These photos were taken with Charlstons underwater camera! Still more photos to come... but you know... slow connection.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
April 27
Cruise #6
Day 5/14
Antigua
The ship's internet has been down since Sunday, so I haven't been able to post anything, but I've been writing entries offline.
Yesterday I was in a really bad mood for some reason, but today I'm feeling much better. I bought a new camera yesterday in St.Maarten, since it's known for having the best prices on electronics. I got a Nikon Coolpics 8100, but I haven't taken it out of the box yet. I really wanted to go to the Airport beach (Maho) in St.Maarten, it's known as one of the top beaches in the Caribbean (right next to the airport, airplanes flying right above your head!!), but it was far from the port and I didn't want to spend so much on a taxi... but now I regret not going :(
Today I went to the crew welfare office to get some packages that I had (everytime I went it was closed) but finally I got them!!!! One from my mom which has an order from Sephora I had shipped to my house, and some nice treats & a note/postcard inside. Another package I was expecting was an order I places from Amazon for Betsey Johnson perfume (since I can't find it in any of the duty free perfume shops here). I also got an unexpected package from my manager at my old job (Sunrise Records) which had 2 CDs, a tin of Tim Horton's coffee (yess!!! I missed it so much!!!! now I just need to buy a coffee maker) and a t-shirt from Record Store Day that says on the back "don't f*ck with me, I work at a record store" haha
I'm eating at the same Chinese food place right now and our food just arrived, so I'll write more later... I have lots of photos to post :)
April 24
Cruise #6
Day 2/14
At Sea (formal night)
The ship is really rocking back and forth today. It's definitely the worst I've seen it since joining. Looking out the windows/doors at the horizon moving up and down is quite the sight. Many people were sick tonight, which made for a slow formal night. I was shooting the ship background in the gallery, which isn't very busy to being with. I usually shoot in the high-traffic areas, so it was nice to have a change of pace for once. I was also shooting on a tripod (so the ship is always straight in every photo), but it feels like training wheels for photographers (a bit insulting) but everyone must shoot on a tripod. But I must say it was nice to not have a heavy camera around my neck all night.
I was the Easter bunny again this cruise, only because I already sweat in the costume. This time it wasn't so bad. I made sure to meet the photographer before going into the party room, and we actually came early (before any kids arrived) so we went out on the open deck to take some funny shots, the like bunny lounging on a chair, and looking over the rail (a signature wedding shot). I'll make sure to post some as soon as I get the files.
Luckily this time I was excused from set-up, but I didn't really have much time because the party was running late. But I did get a chance to phone home, since my whole extended family was having a get together at my place. It was so nice to hear everyone's voices and their well wishes :) Hey everyone reading this, I hope it was a good party, and I miss you all so much! And to everyone else, I hope you had a nice Easter holiday weekend... I miss having days off!
April 23
Cruise #6
Day 1/14
Fort Lauderdale
Yesterday was one of the longest days I've had so far, with many ups and downs. It started off at 7am displaying photos from the previous formal night. After formal night we all went to the bar because our manager Sujeet was DJing, and I ended up staying there pretty late. In the morning I was hungover, tired and had very little patience, which made me quite bitchy, so it was not a good morning for any of us. We displayed for nearly 2 hours, right up until the gallery opened at 9am. It was busy all morning until I had a break at noon. I was pushing really hard for packages, and then my co-workers would take the sale, which made me really mad. But after I had some lunch and got a few hours of rest, I was feeling much better. I did really good in sales that evening, so I didn't mind so much about what happened in the morning.
These two ladies who I became very friendly with throughout the cruise gave me a nice 'thank you' card with a $30 tip inside! That was the highlight of my day :) it really brought my spirits back up. They told me that they just booked their next cruise in 2013 and I must request to be on that ship so I can be their photographer again, so sweet!
The gallery was busy all night, so we had to stay open a half hour longer than usual. Plus we had to take down all the photos and do inventory counts (just me and one other). We had an auditor come today, so it was really important to have the right counts for everything. When I was preparing my camera bag for embarkation, I realized one of my memory cards was missing! I went crazy looking for it everywhere, asking other people if they had it, checking my room & all my pockets, checking the storage locker and everywhere in the lab. It appeared the next morning in its rightful place, so I'm not sure who had it, but they returned it without saying anything. After all of this, I didn't get back to my room until past 1:30am.... such a long day.
I didn't get to go out in For Lauderdale today because I was shooting embarkation. I won't have another chance to go out again, which makes me sad. At least I was able to once, and had a good time while there. The good part is that since I was shooting all day, I don't have to work in the gallery, so I have the whole evening off! I have to go to a meeting at 11pm but I don't mind, since it's pay day. I'm actually looking forward to how much money I'll get this cruise, since I did really well in sales and it's my first cruise as a photog 2, also we were really close to reaching our sales goals.
The other day I dressed up as the Easter bunny to pose for photos with kids at the Easter party, and it was a total nightmare! There was some miscommunication between me and the photographer shooting me (didn't know if we were meeting in the photo lab or the party room). So I went up to the party room because I waiting in the lab until the time we were supposed to be up in the party room, and I didn't want to be late. Once I got there I realized that the photographer wasn't there, so I had to wait for him. I didn't know what to expect when I got there. The activity staff hosting the party totally put me on the spot and made me dance with the kids ("everybody do what the bunny does"). I was just looking around and hoping he would come soon. After what seemed like the longest song ever, with me sweating my ass off dancing in this giant bunny costume, I saw the photographer and was relieved this nightmare would be over soon. Unfortunately I have to do it again tomorrow.
All of the kids lined up to take a photo with me, but all of the parents were taking photos with their own cameras, so it was really pointless to have one of our photographers there. We printed out the photos with a nice "Happy Easter" border around it, but I don't think we sold even one. Such a waste of time.
Another thing is that this happened on formal night, right as we were supposed to be setting up the portrait studios. I was under the impression that I would be excused from set-up since I was doing this bunny thing, but since it only lasted 15 minutes, I ended up doing set-up as well.
For formal night I was shooting the grand foyer staircase for the first time. So far only the most senior photographers shoot the stairs, because there is so much you have to consider before you take the photo (the stairs are straight on, people are in the middle, the center rail is not sticking up behind their head, there's no people standing at the top of the stairs, or even worse, trying to go up the stairs while you're trying to take a photo). I think I did an ok job, but it was quite nerve-wrecking.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
April 20
Cruise #5
Day 12/14
Bonaire
Today we had our monthly team activity. We were able to sleep in until 11 because the gangway shoot was cancelled. The last port is always difficult to shoot because everyone is getting sick of us, and hardly anyone stops for photos. Since we reached our target in photos on most of the other ports, the manager decided to give us the morning off.
We went for lunch at this nice local Dutch restaurant, which had a big tree growing in the middle of it. The food was really good. They served mainly sandwiches (hot & cold), wraps, soups and salads (also all day breakfast :). I had a mozzarella/tomatoe/pesto sandwich on a baguette, while most of the team had this massive sandwich with shrimp, tuna and salmon on it. I also had one of the best salads ever. It had shredded lettuce and finely chopped tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, peppers and pickles, with a nice light dressing. Doesn't sound like anything special (except the pickles, which I found strange), but it tasted so good!
After lunch we took a shuttle to a hotel/resort place not too far from the port. It was $5 for a day pass, and extra if you wanted to rent snorkel equipment or to kayak. The beach was too rocky to swim in, but very good for snorkeling, so a few people did that. I was mainly excited for the swimming pool! I've been wanted to swim in a pool for so long, since I see the guest pool everyday (which we're not allowed to use). Charlston has an underwater camera, so we took a bunch of pictures with that (I look like a chubby fish in all of them cause I'm holding my breath). After we got bored of the pool, Charlston & I went kayaking for a bit. That was a lot of fun. I'll post some pictures once I get them from Charlston. Lots of photos were taken, as you can imagine, us all being photographers. It's kinda funny, hearing people describe how they want you to shoot them ("can you take a picture of me in front of the ship?" *takes a test shot* "this kind of cropping, horizontal, from the waist up") haha.
It was such a fun day, but now I'm exhausted. I only got 1 hour of sleep before I had to start working in the gallery. Right now I'm on my dinner break, but I'm going to go print some photos in the lab soon.
Tomorrow I get to be the Easter Bunny and take photos with some of the kids onboard....
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
2nd last cruise in the Caribbean
Cruise #5
Day 11/14
Location: Curacao
It's the second last cruise of the Caribbean, so I'm trying to do the most I can while I'm still here. Tomorrow we have a team activity in Bonaire. Most likely we will take a tour of the island (or some kind of excursion... I hope to see dolphins! but maybe just go to the beach) and have some lunch, but it's not confirmed yet. The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are my favourite that we've been to so far (maybe I've said that already... it's hard for me to remember what I have/haven't mentioned). I'm running out of things to say!! But once I'm in Europe it will be a whole new experience, new locations to explore, etc. I hope to make a bit more money, but I bet I will end up spending more money when I'm there anyways. Ah well, life is good. I can't complain :) Here's some more photos... enjoy
ps. I just noticed my last post about the new girl wasn't published, so it's up now!
Photos from Oranjestad, Aruba
Day 11/14
Location: Curacao
It's the second last cruise of the Caribbean, so I'm trying to do the most I can while I'm still here. Tomorrow we have a team activity in Bonaire. Most likely we will take a tour of the island (or some kind of excursion... I hope to see dolphins! but maybe just go to the beach) and have some lunch, but it's not confirmed yet. The ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are my favourite that we've been to so far (maybe I've said that already... it's hard for me to remember what I have/haven't mentioned). I'm running out of things to say!! But once I'm in Europe it will be a whole new experience, new locations to explore, etc. I hope to make a bit more money, but I bet I will end up spending more money when I'm there anyways. Ah well, life is good. I can't complain :) Here's some more photos... enjoy
ps. I just noticed my last post about the new girl wasn't published, so it's up now!
lots of ships docked in St.Maarten
Photos from Oranjestad, Aruba
spotted in Curacao!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
New Girl Becks
Cruise #5
Day 5/14
Location: Antigua
Yesterday the new girl arrived in St.Maarten. Her name is Rebecca (Becks for short), she's from England (Bristol) and she just came from training in Miami like I had. She told me that her and a bunch of the other Brits had been reading my blog (they got a link from someone) so she already knew what to expect on the ship. Maybe she (& others from the training) are reading this right now, haha :) I never expected anyone other than my friends and family would read it, but I'm glad that it turned out to be helpful & informative to others who are in my position.
It's nice having a team of 6 again, because it means we can have a bit more time off. Tomorrow I'll have a whole evening off! The first time since I started my contract (besides being sick). Also having a new girl means that I have a cabin to myself again! (Becks is sharing with Monique), I am so thankful :)
Right now me, Becks, Petro and Monique are having lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Antigua. We were here 2 weeks ago on the day that Alena left. The food is really good, but such big portions, and we're not allowed to bring leftovers onto the ship. But it's nice to have some different food for a change. The wifi here is fast too, since it's further from the ship and much less crowded than many of the other wifi spots.
Day 5/14
Location: Antigua
Yesterday the new girl arrived in St.Maarten. Her name is Rebecca (Becks for short), she's from England (Bristol) and she just came from training in Miami like I had. She told me that her and a bunch of the other Brits had been reading my blog (they got a link from someone) so she already knew what to expect on the ship. Maybe she (& others from the training) are reading this right now, haha :) I never expected anyone other than my friends and family would read it, but I'm glad that it turned out to be helpful & informative to others who are in my position.
It's nice having a team of 6 again, because it means we can have a bit more time off. Tomorrow I'll have a whole evening off! The first time since I started my contract (besides being sick). Also having a new girl means that I have a cabin to myself again! (Becks is sharing with Monique), I am so thankful :)
Right now me, Becks, Petro and Monique are having lunch at a Chinese restaurant in Antigua. We were here 2 weeks ago on the day that Alena left. The food is really good, but such big portions, and we're not allowed to bring leftovers onto the ship. But it's nice to have some different food for a change. The wifi here is fast too, since it's further from the ship and much less crowded than many of the other wifi spots.
The photo team in Aruba (on our way to the beach)
Me in the dolphin costume (mutant 2-headed dolphin!)
Downtown Willemstad, Curacao (it's like a mini Amsterdam!)
The ship docked in Curcao
Charlston, me, Alena, Mark & Petro in Aruba on Alenas last day :(
Monday, April 11, 2011
April 10
Cruise # 5
Day 2/14
At Sea (first formal night)
Another cruise has started and I find it hard to believe this is only my 5th cruise! 2 weeks is a long time to cruise, but the time is going by faster now. We didn't do so well last cruise (revenue wise) but I personally made the most money that I've earned on any of the other cruises. Starting this cruise I am (finally) a photog 2 so I'll be earning even more :) I hope we can do better in sales because it gets really boring in the gallery when no one is there to buy anything, and also hearing from the managers all the time that we need to do better and push more is not fun. From what I have seen so far, this cruise has a lot more younger people.
Yesterday (embarkation day) was the first time I was able to leave the ship and go out in Fort Lauderdale. Every other time I had been shooting the embarkation photos of all the guests as they board the ship. This time I was doing 'stores', meaning I was receiving shipments. Luckily there weren't many boxes so we finished quite early (we spent more time waiting for the shipment to come actually). I took a shuttle for $2 which took me to an area with a few shops (a dollar store, pharmacy, discount clothing store called Ross, which is exactly like Winners :D and a few others). I was so excited to shop and to stock up on things before we head to Europe (in less than a month!!) because I know things will be more expensive there. It was nice to go to stores that sell more than just typical tourist (overpriced) things like souvenirs and jewelry (what you find on all the islands). I bought 3 tops, a pair of jeans, a skirt, some underwear, sunscreen, shampoo and conditioner all for $70. At the dollar store I got some water/drinks, snacks, padded envelopes to mail things and a bunch of smaller stuff (you know how it is when you're in a dollar store). I had lunch at this nice bagel/sandwich shop (so yummy!) and called some people (my grandma- hi Babci! also my brother- hi Shade!) I tried calling some other people but just got the answering machine (I knew my mom would be out but I called anyways just to leave a message). All in all it was a great afternoon.
In addition to the clothes I bought, I also got a package from my mom with some more clothes in it (thanks so much mom, it got here quick). I was starting to feel like I didn't bring enough, but now I feel like I have more than enough. It's a nice feeling to wear something new, and also something old and familiar. Although I will now have to send some stuff back home before I finish my contract so that I'll have room in my bag! I'm not sure how the weather in Europe will be, especially in the Baltic. My managers say that it will be cold, but I'm sure as we move into the summer months it won't be so bad, I can just layer my clothes.
This is the second last cruise in the Caribbean, so I'm going to make sure to make the most of my time here, go to some places I haven't been to yet and buy some souvenirs, like a magnet or something from each of the island.
The photo team is doing good with only 5 of us. There's been a few minor problems between some people, but it's starting to get better. I think because there are 4 girls and only 1 guy, Alex feels a bit isolated, like it's 4 against 1. So hopefully when we get a new person (should be coming in 2 days, in St.Maarten) it will be a guy. We were told we were going to have a new hire from the last Miami training who is a German girl, but we just found out that she didn't pass her exam and was sent back home!! Part of me is hoping to get another girl, because right now Monique is alone in her room (Alena was her roommate), and my roommate just switched cabins, so I'm alone also. If we get a guy than they will put me and Monique in one cabin. But if we get a girl than she will likely be in Moniques cabin (or maybe mine, I'm not sure how they will decide). I will let you know when the new person comes.
That's all for now, take care everyone!
Day 2/14
At Sea (first formal night)
Another cruise has started and I find it hard to believe this is only my 5th cruise! 2 weeks is a long time to cruise, but the time is going by faster now. We didn't do so well last cruise (revenue wise) but I personally made the most money that I've earned on any of the other cruises. Starting this cruise I am (finally) a photog 2 so I'll be earning even more :) I hope we can do better in sales because it gets really boring in the gallery when no one is there to buy anything, and also hearing from the managers all the time that we need to do better and push more is not fun. From what I have seen so far, this cruise has a lot more younger people.
Yesterday (embarkation day) was the first time I was able to leave the ship and go out in Fort Lauderdale. Every other time I had been shooting the embarkation photos of all the guests as they board the ship. This time I was doing 'stores', meaning I was receiving shipments. Luckily there weren't many boxes so we finished quite early (we spent more time waiting for the shipment to come actually). I took a shuttle for $2 which took me to an area with a few shops (a dollar store, pharmacy, discount clothing store called Ross, which is exactly like Winners :D and a few others). I was so excited to shop and to stock up on things before we head to Europe (in less than a month!!) because I know things will be more expensive there. It was nice to go to stores that sell more than just typical tourist (overpriced) things like souvenirs and jewelry (what you find on all the islands). I bought 3 tops, a pair of jeans, a skirt, some underwear, sunscreen, shampoo and conditioner all for $70. At the dollar store I got some water/drinks, snacks, padded envelopes to mail things and a bunch of smaller stuff (you know how it is when you're in a dollar store). I had lunch at this nice bagel/sandwich shop (so yummy!) and called some people (my grandma- hi Babci! also my brother- hi Shade!) I tried calling some other people but just got the answering machine (I knew my mom would be out but I called anyways just to leave a message). All in all it was a great afternoon.
In addition to the clothes I bought, I also got a package from my mom with some more clothes in it (thanks so much mom, it got here quick). I was starting to feel like I didn't bring enough, but now I feel like I have more than enough. It's a nice feeling to wear something new, and also something old and familiar. Although I will now have to send some stuff back home before I finish my contract so that I'll have room in my bag! I'm not sure how the weather in Europe will be, especially in the Baltic. My managers say that it will be cold, but I'm sure as we move into the summer months it won't be so bad, I can just layer my clothes.
This is the second last cruise in the Caribbean, so I'm going to make sure to make the most of my time here, go to some places I haven't been to yet and buy some souvenirs, like a magnet or something from each of the island.
The photo team is doing good with only 5 of us. There's been a few minor problems between some people, but it's starting to get better. I think because there are 4 girls and only 1 guy, Alex feels a bit isolated, like it's 4 against 1. So hopefully when we get a new person (should be coming in 2 days, in St.Maarten) it will be a guy. We were told we were going to have a new hire from the last Miami training who is a German girl, but we just found out that she didn't pass her exam and was sent back home!! Part of me is hoping to get another girl, because right now Monique is alone in her room (Alena was her roommate), and my roommate just switched cabins, so I'm alone also. If we get a guy than they will put me and Monique in one cabin. But if we get a girl than she will likely be in Moniques cabin (or maybe mine, I'm not sure how they will decide). I will let you know when the new person comes.
That's all for now, take care everyone!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Day 10: Curacao
Greetings! I'm sitting at my new favourite internet spot at a pizzeria in Curacao with Monique and Petro. It's the fastest connection I've found in all the islands we've visited! I've even been able to watch & download some youtube videos, yay! I used to go online so much back home, but now I don't (can't). It's actually quite nice. At first I felt really "out of the loop" on many things, and I still do from time to time. But I've come to realize that life is better off line! Things that used to be very important to me (checking blogs several times a day, being up to date with news, entertainments and music/concerts, etc.) just doesn't interest me as much anymore. I guess mainly because there's nothing I can do about it, especially if I see an event or something happening back home. It will just make me more homesick, and I don't want that.
My lab training went well and starting next cruise I will officially be a photog 2!!! This morning I was printing some of my own photos, which is really fun! My photoshop skills are coming in handy for many things. I've created business cards for everyone in the team, and later today I'm going to print some photos with the different templates we have (for each port of call and special events/occasions) like easter cards! I've also printed out a large 30"x50" photo (made of many smaller 8"x15" photos) to use in one of our display cases.
If I haven't got your address please email it to me so I can send you some photos & postcards. Especially before I head to Europe in May (mail will take a lot longer to send/receive, I assume). Speaking of Europe, Curacao reminds me a lot of Amsterdam: the narrow pedestrian streets lined with small shops and the small(ish) cars. The only thing different is the many tourists and abundance of jewelry stores (of course).
it's nice and breezy today, not too hot (but still much hotter than in Canada). I burnt my legs quite badly in Barbados while laying in the sun on the beach. To be more specific, I only burnt the front part of my right leg, and the top part of my left leg. I must have been sitting funny. It really hurt for a couple days but it's finally getting back to normal. I'm beginning to get a tan! (it's about time!) I think because I've been so paranoid of burning, I always make sure to wear sunscreen, but the past few days I haven't.
Despite this cruise being one of the slowest so far, the days are flying by quicker than I remember in the earlier cruises. I think because I've gotten used to the routine of things and know what to expect. Even though we are 1 person short in the team, things seem to be running smoothly (except for a few micro-fights over silly things in the gallery, a clash of cultures/languages, gender imbalance and a bit of disrespect amongst the team members... all of which started happening after Alena left, not sure why :S). I'm looking forward to getting 1 or 2 new people, I hope by next cruise.
Until next time....
My lab training went well and starting next cruise I will officially be a photog 2!!! This morning I was printing some of my own photos, which is really fun! My photoshop skills are coming in handy for many things. I've created business cards for everyone in the team, and later today I'm going to print some photos with the different templates we have (for each port of call and special events/occasions) like easter cards! I've also printed out a large 30"x50" photo (made of many smaller 8"x15" photos) to use in one of our display cases.
If I haven't got your address please email it to me so I can send you some photos & postcards. Especially before I head to Europe in May (mail will take a lot longer to send/receive, I assume). Speaking of Europe, Curacao reminds me a lot of Amsterdam: the narrow pedestrian streets lined with small shops and the small(ish) cars. The only thing different is the many tourists and abundance of jewelry stores (of course).
it's nice and breezy today, not too hot (but still much hotter than in Canada). I burnt my legs quite badly in Barbados while laying in the sun on the beach. To be more specific, I only burnt the front part of my right leg, and the top part of my left leg. I must have been sitting funny. It really hurt for a couple days but it's finally getting back to normal. I'm beginning to get a tan! (it's about time!) I think because I've been so paranoid of burning, I always make sure to wear sunscreen, but the past few days I haven't.
Despite this cruise being one of the slowest so far, the days are flying by quicker than I remember in the earlier cruises. I think because I've gotten used to the routine of things and know what to expect. Even though we are 1 person short in the team, things seem to be running smoothly (except for a few micro-fights over silly things in the gallery, a clash of cultures/languages, gender imbalance and a bit of disrespect amongst the team members... all of which started happening after Alena left, not sure why :S). I'm looking forward to getting 1 or 2 new people, I hope by next cruise.
Until next time....
Friday, April 1, 2011
Greetings from the beach in Barbados
Cruise #4
Day: 7/14
Location: Barbados
I feel like I'm really settled in now, and have accepted that this is going to be my life for the next 4 months. But I'm happy, life is good. I'm trying to make the most of it. I'm at the Boatyard again, it's a very popular spot for the crew. Yesterday I was port manning, and tomorrow I will also be port manning, so it's nice to get out for a day. Tomorrow is formal night, so I have to prepare for a long night. Tonight I'll be going through my checklist with the AMP (assistant manager of production) and doing a bit of lab training. Hopefully all will go well and by next cruise I will finally be a Photog 2 and earn a bit more money.
Today is my co-worker Petro's birthday, so we celebrated last night at the bar. We got a bottle of vodka (1L for $18 :) and had some fun. It was also Indian night at the bar, they were celebrating their win in the cricket world cup. I love being in Barbados because it means no gangway!
The night before last I did a bit of training with the Videographer (a position I'm interested in). I filmed the "sizzle" party they have each cruise on the top/open deck. Basically the dancers/entertainers do a little routine and then the guests join in and learn some of the moves. I didn't realized I'd actually be filming! I thought I was just going to watch him do it. I was a bit nervous at first, but then I got into it and had lots of fun. The footage was a bit dark and the white balance was off (everything looks blue-ish) but it's still usable, which is good!! I'm looking forward to filming another party in a few days, and hopefully I'll learn from my mistakes and do a better job. It's good that I have experience using a similar video camera from my video production course at Sheridan. And I also know how to use Final Cut which is an advantage.
Time to go! Bye...
Day: 7/14
Location: Barbados
I feel like I'm really settled in now, and have accepted that this is going to be my life for the next 4 months. But I'm happy, life is good. I'm trying to make the most of it. I'm at the Boatyard again, it's a very popular spot for the crew. Yesterday I was port manning, and tomorrow I will also be port manning, so it's nice to get out for a day. Tomorrow is formal night, so I have to prepare for a long night. Tonight I'll be going through my checklist with the AMP (assistant manager of production) and doing a bit of lab training. Hopefully all will go well and by next cruise I will finally be a Photog 2 and earn a bit more money.
Today is my co-worker Petro's birthday, so we celebrated last night at the bar. We got a bottle of vodka (1L for $18 :) and had some fun. It was also Indian night at the bar, they were celebrating their win in the cricket world cup. I love being in Barbados because it means no gangway!
The night before last I did a bit of training with the Videographer (a position I'm interested in). I filmed the "sizzle" party they have each cruise on the top/open deck. Basically the dancers/entertainers do a little routine and then the guests join in and learn some of the moves. I didn't realized I'd actually be filming! I thought I was just going to watch him do it. I was a bit nervous at first, but then I got into it and had lots of fun. The footage was a bit dark and the white balance was off (everything looks blue-ish) but it's still usable, which is good!! I'm looking forward to filming another party in a few days, and hopefully I'll learn from my mistakes and do a better job. It's good that I have experience using a similar video camera from my video production course at Sheridan. And I also know how to use Final Cut which is an advantage.
Time to go! Bye...
March 30
Cruise: #4
Day: 5/14
Location: Antigua
Today my friend and co-worker Alena left the ship to join her boyfriend on another ship (the Azamara Journey). We're all sad to see her go, but happy for her as well. Our team will be one person short for the next week until we get a replacement. I was told it will be a new hire (but not sure if it will be a guy or girl).
We've had a lot of meetings with people from head office (ok, only 2 meetings). One was explaining the business aspect of the company and explained why we have certain targets to meet (for gangways or any other even we are told how many pictures we need to take) and this is based on many factors including sales percentage and a bunch of other technical terms like IPP (images per person), PDR (passenger daily rate) and stuff like that. They want us photographers to be more involved in the operational aspect of the company. The other meeting we had was about a new payroll system that will be implemented starting in June. It's called Ocean Pay and it's basically an international debit card that will have our money deposited on. Currently we get paid in US cash at then end of every cruise (every 2 weeks for me). This new system will make it easier for us to keep track of our spending, make purchases, transfer money back home, convert it to different currencies (for example we will be going to Europe soon), and mainly just to keep it safe (they told us some horror stories of people who left all their cash earnings in a taxi to the airport on their way home!). The only disadvantages are the many fees associated with using the card. There is one free ATM withdrawal per pay period, and $1.50 each time after that (in the US only) and $2.50 everywhere else. Plus whatever fees the ATM charges. There's a 0.50 fee per debit transaction, but free to us as a signature transaction (it has a Visa logo on the card, and can be used like one at certain stores, but it's not a credit card). There's other fees to transfer money to a bank ($2 and takes up to 5 business days) and to convert currencies (3%). One benefit is that you get a MT (money transfer) card, which can be sent home and you can transfer money onto that card for free and in real time. It's used to support people with families and such. But the same fees apply to that card. So many restrictions! It's no wonder the meeting was nearly 2 hours long. I'm not too sure I like this new system, but it's near the end of my contract so I'm not too worried about it now.
Another thing we learned from the meeting is that the uniforms will be changing soon. I only recently got the rest of my uniform (the pants that didn't fit me) only to find that these new ones are too short! I'm not sure I'll have the correct ones before the uniform changes, but that's fine with me. The pants are a terrible fit and horrible material (wool & polyester), it's pure torture! I'm happy that I bought my own (similar) pants to wear in the mean time.
This cruise is not as good as the last cruise. Last cruise we had the highest sales of the season (meaning all Caribbean cruises), but we still didn't reach our targets. No one seems to be buying much this cruise, or stopping for photos. We have a new deal on the 'Get The Picture' package, $199 for all the images on a disc OR all of the prints (on the first cruise I did we had all the prints for $349 and a $209 package which included 15 photos). So that's a way better deal. Also you can get all the photos on a disc AND all the prints for just $50 more (unless you're a 'Captains Club' member, in which you get bother for $199). It sounds like a lot of money still, but it's actually a good deal considering how many photos are taken on a 14 day cruise. I've sold 4 of these packages so far.
That's all I can think of for now (I'm sure there's more to say but I'm tired so I'm going to nap... only have 1.5 hour break!)
Day: 5/14
Location: Antigua
Today my friend and co-worker Alena left the ship to join her boyfriend on another ship (the Azamara Journey). We're all sad to see her go, but happy for her as well. Our team will be one person short for the next week until we get a replacement. I was told it will be a new hire (but not sure if it will be a guy or girl).
We've had a lot of meetings with people from head office (ok, only 2 meetings). One was explaining the business aspect of the company and explained why we have certain targets to meet (for gangways or any other even we are told how many pictures we need to take) and this is based on many factors including sales percentage and a bunch of other technical terms like IPP (images per person), PDR (passenger daily rate) and stuff like that. They want us photographers to be more involved in the operational aspect of the company. The other meeting we had was about a new payroll system that will be implemented starting in June. It's called Ocean Pay and it's basically an international debit card that will have our money deposited on. Currently we get paid in US cash at then end of every cruise (every 2 weeks for me). This new system will make it easier for us to keep track of our spending, make purchases, transfer money back home, convert it to different currencies (for example we will be going to Europe soon), and mainly just to keep it safe (they told us some horror stories of people who left all their cash earnings in a taxi to the airport on their way home!). The only disadvantages are the many fees associated with using the card. There is one free ATM withdrawal per pay period, and $1.50 each time after that (in the US only) and $2.50 everywhere else. Plus whatever fees the ATM charges. There's a 0.50 fee per debit transaction, but free to us as a signature transaction (it has a Visa logo on the card, and can be used like one at certain stores, but it's not a credit card). There's other fees to transfer money to a bank ($2 and takes up to 5 business days) and to convert currencies (3%). One benefit is that you get a MT (money transfer) card, which can be sent home and you can transfer money onto that card for free and in real time. It's used to support people with families and such. But the same fees apply to that card. So many restrictions! It's no wonder the meeting was nearly 2 hours long. I'm not too sure I like this new system, but it's near the end of my contract so I'm not too worried about it now.
Another thing we learned from the meeting is that the uniforms will be changing soon. I only recently got the rest of my uniform (the pants that didn't fit me) only to find that these new ones are too short! I'm not sure I'll have the correct ones before the uniform changes, but that's fine with me. The pants are a terrible fit and horrible material (wool & polyester), it's pure torture! I'm happy that I bought my own (similar) pants to wear in the mean time.
This cruise is not as good as the last cruise. Last cruise we had the highest sales of the season (meaning all Caribbean cruises), but we still didn't reach our targets. No one seems to be buying much this cruise, or stopping for photos. We have a new deal on the 'Get The Picture' package, $199 for all the images on a disc OR all of the prints (on the first cruise I did we had all the prints for $349 and a $209 package which included 15 photos). So that's a way better deal. Also you can get all the photos on a disc AND all the prints for just $50 more (unless you're a 'Captains Club' member, in which you get bother for $199). It sounds like a lot of money still, but it's actually a good deal considering how many photos are taken on a 14 day cruise. I've sold 4 of these packages so far.
That's all I can think of for now (I'm sure there's more to say but I'm tired so I'm going to nap... only have 1.5 hour break!)
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