Ship Life!

We performed our first show, "Back to Broadway!"  Since we have a long cruise,  the 35 day Asian adventure, we have about 3 days to rehearse and tech each of our 6 shows. For every show we have 2 full days of rehearsal, a midnight tech run on the 2nd day and then a noon run and the shows on the 3rd day. There are always two seatings for every show, 8pm and 10pm. The 8pm crowd was bigger than the second show but the 10pm audience was much more responsive because they were the younger crowd.  It was a little rough performing for the first audience - if there were crickets on the ship we would have heard them :). I know they enjoyed the show but they were quiet observers... In fact one of the guests who's been on every Holland America ship said it was by far the best show he'd seen.  

We perform with a live band on stage and the production quality of the show is astounding - amazing lighting, beautiful sets and gorgeous Bob Mackey costumes. They spare no expense on the technical side of entertainment here at Holland America.  Our next show is "It Takes Two" which I'm not in so I have 3 days off. Each cast member has at least 1 show that they aren't in.  Jeremy is the lead male in "It Takes Two" and he'll have his days off when we do the all female show, "Dinner Belles."  Besides rehearsals and costume fittings, we've been doing a lot of safety training and crew lifeboat drills.  One interesting note - we are quickly learning the hierarchy of Holland America ships.  The Captains along with the Chief and First Officers are almost always Dutch and the rest of the officers are either Australian or British. All of the crew is either Philippino or Indonesian, the spa girls are British, the String Quartet is Ukrainian and all of the musicians and singers are American. I'm surprised at the demographic of the passengers too. I was expecting a diverse group since we're sailing in Southeast Asia but 99% of these guests are over 50 and caucasian.  Every guest I've met is either British, Australian or American.  I'm surprised we don't have more Indians, Asians and wealthy middle-easterners on this cruise.     

It's hard to describe "ship life" and I don't think anyone can prepare themselves without having the actual experience. For one thing, I would have no idea what day it is if I didn't have my iPhone that automatically updates time zones.  Apparently it's a common issue on a ship because all of the elevators have day of the week floor mats. So when all else fails and every day feels like Saturday, the daily floor mats will set you straight!  It hasn't set in that we will be living on this ship for 7 months. I definitely feel like I'm on vacation even with rehearsals and shows. I'm sure our living situation is a factor...remember how I mentioned that they put us up in guest cabins when we first arrived in dry dock?  Well, those were Deck 3 interior cabins. When the passengers boarded the ship they moved us out of those cabins and into empty guest cabins. However, the only available guest cabins were...wait for it...Deck 7 Verandah suites equipped with private balconies, jacuzzi bath tubs, a King sized bed and a separate living area. I know. Amazing. I really don't want to leave but unfortunately our staff cabins will be ready tomorrow. They are very nice for staff cabins but after living in the lap of luxury it's going to be hard to get used to!

Now for the food...it's delicious and there's a lot of it!  Since we're considered "officers," we eat with the guests at the Lido buffet.  However, we aren't tempted to eat all day nearly as much as I thought.   The meal times at the Buffet are very specific and the food is so rich that I usually can't bring myself to have more than one plate. Shocking I know. We primarily eat at the Lido but can eat in the dining room if asked by a passenger or if it isn't too crowded and we ask permission.  Another place we'll frequent (but not too often...) is the Officer's Bar for $1 glasses of wine and $2 cocktails.  We also have 24 hour free room service so our first night in the Verandah Suite we had caesar salads and Grilled Salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Yep, I could get used to this!  I'm sure I'll miss cooking and having the freedom to prepare my own food, but right now I'm not complaining!

As I write this blog, I think to myself that this really is too good to be true and wonder, "what's the catch?"  Well, I discovered a small one.  I caught the sea sick bug on our first day sailing out of Singapore. I was told this was not a good sign since the water was extremely calm sailing through the south China Sea and into the gulf of Thailand.  Fortunately, we have 24 hour access to chewable sea sickness pills as well as green apples and ginger ale.  When dad, Laura, Piper and I went on a cruise, our Carnival ship was much bigger than the Volendam and the only time I felt any real rocking was during a storm.  I'm already more assimilated to this motion, but I can't say I'm excited for the 6 day trans-Pacific crossing to Alaska!

Since I'm not in the next show, I'll be able to explore Thailand and Cambodia. Jeremy will get to spend some time in Thailand but unfortunately won't be able to go to Cambodia.  We'll get to explore most of the other ports together though. 

So...coming soon...Thailand and Cambodian adventures.  We love you!

J & J