July 9, 2011

FTL TURNAROUND

Today, after Debark is complete, I am seeing Ralph for the first time since I left Key West. I am dog tired, feel like crud, but am buoyed by the thought of seeing him. A little scared as well. Has a month apart changed us? I don’t know. Because I also don’t know how to direct him to the port, I have him pick me up at the drop off in town by the mall. That is all I am writing about on that topic, but it was good to see him again.

Back on ship by 1500, I had barely the time to get ready and in uniform, and it was off to a very busy day doing Box Office and getting the guests signed up for their shows. Thankfully, the computer systems were working fine and the whole thing went smoothly. Just think, one month ago I was walking on the ship confused, tired and apprehensive of what I was getting into. Now I am just tired.

The day continued on in a blur until 2330. I do remember that I was able to do my first passenger safety drill. I am getting closer to knowing my job should an emergency actually occur. I hate not knowing what to do. Drill went well, and off we sailed.

Around midnight I get a call from Amy. I had mentioned several times that we ought, as a team, to have a little get together, so she had offered her room for drinks and munchies. I had actually fallen asleep when she called, and debated whether or not to go, but figured since I was the one who had brought the idea up in the first place, it was incumbent upon me to show up. I’m glad I did.

Her room is everything that mine is not. Large, for one. It also has a porthole, queen size bed, and other amenities. So this is how the other half lives! There were only a few of us there, Joyce, Bjorn, Amy, Hettie, Lisa and the new girl who has taken Alison’s position while she is on vacation, Susan. Susan is from Scotland, so our UK contingent is still up to par. Very nice girl, she comes from the Radiance of the Seas. I had a good chance to talk with them about other ships and their contract experiences. One thing Amy brought up, or addressed, I can’t remember how the topic came up, was compensation. I remember we were talking about how the rate of compensation is the same for Cruise Staff no matter what ship they are on. I mentioned that it seemed odd that a small ship with fewer duties would have the same rate of pay as a huge ship like this with constant duties. Amy said that because we are allowed more access to the ship amenities that the company feels it balances out. I don’t know about this. If you never have time to use the amenities, how does it matter that you have access to them?

My question was, how have they, in their multiple contracts, kept up, or seen teams keep up, their morale while working so hard. The overwhelming response was, you have to love what you are doing and love working with people. Well, I do, so that is good. I get a great deal of satisfaction from helping people, but I also have to think about career opportunities. They are all in their 20s, and sailing around the world without a real care is easy when you are that young. At the point where I am, I have to also balance in long term goals. I had asked Amy how long she had worked on ships, being an Activities Manager and all, and she said 3 years. She has already been an AM for 1 year. Well, that’s not too bad. I had figured two contracts and then trying to go management, and she is the example that it is possible. Rumor has it, and who knows how accurate that is, that she is in line for a Cruise Director position…at three years. Now those are odds I can deal with, so this might have been a good idea after all. Many people have commented on my energy and ease with people, and mentioned AM to me. Once I am at the end, or at least towards the end, of my contract I will bring that up to Amy and see how I can fast track to management. After all, I need the larger room and the extra money…of course that comes with extra headaches and duties. All well and good though.