Monday, July 30, 2007

:)

So, I’m a bit over the one week mark for being in Alaska and I’m beginning to get more and more comfortable with myself, my job and the ship. I’ve been in charge of the kids (3-7) this week and I’ve only had two consistently show up from program to program. They’re pretty cool though, so it hasn’t been bad – just makes it difficult when it comes to playing games etc.

We had the Coast Guard come on board two days ago to do our annual drill etc and we had it really easy – we ended up having to do nothing in all actuality. I was a bit nervous that they’d ask me one of the questions I didn’t know – but all was well!

We did the man overboard drill the day before that and it was fantastic! Our three cadets on board put on the outfit to prevent hypothermia and went down on the life boats and were thrown overboard. It ended up being more fun for us watching, because the guys were hilarious just flailing around in the freezing cold water!

I’m quite excited though, I found out we have a dry dock in Victoria for two weeks in September. They’re probably going to expect us to do some basic cleaning of Club Hal and other things of that nature, but nothing too exhausting. Lori and I have been making plans of things to do such as High Tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria where you get to dress up. I also heard about a wine and chocolate excursion there, so I’m going to look into that. The entire crew is thrilled with it because we get to sail with no passengers on board and enjoy the ride!

If anyone is interested, My mailing address is:
MS Ryndam – Sydney Ellis, 64042, Youth Staff
Cruise Line Agencies – Juneau
1330 Eastaugh Way #4
Juneau, AK 99802


Yesterday was Glacier Bay and it is beautiful, as it was last year. We actually get up even closer than we did on CruiseWest and there was a large calving while we were there.

Today was College Fjords – weather is absolutely incredible today, I didn’t want to bring the kids inside. It was cool and sunny with crystal clear blue waters! Couldn’t ask for anything more, personally!

I think that’s it for now, but I will be updating consistently – make sure to add to your favorites if you’re interested!

God Bless!

Monday, July 23, 2007

"The Things we are most scared of in life, are usually the things worth doing."

So, I'm finally on the boat and able to sit down and write a thing or two. So far, I'm loving it - tons of new faces, people to meet. The environment is so much better - even two bars, just for crew, to sit and enjoy a drink together. I have so much more free time and I'm able to get off the ship and actually enjoy Alaska! This ship goes to Seward, Ketchikan, Haines/Skagway, Glacier Bay, Vancouver, Juneau and the College Fjords! The weather is absolutely beautiful right now - perfectly cool - just miss the 101 degree temps with 95% humidity (but, not really)!

My roommate is amazing, she also works in Club HAL, which is our youth program. Her name is Kaitlin and she's super sweet and she's been a lifesaver when it comes to showing me around the boat and introducing me to anyone and everyone! Lori is also great and she also works in Club HAL - they're both leaving in a few weeks, so I'll go from "fresh meat" to "pro" in a matter of weeks! Aside from working in Club HAL, we get to work in the Explorations Cafe which is our on board library of books, DVD's, etc. It's nice - that's pretty much all I have to do on our turnaround days, and work just a few hours! Another great way to meet people!

Speaking of "Fresh Meat" - it's hilarious. The guys find out there's a new female on board and they start showing up in places (up with the kids, in the library etc) where they typically NEVER go. It is SO funny! But they all have the coolest accents - they're either from Britain or Holland (most from Holland it seems!)

I'm on the kids this week which is ages 3-7 and its quite a small group. There's only 9 on board, but 2 that show up which makes things difficult when it comes to games and programming, but we're making it work!

Well, I guess I've said enough. I hope and pray that things continue to go well and I enjoy working here. Everyone seems to be happy, regardless of how long they've been on - but I'll take it day by day and love every minute of it in the meantime. Hope all is well with everyone and I'd love to hear from you all via email or mail. I'll post all the addresses later for each individual port.