Hello!
How's everyone? I'm doing very well, getting excited that I will be in Victoria to visit the family for lunch tomorrow! Can't wait to see them, and hug them and tell them all my stories in person!
We were in San Francisco yesterday, what a great looking city. Unfortunately I didn't get to explore much as I was craving shopping, and definitely needed a few things (ahem, underwear!) So I went to Victoria Secret and spent a few $$$ there. LOL, it was great fun! Had a little look around Union Square, which is quite a nice area, there's lots of fancy stores there like Tiffany's, Sak's Fifth Avenue, and Macy's, had a little lunch, and took a taxi back to the pier - I would have liked to have taken the trolley, but didn't want to get lost as I was by myself! I can't wait to go back sometime to try the trolley's and take some of the steep hills! They looked like they would have been fun to ride down! LOL! Once back at the pier, I decided to go for a walk, the pier is quite neat, very long, and I found a small spot where you could walk out to the end of a pier, there were some fishermen there doing some fishing, and you could look out at a suspension bridge (not the Golden Gate though). I took a few pictures, and headed back to the ship to take a nap and get ready to go back to work.
My Co-worker Anna left yesterday in San Francisco, and her replacement came on board (Ricardo - don't tell him that his name is the same as my cat!), I will probably meet him today, he's from the Phillipenes, which is also where Anna is from, and Alberto. We also have a new Guest Account Purser starting this cruise, as the other, Veronica, will leave in a few days, so Lisa (Also from the Phillipenes) came on a few days early to get the hand over from Veronica. So, most of my team has or is changing, so things will probably be a bit different around here! I'll keep you posted on how that goes!
Talk to you soon! And don't forget to comment!!!! I want to know how you are doing!
Tabs
Travel Map
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Cabo San Lucas
Hello!!! Hope everyone is doing well??? I'm doing quite well, thanks for asking - LOL.
Well, since we last chatted, I've been to Cabo San Lucas, briefly anyways. We didn't have much time due to working hours and the time that we left port - and because it was a tender rather than docked, which means we have to take a tender boat to the port, and that can take a lot longer depending on how many people are waiting, and of course the weather. It was only a 20 minute tender trip to the shore, but because of when we (as crew) are required back (30 minutes sooner than guests), we need to be careful about ensuring that we are back in time. I'm sure that I gave myself too much time, but better safe, than paying to fly to San Francisco to meet the ship in 3 days and risk being fired! I stayed mostly near the pier in Cabo San Lucas as there was plenty of shopping options there. There was a typical mexican market with a lot of stalls filled with silver, t-shirts, and other souveniers, so I had a look through there and bought a few things. Then I walked along the marina to take a few pictures and see what was down at the other end. There were some restaurants that looked nice - not enough time for me to stop for a margarita though! :-( Apparently in Cabo (right next to the pier) there is a good place (and cheap too) to swim with the dolphins, of course again, no time, but maybe next time I'm down this way.
There was one stall on the marina pier where you could have your picture taken with a leopard - I was not impressed, this poor little guy was in this tiny caged and being manhandled to let tourists have a picture with it, I'm sure it must have been drugged in order for it to be subdued enough to be with the public. I was so sad, I couldn't look.
Of course I was back on the ship with plenty of time to spare, but man, getting off the tender boat back onto the ship was tough, there were a lot of waves from boats and wave runners going past, the tender boat was smashing against the ship platform, and bouncing up and down, I don't know how some of the people on this ship were getting in and out, there were people in wheelchairs, and elderly that could barely walk with their canes. They have 3 guys there to help you out, but trying to help someone that can't lift themselves very well must be very hard, and I'm sure they must have injuries due to this on every cruise.
Today was the first of two sea days before we reach San Francisco. I've managed to work the schedule so that I can go out in San Francisco to do some shopping!!! I had a look online and it looks like Victoria Secret is just a couple blocks away from the pier! Today was a pretty good day, but a little rough I think - I don't notice so much anymore, but I felt very sleepy this afternoon, and that's usually how I feel when the ship is rocking a bit. And the guests were saying it was quite windy outside on the top deck.
Tomorrow will be a busy day, we actually have to work 10 hours in the bank each - the bank will be open from 9am until 11pm, in order for guests to pay their shipboard accounts and get more tip money from us. On sea days we usually only work 7 hours in the bank, and 8 hours on port days, so we are very lucky as most crew do work the full 10 hours each day.
Anyways, that's it for me for now! Talk to you soon!
Love,
Tabs
Well, since we last chatted, I've been to Cabo San Lucas, briefly anyways. We didn't have much time due to working hours and the time that we left port - and because it was a tender rather than docked, which means we have to take a tender boat to the port, and that can take a lot longer depending on how many people are waiting, and of course the weather. It was only a 20 minute tender trip to the shore, but because of when we (as crew) are required back (30 minutes sooner than guests), we need to be careful about ensuring that we are back in time. I'm sure that I gave myself too much time, but better safe, than paying to fly to San Francisco to meet the ship in 3 days and risk being fired! I stayed mostly near the pier in Cabo San Lucas as there was plenty of shopping options there. There was a typical mexican market with a lot of stalls filled with silver, t-shirts, and other souveniers, so I had a look through there and bought a few things. Then I walked along the marina to take a few pictures and see what was down at the other end. There were some restaurants that looked nice - not enough time for me to stop for a margarita though! :-( Apparently in Cabo (right next to the pier) there is a good place (and cheap too) to swim with the dolphins, of course again, no time, but maybe next time I'm down this way.
There was one stall on the marina pier where you could have your picture taken with a leopard - I was not impressed, this poor little guy was in this tiny caged and being manhandled to let tourists have a picture with it, I'm sure it must have been drugged in order for it to be subdued enough to be with the public. I was so sad, I couldn't look.
Of course I was back on the ship with plenty of time to spare, but man, getting off the tender boat back onto the ship was tough, there were a lot of waves from boats and wave runners going past, the tender boat was smashing against the ship platform, and bouncing up and down, I don't know how some of the people on this ship were getting in and out, there were people in wheelchairs, and elderly that could barely walk with their canes. They have 3 guys there to help you out, but trying to help someone that can't lift themselves very well must be very hard, and I'm sure they must have injuries due to this on every cruise.
Today was the first of two sea days before we reach San Francisco. I've managed to work the schedule so that I can go out in San Francisco to do some shopping!!! I had a look online and it looks like Victoria Secret is just a couple blocks away from the pier! Today was a pretty good day, but a little rough I think - I don't notice so much anymore, but I felt very sleepy this afternoon, and that's usually how I feel when the ship is rocking a bit. And the guests were saying it was quite windy outside on the top deck.
Tomorrow will be a busy day, we actually have to work 10 hours in the bank each - the bank will be open from 9am until 11pm, in order for guests to pay their shipboard accounts and get more tip money from us. On sea days we usually only work 7 hours in the bank, and 8 hours on port days, so we are very lucky as most crew do work the full 10 hours each day.
Anyways, that's it for me for now! Talk to you soon!
Love,
Tabs
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Huatulco, Mexico
Hello!
Well, I made it out yesterday in Huatulco, you wouldn't believe this port, it's so amazing! As I'm sure you know, the ship I am on is huge, it has 12 decks not including the lower decks (Deck zero and Tween, which makes it actually 14 - but zero and tween are below sea level) , so in Huatulco, you arrive into this tiny little bay, that I'm amazed is deep enough for our ship, to this little dock, where even if you couldn't swim you could jump off the side of the boat and still managed to make it to shore! When we walked from the forward part of the ship where we got out, it took about 3 minutes to get to the end of the dock and about 10 more seconds to go down the stairs to the beach. We went over to a restaurant at the other end of the beach (so maybe another 5 minutes walk) had some really good seafood soup and free tortillas with salsa, and of course a couple of Pina Coloda's! Of course I had to work later in the afternoon, so we just had a quick dip in the warm green salty ocean water, and then back to the ship to go to work.
Today we stopped in Acapulco, I was supposed to go out with a new friend (a cutie from Indonesia), but I had more troubles with my cabin door this morning, I couldn't get back into my room after breakfast, and so I had to go get my key card re-programed and that took too long so I didn't go out...it was so disappointing, you'd think I'd be used to this, my key card hasn't worked properly since day one! So now I'm hoping it will work for 1 week (I'm being optimistic - leave me alone).
Tomorrow we have another sea day, and then the following day is Cabo San Lucas, which I'm told is a great port, and I have I think 4 hours in the afternoon to go off ship, so we will of course have lunch again and hopefully swim again. The food on the ship seems to be getting bad again, tonight's food in the officers mess was really bad, I could hardly eat it, I stuck to cheese and sliced meat mostly cause I couldn't stomach most of what was available...
Anyways, better get ready to go to the Latin party tonight by having a nap, talk to you soon!
Tabs
Well, I made it out yesterday in Huatulco, you wouldn't believe this port, it's so amazing! As I'm sure you know, the ship I am on is huge, it has 12 decks not including the lower decks (Deck zero and Tween, which makes it actually 14 - but zero and tween are below sea level) , so in Huatulco, you arrive into this tiny little bay, that I'm amazed is deep enough for our ship, to this little dock, where even if you couldn't swim you could jump off the side of the boat and still managed to make it to shore! When we walked from the forward part of the ship where we got out, it took about 3 minutes to get to the end of the dock and about 10 more seconds to go down the stairs to the beach. We went over to a restaurant at the other end of the beach (so maybe another 5 minutes walk) had some really good seafood soup and free tortillas with salsa, and of course a couple of Pina Coloda's! Of course I had to work later in the afternoon, so we just had a quick dip in the warm green salty ocean water, and then back to the ship to go to work.
Today we stopped in Acapulco, I was supposed to go out with a new friend (a cutie from Indonesia), but I had more troubles with my cabin door this morning, I couldn't get back into my room after breakfast, and so I had to go get my key card re-programed and that took too long so I didn't go out...it was so disappointing, you'd think I'd be used to this, my key card hasn't worked properly since day one! So now I'm hoping it will work for 1 week (I'm being optimistic - leave me alone).
Tomorrow we have another sea day, and then the following day is Cabo San Lucas, which I'm told is a great port, and I have I think 4 hours in the afternoon to go off ship, so we will of course have lunch again and hopefully swim again. The food on the ship seems to be getting bad again, tonight's food in the officers mess was really bad, I could hardly eat it, I stuck to cheese and sliced meat mostly cause I couldn't stomach most of what was available...
Anyways, better get ready to go to the Latin party tonight by having a nap, talk to you soon!
Tabs
Monday, April 21, 2008
Costa Rica - My favorite stop yet!
Hello Everyone!
How're you all doing? I'm doing very well these days, I got to go out in Punta Arenas Costa Rica yesterday! It was a great afternoon, my friends and I purchased tickets to go sit by the pool in a resort in the mountains. It was $29 US (maybe a little high for what we got). It took 40 minutes to get to the resort, but it was a beautiful ride, we got to see a lot of different areas. Once we got there, we were so high on the mountain that we could see the ocean and it was quite far away. It was a beautiful resort, very lush with flowers, and trees and bushes, it seems that it might have been an orchard at one time as there was an area that had a tonne of banana and lemon trees. They sell themselves as an adventure resort, so they have zip lines, trampolines, ATV tours, and Horseback riding tours. I think it's a place my mom would like to go to - if just for the horses! The tours cost more and we weren't sure about time, so we didn't do any of those, but it was a nice time anyways. The cost included transportation, lunch (no drinks though - huh?) pool access, and free internet. Unfortunately the internet connection wasn't very good so I wasn't able to get any pictures loaded - sorry, but I really did try!!!! We had our lunch, which was a tradional Costa Rican meal with Rice, beans, veggies and meat (I had chicken), it was really good, then we splurged on desert, which was warm pineapple with icecream and chocolate sauce. It was really good.
All in all it was a really great day, although, I did burn my shoulders a bit, it should turn into a tan by tomorrow I think, it wasn't too bad.
Otherwise, things are going pretty good, we are having a team meeting and dinner tonight in the casual dining area. It should be very good, as usual...
I'm still looking for a new boyfriend, there are a couple of guys that I'm interested in, I just have to figure out if my first choice is serious with his flirting or not - if not I will give my second choice a chance, who I know is interested.
I have one problem that I've been dealing with that I must complain about! Ever since I came on ship my cabin door hasn't worked properly, it took about 3 weeks to find out that the battery in the lock needs to be replaced, so I sent in a request, as far as I know, it's been done, but the door is still f#$%ed up, and it was really getting annoying, finally last night, it stopped working all together, so I had to put in a request for a joiner to come and look at the door, I put in the request and had security help me get into my cabin, he was supposed to come this morning to fix it at 11am, but apparently something else came up and he couldn't come, so I wasted my morning waiting...So then this afternoon I had to go back to my room to change my uniform for evening, and I called cabin services to call security to come and let me into my cabin, and she was SO rude, they always assume that it's the key that's not working and for that you have to go to the crew pursers office to have it re-magnitized, so I explained, no it's not the key, the door is broken and they didn't come to fix it when they were supposed to, then she got all pissy with me about it (I think she thought I was lying) and then she didn't call security to come fix it! I had to call back 15 minutes later cause no one came! When we go to change our uniforms, we have to be quick because we are still on duty. It ended up taking 20 minutes for them to come, and then I was late going back to work! It was so frustrating, now I have to arrange again for someone to come and let me into my room later after dinner, and I'm sure they will be pissy with me again. Anyways, that's my rant, hopefully it will be fixed tommorrow!
Alrighty then! I feel better, talk to you all soon! Miss you!
Tabitha
How're you all doing? I'm doing very well these days, I got to go out in Punta Arenas Costa Rica yesterday! It was a great afternoon, my friends and I purchased tickets to go sit by the pool in a resort in the mountains. It was $29 US (maybe a little high for what we got). It took 40 minutes to get to the resort, but it was a beautiful ride, we got to see a lot of different areas. Once we got there, we were so high on the mountain that we could see the ocean and it was quite far away. It was a beautiful resort, very lush with flowers, and trees and bushes, it seems that it might have been an orchard at one time as there was an area that had a tonne of banana and lemon trees. They sell themselves as an adventure resort, so they have zip lines, trampolines, ATV tours, and Horseback riding tours. I think it's a place my mom would like to go to - if just for the horses! The tours cost more and we weren't sure about time, so we didn't do any of those, but it was a nice time anyways. The cost included transportation, lunch (no drinks though - huh?) pool access, and free internet. Unfortunately the internet connection wasn't very good so I wasn't able to get any pictures loaded - sorry, but I really did try!!!! We had our lunch, which was a tradional Costa Rican meal with Rice, beans, veggies and meat (I had chicken), it was really good, then we splurged on desert, which was warm pineapple with icecream and chocolate sauce. It was really good.
All in all it was a really great day, although, I did burn my shoulders a bit, it should turn into a tan by tomorrow I think, it wasn't too bad.
Otherwise, things are going pretty good, we are having a team meeting and dinner tonight in the casual dining area. It should be very good, as usual...
I'm still looking for a new boyfriend, there are a couple of guys that I'm interested in, I just have to figure out if my first choice is serious with his flirting or not - if not I will give my second choice a chance, who I know is interested.
I have one problem that I've been dealing with that I must complain about! Ever since I came on ship my cabin door hasn't worked properly, it took about 3 weeks to find out that the battery in the lock needs to be replaced, so I sent in a request, as far as I know, it's been done, but the door is still f#$%ed up, and it was really getting annoying, finally last night, it stopped working all together, so I had to put in a request for a joiner to come and look at the door, I put in the request and had security help me get into my cabin, he was supposed to come this morning to fix it at 11am, but apparently something else came up and he couldn't come, so I wasted my morning waiting...So then this afternoon I had to go back to my room to change my uniform for evening, and I called cabin services to call security to come and let me into my cabin, and she was SO rude, they always assume that it's the key that's not working and for that you have to go to the crew pursers office to have it re-magnitized, so I explained, no it's not the key, the door is broken and they didn't come to fix it when they were supposed to, then she got all pissy with me about it (I think she thought I was lying) and then she didn't call security to come fix it! I had to call back 15 minutes later cause no one came! When we go to change our uniforms, we have to be quick because we are still on duty. It ended up taking 20 minutes for them to come, and then I was late going back to work! It was so frustrating, now I have to arrange again for someone to come and let me into my room later after dinner, and I'm sure they will be pissy with me again. Anyways, that's my rant, hopefully it will be fixed tommorrow!
Alrighty then! I feel better, talk to you all soon! Miss you!
Tabitha
Friday, April 18, 2008
The Panama Canal - Again!
Hello All!
Today we came through the panama canal from the east to the west this time - on our way back up home to be closer to all of you again! Can't wait! I don't know if you know this but when you come from east to west, with how the canal is actually situation, you actually travel south east to get to the Pacific Ocean! Oh, and one more piece of Canal trivia for you, did you know that they are building new locks? To the north of the existing locks they will start I think later this year, building a new set, that will hold bigger ships - it's amazing how close you get to the edges, and we are not the biggest ships that have been through those locks. I heard from mom today and she watched us come through the Gatun locks first thing this morning, unfortunately I wasn't out of bed yet to wave hello like she asked me to - I promise I dreamed I was waving back!
I was able to watch us com through the final lock at Gatun but then had to head off to work for a few hours. In the afternoon in time for the first set of locks coming out to the pacific, I was able to go up to deck 5 forward which is where the helicopter pad is - and climbed up there to get a view from the very front of the ship - it was really amazing up there. It is a passenger free area so we don't have to be in uniform - thank GOD I could wear shorts, cause it was smokin' hot! Sorry, I don't mean to rub it in to you folks in Victoria that got snow today - LOL!!! Okay, I'm totally rubbing it in. LOL...I got some great pictures and even some video of us and the ship next to us (Holland America) going through the locks, so that was really cool.
Just a quick note today to tell you about the trip back through the canal, it was great fun, and now we start heading north. A stop in Costa Rica in 2 days, and on to Mexico, the US, then CANADA!!! (ahhhh, home, family - sigh)...
I miss you all, and please send me messages - or if you want to chat with me live sometime you can find me on MSN at tabs_76@hotmail.com!
Talk to you soon!
Love,
Tabs
Today we came through the panama canal from the east to the west this time - on our way back up home to be closer to all of you again! Can't wait! I don't know if you know this but when you come from east to west, with how the canal is actually situation, you actually travel south east to get to the Pacific Ocean! Oh, and one more piece of Canal trivia for you, did you know that they are building new locks? To the north of the existing locks they will start I think later this year, building a new set, that will hold bigger ships - it's amazing how close you get to the edges, and we are not the biggest ships that have been through those locks. I heard from mom today and she watched us come through the Gatun locks first thing this morning, unfortunately I wasn't out of bed yet to wave hello like she asked me to - I promise I dreamed I was waving back!
I was able to watch us com through the final lock at Gatun but then had to head off to work for a few hours. In the afternoon in time for the first set of locks coming out to the pacific, I was able to go up to deck 5 forward which is where the helicopter pad is - and climbed up there to get a view from the very front of the ship - it was really amazing up there. It is a passenger free area so we don't have to be in uniform - thank GOD I could wear shorts, cause it was smokin' hot! Sorry, I don't mean to rub it in to you folks in Victoria that got snow today - LOL!!! Okay, I'm totally rubbing it in. LOL...I got some great pictures and even some video of us and the ship next to us (Holland America) going through the locks, so that was really cool.
Just a quick note today to tell you about the trip back through the canal, it was great fun, and now we start heading north. A stop in Costa Rica in 2 days, and on to Mexico, the US, then CANADA!!! (ahhhh, home, family - sigh)...
I miss you all, and please send me messages - or if you want to chat with me live sometime you can find me on MSN at tabs_76@hotmail.com!
Talk to you soon!
Love,
Tabs
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Jamaica & Colombia
Hello Everyone!
I'm missing your comments, I haven't seen very many lately and want to hear about what you think!
So, we had a busy few days with Embarkation duties, payroll stuff and payroll hand out, I worked quite a few hours extra, but keeping busy is good, and it makes the sleep afterwards all that much more rewarding!
So, we went to Jamaica the other day, I was able to go out, but didn't have the best time there, I couldn't find anyone to go out with as I had to work in the morning and most of the people I knew had already gone out for the day. I should have gone where everyone else on my bus went - to the beach to hang out and eat, but I decided to go into town. Town is VERY poor, it was sad to see really, the bus dropped us off at a little tourist shopping mall where they sell some souvenier type things. I decided to walk into town, and of course got trailed by a guy that wanted to help me find a good place to eat, and of course being nice and not realizing at first (cause I'm canadian an all) that he wasn't just doing it to be nice...so he charged me $10 to take me to his friends restaurant - by the time I realized what was going on, I didn't really want to be left alone, I was the only white girl in the area, and didn't really want to try to navigate by myself, he was a nice guy, and he got me back to the bus area nice and safe. I bought myself a little painting there, and hopped the bus back to the ship. I think I would have had a much better time in the more touristy area of the beach, but now I know for next time.
Today I had the morning shift in the bank when we got to Cartagena, Colombia and as the ship was leaving at 2pm today, we had to be back on board by 1:30, I didn't have much time leaving the bank at 11:30 so I didn't figure I would get to go out. But as I was finishing my lunch in the officers mess, a friend that also enjoys photography told me that he and another guy were going out just into the terminal to take some photos of some lizards. So he asked me to join them. So I did actually get to go outside, got a bit of sun on my face (no I didn't burn - yea!) It was VERY hot, and very Muggy, I had to wait for my camera lens to un-fog, it took a few minutes, then I had to take the filter off so the main lens could un-fog! We got some picturs of some pelicans in the trees and then went into the grassy area of the terminal where when we looked closely towards the water there were a whole bunch of Iguana's!!! (not lizards) So I got a few pictures of the Iguana's - one really good one! I promise I'll break down soon and pay the higher price for internet so you can see some pictures! Also got a few pictures of some flowers and the ship, as well as the ship that was in port next too us.
Anyways, next up is the Panama Canal tomorrow, I hope to get some more pictures of us going through some locks but I think I might be sleeping when we go through the first set, and working during the evening set so maybe not!
Anyways, again, send me some comments! I miss you all!
Love,
Tabs
I'm missing your comments, I haven't seen very many lately and want to hear about what you think!
So, we had a busy few days with Embarkation duties, payroll stuff and payroll hand out, I worked quite a few hours extra, but keeping busy is good, and it makes the sleep afterwards all that much more rewarding!
So, we went to Jamaica the other day, I was able to go out, but didn't have the best time there, I couldn't find anyone to go out with as I had to work in the morning and most of the people I knew had already gone out for the day. I should have gone where everyone else on my bus went - to the beach to hang out and eat, but I decided to go into town. Town is VERY poor, it was sad to see really, the bus dropped us off at a little tourist shopping mall where they sell some souvenier type things. I decided to walk into town, and of course got trailed by a guy that wanted to help me find a good place to eat, and of course being nice and not realizing at first (cause I'm canadian an all) that he wasn't just doing it to be nice...so he charged me $10 to take me to his friends restaurant - by the time I realized what was going on, I didn't really want to be left alone, I was the only white girl in the area, and didn't really want to try to navigate by myself, he was a nice guy, and he got me back to the bus area nice and safe. I bought myself a little painting there, and hopped the bus back to the ship. I think I would have had a much better time in the more touristy area of the beach, but now I know for next time.
Today I had the morning shift in the bank when we got to Cartagena, Colombia and as the ship was leaving at 2pm today, we had to be back on board by 1:30, I didn't have much time leaving the bank at 11:30 so I didn't figure I would get to go out. But as I was finishing my lunch in the officers mess, a friend that also enjoys photography told me that he and another guy were going out just into the terminal to take some photos of some lizards. So he asked me to join them. So I did actually get to go outside, got a bit of sun on my face (no I didn't burn - yea!) It was VERY hot, and very Muggy, I had to wait for my camera lens to un-fog, it took a few minutes, then I had to take the filter off so the main lens could un-fog! We got some picturs of some pelicans in the trees and then went into the grassy area of the terminal where when we looked closely towards the water there were a whole bunch of Iguana's!!! (not lizards) So I got a few pictures of the Iguana's - one really good one! I promise I'll break down soon and pay the higher price for internet so you can see some pictures! Also got a few pictures of some flowers and the ship, as well as the ship that was in port next too us.
Anyways, next up is the Panama Canal tomorrow, I hope to get some more pictures of us going through some locks but I think I might be sleeping when we go through the first set, and working during the evening set so maybe not!
Anyways, again, send me some comments! I miss you all!
Love,
Tabs
Monday, April 14, 2008
Another Update
Hello! I can't believe it's been a week since I last posted! Sorry about that, time goes so quickly!
Okay, last time we talked I told you about what's been happening with my job...Things are still looking good for us, we still don't have any news on when things will start changing but I expect it to be in the next few weeks...
We had a new Jr Purser start today to take over for the co-worker that left in Colombia. So there will be a period of adjustment as he gets settled and we transfer some work between us. My other co-worker Anna will also be leaving soon (San Francisco in 2 weeks), so I have to learn about what she does - charging the gratuities before she goes, then I have to transfer some things to Albert and Ricardo (replacing Anna in San Fran), it feels really good, the Financial Controller seems to really trust me already so I am very confident in what I'm doing and learning, and also in what may happen for me in the future with the job situation.
Okay, so traveling stuff, we went through the Canal, that was cool, I got to go up to deck4 outside and watch as we went through a lock - then I learned that as staff we can go up to the helicopter pad at the front of the ship deck 5 and watch from the front, so I will try to do that next time - that will be so cool! It was very hot in the Canal, I also took a video of another ship going through the lock next to us, so that's kind of neat. the cruise on the lake between the locks was very nice and felt relaxing when I wasn't working.
We stopped in Cartagena, Colombia but I didn't make it off the ship, I'd had a tough day and then couldn't find anyone to go with - and really didn't want to go alone, so I just went to bed instead and slept for my whole break. oh well, then in Jamaica I was working the bank so did not have a chance to go out either. We made it Ft Lauderdale yesterday, and again it was very hard to go out. I had to work in the morning, then we had boat drill with the coast guard watching - so no one can leave until that is finished. Then the US restricts us on when we can go off ship, only every 30 minutes, so we finished boat drill at 1:00 so I missed that time to go off cause I was changing, then I missed the 1:30 cause my gentleman friend was leaving that day and wanted to visit me (but he ended up not being able to), by then it was too late as we all had to be back on ship at 2:30 and I didn't think an hour would be enough time, so again, I slept! It's too bad too, cause the ship was hours late in leaving the port due to the amount of deliveries that we got - FINALLY - maybe we will have some good food! We were supposed to leave at 5pm, and I think we left at 9pm!
So, next up is Jamaica again, and I will be going out tomorrow - I'm starting to get a little crazy with having been on ship for quite a few days now. After Jamaica, we will have another sea day, then back to Cartagena Colombia, and back through the Canal the next day.
Well, send me some messages on facebook or email, I love to hear from you and want to know how you are doing!
Talk to you soon, miss you all!
Tabs
Okay, last time we talked I told you about what's been happening with my job...Things are still looking good for us, we still don't have any news on when things will start changing but I expect it to be in the next few weeks...
We had a new Jr Purser start today to take over for the co-worker that left in Colombia. So there will be a period of adjustment as he gets settled and we transfer some work between us. My other co-worker Anna will also be leaving soon (San Francisco in 2 weeks), so I have to learn about what she does - charging the gratuities before she goes, then I have to transfer some things to Albert and Ricardo (replacing Anna in San Fran), it feels really good, the Financial Controller seems to really trust me already so I am very confident in what I'm doing and learning, and also in what may happen for me in the future with the job situation.
Okay, so traveling stuff, we went through the Canal, that was cool, I got to go up to deck4 outside and watch as we went through a lock - then I learned that as staff we can go up to the helicopter pad at the front of the ship deck 5 and watch from the front, so I will try to do that next time - that will be so cool! It was very hot in the Canal, I also took a video of another ship going through the lock next to us, so that's kind of neat. the cruise on the lake between the locks was very nice and felt relaxing when I wasn't working.
We stopped in Cartagena, Colombia but I didn't make it off the ship, I'd had a tough day and then couldn't find anyone to go with - and really didn't want to go alone, so I just went to bed instead and slept for my whole break. oh well, then in Jamaica I was working the bank so did not have a chance to go out either. We made it Ft Lauderdale yesterday, and again it was very hard to go out. I had to work in the morning, then we had boat drill with the coast guard watching - so no one can leave until that is finished. Then the US restricts us on when we can go off ship, only every 30 minutes, so we finished boat drill at 1:00 so I missed that time to go off cause I was changing, then I missed the 1:30 cause my gentleman friend was leaving that day and wanted to visit me (but he ended up not being able to), by then it was too late as we all had to be back on ship at 2:30 and I didn't think an hour would be enough time, so again, I slept! It's too bad too, cause the ship was hours late in leaving the port due to the amount of deliveries that we got - FINALLY - maybe we will have some good food! We were supposed to leave at 5pm, and I think we left at 9pm!
So, next up is Jamaica again, and I will be going out tomorrow - I'm starting to get a little crazy with having been on ship for quite a few days now. After Jamaica, we will have another sea day, then back to Cartagena Colombia, and back through the Canal the next day.
Well, send me some messages on facebook or email, I love to hear from you and want to know how you are doing!
Talk to you soon, miss you all!
Tabs
Monday, April 7, 2008
Job Changes!!! Already???
Okay, so a few days ago, we were told that the bank will be merged with Guest Relations on Celebrity Ships. So, what does this mean? We didn't know at the time, we thought, oh crap, now we have to be guest relations, does this mean our salary will go down? What about if there isn't enough jobs? Will we lose our jobs? Finally today we got some answers, and it's all good news!
My feeling initially was, my contract says apprentice purser, and I want that to stay, as you all know how I can be with patience, and guest relations deals with a lot of complaints all day long! I would not have lasted in that position. So what is happening you ask? Well, the word from head office is that all the apprentice pursers will be trained for a few different positions, including Jr Payroll, Payroll, Guest Account Purser, Documenation Officer, and some HR positions. Once we complete the training, we will be assessed and offered positions where they think we are best suited. I'm very excited about this as some of these positions are 2 stripe officers and some of those positions come with a cabin to yourself!!! I'm very excited to learn some different jobs as the one in the bank can be quite boring especially mid cruise when there isn't as much to do.
Anyways, just a quick update for you to let you know what's happening with me. As an FYI for all of you that want to see, I did get a couple of pictures of the new man, and I will get those up soon too!
Love you!
Tabs
My feeling initially was, my contract says apprentice purser, and I want that to stay, as you all know how I can be with patience, and guest relations deals with a lot of complaints all day long! I would not have lasted in that position. So what is happening you ask? Well, the word from head office is that all the apprentice pursers will be trained for a few different positions, including Jr Payroll, Payroll, Guest Account Purser, Documenation Officer, and some HR positions. Once we complete the training, we will be assessed and offered positions where they think we are best suited. I'm very excited about this as some of these positions are 2 stripe officers and some of those positions come with a cabin to yourself!!! I'm very excited to learn some different jobs as the one in the bank can be quite boring especially mid cruise when there isn't as much to do.
Anyways, just a quick update for you to let you know what's happening with me. As an FYI for all of you that want to see, I did get a couple of pictures of the new man, and I will get those up soon too!
Love you!
Tabs
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Sweating in Ecuador...
First a little update on ship life, things are going very well, some of you may know already that I've met a man that I like already. He's a very sweet kind Turkish man, but unfortunately he will go home to Turkey in just a few days when we reach Ft Lauderdale...and when he returns after vacation he will be on a different ship in Europe. So it seems it will be a short but sweet relationship. It's really nice to have someone close to you to talk to on the ship.
We had a special party last night in the constellation Bar on deck 11 last night. It was a party to say goodbye to south America as the next few days will be our last here. And also it was a congratulations party for us, because the last 2 cruises we did in South America got very good ratings. I believe the rating is out of a total of 300, and most cruises are in the 270-280 range, but in South America usually it is around 240, the cruise that was done before I came on board got a rating of 263 which is a record - and I might add, they were in code red for a few days (meaning there was a virus on board so there were a lot of quarantines), and this last cruise (my first!) got a rating of 261, it's un heard of in South America to get 2 such good ratings in a row, so the party was also to give the staff the appreciation they deserve for the good job done on the last 2 cruises. It was a nice party, but it seems not very many people have been going to the parties on ship lately as not one party since I started on board has had very many people come! I hope I don't smell bad...???
So, the day before yesterday we stopped in Lima, Peru, and unfortunately I didn't even get to go up to an outside deck to take photos! I had training in the morning, then boat drill, then only 30 minutes to grab some lunch and I was at the bank until we left port and it got dark! Apparently the port near Lima can be quite dangerous, there was a shuttle bus that takes you directly from the terminal to the nicer part of town - people likened this area to East LA! Well, one of our staff decided to walk (ALONE) and he got mugged by 2 men at gun point! they ripped his clothes to get into his pockets and left him holding his shorts. He seemed alright yesterday when I talked to him, but it must have been terrifying! Kind of made me glad I couldn't go off ship in a way!
Yesterday was a Sea Day so I got to sleep a lot - I'm learning that Sea Days are great, because you can catch up on your sleep during your afternoon break instead of going ashore!
Today we stopped in Manta, Ecuador and I was able to go out. I went out with my new boyfriend Yilderay (from Turkey) and we went down to the beach area which has a lot of seafood restaurants, and had some lunch there, then we walked out to the water and along the beach a bit before heading back in land. It was VERY hot and humid in Manta today so the water felt really nice on our feet. We wandered back through a few vendor stalls, and I was treated to a nice Necklace made out of shell (maybe?) with my initial and a heart on it (Everybody say Awe!) It was sweet. Then I took a few pictures, unfortunately near where we were, there wasn't a lot to see, and we couldn't travel too far from the ship because we had to come back to work. Apparently there are some really nice parks near by, and if I get back down this way, I will definitely arrange something in order to go take some pics.
Anyways, that's about it for now, Miss you all!
Love,
Tabs
We had a special party last night in the constellation Bar on deck 11 last night. It was a party to say goodbye to south America as the next few days will be our last here. And also it was a congratulations party for us, because the last 2 cruises we did in South America got very good ratings. I believe the rating is out of a total of 300, and most cruises are in the 270-280 range, but in South America usually it is around 240, the cruise that was done before I came on board got a rating of 263 which is a record - and I might add, they were in code red for a few days (meaning there was a virus on board so there were a lot of quarantines), and this last cruise (my first!) got a rating of 261, it's un heard of in South America to get 2 such good ratings in a row, so the party was also to give the staff the appreciation they deserve for the good job done on the last 2 cruises. It was a nice party, but it seems not very many people have been going to the parties on ship lately as not one party since I started on board has had very many people come! I hope I don't smell bad...???
So, the day before yesterday we stopped in Lima, Peru, and unfortunately I didn't even get to go up to an outside deck to take photos! I had training in the morning, then boat drill, then only 30 minutes to grab some lunch and I was at the bank until we left port and it got dark! Apparently the port near Lima can be quite dangerous, there was a shuttle bus that takes you directly from the terminal to the nicer part of town - people likened this area to East LA! Well, one of our staff decided to walk (ALONE) and he got mugged by 2 men at gun point! they ripped his clothes to get into his pockets and left him holding his shorts. He seemed alright yesterday when I talked to him, but it must have been terrifying! Kind of made me glad I couldn't go off ship in a way!
Yesterday was a Sea Day so I got to sleep a lot - I'm learning that Sea Days are great, because you can catch up on your sleep during your afternoon break instead of going ashore!
Today we stopped in Manta, Ecuador and I was able to go out. I went out with my new boyfriend Yilderay (from Turkey) and we went down to the beach area which has a lot of seafood restaurants, and had some lunch there, then we walked out to the water and along the beach a bit before heading back in land. It was VERY hot and humid in Manta today so the water felt really nice on our feet. We wandered back through a few vendor stalls, and I was treated to a nice Necklace made out of shell (maybe?) with my initial and a heart on it (Everybody say Awe!) It was sweet. Then I took a few pictures, unfortunately near where we were, there wasn't a lot to see, and we couldn't travel too far from the ship because we had to come back to work. Apparently there are some really nice parks near by, and if I get back down this way, I will definitely arrange something in order to go take some pics.
Anyways, that's about it for now, Miss you all!
Love,
Tabs
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Arica, Chile
Well, I'm back again! Today we stopped in Arica, Chile which is at the northern end of Chile. I was able to get off the ship again today, and it is a nice city - although I must admit we didn't get very far from port...
Once off the ship there were a few vendors selling their crafts, I bought a nice colourful blanket for the end of my bunk to make it a little more home like in my cabin, it's got a lot of orange in it so it suits me great. It also has some Chile type designs so it feels very authentic. Then we walked through a mall area and found a restaurant for lunch - it took 2 hours!!!! It was crazy, but this is the Chile way of life, we ordered drinks and our meal, and it took probably half an hour for the bread to come, then another half an hour for an appitizer for my friend Tunde, and another half hour for our lunch to come! It was okay, some of the food was good, but I had some Kalamari on mine and it was VERY rubbery so I couldn't eat that part of my meal.
After our 2 hour meal we really didn't have much time left, I took a few pictures of the vendor area which was a nice square with a church at the top end of it, and we headed back to the ship to go back to work.
Tomorrow we head up into Peruvian waters, and will arrive in Lima the next day. Unfortunately it is my turn to work the afternoon shift, so I will not be able to leave the ship. But I have found out that I will be able to go out when we reach Manta, Equador, and Cartegena, Colombia! I'm very excited!
Well, better get to my evening nap! Talk to you all soon!
Tabitha
Once off the ship there were a few vendors selling their crafts, I bought a nice colourful blanket for the end of my bunk to make it a little more home like in my cabin, it's got a lot of orange in it so it suits me great. It also has some Chile type designs so it feels very authentic. Then we walked through a mall area and found a restaurant for lunch - it took 2 hours!!!! It was crazy, but this is the Chile way of life, we ordered drinks and our meal, and it took probably half an hour for the bread to come, then another half an hour for an appitizer for my friend Tunde, and another half hour for our lunch to come! It was okay, some of the food was good, but I had some Kalamari on mine and it was VERY rubbery so I couldn't eat that part of my meal.
After our 2 hour meal we really didn't have much time left, I took a few pictures of the vendor area which was a nice square with a church at the top end of it, and we headed back to the ship to go back to work.
Tomorrow we head up into Peruvian waters, and will arrive in Lima the next day. Unfortunately it is my turn to work the afternoon shift, so I will not be able to leave the ship. But I have found out that I will be able to go out when we reach Manta, Equador, and Cartegena, Colombia! I'm very excited!
Well, better get to my evening nap! Talk to you all soon!
Tabitha
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Coquimbo, Chile
Well I finally made it off the ship in Chile! I went to Coquimbo which is where the dock is for the port of La Serena, I did not take the $15 cab ride to go to La Serena as we didn't have a lot of time, and there was a nice street with some shops to look through in Coquimbo. My co-worker and I walked the street, and I took a few pictures, and we went to a grocery store to pick up a few supplies and a snack. Then we sat in a nice square with our snack.
Life on the ship is about the same, I'm starting to get used to the hours and sleeping whenever I get the chance, last night I actually got a full nights sleep (kind of) I slept for an hour around 9pm, then was up until about 12:30 and slept until 7am...
Next stop is Arica, Chile which is at the northern tip of the country next to Peru. I don't yet know if I will have time to leave the ship as we are still waiting for our next schedule. Hopefully I will have time. Then we will be off to Peru, Equador, Panama Canal, Colombia and Jamaica before we hit US soil at the end of this cruise in Ft Lauderdale.
Not a lot of info in this post as Coquimbo is not all that interesting, but I will update you again soon!
Love,
Tabs
Life on the ship is about the same, I'm starting to get used to the hours and sleeping whenever I get the chance, last night I actually got a full nights sleep (kind of) I slept for an hour around 9pm, then was up until about 12:30 and slept until 7am...
Next stop is Arica, Chile which is at the northern tip of the country next to Peru. I don't yet know if I will have time to leave the ship as we are still waiting for our next schedule. Hopefully I will have time. Then we will be off to Peru, Equador, Panama Canal, Colombia and Jamaica before we hit US soil at the end of this cruise in Ft Lauderdale.
Not a lot of info in this post as Coquimbo is not all that interesting, but I will update you again soon!
Love,
Tabs
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