Penguins! Penguins!

Basically I think my entry will go like this: Penguins! I saw them! Penguins! I love them! Penguins! I petted one! Peeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnngggggggguiiiiiiiiinnnnnns!! I tried to coax one into my backpack (I purposefully brought an empty one), but it would not go. It’s ok, I still have 7 more days to get at least one little floppy creature to come live with me. That is all.

Peru, but where are the llamas?

Peru was much more exciting. It was our second overnight this cruise, with many more to come! The first day was very long for me as I had to get up (as usual) for gangway de-greeting duty and then was informed that I must stay from 8:30am until 3:00pm because we had passengers embarking/disembarking. It had been a late night the evening before, and usually I take a nap from 10-11am, but instead I had to wait around for 5 hours for 19 guests to arrive. Yippee. As soon as I was finished, I collapsed for a 3 hour nap. It was a good thing too as big plans for a night on the town (of Lima!) were in the works. Jen, Mike and I survived the taxi of death on our way into Mira Flores for some food, and drink. We were to meet up with the rest of the cast and musicians (etcetera) later that evening. We weren’t sure how it would happen since no-one had been there before and didn’t know where we were meeting, but it worked out. It was one of the cast member’s birthdays and the night was full of merriment and ended in a gay bar.

You say Ecuador I say Equator. Sometimes I say Equador...even

You might even say that I say spelling counts. Finally, here’s your chance to be the spelling inquisition. Mum, you’ll be pleased (or displeased. Or maybe a little from column a and b) to know that I’ve added Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Peru to my list of places I’ve been. This itinerary is nice because we have overnights in many ports and they give us a chance to have more time actually seeing the place, as well as those of us who might miss the port due to IPM* (please see Captain Jacq’s Dictionary of Nautical terms). Docked in Manta, Ecuador and had some lunch with a few of the crew. The program admin. Assistant, Mike and I have a similar schedule, so we decided we had enough time to have a wee adventure. All I have to say is never go to Manta, Ecuador if you are looking for adventure. First, the cab driver took us to a beach when we said we’d like to see the town central and points of interest in Manta. We then specified to a cab driver that we’d like to see the history and culture, and the more scenic areas of Manta. He said he knew of a place where the people were friendly and they had horses. “Cool!”, we thought. The taxi driver then took us to an expensive resort, where they actually DIDN’T have horses anywhere, there was a pool but we weren’t allowed to go in it, and the people were definitely not friendly. We quickly left and explained to the driver that we were not looking for a restaurant or hotel, but to experience Ecuador in all it’s splendor. (Whatever that might mean). The driver then took us to another beach with a more picturesque setting, but really not much else to see or do. Thus, I love Manta.

Crossing the Equator and King Neptune’s Ceremony

There is a seagoing tradition (well, there are many seagoing traditions really) that occurs when one crosses the equator on a ship for the first time. I thought it was just a Holland America Line tradition, but found out it’s actually all ships including cargo ships and other cruise lines. We get off easy, in fact. We are told to wear our grubbiest clothing and then to meet in the crow’s Nest at 2:00pm, after which various strange characters show up and tie us all together with very strong rope. We are marched down to the lido, by pirates, put into a cage in the pool and then, with 700+ passengers and crew watching – we are tormented one by one. The “judge”; more commonly known as our cruise director, Peter, introduces King Neptune and our Queen of the Mermaids. They take their seats at the throne and the judge proceeds to read off the offences/ of each of the persons in our prison. Each department has newbies that must go through this ceremony, an email is sent and we all persons who have never crossed the equator have to participate. The judge asks for King Neptune and the Mermaid Queen’s opinion and you are then sent to the doctors, nurses and pirates to be covered with the utmost disgusting slop you can imagine. Green slime, orange beanlike muck, anchovies and eggs consist of much of the artillery. Lisa of the cruise staff and I, were saved until the very end and got the worst of it, because we are the most public figures. Also, they had to use everything that was left over and I had egg yolk in my ear for two days even after 8 showers. The jury decides your fate after you’ve been to the tables. The jury is made up of the captain, the officers and the hotel manager. Thumbs up means you must stay poolside, thumbs down means you are thrown into the pool. I was thrown in, (thankfully, the smell was disgusting). Next time we cross the Equator, I plan to be a doctor or nurse.

New year, new ship

New Year, New Ship


After 20 hours of traveling from Vancouver to Aruba, I found myself tired and not so ready to join the Prinsendam for my new position as Hostess. I was lucky to be put into a guest cabin, but it was right into work for me and after my whirlwind tour with Cruise Staff, Doug, I was ready to hit the hay. It would not be so. After well-meaning people badgered me with “welcome aboard” shots, I had to get gussied up for New Years’ Eve Black and Gold Ball. It was strange indeed to be joining a ship and meeting the entire crew during probably the biggest party of the year, and all in one fell swoop. It was also a good thing, because the people are very kind and friendly it seems on this ship, and I had a good evening. I did miss celebrating with everyone at home, but it is my first New Years abroad and why not do it in style?

Since we weren’t starting the Grand South America Voyage until January 5th, I spent the next five days getting to know the ship, the crew and my job responsibilities. The position does not have a detailed job description, so it’s partially up to me to figure out what those responsibilities are and partially up to a bunch of written notes from the girl who did it on the World Cruise years ago. So far it’s going well.

I was lucky enough to meet with the gang from the Ryndam while in Grand Cayman a few days ago. It’s funny when you work so closely with people, a day without seeing them seems like a week. One week at home and one week on the Prinsendam, made it feel like forever since I last saw everyone from the Ryndam. We were to meet in the San Blas Islands, Panama just yesterday again, but the Ryndam didn’t go into open tender until too late and from what I understand, there was no crew shore leave. So, it will be some time before I see those fancy folks again.

Today, we are cruising down the Panama Canal from the Northwest side to the Southeast. Confused? Take a look at the map of Panama and you’ll understand that coming from the Atlantic to the Pacific is actually Northwest-Southeast and vice-versa from Pacific to Atlantic. Yes, people I did have “Jacky’s Panama Canal Trivia” last time we were here…. Tonight we anchor in Amador, Panama and we have an overnight here then leave tomorrow evening for Equador. During the sea day, we will cross the equator and as many may know, this means the Neptune Ceremony. As it is my first time crossing the equator on a ship, I am a pollywog. It’s an initiation of sorts. Let’s just say I’m not exactly looking forward to “kissing the fish” and having various foods poured on me, after which, I’ll be thrown into the pool in front of 700 people. I’m also (oddly) kind of excited about the whole thing. So, I hope things are well at home and there is not too much snow on the ground so that everyone can make it to work safely. Just a note of interest: I don’t have to drive to work, I walk. Oh, and it’s 30 degrees outside with a nice breeze, just enough so as not to blow off my new Panama hat.