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.......