at all. I went out for a few hours in Barcelona alone today (sorry mom and dad, no one had the same time off as me, and I wasn’t about to miss out on that!)...it’s really pretty as well, with amazing structures...I wish I had more time off to have actually went to see some sights...but I did do a bit of shopping and spend the last of my Euros...am hoping to go on an excursion if time permits in Porta Delgada – more pictures will come from that as well...
My current roommate is leaving on the 7th, and so far every female purser joining is joining with a ‘partner’ so HOPEFULLY this means they will never be in the cabin, and it will be more like my own room...which would be amazing. I don’t see Francesca too much, as she is early mornings on the tour desk and I’m late nights on the front desk, so we’ve only had a handful of conversations, and she’s usually asleep when I get home...
Hope everyone is doing well back home...may not have a lot of pictures of the Caribbean, as it’ll be the same stops for the next 5 months, but hopefully I’ll get to see new things each time I get off ship.
Xoxo
Carebear
I’ve adapted quite well on board, if I do say so myself. Spend a few hours in the crew bar each night just hanging out with people and getting to know the atmosphere...I’m on the late shift – usually 12-4pm and 7-11pm on the good days, and full 11 or 12 hour shifts on the turnarounds, which means I’ve become a night owl until my rotar changes...still eating well, but can see that I’ll be sick of this menu in a short time...oh well, just means I can eat at the ports. I’m rather sad I didn’t have more money to actually shop in the Med, as the prices were awesome for end of season things...next year? The trend seems to be extension of contracts, which wouldn’t be too bad – resulting in me actually being home in the spring and not winter still.
Venice was my favourite port so far – sooooo beautiful and unique, and I got a real kick out of the streets being waterways filled with boats...sooo breathtaking, my photos don’t do it justice at all. I went out for a few hours in Barcelona alone today (sorry mom and dad, no one had the same time off as me, and I wasn’t about to miss out on that!)...it’s really pretty as well, with amazing structures...I wish I had more time off to have actually went to see some sights...but I did do a bit of shopping and spend the last of my Euros...am hoping to go on an excursion if time permits in Porta Delgada – more pictures will come from that as well...
My current roommate is leaving on the 7th, and so far every female purser joining is joining with a ‘partner’ so HOPEFULLY this means they will never be in the cabin, and it will be more like my own room...which would be amazing. I don’t see Francesca too much, as she is early mornings on the tour desk and I’m late nights on the front desk, so we’ve only had a handful of conversations, and she’s usually asleep when I get home...
Hope everyone is doing well back home...may not have a lot of pictures of the Caribbean, as it’ll be the same stops for the next 5 months, but hopefully I’ll get to see new things each time I get off ship.
Xoxo
Carebear
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Cruisin the Med
Hi all;
What a start to the Med...had a rocky one with some crazy flights - but made it to Rome, and was happy to see I got to stay overnight in a hotel before joining the ship...how refreshing was that. Ran into a fellow trainee Rod as well as a guy from the US, and we enjoyed some Italian pizza and drinks.
The Ruby is an amazing ship - so new and big...am still learning a lot about where everything is, but it will come with time.
We docked in Monte Carlo yesterday, and although I didnt get a chance to get off, Im hoping I can tomorrow - such a beautiful place from the ship - lots of boats in the sea (we had to dock out on the water and send tender boats out for passengers to the docks)...Am in Barcelona starting a new cruise itinerary today, which will eventually take us to Fort Lauderdale and the Carribean leg of this itinerary. Thats where I'll be for the next 6 months...im ok with that :) Enjoying St. Marttin, St. Thomas and a few other stops along the way.
We had some really rough weather last night - the boat was literally rocking back and forth, some passengers really couldnt handle it, but it didnt bother me at all THANK GOD!! How horrible would it be if I couldnt handle the seas?? Might get more bad weather along the Med, as I guess the weather starts to turn cold. Only a few more sea days, so thats ok.
Have some awesome teammates, really neat people, and I cant wait to get to know them more.
Ciao for now,
Care
What a start to the Med...had a rocky one with some crazy flights - but made it to Rome, and was happy to see I got to stay overnight in a hotel before joining the ship...how refreshing was that. Ran into a fellow trainee Rod as well as a guy from the US, and we enjoyed some Italian pizza and drinks.
The Ruby is an amazing ship - so new and big...am still learning a lot about where everything is, but it will come with time.
We docked in Monte Carlo yesterday, and although I didnt get a chance to get off, Im hoping I can tomorrow - such a beautiful place from the ship - lots of boats in the sea (we had to dock out on the water and send tender boats out for passengers to the docks)...Am in Barcelona starting a new cruise itinerary today, which will eventually take us to Fort Lauderdale and the Carribean leg of this itinerary. Thats where I'll be for the next 6 months...im ok with that :) Enjoying St. Marttin, St. Thomas and a few other stops along the way.
We had some really rough weather last night - the boat was literally rocking back and forth, some passengers really couldnt handle it, but it didnt bother me at all THANK GOD!! How horrible would it be if I couldnt handle the seas?? Might get more bad weather along the Med, as I guess the weather starts to turn cold. Only a few more sea days, so thats ok.
Have some awesome teammates, really neat people, and I cant wait to get to know them more.
Ciao for now,
Care
Monday, September 20, 2010
up up and awayyyyyy
Disembarked the Sapphire Princess today...was quite sad to leave my new friends...we will cruise again in the future im sure though.
Am currently taking advantage of the free wifi in the Vancouver airport, although im dreading my flight itinerary to Rome. I leave Van at 5:35pm, arrive at Salt Lake City at 8pm, leave Salt Lake after midnight to Atlanta, arriving at 6am and depart for Rome at 3pm...getting into rome at 7am, 2.5 hour drive to the ship, and board the same day...have not been sleeping well, so i hope my unability to sleep on planes disappears very very quickly!!!
Am very very excited to be embarking onto the Ruby tomorrow...have heard so many good things, have definately enjoyed my time in the crew bar, as they all know people on that ship, im bringing photos for wives, and letters to security guards (who they said they have asked to 'protect me'...haha)....so many connections from such a short time. I am rather sad to be leaving the Sapphire, as you get so used to seeing the same faces, and everyone knowing im a training purser...definately worked out to my advantage, but am sure it will be the same on the new ship.
Am SOOO excited to be seeing some of Europe before i head down to the Caribbean. Will share photos as soon as I can.
xoxo
Care
Am currently taking advantage of the free wifi in the Vancouver airport, although im dreading my flight itinerary to Rome. I leave Van at 5:35pm, arrive at Salt Lake City at 8pm, leave Salt Lake after midnight to Atlanta, arriving at 6am and depart for Rome at 3pm...getting into rome at 7am, 2.5 hour drive to the ship, and board the same day...have not been sleeping well, so i hope my unability to sleep on planes disappears very very quickly!!!
Am very very excited to be embarking onto the Ruby tomorrow...have heard so many good things, have definately enjoyed my time in the crew bar, as they all know people on that ship, im bringing photos for wives, and letters to security guards (who they said they have asked to 'protect me'...haha)....so many connections from such a short time. I am rather sad to be leaving the Sapphire, as you get so used to seeing the same faces, and everyone knowing im a training purser...definately worked out to my advantage, but am sure it will be the same on the new ship.
Am SOOO excited to be seeing some of Europe before i head down to the Caribbean. Will share photos as soon as I can.
xoxo
Care
Sunday, September 12, 2010
aaaaaaand the winner is...
The Ruby Princess - joining date somewhere around the 22nd....literally all that I know is that its Caribbean bound, but I get to meet up with it in Barcelona Spain - and get to see Greece...AMAZING!!!
Its a HUGE ship, so I have a LOT to learn and prepare for...im on a mid ship now, so it`ll be a big difference...
Getting excited now - although im rather sad none of my training buddies will be going with me - we are all being split up...boooo!
Ciao,
Care
Its a HUGE ship, so I have a LOT to learn and prepare for...im on a mid ship now, so it`ll be a big difference...
Getting excited now - although im rather sad none of my training buddies will be going with me - we are all being split up...boooo!
Ciao,
Care
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The first week...
Day 4 - Currently in Juneau Alaska.
Wow, what an intense 4 days so far. It feels like its been a few weeks atleast!
Landed in Seattle fine, and actually shared a room with another girl from Brazil in the same training program Im in. Met others in the morning, and we all just 'got along' which made the transition of SCARY to actually quite comfortable.
Loaded a bus at 7:30am from the airport - went through the scanning and security checks on the dock in Seattle, and started training right away - we didnt get access to our cabins until later in the afternoon. Sharing a room has been VERY similar to my experience in College, where I just got along well right away with my new roomie.
We've been shown quite a lot, have had a few tests, and still soooo much more to learn! Day two was a sea day - we got our uniforms (dont even get me started) and tried to venture our way around the ship...within the first 5 minutes we got questioned by guests, didnt have the right answers, and had to find someone to help - gulp - we didnt venture out again for the rest of the day lol.
Day three we arrived at a port called Ketchikan - a cute little sleepy town in Alaska. We cant get off the ship yet until next week, due to immigration papers still waiting on, but it was nice to take some pictures and walk around. We've viewed the many cabins offered, ventured as a large group around the ship to the many different restaurants, etc, and can actually find our way to our cabins from 'most' places on the ship. This thing is HUGE!!
Today we got up at like 5:30 to come up to the deck for our circle of the Inside Passage. Beautiful (although really cold that early in the morning)...My pictures obviously dont do it justice, but hopefully they'll get better with time. Saw a few little baby icebergs in the water, and ventured out after breakfast, but didnt have my camera - there were soooo many more photo ops. Oh well, hopefully I can get some more next week when we do this route again.
I've been eating like a queen (and i think eventually my waisteline will dislike me), and have had quite a variety of foods. We are labelled "officers" and get to eat in a seperate area, with all the other officers on the ship...quite intimidating at first. It means we cant really eat with the other workers in the crew mess, but I rather like the special treatment.
Have had a few nights out. It's been awesome talking with so many new people. Learning their stories, hearing about their lives which are sooooo much different than the lifestyle us North Americans lead - it can be quite alarming sometimes...
Will try to post more pictures. Are stopping in Skagway tomrrow, and I'll take some more. Captain Sea-Bomb hasnt made his appearance yet, cause im pretty sure i'll get kicked off the ship (sorry Kim!) but soon, I promise...he'll do bear proud.
Ciao,
Carrie
Wow, what an intense 4 days so far. It feels like its been a few weeks atleast!
Landed in Seattle fine, and actually shared a room with another girl from Brazil in the same training program Im in. Met others in the morning, and we all just 'got along' which made the transition of SCARY to actually quite comfortable.
Loaded a bus at 7:30am from the airport - went through the scanning and security checks on the dock in Seattle, and started training right away - we didnt get access to our cabins until later in the afternoon. Sharing a room has been VERY similar to my experience in College, where I just got along well right away with my new roomie.
We've been shown quite a lot, have had a few tests, and still soooo much more to learn! Day two was a sea day - we got our uniforms (dont even get me started) and tried to venture our way around the ship...within the first 5 minutes we got questioned by guests, didnt have the right answers, and had to find someone to help - gulp - we didnt venture out again for the rest of the day lol.
Day three we arrived at a port called Ketchikan - a cute little sleepy town in Alaska. We cant get off the ship yet until next week, due to immigration papers still waiting on, but it was nice to take some pictures and walk around. We've viewed the many cabins offered, ventured as a large group around the ship to the many different restaurants, etc, and can actually find our way to our cabins from 'most' places on the ship. This thing is HUGE!!
Today we got up at like 5:30 to come up to the deck for our circle of the Inside Passage. Beautiful (although really cold that early in the morning)...My pictures obviously dont do it justice, but hopefully they'll get better with time. Saw a few little baby icebergs in the water, and ventured out after breakfast, but didnt have my camera - there were soooo many more photo ops. Oh well, hopefully I can get some more next week when we do this route again.
I've been eating like a queen (and i think eventually my waisteline will dislike me), and have had quite a variety of foods. We are labelled "officers" and get to eat in a seperate area, with all the other officers on the ship...quite intimidating at first. It means we cant really eat with the other workers in the crew mess, but I rather like the special treatment.
Have had a few nights out. It's been awesome talking with so many new people. Learning their stories, hearing about their lives which are sooooo much different than the lifestyle us North Americans lead - it can be quite alarming sometimes...
Will try to post more pictures. Are stopping in Skagway tomrrow, and I'll take some more. Captain Sea-Bomb hasnt made his appearance yet, cause im pretty sure i'll get kicked off the ship (sorry Kim!) but soon, I promise...he'll do bear proud.
Ciao,
Carrie
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
3 more sleeps, then Seattle bound
Three more days of work. It hasnt really hit me yet - Im still organizing my suitcases, learning my new camers (thanks Sarah for the referral - love it!) and trying to see and talk to people before I leave. Im rather sad about leaving, I've made some great friends this year, both through working both my jobs as well as randomly. They have taught me a lot, and I do hope to take that with me on the ship.
I dont really know what to expect...I believe I have overpacked (of course, its me!), I am afraid I am forgetting some major things - but am soooooo excited at the same time to finally being able to travel, see these places I thought were just a small dream long ago...Yes, its a big change, and im welcoming that change...to learn and grow and take from that what I can...
Some people are skeptical - having just turned 30, i must be too old for something like this...i should settle down, continue my career - hellllllooooo...i took travel and tourism, this IS my career - I can advance and take new courses, and use those when back on land someday.
And thats all I have to say about that LOL...
Anyways, problaby my last post before the ship, so I'll catch you later...
Ciao,
Carebear
I dont really know what to expect...I believe I have overpacked (of course, its me!), I am afraid I am forgetting some major things - but am soooooo excited at the same time to finally being able to travel, see these places I thought were just a small dream long ago...Yes, its a big change, and im welcoming that change...to learn and grow and take from that what I can...
Some people are skeptical - having just turned 30, i must be too old for something like this...i should settle down, continue my career - hellllllooooo...i took travel and tourism, this IS my career - I can advance and take new courses, and use those when back on land someday.
And thats all I have to say about that LOL...
Anyways, problaby my last post before the ship, so I'll catch you later...
Ciao,
Carebear
Monday, August 23, 2010
Time to set sail.....
September 5th. September 5th? SEPTEMBER 5TH????!!!!
Was given two weeks notice that I ship out on September 5th on Friday, couldnt stop smiling for atleast 24 hours! Am freaking out just a little bit. Have started going through all my belongings, having a yard sale on Saturday, trying to see as many ppl as I can before I go...its sooo intense. I am really excited/nervous/uncertain and other emotions I cant even begin to name.
What in the world do I pack to take with me for 6 months?
Am beginning training on the Sapphire Princess, and possibly staying on that ship once training is done...it's itinerary? Hawaii, Australia and Tahiti...ummm...amazing!
To wrap your life up in just a few weeks is something else, thats for sure. Looking through old photos, reading old love letters, sorting clothes and shoes (again)...what do you keep? Who do you stay in touch with, who do you spend more time with to ensure they dont forget you while you are gone (yes, I've begun the sappy stage now).
Cant believe its finally here. To have sent my resume originally back in February just seems unreal...certain people have been amazing with pushing me towards this reality, you know who you are, and I am forever greatful - for this and so many other life changing things that you have helped with...in my heart forever xo.
Well..another day...hope to catch some of you before I go...those of you in Ontario, see you in 6-8 months :)
Ciao,
Carebear.
Was given two weeks notice that I ship out on September 5th on Friday, couldnt stop smiling for atleast 24 hours! Am freaking out just a little bit. Have started going through all my belongings, having a yard sale on Saturday, trying to see as many ppl as I can before I go...its sooo intense. I am really excited/nervous/uncertain and other emotions I cant even begin to name.
What in the world do I pack to take with me for 6 months?
Am beginning training on the Sapphire Princess, and possibly staying on that ship once training is done...it's itinerary? Hawaii, Australia and Tahiti...ummm...amazing!
To wrap your life up in just a few weeks is something else, thats for sure. Looking through old photos, reading old love letters, sorting clothes and shoes (again)...what do you keep? Who do you stay in touch with, who do you spend more time with to ensure they dont forget you while you are gone (yes, I've begun the sappy stage now).
Cant believe its finally here. To have sent my resume originally back in February just seems unreal...certain people have been amazing with pushing me towards this reality, you know who you are, and I am forever greatful - for this and so many other life changing things that you have helped with...in my heart forever xo.
Well..another day...hope to catch some of you before I go...those of you in Ontario, see you in 6-8 months :)
Ciao,
Carebear.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
That first step is a bigger
July 22, 2010;
Welcome to my Blog! I'm rather VERY new at this, so bare with me and my mediocrity.
Where to begin - I turned 30 this year, and after a very difficult previous 6 months, came to the major decision to drastically change my lifestyle and my surroundings. Don't get me wrong, I love Calgary, but I'd had enough of what life was handing me.
Talked with some great friends, convinced myself it would be now or never, and submitted my resume to a friend of a friend to go out on the sea and work on a cruiseline. So brave Right? lol
After waiting a few months and not hearing anything, I decided to continue my seeking in other places, and came across another contact, who has helped me quite a bit with the cruise line I ultimately decided to go with...
THE PAPERWORK is a nightmare! I went to Edmonton yesterday to get my last piece of documentation (which I almost didn't get, but turned on the mild waterworks and whining, and eventually the poor woman caved)...submitted it today, and now I just wait...and wait...and wait....
I'm starting to get excited. I wish I were on the ship already, but I have to wait...I must be the most patient person on the planet these days - am busy filling my time with work, work and more work...selling personal items, and trying to see people before I go...incase its quicker than I think...
I have also been reading up on other people's experience, whether guest or employee upon the ships, and have come to the conclusion that this is EXACTLY what the doctor ordered...change of scenery, a challenge like I've never experienced, and places I wouldnt have had the opportunity to go to...
So let the games begin...
Welcome to my Blog! I'm rather VERY new at this, so bare with me and my mediocrity.
Where to begin - I turned 30 this year, and after a very difficult previous 6 months, came to the major decision to drastically change my lifestyle and my surroundings. Don't get me wrong, I love Calgary, but I'd had enough of what life was handing me.
Talked with some great friends, convinced myself it would be now or never, and submitted my resume to a friend of a friend to go out on the sea and work on a cruiseline. So brave Right? lol
After waiting a few months and not hearing anything, I decided to continue my seeking in other places, and came across another contact, who has helped me quite a bit with the cruise line I ultimately decided to go with...
THE PAPERWORK is a nightmare! I went to Edmonton yesterday to get my last piece of documentation (which I almost didn't get, but turned on the mild waterworks and whining, and eventually the poor woman caved)...submitted it today, and now I just wait...and wait...and wait....
I'm starting to get excited. I wish I were on the ship already, but I have to wait...I must be the most patient person on the planet these days - am busy filling my time with work, work and more work...selling personal items, and trying to see people before I go...incase its quicker than I think...
I have also been reading up on other people's experience, whether guest or employee upon the ships, and have come to the conclusion that this is EXACTLY what the doctor ordered...change of scenery, a challenge like I've never experienced, and places I wouldnt have had the opportunity to go to...
So let the games begin...
Ciao,
Carebear
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