Saturday, June 30, 2007

Italian Riviera Continued

25 June 2007
Day At Sea. This is a good day for the guests, they just get
to relax on-board. For us it's an all day work day. Plus there
was a "crew sale" from 9:30p - 11:30p that night. It's held for
crew only in the crew quarters. Some of the products that
don't sell well to the Crystal guests are very popular with the
crew - Fossil/DKNY watches, Guess bags, that sort of thing.
Then we had to pack everything up. It was a long day!
9am - 9pm plus 9:30p - 11:30p

26 June 2007
Taormina (Sicily), Italy
The Serenity was anchored outside the port of Nexos. After
tendering into the port we both escorted tours - "Scenic
Taormina". While Taormina is very scenic this was not our
best escorting experience. It was 45 celcius (113 fahrenheit)
which makes for grumpy guests. In addition, there were
forest fires in the area so the air was smokey and very hazy.
Also, the Sicilian guides were not very enthusiastic. Maybe
the heat and haze got to them too. We are looking forward to
going back and touring independently. We also need to do
a tour of Mt. Etna - a nearby active volcano. We return 4 more
times this summer so will do more then. Shops open from
5P - 11P but we had to go in at 4p to re-stock after the crew
sale. These last couple of days have actually seemed like work.

27 June 2007
Another Day At Sea
Shops open 9am - 9pm
After work, it was still light out. The ship was hardly moving.
It was so peaceful. Very nice way to relax after a long day.

28 June 2007
Corfu, Greece
Docked in Corfu. Today escorted a scenic tour. It was a
great relaxing day. The tour was a 3 hour bus ride around
the island. The streets are so narrow there is no more than a
few inches on either side of the bus. There are stop lights it
seems in the middle of nowhere, but they control the traffic
because it's just 1 lane going through each village. Most of the
island is comprised of little villages that face the interior of the
island because it protected them from pirates.
The colors of the water are literally turquoise. Stopped
at the Golden Fox for a traditional Greek snack and a folkloric
show. Shops open again at 5p - 11p. After work the
phototographers (photogs) sponsored a "Black and White" party.
Everyone dressed in black and white and they took black and white
pictures. We didn't pose for a personal one but we took one
of all the shoppies. It will be nice to look back at someday.

29 June 2007
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Anchored off the "Walled City of Dubrovnik". This is a perfect
intact medieval town on the Adriatic coast. Luckily the town was
not destroyed during the homeland wars in the early '90s. There
is evidence of holes from shellings and bullets but most of
the structures were basically unharmed. Several of the red
roofs have been replaced but the damage was minimal
compared to what it might have been. The conflict gave
Croatia independence from what was then Yugoslavia and
freeing them from communism. There are many beautiful
monasteries , we visited the Franciscan and the Dominican.
We escorted tours again - the histroy is amazing. We also took
a bus ride outside of town to be able to look back at the city as
a whole. One of the highlights was a performance by Lindjo.
Their traditional program included costumes, songs and
dances from various Croation provinces.
Then back to work 5P - 11P

30 June 2007
Day At Sea
Shops open 9am - 9pm
As a part of crew activities, we had Saturday brunch today.
The food was "better" than the normal crew mess. We
enjoyed waffles with ice cream, and eggs benedict of sorts.
Normally our choices are limited to starch served with grease,
or grease served with starch. The healthy options are very
limited. Sometimes we get leftovers from the guest buffet
but timing is everything and the food gets picked over
pretty quickly.

Til' next time.......

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Italian Riviera

20June07
Civitavecchia, Italy is the port gateway to Rome.
We've heard that Rome is a beautiful city.
We received a huge delivery that day so spent the entire time
in the bottom of the ship, receiving, inventory, pricing and
stocking.
We've had it easy so far with so many days in port.
This was our first day of really hard work. Then the shops
were open that night from 9P - 11P.
We hope you feel sorry for us. :-)

21June07
Livorno, Italy
Livorno is a huge industrial shipping port, so the views from
the ship were not scenic. We didn't do any tours, we just took
a shuttle into town. We came across a farmers market with
fruits, vegetables, and lots of fresh fish and chicken
(still with their heads).
Just enjoyed walking around, taking in the local atmosphere.
Returned to the ship to stock shops with inventory from
yesterdays delivery. Shops open from 9P - 11P.

22June07
Portofino, Italy
We were really excited about visiting here to see how it
compared to the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.
The day started with "Crystal Basics" training - covering
how to interface with guests on a 6-star cruise ship.
The ship was anchored so we tendered into town.
As we arrived we could see the houses built into the
mountains all with the different colored facades, it looked
like a picture postcard. The tender docked right in the
middle of town - we felt like we were right back at Universal
Studios. While exploring town we found some steps
leading up the mountain. We don't know how many there
were but we made it all the way to the top. More fabulous
views. We found a road for the walk down and passed the
Splendida Hotel which is one of the most expensive in Europe.
Talk about 6-star!!!! Then worked 5P - 11P.
After work went to a "Midsommer Party" That's not
misspelled, it's a Scandinavian tradition. It was on
deck 5 aft which was nice because we were outside.
The crew bar where most parties are is incredibly small
and smokey. After 2 1/2 weeks on the ship we're
starting to get to know some more people.

23June07
Monte Carlo, Monaco
We both signed up to escort tours. As their was only 1 bus
for each all day tour, we had to split up and go different
directions. Diane went to Eze a medieval village, very
old and scenic, then on to Nice. What a great place to walk
around and look at all the different shops and architecture.
Lunch was at a 5-star hotel called Hotel Negreso right
on the Mediterranean Sea. Then onto the Rock of Monaco.
After several escalators and elevators I arrived at Monaco's
Old Quarter to view the Prince's Palace. Didn't get much
time there so will go back another time. The final stop was
at the Grand Casino. It is is hard to describe it's
grandeur and unfornately I couldn't take any pictures inside.
Paul went to Cannes, we had been there about 20 years
ago and it hasn't changed. I walked along the waterfront
and observed the topless bathing - whoo. There were
many multi-million dollar yachts in port. Then to Grasse to
a perfume factory called Fragonard. Learned how perfume
and other toiletry items are made. After seeing the process
it's understandable while perfumes are expensive. Tested
a number of perfumes, after a while they all smelled the same.
Lunch at a remote small hotel restaurant surrounded by trees
and enjoyed a french lunch. Then proceeded to
St-Paul-de-Vance which is a medieval village. Then back
to the ship.
As soon as we got back to the ship we changed real
fast and went out to dinner on-shore with the other
shoppies. Ate at Fusion's a type of Japanese restaurant.
Then walked around the port and decided which yacht
we wanted to own. Many have their own helicopter pads.
Ship docked overnight in Monte Carlo.

24June07
MonteCarlo, Monaco
IPM (in-port manning) today. Stayed on the ship and worked
in the shops changing displays. Shops open from
5p - 11P. Had a piece of pizza at the crew bar afterward.
It was a relaxing day.

Seperate Note:
Internet on the ship is very expensive. We'll be sending
more pictures as soon as we can find a more affordable
internet cafe in port.

Til' we write again..........

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Ancient Ruins

16 June 2007
Docked in Kusadasi, Turkey from 8am - 12m
yeah!!!!!!!!!!....stores closed all day.
Escorted tours to House of Mary where it is said that the
Virgin Mary spent her final days. Today it's a religous shrine
that the many Pope's have visited. Also visited St. John's
Basilica, one of the churches of Asia Minor. Had a
Countryside Lunch at a turkish rug wholesaler. Learned
about the handmade production of rugs and how they get
their silk. Of course we had the opportunity to buy one but
decided not to. The big destination of the day was Ephesus.
This is are huge ruins which are really beyond description.
Over the years there have been 6 Ephesus cities because of
retreating sea. The Ephesus we visited was the 3rd. The
ruins included a huge theatre that seated 25,000 people, a
library, many temples, a bordelo, bath house, public toilet,
columns, and statues. That night stayed on-board, caught a
movie in the Hollywood theatre and crashed.

17 June 2007
Docked in Mykonos, Greece from 8am - 5pm
Escorted tours to the Sacred Island of Delos, which is an one of
the Cyclades Islands. After 1/2 hour ferry ride toured ruins from
from 7th century B.C. to the 3rd century A.D. The statues that
have been excavated were beautiful. It gives you a new
appreciation for Greek art and architecture.
Stores open from 5pm - 11pm.

18 June 2007
At Sea - stores open from 9am - 9pm. It's a very long day!
Since we've been closed most of this cruise because we've
been in port everyday we were very busy and the day went
pretty quickly. At least we had a break for environmental
and first aid training. Went to "Curtain Call" production show
in Galaxy Theatre at night - the productions are all really good.

19 June 2007
Anchored in Sorrento, Italy
Today we are IPM (in-port manning) so had to stay on the ship.
Also, crew safety drill this morning. Since staying on board,
worked in stores to get ready for big delivery tomorrow.
However, the view from the ship was breath-taking. City is built
on huge cliffs. We'll be returning again this summer, we'll be
able to go ashore then. Working tonight 6pm - 11pm.

Til we write again!!!!!

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Mediterranean Jewels

11June
Docked in Kusadasi, Turkey from 8am to 11pm. Because
of customs laws, time in port the shops are closed so we
normally do not have to work. With our itinerary this summer,
we might only be working about 30 to 35 hours per week.
Kusadasi is a relatively modern town with few relics.
The streets are filled with shops and more shops.
Every time you go by a shop the vendors block your way.
Just imagine hundreds of shops with all the vendors lined up.
It's pretty crazy.
After walking around the bazaars we found a free internet
connection by Burger King of all places. Later when we returned
to the ship we went to a movie on board and then went to a
show featuring Jon Courtenay a comedian and pianist.
It was a very good show.

12 June
Docked in Mykonos, Greece from 8am to 5pm.
Mykonos is a beautiful quiet village on the Aegean Sea.
The buildings are white-washed with blue trim (the colors
of the Greek flag). Had lunch (crepes and Greek coffee) at
the Veranda Cafe overlooking the sea, yachts and windmills.
As we learn about live on-board we found out that at certain
times they bring down leftover food from the guest lido buffet to
the crew mess. Lots of ins and outs to learn.
That evening worked from 5pm until 11pm while the ship
was sailing to our next port Piraeus. Two of the "shoppies"
were leaving for home the next day, so joined them for a
farewell, first in the "O-Bar" (officers bar), then afterwards in
the crew bar.

13 June
Docked at Piraeus at 1am. We had IPM (in-port manning)
that day so we were unable to leave the ship. On a
rotating basis 25% of the crew has to stay on-board for
emergencies. Piraeus is the port gateway to Athens.
This was disembarkation/embarkation day for guests.
We also had duty to escort arriving guests to their
staterooms for 4 hours in the afternoon. The Serenity
sailed at midnight - shops closed all night.

14 June
Anchored at Navplion, Greece. Navplion is a relaxed
town with a lot of parks, picturesque streets and outdoor
cafes. Above the town is the Palamidi Fortress. It's about
1000 steps to the top, and just as many coming down.
This afternoon we spent some of our time in the store room
keeping current on the inventory and making sure everything
is organized. Then in the shops again from 5p-11p.

15 June
Anchored off Santorini, Greece
Escorted tours today - Panoramas of Santorini .
We helped as crew to escort tours today. While we
were on the same tour, we were escorting on
different buses - but we were still able to connect
up at all the stops. Stopped at the Monastery of the
Prophet Elijah which is the highest point on Santorini.
The views were unbelievable. There was a rising fog,
part of the island was shrouded in the mist. Then
continued to the town of Oia (pronounced ee-ah).
Another village hanging on a cliff. It is amazing.
Every corner you turn there's another beautiful view.
From there we went to the Antoniou Winery for lunch of
some traditional Greek dishes. Especially good was a
mashed white eggplant grown on the island, a tomato
salad with "santorinis" which are small local tomatoes,
and of course the baklava for dessert. After arriving
back in Fira decided to walk the 589 steps down to the
tenders again. There were 4 ships in port and there was
a 2 hour wait to take the cable-car. No thanks!
Saw comedian in the Galaxy Theater then worked
from 10pm to midnight.

Til next time............

Sunday, June 10, 2007

We Finally Arrived On The Ship

June 6, 2007 - To arrive at the ship we flew to Venice-Marco Polo
airport arriving at the ship at 10pm. Security had to help us up the
gangway which was steps with our 50 pound bags (we packed too
much). Our manager, Matt, met us and escorted us to our plush
10 x 8 cabin. It includes bunk-beds, desk, TV, small closet with
drawers and a very small bathroom. At least ours has carpet
(many cruise lines don't for the crew). There's a crew bar,
laundry, crew gym and crew mess. Unpacking was fun, we kept
running into each other and got only 4 hours of sleep.

June 7, 2007 - On our 1st full day we took a tour of the ship and
attended a safety briefing. It's all pretty overwhelming but we
know if a few weeks time it will be no big deal. Then to work at
3-11pm that day. Paul will be responsible for the men's shop
and Diane for the logo shop plus sundries. The other shop
assistants (shoppies as we're called) are from Germany,
England, South Africa, Scotland, New Zealand and the U.S.

June 8, 2007 - Full day sailing the Adriatic & Mediterranean
Seas. Work that day was from 9am to 9pm. More safety training
and another tour of the ship. After work changed into our
formal clothes (evening gown and tux) to see the "Million
Dollar Musicals" production show which was excellent.

June 9, 2007 - Shops open from 9am - 12n before our
arrival in Santorini, Greece. Rode the cable car up the
mountain to the town of Fira. Many narrow streets with
cobblestone pavement all lined with shops. The town is almost
vertical making the houses look like they climb on the back of the
other. Walked around the town, enjoyed a greek pastry, then
returned to the pier by walking down 588 steps, which were
uneven and made of rock. It was also hard to manuveur because
donkeys that take tourists up and down the steps have the
right-of-way.

June 10, 2007 - Arrived early in Rhodes, Greece. Attended a
coffee with the Captain for new crew - where we were able to
meet a lot of the officers. Then to shore to walk-around the
city of Rhodes. Architectures include Hellenistic, Byzantine,
Medieval and Turkish. We then went back to the ship to get
ready for work, shops open from 5pm to 11pm.

What a life......someone has to do it.......

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Arrival In England

30May07 - 02JUN07

Arrived in Bristol, England after a 24 hour adventure between flights, layovers,
bus trips and taxi rides. The best part was getting upgraded to business class on
the flight from Chicago to London.

Had our first training session with Harding Brothers (the company we work for)
about working on the Crystal Serenity. The attention on guest service is
definitely more than on other cruise lines.

We walked around Bristol (enjoying the 68 degree weather) where we visited the
SS Britain which was a steel hull ship built in the 1840's. We also visited
Cardiff, Wales. There we saw a medieval castle built in the 900's. The town was
crazy because there was a football match (soccer) between the Czech Republic
and Wales. Fans from both sides, in their colors, filled the pubs and spilled into the streets.

We'll update next week when we get on the ship.

Paul and Diane