Starting over again

June 11

Transfer to Seattle

It was kinda unreal when I left the ship and all my new friends behind. Traveling and flying feels like an everyday thing to me now. When I went through security at the airport the guy behind the xray machine looked at me as my bag went through the scan. I smiled and told hi it was a camera in my bag. He laughed a little and asked about it. It’s funny that my Hasselblad always makes the security people double check things in my bag. I explained that I am a photog on a ship and am transferring to Seattle to do the Alaska cruises. Its funny how I will start a conversation with just about anyone. While waiting in the terminal for the plane I had an older couple start talking to me. The funniest thing is they were on the cruise that just disembarked. I even remember them and talking to his wife about one of the ships they have been on. But of course they didn’t remember me. I think it has to do with the fact that I was not in uniform. Ran into some guys from the ship that were on their way home. It’s funny how small a world it is with working on ships. I am sure I will see all these people again. The flight from Boston to Chicago was a blur. I slept the whole way, but would wake up every now and then when my head would roll forward. Got to Chicago and had about 45 mins before leaving so I got a burrito for dinner. The flight was weird. Same plane for both of the flights, just had to re-board.

June 12

Seattle

Got to the ship before 9am. Had to drag my heavy ass suitcases up the ramp and then up some small steps… it was a tough job. I thought people would see me, girl, big suitcases, and maybe they would help… nope. I did have a guy help me with the heaviest one once I was half way up. Oh well. My arms are going to be sore tomorrow. Met the HRO and got some info while waiting on my manager. Once with my manager, we found my room (its just me for now) and then changed and headed to a meeting. Then lunch, then to the photo gallery for a tour and information. A long day, but I am glad that the manager didn’t throw me in the schedule right away. For this cruise I am mainly in the gallery until I can get familiar with the way it is done here. I will be doing gangway with the other US girls, which will be good. The team here consist of 3 Hungarians, 1 French, and 3 US. But one US will be going home in a couple of weeks and my real manager left for a week, then will be back next cruise. So far so good. The team is all real nice and one of the guys from Hungary was super excited to see my last name… I couldn’t stop laughing at his reaction. Long day, didn’t finish till 11:45pm. But I am getting more sleep now than I was on the other ship.. funny how that works when I don’t know anyone. But I am positive it will change soon and go back to a normal routine of bedtime at 1am. J

June 13

Sea Day

It’s a little rocky, but not too bad. Some of these guests think it is worse than they have had on the 6 cruises in their past. Ha! I just want to laugh. I have seen the ship so rocky that the front desk puts out green apples and puke bags. People are funny. This morning I got my id photos done and then to the gallery. Lunch time and then headed to another meeting to fill out more paperwork. Formal tonight and I will be in the gallery most of the time. I will also be doing the restaurant photos tonight. I am a little nervous because it is a new design on dinning room that I am not use to and here on this ship, the team is usually number 1 in everything. Not too much pressure there. (sarcasm included)