I have a confession to make. I always try to make these sound as if I am writing them in port on a turnaround day, but the truth is I usually write them onboard the day before. That allows me to go out in port and spend time running errands and I only need a few minutes to post my blog instead of an hour to write it. I typically write it after I finish working on the final day of the cruise. The situation this time is a bit different though. Technically it is the last day of the cruise. In fact, it is 4:00 in the morning. Well, technically we had a time change at 2:00, so I guess it is 3:00 now. I do stay up late while I’m working on board, but not this late- only once every 14 days. The DVD that I make each voyage must be completed by the morning of the last day of the cruise. That means the day before the last day is very, very busy. The shorter the cruise, the busier the day. In fact, I managed to go outside for an hour this morning and aside from a couple hours off for meals, I’ve been working ever since. I’m now sitting here, in my office, waiting for the video file for the DVD to export. It’s not a hard job, but it’s time consuming and keeps me out of my bed.
Unfortunately work has been keeping me out of bed all cruise long. The first two days of the cruise actually seemed slower than usual- that all changed on day 3, our first day in Bermuda. After the all crew safety drill, all crew meeting, and a divisional meeting, my day finally got started at 11:30. On a typical day in Bermuda, I would be running down the gangway at the earliest possible moment. This was not a typical day.
Some of the shows done in the theater are recorded for playback on the stateroom television. These are supposed to be done via robotic cameras, but only 2 of the 3 cameras in place have been working. The other one has been out for years. We finally determined it was a bad cable and a new one was ordered. Even though the camera is only about 30 feet away from where the other end of the cable is plugged in, it was quite the ordeal to get it in place. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, but it is not the most aesthetic or up to code. Instead, scaffolding had to be built, electricians and carpenters needed to be brought in, two sections of ceiling panels were removed, I donned my coveralls, and was up to my elbows in grease by the time we were finished. However, we have picture from the camera! Unfortunately, everything still isn’t working quite how we had planned, but we’re making progress. After that cable run, a shower, and dinner I went straight into production until 1:00 yesterday morning.
We were still in Bermuda the next day and after sleeping in a bit, I dashed to the gangway to set foot on land. I really hadn’t been not on land for that long, it just seemed like it since I always get off the ship on our first day in Bermuda. On our second day, like I mentioned earlier, I was only out for an hour. I took a walk and found a new bench where I could sit and read. I’m slowly making my way through my scuba dive manual. It feels like I’m back in school!
Sadly I still have more projects to work on tomorrow (well, I guess I mean today). Regardless, I should have time to sleep in. I am sooooo looking forward to it! After my projects, I’ll go out tomorrow night to spend time with some friends who are leaving on Saturday.
As you read earlier, I was in Bermuda this cruise. There was some speculation on whether or not we would go to Bermuda due to Hurricane Danielle. Obviously we made it, and surprisingly the weather was beautiful! We’re moving a bit tonight, but it’s really not that bad. According to the weather report though it may get rougher as we move north and so does Hurricane Earl. I’m not concerned. I have confidence in our Bridge Team and complete trust that God is in control. I have nothing to worry about.
Sorry that I was too busy working to have any adventures this cruise. I won’t let it happen again! I’m in New England and Canada next cruise so I have lots of exploring to do.
