Crew Bar, Disco and Beautiful Sitka

Last night was a better night than the night before. There was a small group of people that hung with me for most of the night. It was pretty fun. During one of my breaks, Amanda came and got me and we went and saw one of the staged shows. It was really cool. She told me I had to go to the disco later that night.. So.. I finished up at about 12, everybody went to see the comedian. Afterwards, I broke down, went and took my stuff to my room, and went to the crew bar. Amanda was dressed up in a blue dress. I saw a lot of people I knew. One girl Amy came and told me she thought my music was awesome, and she was the one who booked me for the crew party.

At one point, Amanda’s boyfriend came and said “You might want to look out man. I don’t know know if you’re my ‘replacement’ but she’s wild.” At first I was kind of confused on what he was talking about, but then realized. I assured him I had no intentions of dating, or trying to date. She was just one of the first people I met and first friends.

We went to the disco (the few of us) and I was a tad more social than last time. Wasn’t too many people there. After hanging for about an hour, I went and hit the sack.

This morning, I woke up pretty late. About 11. Took a shower and then went and ate some lunch. Then went and took some pictures of Sitka... There was actual SUNLIGHT, and it looked absolutely gorgeous. Now I’m hanging in my room, just waiting to play for a private party.. Then I play 9:15 to late. Alrighty, I’m out!

The 2nd Week.

Well yesterday was the start of a new cruise. I got up early thinking I had orientation... but I actually had it today... Woopps.. So I walked around the ship and listened to Jim, the other acoustic guy, Saw Marina, and spoke with her for about 2 minutes, and said I was going to try that supper club Saturday. I played at 5 to 6 in the Atrium. Got a good group going, but then and left to eat dinner and everything else, and played in the Piano bar from 9-12ish. People scurried in and out, since it’s the first day, so it wasn’t very busy. However, I did get to meet someone who worked on the preproduction of a Goo Goo Doll CD.... TALK ABOUT FREAKING AWESOME!! Really cool guy. I’m sure I’ll run into him again soon.

Met a 16 year old guy named Tyler. He was from LA. He looked like he was 23. Big music buff. Played guitar and all that. Pretty cool. I went for a late pizza snack, and then went to bed, to wake up this morning for a lifeboat drill. I felt like I knew what I was doing, and managed to help a lot of passengers in the process. So, I feel more confident about it now. Afterwards, I went to Orientation, which really was just like a “welcome to carnival” kind of thing, here’s some trainee videos on how to smile, react to bombs, sexual harassment, medical, and alcohol abuse.

And now I’m uploading pictures. I finally got my computer working on the network. I play the piano bar tonight 8- late. My voice feels a lot more recovered. Yesterday it was a little sore from the last night... Because I was so into it.

Well, I’m off!!

Last day of my first week.

July 29th, 1:54 AM

Today was a sea day. SO, pretty much everyone is on the ship and it’s a tad more crowded than usual which is fine. After my late night last night, I crashed hard. My Alarm went off at 9, and I slept more ‘til ten. Got up, took a shower, went and ate breakfast, checked internet stuff, checked out the Capper (which is like a paper that tells passengers when and where entertainment is taking place. I checked my name and it said Atrium 7:15 until 11:15. I came back to my room and napped on and off until 1, where my boss knocked on my door to sign my safety test paper. He then informed me that I’d be playing in the piano bar from 8- late. I was happy to hear that. I went back into my room, and napped until two, for when I had my PCS Test (a safety test to make sure you know what to do.)

I got a couple wrong answers, but the guy grading it helped me along. Afterwards, I got my camera and went for a walk. In the atrium there was a jazz band playing so I watched for a little bit. During that time, people that had sawme from the night before came up to me and thanked me for “saving the night,” and that it was the highlight of their cruise. Others came and told me I was great and stuff like that. All flattering. One couple, Shane and Juli, who have hung out at the atrium and watched me play every night since they had been there, saw me and we chatted for a good half hour. I’ve probably talked with them and got to know them better than anyone (passengers and crew members alike). Really nice people, and I hope to meet them again sometime in the future. They asked if I’d like to join them on a tour of the Galley. I agreed and as we started to follow the tour group, I realized we were going into a dining aread (one I shouldn’t be in for eating) and I got scared and bailed. I went back and listened to the Jazz Band. My boss was playing trumpet. Very good player.

After that, I took another nap from 4 to 5 until Dinner, and I went and ate there. Afterwards, I restrung my guitar. After that, I went up to the 3rd ship deck, and went out side and saw AMAZING glaciers. SOO gorgeous. Pictures and movies really can’t do them justice. At one point part of the ice broke and fell into the water. A huge thunder sound happened afterwards. I managed to get a picture as it hit the water, but sadly no video. After the amazing pictures, I ran back to my room to prepare for my new gig in the piano bar. I got my stuff, and got there about a half hour early. I spoke with the bartended, Nunik. She’s a very nice girl (she’s 27) and from the Philipines, but a very cool girl. She told me that last night had been her best night ever in that room after I joined. She said she wants to bartend where ever I am. She took very good care of me, making sure I had water and such. I was very appreciative.

So the bar was empty for about 15 minutes as I played, then all of a sudden EVERYONE who had been out to see me through out the week showed up and filled the bar, and it was a non stop party until 1 AM. I made 58 bucks in tips. I haven’t had a pay day yet, but so far my tips have gone to about 160 bucks. 130 of which was in the last two days. I had a great time playing. Everyone sang along, and it was one of the best gigs I had ever had. After everyone left, Nunik told me they did very well again that night, and that I was very good and she’d be surprised if I wasn’t a music director by my next contract.

I went and checked my email (I had emailed the guy who hired me and let him know I was loving the job, and that my boss liked me.) He said he’d look to see if they want to keep me on. So.. keep your fingers crossed!!

OK.. I’m going to bed. Got more orientation stuff tomorrow!

The Guitar Hero.

Today was a long and quite an eventful day. I slept 'til 10:30 am. The latest I've slept in awhile, and was well needed. I started studying for my Safety Test I have tomorrow. Met up with Amanda and went to Sitkah via lifeboat, and we took a look around. We saw an Raptor rehabilitation center. Got to see a few bald eagles (I'll post pictures when I have fast Internet.) We managed to get back by 4:15, just in time for me to get my gear together so that I could do my gig at 5:00. I got there, and got playing and got a good crowd going. I was having quite a good time. Got to talk to my co-workers a bit and make friends. Made 30 dollars in tips for playing 2 songs. At one point the sound man, James was standing out front listening to me. Turns out the Supper Club thought I was being too loud but he thought I was fine. Then my boss and him both stood out front and listened. They took the elevator up to the club, and came back to let me know that only my high singing songs are of any problem. So my boss asked if I could move my songs around. Make my high energy ones for the beginning and spread it out. All polite and no problems!

After the gig was done, I talked with the piano player who was taking the stage after me. He was interested in how I rigged my computer to show my sheet music and switching it with a foot pedal. So he said he would look into ordering one.

Afterwards, I went to my room, and was starting to feel seasick (it's stormy outside, so, I was going to lay to go to sleep. My phone started ringing. I was going to ignore it because I thought it would be a wrong number, but I answered and it was my boss. "Derek! Can you come help in the piano bar?" Very confused I replied "Um.. sure, for what?"

"I need you to play. My piano player drank a little too much and can't finish the night" He said. (not to be confused with the piano player who played after me, this was another). So, I agreed and brought my acoustic guitar and got down to the piano bar that was SLAMMED with workers and passengers alike. There was a piano player playing piano while one of the show singers sang. My boss introduced me, and I played another 2 hours. About 6-7 hours of playing in 8 hours. But EVERYONE loved it. My boss was most pleased, all my co-workers sang along, and I was told that was the most wild it has ever been. I made over 40 in tips from that room alone. I met new people to hangout with. All of them told me how much they liked my music, and how great they thought I was, and I shouldn't worry about having to move ships. My boss took me aside, and told me he'll do all he can to let HQ know that I'm great and should stay on the ship. He also is thinking of moving me into the piano bar (ironically) because he thinks I'll get a great reaction that way. During one of the last songs, my boss took the mic, and called me the Guitar Hero for "saving the night" because they said without me, it would have been miserable. He joked that the piano bar may turn into the Guitar Bar, so.. yay! Two girls stayed after, Danielle and Jennifer, and they both are from the vegas-style shows. They told me they'd start pulling me along to things, so I could meet some people, though they said I made a great impression on everyone and I shouldn't have any troubles meeting and hanging out with people.

Though I'm exhausted, I had a great time, and the group was great, singing along and such. I felt very accepted, and I can't wait to meet more people to hang with. So... Great great night. I made my good first impressions!

The day off, Crew party and some of today.

Well, yesterday was a pretty good day off. I tried to relax as much as possible. At some point during the day I managed to break my room key, so I had to jam stuff into my door so that I wouldn't have to call guest services to let me in everytime I left. I got some cool pictures off the boat last night, which I'll post next time I have high speed internet. It was very quiet where I usually play. There was a pianist there, but when he was done it was like a ghost ship.

I manged to go to the crew party, though I was extremely tired. I got there before anyone got there. It was in the Disco, which is a huge room with dance floor stuff, lots of lights, a big bar and all that. Within an hour it was filled with lots of workers partying it up. Unfortunately, I'm no good in those situations, especially if I don't know anybody. I also wasn't drinking so I couldn't fall in the flow. So about after an hour and a half of hip hop, second-hand smoke, and dry eyes, I headed back to my room and went to sleep.

I slept very well. When I woke up, I got a quick shower done, and as I was getting dressed there was a call for a general emergency drill. Since I'm new at it, I didn't realize they warn you first, before the drill starts and then wait 15 minutes for the alarms. So I rushed, got my life jacket and ran to my area.. No one was there, I bumped into a person from asia, and he was just as confused as I was. Then, a bunch of girls asked me confused if the drill had gone off because they were afraid they missed it. Then I got stopped by security saying it didn't start yet, and I needed my life jcket in my room before I could do the drill... So, I went back.. and waited. THEN it alarmed, and I found myself at the correct place. The drill lasted about an hour. My job was just to put on a life jacket and stand there. Some people had different stations to go to, but not me. Or the piano player beside me. I came to the conclusion that they think musicians can do music, and have limited abilities to save others. SOO... yep.

When that was done, I went to the Staff Mess and ate a BIG bowl of fruit, then went and got a new room key. I came back to my room and practiced some music stuff until my meeting at 12:30. It was supposed to take 4 hours to finish. We were done in an hour and 10 minutes. So.. that was very nice. Went BACK to my room and restrung the guitar, and watched some more Family Guy. I'm getting dangerously close to running out of clothes, and it's near impossible to get a washer and dryer anytime during a reasonable hour. (I'm told my best luck finding it is 3 am.) It's also Elegant night, so I get to wear my tux again. They got me scattered around, playing time wise. I play from 5:15-6, 7:30 to 8:30, and 9:30 until it's not busy anymore. Lots of nice breaks. Surprisingly though, I haven't gone to my room once with a sore voice. I sing the same intensity I always have, but I feel good. So that's good news! The guy I replaced left because of voice problems and it hurting a lot.

Well, I guess I'm going to get ready in my tux. I found it interesting also, that sunrise is 4:39 AM here and Sunset is 10:59. I'm very happy that my room has no window. It's pitch black when I turn the lights off all times of the day. Very easy to sleep.

Okie, OUT! Write tomorrow!

Jeanau!

I woke up about 8 AM, and quickly ran to eat breakfast. It was ok... kind of overly wet scrambled eggs.. But whatever, they had orange juice so that was awesome. I ran into town and browsed a book store, and got on HIGH SPEED internet, and uploaded my blog stuff and pictures. Then downloaded a few new songs to add to my set. Just so I can stay fresh.

Afterwards, I went back to the ship and watched some Family Guy until about 12:15 where I called Amanda and I went to hang with her, her boyfriend, and a couple other cool guys. We all went out to town and ate pizza. I had thai chicken pizza. Pretty good. And very filling.. My stomach has been shrinking because I find myself not eating as much, which is GREAT. And I'm getting good excersise just by running around the ship (I use the stairs as often as possible) as well as walking into town. I'm trying to set up a schedule for the gym. So, after lunch we all went our separate ways and I tooks some more pictures of the mountains and stuff. HUGE mountains. I'll have to post them when I have fast internet.

I came back to the ship, been blogging and checking stuff out.. Going pretty well. Nothing big going on tonight. It's my night off. Crew party at 11:30. It's a traffic-light party. Wear green if your single, yellow if you're not sure, and red if you're taken. I don't have a red or yellow shirt. So... haha. I'm just going so I can meet some new people.

Wish me luck!!!

GREAT NIGHT!

July 24th, 10:39 pm

Just had an awesome performing night. The audience was JUST perfect for what I like to do. I got to play a lot of ninties. Most people requested it, and the whole bar was filled while the whole place was filled with people. Best night so far. During one break, I spoke with a couple about their adventures in Alaska for the day. Played some more, and when I got done I had several people stop me to tell me i was the best entertainer on the ship, and they had nothing to do because I was done. Very flattering indeed. One of the photographers, Amanda said she’d go with me and show me around Jeanau and take me to the super walmart. I hear it’s a HUGE city, and the best one we go to. (Lucky for me, it’s my day off.) So I got her 4 digit number, and we’ll go around noon. I haven’t had a chance to eat dinner. So I’ll probably go to the crew mess around 12 and get some grub. Then pass out ‘til 8, eat, go into town and get on the internet for a bit, upload all my blogs and pictures, and then.. lunch, hang with Amanda, and um... come back.. and entertain myself.

*FOR A COMPLETE SET OF PICTURES, CHECK OUT MY FACEBOOK OR http://www.flickr.com/photos/40789728@N03/sets/72157621701090095/

Ketchikan!

July 24th, 1:15 pm

I took tons of pictures all around the ship. Then I went to my drill which was a pain to find, but I found it, and it took about 20 minutes. I couldn’t hear much... so I hope we don’t sink or something before I learn the info in more detail. Afterwards, I put on my raincoat, got my camera and went into town. It is a beautiful little town. I took a lot of pictures of it as well. I managed to stop in Polar Treats Deli, and got myself a nice Salmon Wrap. EXPENSIVE! But very delicious. Walked around and looked at a lot of shops. As I walked I passed a cafe, and my boss waved at me through the window so I went in to talk with him. He asked how everything was going, and all that good stuff.Real nice guy. It will be a sad day when he leaves. He informed me that the crew party in three weeks has booked me by the request of the crew. Flattering for sure! He said that no one came to him about it (though he would have liked if they had had),but he’ll set it up where I only play in the atrium for a couple hours, then at the crew party for a couple hours. He let me know that there was an internet cafe in Juneau that was 6 dollars for 8 hours of internet. SO I will be definitely doing THAT tomorrow! Especially since I have the day off. I’ll try to upload lots of pictures, and my stuff. Gotta play at 5. So I’m going to prepare my instruments!

5:15 in the MORNING

July 24th, 8 AM

Well, I woke up at 5:15, as mentioned earlier, and I was definitely feeling the tiredness. Took a shower got dressed into my nice clothes and went to the meeting. I showed up, recieved my passport, got in line, went over to an officer, he looked at it and said I could go. So.. that’s why I was up 5:15 IN THE MORNING. Walked around a bit, ate breakfast and went on the internet for a few. Not on my computer, unfortunately. I still can’t seem to get it to connect. Which is very VERY depressing. I’m going to head up to the top now and take some pictures. Maybe after the drill I can go into town.. We’ll see how I’m feeling!

2nd Gig!

July 24th, 12:10 AM.`

Well, I rehearsed a bit, took a much needed nap, and got on the internet via the crew bar. For some reason my computer won’t connect to the internet (it has once... but I can’t figure out how to get it back on.) Afterwards, I bumped into the Comedian on the ship. He’s here until tomorrow. Real nice guy. Turns out he was a writer on the Bearnie Mac Show. He showed me the staff mess, and I got to eat there. It was a smaller room, but they had waiters to wait on you. The food was decent. Afterwards, I got dressed in my tux. Looked pretty fancy (picture included.) I got down there and started playing at 7:15. It was a very busy night. I had a lot of repeat people coming back, which is always a good thing. I ended up only taking a half hour break the whole time (minus string breaking breaks of 3 or so minutes.) It was a good crowd there. After that, I quickly packed up and went to see the comedian. He was a pretty funny guy. I was very impressed.

Now I’m in my room.. exaughisted, and I gotta wake up at 5:15 to be at a meeting at 6:15. Then drill at 10:00. Gotta play from 5 to 10 tomorrow. Maybe I’ll take advantage of the night I’m givin’ and meet some new people down in the crew bar. I passed a few girls really dressed up on their way there. Kinda funny to me. Ok, I’m out. Time to sleep!

Alarm clocks, and Orcas

July 23rd, 8:26 AM

Well, I slept like a baby last night. Bed was comfortable, it was pitch black in my room, so I got to say I was pleased. HOWEVER, when I was setting my alarm last night, I some how managed to switch the west time zone to midwest time zone.. Putting me an hour ahead. So instead of waking up at 8 AM, I woke up at 7 AM. Took a shower (which I thought was going to be bad because of how small it all is, but it had good heat and pressure, so that was cool. Got dressed, and went and ate breakfast. Food was pretty good. Cheese scrambled eggs, a pastry, one bowl of oatmeal, and a couple pieces of bacon. Pretty delicious. But it’s hard to get breakfast wrong.

Afterwards, I headed to the top to see where we were. Now yesterday, the tempature was 80 something. I walked outside with shorts and a shortsleeve shirt and Iw was hit with 50 degrees of coldness... enforced with wind. It was cloudy out side, and you can see the coast of canada about a mile away all around us (since we’re going through the channel.) Quite beautiful. And to top it off, I saw three orcas. Unfortunately I didn’t have my camera on me. I’m afraid to look like a tourist and a worker at the same time. I’m gonna go through my setlist today, and put together a list of songs I haven’t done yet so I stay fresh.

1st gig

(The Atrium, the stage I play on. And the elevators in front of it.)

July 23rd, 12:31 AM

Well.. the meeting went really fast. I was showed a couple new places but that was about it. Went back to my room and hung around until I had to go to a Staff Meeting. I was introduced to everyone. Got to talk to a few new people. Pretty cool. I met my boss, and he’s a real cool guy.

After the meeting, I wandered around the ship, to find that we had already pulled out and had begun traveling. I didn’t feel it at all. So I went to the top to watch us travel. Very beautiful. Then I found the gym, the swimming pools, and the spa. Then I went to dinner in the crew mess. It was pretty good. Went back to my room, got redressed, and went to my gig where I was supposed to meet the soundman. Well, at 7:15 I figured he wasn’t coming so I plugged everything in and got it working. I was told that I couldn’t turn up too late, because the front desk was near there and such. So I tried to play quiet, but I managed to get to a good volume, and everyone was very impressed. My boss smiled and was excited. I talked with a girl who worked for the supper club. Her name was Marina. Nice girl. Then talked with a guy who was on vacation. Turned out he works for NBC and Universal. He gave me his card and asked for me to send him my music.

Then I finished the rest of the night. My boss came to talk to me and he said he liked my voice and liked that I interacted with the passengers. Afterwards, I packed up, and dropped my stuff off in my room, and went to the crew mess again, and they had good food again! The showband Piano Player came over and sat with me, and we got to talk. Then I came to my room, and here I am. Not much to do tomorrow. Get a name tag and um.. Sleep. Oh and play from 7:15 to 12.

1st day

Well, after sleeping 7 hours in the very comfortable bed, I was renewed. Though I woke up earlier than I intended, because my body is used to waking me up around 10, I had to get up. Got a chance to email some friends, shower, get dressed, and look as presentable as possible.

As I carried my crap downstairs, I checked out in about thirty seconds, because Carnival covered the bill. I got in a shuttle (a van with a driver and I) and he asked lots of questions of the gig and told me what he had heard about it. We got to drive through the heart of Vancouver which is VERY nice. Then we pulled up to port. I struggled with all my junk, went through a metal detector, and my stuff got scanned. I managed to get a cart, and I went searching for an area of where I could board the ship. After 10 minutes of waiting, I found it, but wasn’t sure if I should get on because customers were leaving. So I waited a bit... and longer... and longer. Then I just boarded.

Went up, and filled out a health sheet, and got all my stuff scanned. As I was doing so I met a man named Pat, the person I was filling in for while he was gone. He was a real cool guy, and explained the gig to me. He said I’d be fine. Turns out I have Saturdays off, so that’s pretty awesome. I play most nights 7:15 to 12 am, with breaks included. I also saw the room I’d be playing in. It’s the real nice room they show on the website with the beautiful elevators. (Picture included!). I met another soloist musician who was playing there. I sat next to his father and we talked about the gig.Very cool.

But anyways, after I boarded, I had to go to the near bottom of the ship and fill out my contract and other info. Found out they give you free seasickness medicine, asprin, CONDOMS! and ya know.. other stuff.

I got to my room and it was larger than I thought. A nice size bed, a big desk, a tv, a nice size closet, a bathroom where I can shower, go to the bathroom and brush my teeth all at once. It’s just slightly smaller than my college dorm, but I think I’ll really enjoy it!

I walked around the decks and took some pictures. Pretty awesome sites.

Well.. I gotta a meeting to run to, to learn about everything. Then I start playing tonight at 7:15!

Oh I hate being lost!

Well, I got to Minneapolis, and I got off the plane. Just to run to the other side of the terminal to join it again at a different gate. Kind of retarded... But I got there and boarded immediately. Got back in my first seat, and sat next to a very cool couple. The gentleman was very funny and we talked a lot about the job, and he showed me some card tricks, and all that such. He and his wife were very helpful when we landed. Very cool.

Afterwards, I got my Canadian paper thingy filled out and approved. Then waited for my luggage. Mine came out in the middle and looked fine to me. So I went to the gate to be let out, and then I was quickly blocked and asked what I was there for. I mentioned Carnival, then they seemed far less concerned and let me go. I went out side to look for my ride, but alas it didn't come. So I called the hotel, and it turns out the man who booked me, booked me for 12:05 pm.. Today... and their shuttle didn't run after 10 PM. So, I had no choice but to get a taxi.

Taxi driver was real cool. Very talkative and friendly. He suggested I never get married and informed me that all women of every culture is the same. So, I told him I'd write that down and keep it in mind. It was a 40 dollar ride, but he helped me carry my stuff in and was friendly, so all was good. I got inside to find out that the hotel really had no idea when I was supposed to be on the ship (as I was informed I would be told when I arrived.) So, I booked a ride to the docks at 8:30. Should be around the time I should be arriving I assume. But it turned out I got my own hotel room. Queen bed.. Awesome. So, I'm laying here writing now! And about to pass out. It's 4 am eastern standard time (the time I'm used too) and I'm feeling it. It's 12:52 here! So.. awesome. Well, I'm off. I'll take some pictures to post soon!

Update after my first day!

It fits!!

Well as I waited for the plane, we were informed that a child had puked on a seat during landing, so those three seats were sealed off. So we boarded the plane a little later than expected. But I held my guitar close to try to make it appear as small as possible. Luckily I was one of the 1st people to board so I had first dibs on my instrument being put in the overhead rack. And it JUST fit, so I didn’t have to pay 200 dollars. Which is a wonderful thing. Because.. well... I worked a lot of time just to earn money to bring with me and it would kind of blow if I had to spend 75% of it on getting my instruments to my job.

So I’m on the plane now, and we were given cookies and water for the snack. Delta Cookies. I think it’d be pretty neat if they sold that in stores. Not because it was good (because believe me... I’ve had much better) but the fact that If they’re hurting for money, why the hell would you package and give cookies. I know peanuts was an option as well... but seriously.

We’ve been experiencing some turbulence. Not too bad. Just enough to make me wonder why I didn’t bring one of my seasick remedies (they work on most types of motion sickness). The plane is on its way to Minneapolis. Then I guess I’ll just hang low and wait until my plane flies to Vancouver. Luckily I don’t have to switch planes, so that’s nice. I have a better chance of receiving my luggage that way!

Well, I’m off to no good. Write the next chance I get!

Airports suck.

Well, I’m in the airport (BWI to be exact,) and I never realized how much I hate the airport. It has been extremely stressful the last hour.

First off, I live in Delaware, so of course, the closest airport is two hours away.. no matter where you go. Unfortunate. Then when you get here, everything is SO confusing. Trying to find the correct parking garage is quite a pain in the ass, not to mention getting inside and knowing where the hell to go. The most painless part was the automatic check in systems. If only everything was that easy.

So we go to check in my bags, and it turns out one of my bags was about 10 pounds over weight. They give you a one or two pound cushion, and my other bag was 47 pounds (three under the limit,) so the woman asked us to redistribute the weight (we as in my parents. They came to help me out. We managed to do so, as well as bump heads and all get very stressed. But they passed the inspection, and went through.

Looking around, there’s no clear directions of where you go to go to the plane terminal. So, we wandered around following the letter C, for that was my gate. But alas, they also have TOWERS named C. And nothing really differentiates that. But after asking for help, we found the way there. My carry ons are a laptop (macbook pro) and an electric guitar (stuffed with clothes from distribution of the overpacked suitcases). I’m most worried about my electric guitar getting on the plane with me, because I’m told you really have a 50% chance of getting it on. If the person checking is feeling good, they’ll work with you. If they’re not, well... you gotta check the bag, which in my case will cost another 200 dollars, (I spent 125 dollars to get my acoustic on the plane.) If they let it through, I’ll enough money to get me through until my first pay day. If not.. well... I’m gonna be living pretty frugally. And I say that like it’s the worst thing ever. I mean, I will have free room and board. And it’s a cruise ship. So money isn’t that necessary the first couple weeks anyways.

Well, I’m going to wait here another 40 minutes before they start boarding, and I’ll write as I find out about my guitar. Hopefully good news!!!

Plane and travel info!

Well, today (about twenty minutes ago) I got my email with the hotel information and ticket information! I'm flying out at 6:42 PM on Tuesday, and will arrive in Vancouver, Canada around 11 pm (their time) so it's about a 7 and a half hour flight. I don't have to switch flights, luckily but we do have to land at some point for tech stuff (I think that's just their way of saying they need gas..). I'll be staying in a Holiday Inn, about 10 minutes away from the airport. The following morning, I'll travel to the ship (though it wasn't very specific when I should arrive, I'm sure I'll be up bright and early and ready to get to it.

I think I do have to share the hotel room. It says shared.. So.. yeah, but luckily It says single room when it comes to my ship, so that's all the more assuring! So, now it's wait and see what happens. I guess I'll update before I leave, or if they give me any more info!!

More preparation...

I got myself a rain coat (something someone suggested I get while I'm in Alaska.) So I got it for 30 bucks. Pretty comfortable. Got myself a small popup hamper that was about 5 bucks. Got my eyes checked for new contacts, so I'd have a good setup while I'm on the ship. I also got my tux, so I think I'm 100% prepared for this gig. I have everything they mentioned and more, so there's not much more to do except wait and leave. I should have about 500 bucks in my account when I go for the ship so I should be ok Money wise until my first paycheck (but honestly I don't need any money, because the food and room are taken care of, and I'm set up with all the little necessities.

I AM however going to send my CD in to get it approved by Carnival so that I can sell it on the ship. If it gets approved, I have to get a little carnival "tag" on the CD. SO if that's the case, I'm going to print a Carnival Edition of my CD, All Behind Me, and include a couple extra songs on it. Maybe "Grounded" and "Unforgotten Memory." But we'll see how that goes. It will also be in a Cd Jacket (like a two sided pocket, and the CD Goes in the middle.) I'll put my actual CD cover on the CD itself, and get a couple new pictures for the case, that reflects the Cruiseship look. But I'll fill you in on all that as it comes together!

Okie, 'til next time!

Correction: July 21st.

Another week went by, and I purchased two rolling suitcases, a BUNCH of clothes, new shoes, two dress shirts, a new belt, Kakis, 13 boxes of guitar strings, seasickness medicine, a wind up alarm clock (because I think they're cool.) A new wallet.. And um.. new pic for the guitar. I started to think to myself, that maybe I should do research about getting my guitar in cabin with me on the plane, because if they lose my guitar or damage it, I would be pretty useless on the ship.

So I called a couple people and asked for their thoughts, and I was pretty much told it's hit or miss and how the inspection people are feeling that day. So.... Scary thought..

I got a phone call from Carnival again, with more indepth details about the gig. It turns out I'm replacing someone going on medical leave from July 22nd until September 9th. IF the ship likes me, I may switch to play in the casino, and I'll stay until January 2ndish. Otherwise, I'll switch ships that week and then continue someone where else until my time finishes up.

I do get my own room, and I shall be playing between 4 to 5 hours a night. A KILLER time for my voice, because I sing some tough songs, so I'm dropping a lot of keys on songs so that I can squeeze out that many hours every night. I'm leaving July 21st by plane. The travel costs are covered. I will probably stay in a hotel so that I can get up nice and early and be ready for the ship. I asked what would happen if the airline lost my guitar, and he said they would do everything they could to get it back, and I wouldn't be punished or anything like that. They said it happens from time to time. So, that took the stress off the shoulders.

The ship I'm on, the Spirit, has an average age of about 50 (a bit older than the other ships) So I shall be playing more oldies and some more originals. So I'll be meeting the ship in Vancouver, Canada. So this should be a good fun adventurous time! I'm looking forward to it.

Well that's all from me! I'll update as I get my plane ticket info!

Medically Approved! Now I Know Where I'm Going!

Well, a day after I sent in my information, I sent an email to confirm that they had everything they needed. I got a reply back that said they did. So, I figured I’d have to wait another 3 or 4 days to find out if I needed something else. Well, later that evening (around 6 PM) I got an email from the medical department saying I was approved. I was very excited! Then I noticed I had a missed call. So I called back and it was the assistant of the person that hires. She told me I was approved and asked when was the soonest I could leave.

After a month of not knowing when I would leave, I had gotten a job, so I told her I could leave in a couple weeks, so that i could finish up the schedule I had at work. Then she asked “What’s a couple weeks..” I then asked how soon she needed me. She told me exactly two weeks from that day. I said “I think that should be cool!” Then she said she needed a definite answer for it because they needed someone immediately. So I asked where I was going, and she told me I’d be going to Anchorage, Alaska. That was one of the two places I hoped to get a job! She asked if I wanted to be out there for 6 months. I told her until the end of the year (5 and 1/2 months). She then sent me the itinerary until September. I did some more research on the ship and it turns out, in September, I’ll be going to Hawaii, then to Mexico, then between San Diego, CA and Mexico.

So Now I’m waiting for the contract. She said she’d be booking my flight to go, so things are REALLY moving fast now.

Physical done!

It’s been a few weeks since I was told of the job details for cruising, and I’ve had a lot done. I was told if I got my physical stuff done “soon”, I could leave in July. It was early June when told this. SO, I called and pleaded with a Doctor’s office, who was not my Dr. to let me in to get a physical. They gave it to me two days later. Then got my blood work done. Took about 4 days to get all the results in, which looked good from my Doctor’s point of view. So I sent it in with HIGH HOPES!!

4 days later, I get an email (which about an hour before, I got an email from Proship asking me if I was available for a Australian/New Zealand Cruise in November. GOD I wanted to go soo bad, because that’s my dream place to go, but alas.. I have school in January.) The email was from the cruise line asking me to go BACK to the doctor’s office and get my Blood Pressure measured for a whole week. So I set up the dates and emailed the medical people and asked if they wanted a 5 or 7 day weeks worth. Got an email asking for 3.... Slightly different from a week.. So I went it. It was high normal, but it wasn’t too bad. I took the sheet and faxed it over, and am now waiting for a response. Right now my thoughts are probably “No, we need you to do 5 days.. or 7 days..” or there will be some other mumbo jumbo crap that could have been taken care of two weeks ago, but was pushed back just because they like getting your hopes up!

I’ll update soon!

No Phone Calls..

Another week and a half went by without a phone call, but then finally I got an email from Carnival with an application, a data sheet and medical information. I was then told I would be called that following Monday (I received the email on Friday).

I got a phone call from the music supervisor, and he explained that the sooner I get the physical, the sooner I’ll get put on a ship. It’s now June, and he said there are some openings in July, but will leave by August at the latest. I asked what salary is for one man band, and he said 700 a week starting. I’ll get full medical coverage. I’ll play 4 to 5 hours a day with drills when the ship departs. Free room and board. I’ll work for a minimum of 4 months. So that’s really good news! I’ll run to get that physical and fill you all in as I get the job!

Getting Closer

A few days have gone by since I’ve spoken with Proship. I got contact from Carnival today, and the person apologized for not getting back with me earlier, and that he was very backed up, and he will give me a call this week. I just continue to work and practice my songs. I’ve been hesitant to set up gigs around my hometown simply because I’d hate to cancel and possibly “burn bridges” by leaving before planned gigs. It’s a tough decision to make, so I’ve been holding on to my nickels, waiting and holding back on my expenses.

So, I’ll write as soon as I hear something!

I HATE WAITING!

Well, it’s been another week since Proship has talked to me. I e-mailed M One Entertainment,asking if they had reviewed my application, and they too responded three days later with a “yes, you’re a perfect candidate and we forwarded it to three major cruise lines. We’ll let know know in the next couple weeks!” So, another agent with wishful thinking.

I’ve begun practicing my 170 songs, (not including originals.) It’s going well. Learning some great tunes, and every day I hear something I want to learn, so 170 might jump higher.

Otherwise, just hanging out waiting for my future to be decided!

Passport came in.

It’s Monday, and I received my passport in the mail. First thing I did was email all the agents to stimulate some interest. Proship was the only one to reply and say he would let the people interested know, and he’d update me. So at least there’s someone that’s being active!

Last night I was looking around the cruise blog on musicianwages.com, and came across the available cruise jobs and found that there was another agency. Monestudios.com . It looks the most professional of the four agencies I’ve contacted. They said they had immediate openings for a one-man band (a person who plays an instrument and sings with or without tracks to back them.) It was pretty simple to sign up, and it gave the most information about the job than the others did combined, in my opinion. The layout made more sense, and I was very sucked into the whole thing.

So I applied, and gave the info they required. So we will see on that as well. I figure the more agents that are looking for me, the better chance I have at getting a job!

As I wait in anticipation for a job, I’m just learning more and more songs so that when I can be the best I can be on the ship!

Well, that’s all from me!

Waiting...

Well, after another week of no emails, or phone calls from agents or music supervisors, I was quite worried. But today, I got a phone call from my local post office, who had my passport. That was good news. Only took 4 weeks. So once I got it in my hands, I was planning to email and let all the companies know I had it, to maybe spark some more interest.

Two hours later, I got a phone call from Proship, and they were checking in on me. Wanting to know if I had my passport yet, (which I informed him it was in town) and if I was still available from June to January. I told him yep, and he also asked me if there wasn’t another full 6 month contract available, would I be willing to take a month contract in August. I told him if that’s all that was available, I could do that.

So, that’s good news that there’s a chance I’ll get to do at least SOMETHING.

I’ll fill ya in when I hear more!

Looking for a job

Well, I thought that I would keep a blog for before, during and a bit after I get job for a cruise ship to let you all know exactly what I went through to get there. So I’ll catch you up to speed.

In early March, I got the idea from my father about getting a job on a cruise ship, since a friend of his was doing it, and he was making great money. He didn’t have to work many hours, and he got to do music 7 days a week. I was pretty curious because in this economy, a regular job as a musician isn’t a bad gig in the least.

So I searched for information. And that was as easy as typing in “cruise ship musician.” I came across a site called musicianwages.com. It had a blog from another musician who had gone through the ropes of working on a ship. He gives you the run down for EVERYTHING. From what to pack, to what is required, pay, living situations, length, pros, and cons,etc. So I read through everything. I really decided it was the kind of job I wanted.

So, I went on google and search for Cruise Ship agents. I came across Proship, Landeau Entertainment, and Oceanbound Entertainment. I applied to Proship, simply because it was easy as filling out an application. So, I dwelled on the info in front of me and asked as many questions as I could.

Proship emailed me back and said they liked the music, and wanted to talk to me on the phone. They said they wanted a video audition. So, I got that together. I wasn’t sure if should record a video just to show that I could play live, or if they wanted this super awesome recording! So I just set up my isight on my imac, and recorded me playing in my room. I quickly got an email that said the music performance is great, but the video is very unprofessional.

So in between the time I got the email and recorded a new video, I was searching on craigslist for cruise jobs. I came across Landeau, and they had a an email to send an application to. So, I did, and quickly got an email back saying they too were interested. They just wanted a professional video.

I got a shirt and tie and kakis, and set up a camera and recorded me playing on a PA, and sang about an hours worth of music. I uploaded it and sent it in, and both companies liked it a lot.

So while I waited for them to contact me back, I went and ordered my Passport. Cost one hundred and one dollars. SO, I let both companies know I ordered it, and they haven’t really talked much with me since.. So, being as impatient as I am (because I want the Job from June to January, since I’m taking a semester off from college), I sent info to the third company, Oceanbound. They too liked the music, and said they would search for a job for me, and let me know when they found one.

So, I waited another week. I then spoke with my father about his friend, and obtained his email. I asked him how he got on the ship and such, and he gave me the guy who hired him’s email. I had heard the man’s name before from a professor of mine, which I found kind of ironic. Sure enough, when I emailed the person, he was a graduate from my college, and he was very happy to hear from me. He told me he’d give me a call this week about getting stuff on the run to get hired.

That’s where I am for the moment. I will update, as I find out more!!