- Joined
- Dec 4, 2004
Here is a short report and a few pics of my last (of 4) Alaska cruise. I have lots more pics and info. A few additions. The crew wears masks always inside and mostly outside. They are allowed to pull off their mask for pics. The singers, dancers and string quartets, etc dont wear masks in general during performances.
Every year I tell my wife I am cruising to Alaska, but that’s not quite true. In fact, this trip I never got off the boat. I like to talk with the crew members, especially those from Thailand (number growing), Indonesia and the Philippines. The Environmental officer would sit out on the stern every night so I would go out there and talk with him. He is from Toronto. Besides all my engineering questions, he talked about the lives of the crew members, officers and staff, much of which I knew after 8 cruises and much of which I didn’t. He says that they don’t have to specially train Indonesians and Filipinos on how to interact with pax. They are naturally friendly, polite, helpful, and hard working. Some sing while they work. They call you by your name (Mr. Chris) only after meeting you once….it’s amazing. I carry paper maps with me and maps on my phone so when I ask them where they are from, I can see where Bali is. There used to be these wonderful crew shows where the staff from say the Philippians would sing or do the national dance of their country, but right now there is no time to practice. Ships are still short staffed. So while I may get up and see Alaska out my veranda, I get to see and learn so much more.
Officers in general stay aboard three months on and three months off. Staff have 6-8 month contracts and then stay home a couple months. Often times, they are providing for three generations back home. It’s a hard life. They may work 11-12 hour days or more with a 2-3 hour break….The same lady, Josephine, who seats me at breakfast seats me dinner. No days off. The entertainment staff have life a bit easier.
My Room attendants, Ricky and Jo. I know they are busy so I tell them they dont have to come in after supper and turn down the sheets and place chocolate on the pillow.
I always have a big breakfast and then fast walk the promenade deck for two miles. I have a light lunch and a medium dinner.
Salmon ommlette and banana bread french toast. and bacon. All you want. I take along bottle and have them fill it with juice for my room.
This is Josephine and her crew. They find a seat for your and then someone takes you to your seat. They are so wonderful.
This is Kris from south of Manilla. She has a three year old daughter at home. The child will be 4 when she sees her again. Even though they are tipped from a pot every day of $15 a pax, and there is a tip in the alchohol drink charge, I always slip the hard working drink servers a few bucks...depending on their country, their pay is sent home and of course their family can send them money but a few dollars to spend at walmarts are appreciated.
June says that if you mention your fav staff in the after sail survey, it helps them along...maybe even a job in one of the specialty restaurants.
Penelope works in a specialty restaruant. You cant believe how hard they work and how attentive they are and how nice.
Just one more Pina Colada!
Morning view from my stateroom
The seating staff soon learns where you like to sit in the dining room...I like the rear where I can watch receeding volcanos.
I go to the Lincoln Center in the evening and listen to the string quartets/Piano players. Anna was amazing. Sometimes they would preform on the main stage theater to a movie from BBC Earth on a screen every bit as big as a movie theater. (see next thread)
Every year I tell my wife I am cruising to Alaska, but that’s not quite true. In fact, this trip I never got off the boat. I like to talk with the crew members, especially those from Thailand (number growing), Indonesia and the Philippines. The Environmental officer would sit out on the stern every night so I would go out there and talk with him. He is from Toronto. Besides all my engineering questions, he talked about the lives of the crew members, officers and staff, much of which I knew after 8 cruises and much of which I didn’t. He says that they don’t have to specially train Indonesians and Filipinos on how to interact with pax. They are naturally friendly, polite, helpful, and hard working. Some sing while they work. They call you by your name (Mr. Chris) only after meeting you once….it’s amazing. I carry paper maps with me and maps on my phone so when I ask them where they are from, I can see where Bali is. There used to be these wonderful crew shows where the staff from say the Philippians would sing or do the national dance of their country, but right now there is no time to practice. Ships are still short staffed. So while I may get up and see Alaska out my veranda, I get to see and learn so much more.
Officers in general stay aboard three months on and three months off. Staff have 6-8 month contracts and then stay home a couple months. Often times, they are providing for three generations back home. It’s a hard life. They may work 11-12 hour days or more with a 2-3 hour break….The same lady, Josephine, who seats me at breakfast seats me dinner. No days off. The entertainment staff have life a bit easier.
My Room attendants, Ricky and Jo. I know they are busy so I tell them they dont have to come in after supper and turn down the sheets and place chocolate on the pillow.
I always have a big breakfast and then fast walk the promenade deck for two miles. I have a light lunch and a medium dinner.
Salmon ommlette and banana bread french toast. and bacon. All you want. I take along bottle and have them fill it with juice for my room.
This is Josephine and her crew. They find a seat for your and then someone takes you to your seat. They are so wonderful.
This is Kris from south of Manilla. She has a three year old daughter at home. The child will be 4 when she sees her again. Even though they are tipped from a pot every day of $15 a pax, and there is a tip in the alchohol drink charge, I always slip the hard working drink servers a few bucks...depending on their country, their pay is sent home and of course their family can send them money but a few dollars to spend at walmarts are appreciated.
June says that if you mention your fav staff in the after sail survey, it helps them along...maybe even a job in one of the specialty restaurants.
Penelope works in a specialty restaruant. You cant believe how hard they work and how attentive they are and how nice.
Just one more Pina Colada!
Morning view from my stateroom
The seating staff soon learns where you like to sit in the dining room...I like the rear where I can watch receeding volcanos.
I go to the Lincoln Center in the evening and listen to the string quartets/Piano players. Anna was amazing. Sometimes they would preform on the main stage theater to a movie from BBC Earth on a screen every bit as big as a movie theater. (see next thread)
). But I was just lazy and sat in the hot tub .... by myself, not easy on a ship! ... and looked out on the sea.
