Cruising The Seven Seas: Mediterranean

Indonesian Independence Day

17^th August 2011

Why do formal nights always fall on the same day as the big crew parties? Tonight is both formal night and the Indonesian Independence Party on Back Deck. It was going to be a long day!

First up Sandra and I were on gangway as Spanish Flamenco dancers. Zoran and Sandra were paired up and were working the Savoy Theatre before joining Fabio and myself on the gangway.

As soon as Fabio and I stepped on the gangway we had problems from none other than La Bruja. To everyone else that’s the new M&R who made the last one seem reasonable! This M and R obviously didn’t care about revenue and only about the guests. She takes the whole “Guest is King” thing way too seriously.

Standing on the entrance of gangway we saw her watching us and it wasn’t long until she came swanning over with all her airs and graces telling us we couldn’t stand where we were. We had to stand at least 15 metres from the gangway entrance so we didn’t block the guests. Partially blocking the guests so they have to have photo taken is part of our job.

The guests were slowly trickling out so I walked over to one, smudging “let’s get your picture” with my arms open. They took their picture. Again, she came over shouting "get back". The question I was getting asked was “do all English people take the rules too far?” Pretty much all the managers I’ve met and worked with in England take their jobs and rules way too seriously so yeah, maybe!

A few more guests came out so I walked over again. Jomar told us not to pay too much attention to La Bruja (the witch) and for us to get on with our job and get the counts. This was going too far though. She came over and stood in front of me telling the guests to go straight ahead and get on the shuttle bus.

More guests were coming out now and there was a steady flow. As she stood in front of me she was repeating the same things like a broken record. Fabio watched on shaking his head. There was nothing we could do but keep the distance and do what she ordered. We’d probably lost about 70 shots by the time she’d finished waffling on about this, that and the other.

As time we on we were slowly and I mean slowly, racking up counts. Both her and the Italian Activities Manager were ushering people to go straight past us and get onto the bus. La Bruja came over a few more times to have a go moaning we weren’t keeping our distance.

One young female guest came out and laughed that she didn’t want her picture taken. Joking about, I ran after her and grabbed onto her arm saying “oh yes you do!” She started laughing and turned to have her picture taken. As she turned around she nearly bashed into La Bruja. Here she was again to tell us what we can and cannot do. “You cannot touch the guests or grab them. The girl didn’t want to be touched by you. It’s something Brand Quality picked up on. You’re too forceful on the guests.” She rambled on.

Going back to our jobs she came over and announced we were not allowed to smudge. We couldn’t tell the guests to have their photo taken but ask them. “Would you like to have your photo taken?” If they didn’t, we were to direct them towards the shuttle bus. So we couldn’t block the guests, touch them or smudge anyone in for a photo. Basically we had to get a 500 image count by simply asking people if they want their photo taken. Did she really think that was possible?

If she’d seen what Zoran and I were like in Chania, Crete she’d have thrown a fit!! We were chasing the guests up and down the gangway, running around like headless chickens. I was grabbing the guests that day. Grabbing them by the arms and turning them around towards the camera. It was all in good nature and the guests were laughing their heads off having a great time. They loved it. Some ran away and when we chased them a bit, they stopped and had their photo taken simply because we’d been daft enough to run after them. Guests then followed suit and everyone had a laugh. That’s what gangway is all about. The pictures from that particular Chania, sold. Not necessarily because the pictures were good, they remembered the laughs they’d had. As Image always says “We are here the capture memories”.

Sandra and Zoran soon came out to replace us. They’d had a break before coming onto gangway. We were going to rotate Flamenco dancers as the gangway was too small for two. The sun was beating down on us and the Flamenco dresses were so heavy. Neither Sandra or I sweat buckets but this day we were. Beads of sweat were trickling down our backs and foreheads. The air conditioning of the ship was welcomed with open arms. During the 15 minute break I quickly downed a can of Fanta in an attempt to wake up. Fabio downed two vodka and red bulls.

Heading out again and La Bruja had been over to Sandra and Zoran about the way they were working even though we’d passed on the message. She was getting on the guests nerves too shouting at them which way to go and then changing her mind, sending everyone in the opposite direction.

During one of my gangway breaks I laid down on Zoran’s bed and fell asleep. Fabio had to wake me up 10 minutes later. I was shattered, sweating like a pig and getting grazes on my shoulders and hips from the dress.

Back outside and M&R finally left the gangway. As soon as she was out of sight we ran to the entrance of the gangway and did everything we weren’t supposed to do: smudging, grabbing and blocking the guests. In 30 minutes we had taken 120 images. Compare that to the 10 we took in 1 hour of asking the guests if they’d like their photo taken. The woman was out of her mind.

By the end of gangway we had hit our target but boy, we worked our arses off in the last hour and a half to get those counts. You lose your dignity and respect for anyone and start throwing your arms around everyone, catching and pulling them in for a photo.

Back inside and Sandra and I took a quick shower before heading back off the ship. We needed to get to Carrefour which was a good 20 minutes away. As soon as we stepped outside the sun was beating down on us and the humidity was making everyone break out in a sticky sweat.

Today was also Zoran’s 28^th birthday so we needed to get him a present and vodka, the original plan turned into the last resort present. Popping into Carrefour Sandra bought a Canon compact camera for €89. There’s no way we’d pay the prices the ships are asking for!! Tax or no tax. Getting a few bits and pieces we didn’t have long so we headed straight to Springfield. Looking around we were trying to judge Zoran’s clothing size. I found a cap for €3.95 down from 15.95€. In the end we walked out with a t-shirt, long shorts and a blue belt for Zoran.

Back on the ship and we had just over an hour to sleep. We definitely needed our beauty sleep, especially if we wanted to go out afterwards. It’s a good job we don’t have windows in our cabins or else my phone would have gone flying through it when the alarm went off!!!

I was back shooting and situated on the Centrum on Deck 5. We managed to finish Ressi off early so Hernan and I quickly ran down to Back Deck for a cigarette and drink. I told him that some of the guys from Laundry had asked me to bring my camera. Turns out, he’d been asked by one of the party organizers if he’d take photos that night. Hernan asked me if I wanted to join him taking photos which I was more than happy to do. I was over excited about the prospect. It’d make a change taking photos of people who want to be photographed. We called the organizer to let him know that I was coming along and we’d split the money 50/50. One of us needed to be there at midnight – that would be the troublesome part.

At the end of the night, I quickly broke down my studio at 11.15 instead of 11.30. There was a parade going on so my shooting area was completely choca-blocked with guests. There was no way I’d be able to take anyone’s photo until after the parade and by then we’d be due to close.

Hernan bought my studio case up and we rapidly chucked everything inside before taking it to the lift. We partially dismantled Sandra’s studio on Deck 5 too. It was 11.40 and I needed to leave. Hernan was going to cover me if any questions were asked.

Running to the lab Ritesh lent me his Nikon flash gun and some batteries. David lent me his Nikon D300 and lens so there was no Image equipment involved. Both Ritesh and David would be popping down later.

Arriving on Back Deck I phone the organizer who couldn’t hear a word I was saying over the noise. It wasn’t long until Edi spotted me and came walking over with a beer.

All of a sudden music came blaring out from the speakers and all the Indonesians darted to the projector screen. The Indonesian flag appeared on the projector screen that they’d formed a semi-circle around. All saluting, they began singing their National Anthem. Although it may not seem like such a big thing, if you’d have been there you’d know exactly what I’m talking about. I didn’t know there was so many Indonesians on board – mainly because they work behind the scenes. Just seeing them all singing their National Anthem and the atmosphere surrounding them was immense. I know many British people who don’t even know their own National Anthem. The Indonesians were so patriotic and proud of their country!

After the anthem Edi called me over to where the other guys in Laundry were. Standing on a chair they were about to start the traditional Indonesian belly dance. It’s completely different to the sort of belly dancing we are used to simply because the girls weren’t half naked!! Most of their belly was covered. The belly dance went on for about 10 minutes. The traditional clothes are absolutely lovely. The girls looked great.

Next came another traditional dance which was called something like the Kayak Dance. There were a couple of men in the middle with the two girls. Surrounding them were topless men with small white lines on their foreheads. They were all chanting and waving their hands in the air. If you haven’t seen it before, Google it. It’s worth watching.

As soon as the traditional side was over the live music started. Quite a few of the Indonesian crew members had formed bands. Each of the bands (I think there was about 4) took it in turns to do a few numbers - mainly well known rock songs. Some were better than others but it all just added to the great atmosphere. The atmosphere really was electric!! 98% of the Indonesians were up jumping, dancing around and having a blast.

While all this was going on Hernan had joined me and we were both running around getting photos of everyone. Hernan was jumping up on stage photographing the band (drummer, guitarist and lead singer).

As soon as we told one person we were taking their photo about 10 or more others would jump in. Everyone wanted their photo taken which is fantastic from a photographer’s point of view, especially as our current job consists of mass rejection. Within no time I had 160 images while Hernan had about 220.

While we were taking endless photos, Indonesians kept coming up to us with bottles of beer, thanking us for coming to their party and taking photos! All the Indonesians were so friendly!

Most of the Indonesians work out the back, meaning they all had to be up at some ridiculous time in the morning. At 01.30 the party had ended and everyone started scattering about to help clean up the place, take down the decorations etc.

Hernan and I took the opportunity to quickly get some of the free Indonesian food – there wasn’t much left but what we tried was lovely. Spicy but really nice.

Even after the party had finished Edi and the other guys from Laundry kept bringing us drinks. There were a few laughs at me running around taking photos with a bottle of beer wedged in my jeans waistline. I was starting to feel bad about only knowing Edi and Iguani’s name. The other’s names are so hard to pronounce and some are as long as my arm!

Not only was it Indonesia’s Independence Day but Zoran and Sary’s (singer from Boleros) birthday. Some of the other photographers were sitting down at the far end of Back Deck so I went over to join them. Sandra had given Zoran the present we’d bought earlier on in the day for him (belt, long shorts and a t-shirt) which he loved. The shorts we’d bought him were on the small side so he’d have to get a pair that fit him next time we’re in Palma.

Fabio was as drunk as usual so there’s nothing new there. There were 12 bottles of beer and Smirnoff Ice on the table for us all. Hernan cracked me open a bottle and there were a couple of “Cheers” mainly for Zoran’s birthday. Hernan and I had a private little "ching-ching" for a job well done. Next we just had to call the organizer again, arrange a time to meet to hand over the digital images and collect our money.

Seeing Sary, I went to join her for a bit. It was the end of the night and I was completely shattered. Sarah was completely smashed and counting down the days until she goes back home to Mexico. It’s going to be sad seeing her leave but as she says, she’s tired and needs the break. She’s quite frankly had enough and promises she won’t be coming back to the ships to work again. It’s now taking its toll on her. I don’t know whether she means on her as a whole or her voice (she’s by far the best singer on the ship).

Calling it a night I headed back to the cabin absolutely drained. It was all well worth it though… as you can see from the blog entry – 4 pages long!!

One thing is for sure, the Indonesian Independence Day party gave India’s a good run for its money and in my humble opinion came up trumps. All in all it’s going to be one of those nights you’re going to remember for a long time… and I even have the 66^th Indonesian Independence Day t-shirt to prove and remember it by! And it’s all thanks to the guys in Laundry.

66th Indonesian Independence Day

Hernan at Work

Some of the guys from Laundry

Iguani (Laundry)

Edi (Laundry)

Happy Birthday Sary!!

Let's not forget about Zoran...

Couple Posing at my Centrum Studio

Happy Birthday Zoran!

Zoran's 28th Birthday

Monaco!!

14^th August 2011

Late last night when we got the schedules Sandra and I saw we weren’t working until the afternoon. Cannes, France was our next port.

Sitting at Back Deck having a drink after work we decided we should make the most of our time off and go to Monaco. Monaco is on the top of my “Places to Go” list so I was up for it. We needed to get up early, pretty much as soon as the ship arrived in Cannes.

Waking up later than we’d planned (08.00) we quickly got dressed and ran up to the Staff Mess for some breakfast. Returning to the cabin to grab the loaded camera bags and drinks we ran into Hernan. He now wanted to come with us. Originally we hadn’t invited him simply because he takes so long to get his arse in gear. Finally we were all ready to go. As we jumped on one of the first tenders, it wasn’t long until it was full and we were on our way.

Camila was doing her own version of free-shooting. It was more paparazzi shooting than anything else. Leandro was bopping around in the dolphin costume with Fabio shooting him. Obviously we had to make a quick stop to have our picture taken with the dolphin.

The train ticket to Monaco wasn’t as expensive as we’d originally thought it was going to be – 12 euros return. Monaco was an hour away. Sandra was getting a few strange looks for doing her make up on the train. Hernan and I were kidding about her trying to look her best in order to find a rich, old man to marry. Next she started plucking her eyebrows - she's definetly looking for a rich man!

Once we arrived, the cameras were out and we were going trigger happy! There was so much to see!! Everywhere you looked there was something to see and plenty of Formula 1 plaques, statues etc.

Walking around and straight away I spotted something that looked familiar. The Monaco Grand Prix pit lane. I was in my element!! We didn’t have long in Monaco so we were rushing around like Chinese tourists.

Sandra wanted to go to Prince Albert’s Palace which was right at the very top. As we were doing the long walk up towards the palace the views of the port and mountains were excellent. Nearing Prince Albert’s Palace was the Aquatic Museum of Monaco (Musée Oceanographique de Monaco). The building was massive with a huge banner at the entrance with a photograph of Prince Albert on his wedding day. Sandra and I wanted to go inside, not only were we dreading how much it’d cost but time was running out fast.

Hernan was complaining we should go back to the train station and he had a point. We carried on speed walking up towards the palace. Monaco was full of tours from different ships: Disney, Princess, MSC and of course our ship, Mariner of the Seas.

While speed walking around we managed to stop off on a couple of occasions for a quick photo. Walking along a narrow street for about five minutes we came to a huge opening. We’d finally made it to the Royal Palace which made Buckingham Palace look like one bedroom council house!!

Checking the time, we really needed to run back to train station as quickly as possible. We were still snapping away while trying to half run half jog to the train station.

Finally arriving at the station, the train wasn’t due to arrive until 13.13. We had a 30 minute wait. Hernan and Sandra were working on setting up the studios at 14.00 - they were already late. The train was due to arrive in Cannes at 14.13, it was a 15 minute walk to the port and then it could be another 20 minutes waiting for the tender to fill up. If you think that’s bad, you’ve then got to queue up and punch your card into the ship’s entry machine and get through security!

While waiting I ran upstairs to have a look in the small souvenir shop. I’d had a quick look in one of the shops in Cannes and the prices were ridiculous. Monaco was special, but there was no way I was paying €5.50 or more for a magnet!! Going inside there were so many magnets that I wanted to take with me. The price tag made your eyes water a little, €4 a go but it was Monaco and a once in a life time opportunity! Paying for a single magnet I ran back down to Sandra and Hernan who were waiting on the platform.

Literally a minute or two later, our train pulled into the station. We spotted a couple of people from the ship who’d spent the day in Monaco. Only difference was, they didn’t have to work that day.

When the train stopped in Cannes we were back to speed walking towards the ship. With the port in view Sandra and Hernan pegged it off to get to the tender. I wasn’t starting until later and carried on speed walking. Getting on the tender I saw Hernan and Sandra – their running to get onto the tender had been for nothing. We waited for about 15 minutes until the tender was full and boy, were the other two late!

Just as I was going into the corridor Hernan and Sandra were flying out of their cabins. Talk about a quick change! I hadn’t even seen them go through security. They both ran up to set up – which they were an hour late for. Checking the schedule I realized that I wasn’t due to work until 15.30. I thought I was working at 15.00. Saved!

Jumping into a cold shower, I got dressed into my day uniform and headed to the lab to get the prints. It was formal night so at 17.30, I had an hour break in which to get into my tuxedo and have something to eat.

Returning to the gallery and it was going to be a night of displaying, condensing and serving Italian guests. I was back to pushing the packages and sold three of The 15s. I even managed to sell a 15 package to an Italian family in my mix of Italian and Spanish. For that, I gave myself a mental pat on the back!!

The night dragged a little bit and the day’s events were starting to catch up on me. I was bloody shattered! Once formal night was over; the gallery closed and all the studios broken down, Sandra and I each took a camera bag and left the others waiting for pizza.

I’d gone up beforehand and was told to come back in 10 minutes. Fabio and Hernan went up after 10 minutes and were told to come back in 20. Every single time we have a problem with getting the pizza in, no matter what time you order it.

Sandra and I headed off into the Crew Mess (or the Zoo, as some people call it). We’d had enough of pizza and the waiting around that came with it so we’d been asking a friend or two to bring us something from the guest’s dining room. We didn’t expect dinner and desert though!!

After work, most of the photographers were heading up to Back Deck for a drink or two. I couldn’t face it, my eye lids were just about staying open. People were commenting on how knackered I looked so I was on a one way ticket to my bed for a couple of hours kip before it was time for gangway!!