Change of Plans and a New Future with a New Line

It has been a while since I posted a blog but felt today was a day to sit down and update everyone on things.

As many of you have known I have been working as a Destination Expert with Princess for almost 7 years.

In that time I have done numerous contracts to some amazing places.   I have been at sea for up to 9 months in one year!  And often the contracts are a minimum of three months lately and often longer.

It has been fun sharing my knowledge of the ports, meeting so many great people and best of all so many great crew that I have gotten very close with over the years.

However the past year has seen a big change at Princess in regards to Entertainment.  The Destination Expert role is still there and it has changed into more of a "crew" position.  Mind you a great role for a "crew".  

Cabin issues (bunkbeds in my last contract which just don't work for seniors like us).

After all these years I have changed too.

I really enjoy being at home and doing my thing here in this amazing community.  Bernie has started doing more volunteer work and we have a large group of great friends.

Although I retired in 2018, it never felt like I truly stopped working.  It was time to slow down.

I don't want to be away as much as before.  And because I was working so much on ships, the luster of cruising has really worn off.  I miss that excitement of being on a cruise and enjoying the ports.  It sadly had turned into a job where each port was just another port, with no incentive to even get off.  Most days and nights I spent by myself (cause Bernie couldn't always sail with me) and the job got lonely and I missed my partner.  And this job is really a department of one - and it was lonely.

I no longer was a right fit for Princess as a lecturer.

So I started looking at alternatives.  Last year I got to work with Holland America as an Enrichment speaker.  Then they had me again on the Volendam last month.  Both experiences were phenominal, from the shorter contract, flights/travel arranged efficiently, nice cabin, and amazing staff on board with no issues.

I was offered two more shorter contracts this summer - July and August and my gutt said - this is a better option for you.  So I agreed to those jobs.  Plus they want me in South America as an Enrichment speaker - I am not sure if I will be ready this year, but maybe next.

I have informed Princess I am working elsewhere and I am very thankful for all they have done.  So I will not be on the Majestic this Canada New England season.

Ok so you are all up to date.  

Enjoy this beautiful day - off to host a BBQ.

Flying to Reykjavik, Iceland

We are currently sitting in the Halifax airport waiting for our flight to Toronto, then a 3 hour wait there before our flight to Reykjavik.

The airport is so quiet!  No line at all at check in, security or at the gate.  Feels weird.  Maybe because it Isa holiday?  It is Victoria Day here in Canada.

We had a light lunch and now we just wait to board.

I really hate flying.  Not the actual being I the air part but all the rest.  The crowded planes, the noise, trying to keep organized, and well the boredom.

Thankfully it is a red eye flight.  But it is just over 5 hours so not sure how much sleep we will get.  But hopefully some.

We land at 630 am and our hotel is not far away.  We pray W's can get into our room and have a nap but if we can't then it will be some more killing time until we can get in the room.

Holland America booked us into a hotel close to the airport but it is a distance from the downtown, about 40 min drive.  

Stay tuned.

Arrived in Toronto on time and we are now relaxing in the Plaza Premium Lounge.  Enjoying a glass of wine, Bernie is having a beer.  We will have a light bite to eat before our next flight.

Beautiful day here in Toronto.

Joining Holland America Volendam Last Minute

After a great experience last year lecturing on the Holland America Zuiderdam I messaged them to see if they had anything for me this year.  

I had a great zoom meeting and they were very interested; and I was very interested too.  However I am working on Majestic Princess this year and my availability is limited.

But they offered me the Volendam on the back end of the pole to pole Grand Voyage.  

Here is the entire voyage that started back in January.

And we talked about future sailings and itineraries.

We join in Reykjavik, Iceland on Wednesday and stay on until Halifax.

Next Contract - Canada New England

I am excited to report that I will be back on Majestic Princess as the Destination Expert for Canada New England starting August 2nd to October 19.

I am excited to share my knowledge of this wonderful area I call home with the guests.

Are you sailing on one of these cruises? Care to join us?