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.

What Should of Been Nuuk

Ahhh  nothing better than sleeping in.  I shower and dress for my lecture.  A quick bite to eat at the IC and I meet up with Bernie in Explorers Lounge.  We read and chat with some of the guests.  

My lecture is at 2 pm but I need to set up early.  I always try to get there a half hour early to make sure everything works.  And trust me, there have been numerous occasions where I have needed that extra half hour.  If I have no issues then that is great and I mix with the passengers and chat with them.  

People are disappointed that we missed Nuuk, but these seasoned cruisers seem to understand. However, a woman did complain to me "the Captain should of sailed in, the storm was not bad according to my weather app".  I so wanted to say, but did not, maybe the bridge needs to consult "your" weather app.

I should also add that internet signal is very sporadic. So do not rely on it if you are doing this itinerary, especially in the north. 

I have been added to the schedule for today, because of the sudden sea day.  Today I am doing my 9/11 lecture, the Day The World Came to Gander Newfoundland at 2 pm. Unfortunately it is in Explorers Lounge and it just can not hold that many people (maybe a few hundred).  We are sitting in the lounge and at 1245 it is getting really crowded. I second guess myself thinking hmmm is my lecture at 1?  Because there is barely a seat available, but nope it is at 2pm these people are smart, they found a seat.

It soon becomes apparent that there are a lot of guests who want to see it, but can't.   After the presentation I head to the cabin and call the entertainment director Madison and she says she already has had four calls from guests upset that they could not see the show.  I tell her that I am more than happy to redo the presentation on the original date in the princess theater.  Easy enough for me to do and really, if it makes the guests happy, I am happy.

Tonight we enjoyed a great meal in the Palm dining room and the went early to the theater, in order to get seats, to see Bravo.  It has been ages since we have seen this show and this cast truly did an outstanding job.  So happy we got to see it again.

Sea Day First of Three

Seas were calm last night.  We slept soundly and when we woke we felt rested and ready for a sea day after two port days.

I do have a lecture today at 1 pm so I do run thru it and get it ready.  

The lecture was very well attended, I would say 75% full and many standing.  It was well received and I had lots of great comments afterwards.   Today's lecture was called "Expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia".  So many were not aware of this history and how closely it tied in with the US.

After the lecture we head up to the buffet for some lunch.  It is definitely cooler as we sail up the western side of Newfoundland.  

I throw on a sweatshirt and sit on the promenade and read for two hours.  

The evening starts with some cocktails and then we aren't really hungry so we walk to Princess theater to attend the early production show "Born to Be Wild" which we haven't seen in ages!  But we went way to late and the theatre is packed!  Even the second show is totally full.  I recommend you arrive at least a half hour prior to the show to get a seat.

First Sea Day - Afternoon and Evening

The ship is busy.  I know there are just over 2,700 guests. with half being platinum and elite.  There are 4 Captain Circle Parties over 2 days.  But as it is a sea day, and it is cool outside everyone is crowded inside.  

The cruise staff have an abundance of activities to do. 

I shower and dress for my first lecture.  I show up a half hour early and I am glad I did.  I seem to always have issues with sound from my presentation onto the screen.  Today it happened again.  The production team again are amazing.  They worked hard to get it working but I am thinking I am going to have to figure out a solution, as this is becoming a real pain.  

The theater was very busy.  I am guessing about two thirds full!  The lecture is all about the Halifax Explosion of 1917 was well received.  I had lots of great feedback.  One woman came up and thanked me so much.  Her great uncle was blinded by the explosion and she did not know the full story, now she does.  A lot of people commented that they were not even aware of the explosion.

After the lecture I quickly went back to the cabin to change and then up to the buffet to eat something as it is now 2 pm and I haven't eaten since 830.  

One great thing about the Caribbean Princess is the promenade deck.  I head out and sit on a teak chair and watch the sea go by.  Ahhhhh  can you hear it?  The waves crashing?  Can you feel the salt air hitting your face?  Well I sure did.  I must of spent 40 minutes out there taking deep breaths and enjoying the moment and realizing how blessed I am.

Tonight is formal night and we have decided to have an easy night.  Maybe a cocktail or two then dinner upstairs at the buffet.  And this is exactly what we did.  Food on board has been very very good.  

Went and ironed a few blouses that needed it badly.  On the way back to the cabin two women recognized me as the lecturer and we had a lovely conversation.  They are looking forward to the next one.  Love it, I am doing my job if people are learning something about this beautiful area.

I really need a good night's sleep and I am determined to get it.