Panama Canal Cruise part 2

Hello everyone,

I hope that you have had a great week since the last time. The LONGEST CRUISE…EVER is almost complete and I can't wait to start the next one. 

Well, here is what happened since the last blog:

Tuesday, January 11th we were at sea with the normal duties and movie watching. I actually got to watch the new movies "Easy A" and "The Social Network" which both were very good….I love the fact that we get new movies…so I can stay up on them but more importantly not have to pay the movie to see them in the movie theatre…haha. Today marks a very special day for the cast….it is our half way mark for our contract. I have 5 more months left from this day…a strange thing to say…cause I can remember someone saying, "We have 8 more months" and me thinking that I'd never get to this place. This next 5 months are going to be CRAZY!!!

Wednesday, January 12th we were in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala but OF COURSE…I was on IPM.  I went out for my duty of table tennis and I looked outside and took some pictures. It was SO windy here…I couldn't believe it. Of course, people come to play table tennis on the day that its SO windy and I have to explain to them, its too busy…haha. Oh well…..Thursday, January 13th was another sea day of course. Again, another day of duties and just trying to find things to keep us busy. I feel like this is why this cruise is SO long due to the fact that we have a sea day in between every port day….ehhh, come on lets get to the end of the cruise….haha.

Friday, January 14th we are in Acapulco, Mexico (where are those killings just happened….makes me feel safe). Lesley and I got off as soon as we could to be overwhelmed with the taxi drivers who didn't understand the word, "NO". They would keep going, "Amigo…do you need a taxi"…haha. Then there were people trying to sell us stuff and the saddest is the little girls that would follow us trying to sell us packs of gum. I don't understand why parents want to put their children in that sort of situation..hmmm. Lesley and I eventually spotted a grocery store, so thats where we were heading. I couldn't believe the prices there because 12 pesos in equal to 1 american dollar….so you could say that we stocked up a little bit. It was funny because we were looking for beans because Lesley has got me hooked on Beans on toast (a VERY English meal) and I thought, "we are in Mexico…they have to have beans". Well, we search EVERYWHERE in that grocery store for these beans and couldn't find them. I kept thinking, you have to be kidding me…there aren't BEANS?????? Finally we found them and we stocked up….made both of us happy. After that we walked back to the ship, put our groceries back in our room and then headed out into the terminal to grab some free wifi and some lunch. The place that we went to didn't have the best food which was upsetting…I was looking forward to some great mexican food. Oh well….then we went into the terminal where I bought something that I needed to get and then back on the ship for sail away. Lesley told me that she was told that today would be the best day to see Dolphins so I went to watch the sail away where….we saw NO dolphins. Funny thing actually…I've been on the ship for 5 months and not seen ONE dolphin or whale….like really? I just find that very strange….all in all, had a good day.

Saturday, January 15th was…you guessed it….ANOTHER sea day. It actually was EXTREMELY rocky today…probably the worst that it has ever been. I actually thought at one point that the ship was going to go on its side. We were having 65 mph winds and the sea was just as bad. We weren't aloud to go up on the open deck because the wind was the strong. Also, the security came into our cabin and closed our port hole because the sea was hitting the side of the ship so hard…they were just trying to be safe. I didn't feel so great so I stayed in bed because I couldn't get down….was WAY too rocky.

Sunday, January 16th we are in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico….somewhere I have always wanted to go to. We got off the ship REALLY early since we were sailing away at 1:00 today (so stupid). When we got to the port, we were greeted by a sea lion in the water….which was really cool. We walked around the port trying to find a great place to get something to eat breakfast / lunch. Finally we found a place and everyone had a GREAT meal. I had a BLT sandwich and nachos…its was REALLY good. Afterwards everyone went their separate ways because we only had another hour left. I walked down the boardwalk and took some pictures of some great hotels and stuff in the area…this is defiantly a place I would like to vacation someday…it was a beautiful day. The sail away from Cabo was beautiful and guess what….WE FINALLY SAW WHALES AND DOLPHINS!!!!!!!! It was so cool spotting the whales and actually seeing them hit the water with their fins..it was awesome. Then we saw about 50 dolphin come by our ship…it was so cool. I just find it so funny that I thought only 2 days ago that I haven't seen anything in 5 months and then 2 days later….I see everything…weird.  Monday, January 17th…AGAIN..we were at sea again….there isn't really much to report from this day…just the normal duties and laying in bed trying to figure out the meaning of life….haha….just kidding. 

Tuesday, January 18th we were in SAN DIEGO, CA…..HOOORAY back in America. The morning, I had shuffleboard so I couldn't get off that early. I was on the phone talking to my Grandma and was not paying attention to things around me…when I looked up and the HUGE seagull is sitting on the railing in front of me….like, I'm talking about I could have stretched my arm out and touched the bird…thats how close he was to me. SCARED THE CRAP out of me….holy crap. Afterwards, I laughed and thought…my mom would have really got a kick out of that. After the seagull debacle, Adam (the DJ) and I went out to the shopping mall that the free shuttle bus was taking us, to be met by Lesley later in the day. We walked around this mall, went into the apple store and some others and I'm very proud of myself that I didn't buy a thing. For lunch/dinner, we went to the Applebees that was across the street and had a GREAT meal. I don't think that I have eaten that much food in quite some time but boy, was it good. Afterwards, we walked off our meals and finally met Lesley. We went to a few stores where she could get some stuff that she wanted to get and I got a pretzel….I always do that when I go to a mall. It wasn't like the ones I'm used to…but I'll live. That night, we had to do late socializing and we talked for the last time with our temporary grandparents that are on the ship…they really liked Lesley and I. It was a big group of 22 of them…and I gave them my email and I hope that they keep in touch. The sail away from San Diego was BEAUTIFUL…actually one of the prettiest that we have seen to be honest….a great day today.

Wednesday, January 19th and 20th we are finally in Los Angeles, CA….WOOOHOOO. Unfortunately, I had to work in the terminal for 3 hours…just standing there…being bored out of my mind. Finally, I was done and could go out into the city. Cody, Emily and I went to Ralph's (a grocery store). Lets just say I stocked up for quite sometime haha. Afterwards, we got a really great lunch at In-n-Out, a famous west coast burger joint and boy, was it good…wow. After we took back the groceries to the ship Greg, Jodie, Adam and I went to a mall that was close to the ship. We had a great time just walking around and not being on the ship…it was a fun time. After about 2 hours in the mall, we cam back to the ship and all decided to go out for the evening for a nice meal and night out…since we were overnight in LA. I found this place called Utopia in Long Beach and set reservations for Jodie, Greg, Jen, Cody, Emily and myself. We had a GREAT meal at this restaurant and then we decided to go out on the town and have a great time. Kieren, Ashley and Cheryl came to meet us and we all had a great time….what a wonderful overnight to finally end the longest cruise EVER!!! The 20th was the second embark day and I was on IPM so I had to work all day long. We finally left LA around 7:00pm and now we are at sea for 6 days going to the French Polynesia (Tahiti). THE WORLD CRUISE HAS STARTED!!!!

The next cruise's itinerary is: At Sea Friday, January 21 - Wednesday, January 26th / Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Island; Thursday the 27th / Atuona, Marquesas Island; Friday the 28th / At Sea; Saturday the 29th / Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Sunday the 30th / Moorea, French Polynesia; Monday the 31st and we end the first part of the world cruise in Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia on the 1st of February.

Until Next Time,

Jason

Panama Canal cruise

Hello Everyone,

I hope that you have had a wonderful week. I have had quite an eventful one thus far…

Here's what has happened:

Monday, January 3rd was a great day personally for me and thats all I need to write about it. I will remember it very well and happy that I had such a wonderful day :-) Even though it was the last time that I would be in Fort Lauderdale…at least it was the best Fort Lauderdale embark day.

Tuesday, January 4th and Wednesday January 5th we were at sea on our way traveling to Cartagena, Colombia. Did our normal duties and meeting the guests. This cruise welcomes back our WONDERFUL cruise director Fernando…which the entire cast is SO happy that he is back. He is an incredible cruise director, to the fact that he remembers EVERY guest's name…I really don't know how he does it but makes the guests feel good…so job well done Fernando!!!! 

Thursday, January 6th we were in Cartagena, Colombia. I made sure that I was outside for our sail into Cartagena…I was told that it was pretty and I agree it was. While we were sailing into the port…I kept thinking, "wow, I'm actually in South America….thats so cool". I still can't get over all the places that I'm getting to see and all the things that I'm experiencing. I keep thinking that I'm just a kid from Dayton, OH and people normally don't get to see the world like this…its nuts…this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Lesley and I got off the ship as soon as we could…but we heard that we might have some trouble getting into the city…they charge over $50 to just get a taxi…NOT WORTH IT. So we decided to just stay around the port…we were told by another guy later that the moment that he made it into the city..he was ushered into a brothel, where he had his choice to buy a girl and some drugs….yeah, I'm fine with staying at the port…haha. Lesley and I walked around, played with the parrots that were there…(stupid little thing kept biting my fingers…and it hurts). Then we went to get something to eat and I laughed because the lady that was taking our orders couldn't speak English…so I spoke complete spanish to her and ordered Lesley and I's meal. Lesley looked at me and said, "Alright Jason…what was that?" I can't believe that I did it either but I understood her and she understood me…thank you Baldwin-Wallace College for making me take Spanish….comes in handy when you're in Spanish speaking countries. Speaking of knowing another language…I have come to find out that Americans are really behind the times with knowing another language or requiring schools to teach 2 languages in schools. Other countries require there kids to learn 2 or more languages due to the way the world is….you will always meet someone that speaks another language. I feel that sometimes Americans feel that they don't need to learn another language and I feel, some people from other countries feel that Americans are stuck up and/or sheltered….I'm starting to understand this better….I'm going to keep up with my spanish and my italian lessons…I think that its important. Anyways, after we had our meal, we sat and upload pictures onto Facebook (I really needed to…haven't for a while) and then went back onto the ship. I watched the sail away this evening and boy…how beautiful that was. Again, I think that is one of my favorite parts of this…the sail aways. It is always SO peaceful and gives me time to wrap my mind around everything that is happening and thank my lucky stars of how blest I am to be experiencing this but also that I have a job doing what I love to do….perform. What a great night….

Friday, January 7th we were in San Blas Islands, Panama…and boy, was that an eye opening experience. This specific island that we went to was tiny but housed a lot of people. Getting off the tender (with Lesley) we were surrounded by kids and them trying to sell us their art projects or coloring pages that they did. That tore me up but I kept walking because I just couldn't see that…it was sad. Walking by the wood made huts…people were just sitting outside their houses, trying to sell things to you but did it in a way that wasn't pushy…just there to show you what they had. I looked in and saw that they slept on hammocks inside their huts. Lesley and I were just stunned by what we were seeing. Made me feel very blest to have what I have and to not take things for granted, so for now on…I will not take things or people for granted…we all need to be more grateful in our life, I feel sometimes. Sometimes, we need to be grateful that we have our health and even if we don't have that, at least that we have each other and live the way we do. Heading back to the tender to get to the ship…I spotted this little boy that had drawn a picture of the Silver Spirit and painted it quite nicely…for a little kid. It just broke my heart because I'm sure that he was SO proud of his painting and he kept trying to sell his picture, just so he could take the money back to his family to survive. So I walked over to the little boy and said, "How much for your painting?" He put up 4 fingers very shyly and showed me his painting. Me, close to tears said, "here's a five buddy…thank you for the painting". I shook his hand and off he ran, like he had won the lottery. I was told by a very special and smart person in my life that I should buy things in these places that I'm going to that will have a story…something that you can't buy anywhere, so you can always remember that day, that time that you were there. I remembered this when I saw the little boy with the picture and I thought…I have to get this…this is going to make me remember my time on this island. Thinking about it (and actually Lesley said this to me)…I will probably keep this painting for the rest of my life. Yes, its a silly like painting that this little boy did but there is more behind this story than I can explain…just a sense of…humanity, if that makes any sense. Hmmm…makes you think, doesn't it?

Saturday, January 8th we went through the Panama Canal…and boy, how excited was I. Yes, did I make a big deal about it…I did, I'm not going to lie…but I kept explaining that it was something that I had studied in school a lot over the years and never thought that I would see it and then to actually get to go through it…was awesome. It has REALLY cool history too…over hundred years this was created and the fact that it was thought about that many years ago is just….amazing. So yes…it was a big deal…for me…THERE. I woke up that morning at 7:15am to be greeted up stairs by a lot of the passengers on board and RAIN….coming to find out that it would rain on and off ALL DAY LONG…oh well…didn't ruin my day. Also, I would be bitten by mosquitos all day as well. Funny story about the mosquitos actually….Lesley and I were up on the top deck one time during the day…just enjoy the views of the rainforest, the canal and such and all of a sudden she said, "Ouch…these stupid midges…they keep biting me". Now first off…I thought that she said, "Ouch…these stupid midgets…they keep bitting me" to which I stood there looking at her, dumb founded but also looking around trying to find these mysteries midgets that were biting her but not me apparently….haha. So I said, "excuse me…midgets are biting you?" "MIDGES Jason…thats what I call a mosquito…haha". Holy crap…I think that I was laughing for a good half hour after this….it was SO funny…one of those, had to be there moments. ANYWAY…throughout the entire day, I would go up to the top of the ship (still looking out for these hungry midgets…haha) to watch us go through the locks for a while and then go back down to the room for a while and then go to a duty and then back up top to watch again for a while. It was a lovely day…something that I never thought that I would experience…but I DID!!!! 

Sunday, January 9th we were at sea filled with the normal duties and movie watching…quite a boring cruise this is with the guests….they aren't out doing anything so it makes it seem like a longer day…just boring and Monday, January 10th we were in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Emily and I got in the morning and had a nice walk around the city. It was very odd because there wasn't anything to do there…it seemed to be run down on one block and then a nice building would pop up randomly…just strange. What really caught me off guard was the fact that I could feel my fingers and ankles swell because the heat was that strong that day. I kept thinking how stiff I felt and I didn't know why…and when I said something later to someone, they told me the reason. After Emily and I walked around for a few hours, we were bored and so we went back to the ship. Lesley, Emily, Cody and I had a lovely meal up on the pool deck and then we all went up to the sun deck and played cards / got some sun. It was a great day. The cast is actually getting quite bored because we have had a whole week off of doing shows…we don't know what to at night…haha. I think our next show is not until Saturday….HURRY UP SATURDAY!!!!

For the rest of the cruise, the itinerary is: At Sea on Tuesday / Puerto Quetzal on Wednesday / At Sea on Thursday / Acapulco, Mexico on Friday / At Sea on Saturday / Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on Sunday / At Sea on Monday / San Diego, CA on Tuesday and end our cruise next Wednesday in Los Angeles, CA…the start of the 119 day world cruise….isn't that nuts. We have about 170 guests that will be cruising with us the entire 119 days…wow. 

Until Next Time,

Jason

Happy New Year / Last Caribbean Cruise

Hello Everyone,

Well, since the last day that I wrote my blog, we had Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years….what a crazy cruise. 

Lets not waste anytime:

Tuesday, December 21st was a sea day…traveling to Grand Turk for our last visit there. Again on the sea days…nothing too exciting happens, just watching movies and resting and doing the occasional duty throughout the day. That night we had the show of Rocketman and the crowd seems to be responsive despite the crazy face lifts….oh well…its going to be an interesting cruise. 

Wednesday, December 22nd we arrived in Grand Turk and of course…I was on IPM. Gosh, I hate IPM days…they are so boring. However, I did clean my room and sat outside for a little bit to just enjoy the sun. At around 3pm, I went up to the pool deck to have some lunch (when we are in port, we can have lunch up on the pool deck as long as we socialize with the guests). Got a good meal that day which was nice but the one waiter that was suppose to wait on me wasn't the nicest…he was actually quite rude. He said to another waiter, "I don't serve staff members". So instead of telling me, he made me sit there and ignored me until I heard this comment…to which I moved but that really really pissed me off. 

Thursday, December 23rd once again we are at sea traveling to St. John's, Antigua for the last time. Again, another lazy day of watching movies, napping and duties. Lately, I have been feeling really tired and I don't know why….oh well. Tonight we had the show of Jazz and what a funny audience we had. In one of the numbers, Cody and I do "Me and my Shadow" and at the end we have a little dialogue back and forth where we include the audience in for a little bit. Well, I say to the audience, "would you like us to do the end again?" And normally they are really responsive and fun. This group…was another story. So I say to them, "Would you like us to do the end again?" and you would have thought we were at a golf tournament or something…GOLF CLAPS EVERYONE - DONT EVERYONE CHEER AT ONCE. So I turned right around and was like, "wow….you make us really want to do it again…haha." to which they responded a little better but for the rest of the show…I was cracking up because it was just SO funny. Hahahaha…..

Friday, December 24th (Xmas Eve) we are in St. John's, Antigua which was a hard day for me. I knew that it was Xmas eve where my family would be meeting up and spending time together, doing our traditional things every Christmas. Also, at the same time…I was in 78 degree weather and there was no snow on the ground…granted I don't really miss the cold weather but its Christmas…you want to see snow. I spent the day on my computer getting the free wifi from the port…there wasn't anything else to really do. After doing that for quite some time…I went to Subway to get one last Subway before we don't come back there again…it was nice. Not the traditional food that you want on Xmas eve but I'll do…haha. All day, I keep thinking about my family and close friends back home and wishing I could be with them…I officially don't like being away for the holidays….at least I figured that out during this contract…haha. Later that night, we had a special Christmas for the guests and I sang a song dedicated to my mom (and recorded for her)…"The Christmas Song". (You know…Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…that song). After I walked offstage…I got a little emotional because once again, I started thinking about my family and how I wanted to be with those people that I love. After the xmas show, I stayed and went to Midnight mass on the ship and boy, that caught me off guard. That is the first time in a LONG time that I felt my dad's presences with me…which made me cry again. His presence was really strong and I think, that is what got me through Christmas day. What also caught me off guard was the fact when I was walking back to my cabin through the main bar area…there was an older lady sitting there all by herself. It was after midnight but she was all alone which was sad to see. After she noticed me, her face lit up and said, "Merry Christmas young man" and I said, "Merry Christmas Ma'am…you have a wonderful Christmas". When I walked away, I started tearing up again because that was just something so sad but special that night. I realized that family and those people in your life that you love….are the biggest thing and most important things that matter…and how I don't want to be alone for Xmas in my life. Not to sound rude or selfish…I just realized how important those special people in your life are…and not to take them for granted. 

Saturday, December 25th (Merry Christmas Everyone) we were at sea again which made the day go a little quicker. We had our normal duties on the sea day, which was sad but at the same time….made the day go faster…just sad that I had to work on Xmas day. After I skyped with my mom, nene, ryan, heidi and riley and had a little Christmas Skype (which was very hard but extremely nice to do)….it was time to go do secret santa with the cast. We went to the theatre and gave each other our gifts. Cody was my secret santa, to which he gave me a whole movie package (PJ bottoms, coke, chips and salsa and the movie, "Eat Pray Love" which means a lot to me). I had got a little gift for the cast (a $10 ITunes card) but did to the cast what my dad did to me as a child….scavenger hunt. It was cool to do this for other people…I appreciate that from my dad. Right after secret santa, was water volleyball and oh, this game a JOKE!!!!! Well, we get in the water and everyone (meaning the cast) had a good attitude about everything. We get in the water and this man was disagreeing with us from the start, saying that we didn't know what we were doing and everything. At one moment, he looked at me and said, "You're wrong…I know how to keep the score, you don't" to which I responded, "Well, sir…I've been doing this for 5 months and we have been playing it the same way each time…so I do know what I'm doing". Well, I guess thats all he needed…he started raising a fuss and said, "well, I'm not going to play then…I don't like you entertainers…you don't know what you are doing." I said, "Well, I'm sorry that you feel that way sir, but you have a wonderful day and oh, Merry Christmas". "Don't patronize me kid…don't you patronize me by calling me sir" he said…."Well, I'm just doing my job, SIR". "You come over here…I have some things I want to say to you"…"No, I don't need to come over there…I don't need to" and I took myself out of the situation…like you are suppose to do. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? I didn't know that we let Scrooge on the ship. The rest of the game…he sat at the bar staring me down and I made sure that I was very vocal and having so much fun…just to let him know that he didn't win. I had told my boss about it before this gentleman came and complained about me…to which I find out that he has been going around the ship (this scrooge man) and complaining about EVERYTHING and for some reason…had a vendetta with the cast…even though we didn't do anything to him. I found this to be funny and from that moment on…anytime I saw the guy…I made sure I gave him the biggest smile…which I'm sure pissed him off. The rest of the day was fine and I was surprised that Christmas wasn't harder for me. I hope that everyone had a great day with your family.

Sunday, December 26th again we were in Bequia…where the cast decided not to get off the ship. We were all EXTREMELY tired…and I don't remember doing a lot of stuff this day…just sleeping…I was EXHAUSTED. We did have the show of Euro 2010 that night…which all of us were fine to do…at least we didn't have to do the show on Christmas. After the show, it was the entertainment department secret santa giving. The person I had, I had never met before so I had NO clue what to get her. Apparently she liked my gift but at first, I could have sworn she didn't….we I DONT KNOW YOU…EH. From my secret santa, I got a $20 gift card which is one of the best Christmas gifts that I could get….I use them all the time. After the party, we all were exhausted and just went to bed…whoosh.

Monday, December 27th we are in Bridgetown, Barbados again FOR THE LAST TIME!!! We got off in the morning (I had to be back for a 2:00 duty…stupid, no one was going to be there) and we went to the Boatyard….I really enjoy this place and the food there is GREAT!! We had a wonderful lunch and then we decided to go lay on the beach for a while…it was nice. Eventually this creepy man was walking by with a BABY MONKEY with him. I got a picture with the monkey and he actually kissed me too and played with my fingers…it was SO cute. Afterwards, I went back to the ship to do the duty of shuffleboard….BORING…NO ONE SHOWED UP. After that…Lesley and I went back to the Boatyard, where I had taken off my wristband because I had to go work…well, the woman was really rude to me and said, "You have to pay again…there are RULES". Now normally, I wouldn't say anything because…I don't need to start anything with people…but this was the first time that I thought that she didn't need to be rude about it and I commented on it. "Well, thats fine ma'am but you don't need to have an attitude with me…you could have been a little nicer." I don't know whats gotten a hold of me but I don't like that people sometimes feel that they can just walk all over you just because you are younger than them…I don't believe thats right. After that, Lesley and I ate at the Boatyard again….I'm going to miss that BBQ Chicken Sandwich…one of the best I've EVER had. We stayed there until about 5:30 and then we had to go back and get on the ship again. We were both exhausted when we got back to the ship…we had been laying in the sun for sometime and whoosh…just wiped us out. No show that night…thank the lord. This night however, I did have the duty of Table Escorting where I met and talked with Adam Guettel (musical composer - Light in the  Piazza, etc.) and his mother Mary Rodgers Guettlel (musical composer "Once Upon a Mattress" and daughter of composing genius, Richard Rodgers). ARE YOU FRICKIN KIDDING ME??? I was so excited…I let them know what a wonderful honor it was the meet them and that I enjoy their music very much. They were very friendly and I would talk to them many more times throughout the next 7 days….what a wonderful group of people. (And come to find out, Michael Buble was on one of the sister ships during this cruise….REALLY? I mean…REALLY? AHHHHHH!!!!!!

Tuesday, December 28th we went to Castries, St. Lucia where Lesley was on IPM so I got off the ship by myself. It isn't a very nice place…very run down. I hear everyone always tell me that St. Lucia is so nice…well, this place isn't. I went to a cafe that we went to last time and got something to eat and had some wifi…a nice day I feel. Got back to the ship JUST in time before we headed off…going to Gustavia, St. Barts (which we never got to go to because of the swell of the storms in the area). I will give St. Lucia a bit of credit…it has a extremely pretty sail away. This night we had the Aquarius show and everyone seemed to like it…we got a standing ovation…I think thats a good sign. 

Wednesday, December 29th we were suppose to go to Gustavia, St. Barts but due to the swell from the storms in the area..we went to St. Kitts instead. Made no difference to me because once again…I was on IPM. What a boring, non productive day….I hope that I am not on IPM on days in the world cruise that I want to see…that would really suck. This night, we did Spirito out on the pool deck and it was a great show. Adam Guettel came up to me after the show and said that he was very impressed with me and asked me a few questions about where I am from, what I'm doing after the contract and if I had my equity card. AHHHHHHHHHHH…he is such a cool guy.

Thursday, December 30th we went to Tortola, BVI again instead of Spanish Town, BVI…due to the swells again. Lesley and I got off the ship and found a English Grocery store…so she was in seven heaven. Got some stuff and then we headed to a restaurant to have a nice meal…it was a good day. While we were waiting for the tender, Lesley and I were laughing so hard…at this bird that kept diving into the water to catch a fish. He was just flying around for ever and then…all of a sudden would just dive really fast…out of our sight (cause the side of the port block us seeing him enter the water) and all of a sudden we would see a splash of water. It CRACKED us up and we laughed the entire rest of the tender ride back to the ship.

Friday, December 31st and Saturday, January 1st we were at sea and celebrating the New Year traveling back to Key West, Florida. On Friday, the cast had to do our normal duties and then we had to decorate the ship for that nights party with balloons. We all had a fun time decorating the pool area with them even though we almost lost an entire bag of balloons…haha…oh well….they are environmentally friendly…haha. That night, we watched Mickki's show in the main theatre and Lesley and I actually got to sing with her in the last number…it was a great time and one of Mickki's best show. Afterwards, we all went upstairs and celebrated the new year on the pool deck. Its crazy that its already 2011…THE YEAR THAT I'M COMING HOME. I only have 5 more months left on the ship and that isn't a very long time if you really think about it. We had a wonderful time…celebrating the new year. I love my cast mates…I'm really going to miss this guys when we leave…I have become very close to them.

Sunday, January 2nd we were in Key West, Florida for the last time. This morning I had to work the immigration duty again and I swear, I never want to do it again. We get blamed for everything, even though we don't have anything to do with it….we are just nice enough to help out. The guests were suppose to fill out some green customs form and didn't have them for the guests and people were getting angry. One of the guests looked at me and asked what they were suppose to do and a guy next to her said, "Don't ask him, he's a f***ing idiot" To which I responded with, "No sir, I'm not an idiot…I'm not in the immigration department for the ship, I sing on board but you have a WONDERFUL day". Didn't really say it in the nicest way, I'm sure…it was 8:00am but I got my point across. Other guests made the guy feel bad because he did it very loud and they were like, "Jason, you are doing a great job…we understand that its not your fault". After, we came by me…I wanted to say to him, "Actually sir, I graduated college with honors….so no, I'm not an idiot" but I didn't think of that quick enough and it wouldn't had been the professional thing to do…I just let him know I wasn't pleased. Well, after that we all got off the ship in the morning and got a quick buffet breakfast…which I actually ate bacon and pancakes…I was hungry. After that…we walked around and then went to the Hard Rock to eat lunch…it was a nice meal. We got back on board and then had a boring night of socializing with NO ONE because everyone was packing…haha…it was funny to just walk around and have no one there. 

Well, I am officially done with the Caribbean part of this contract. I have done 2 of the 4 stages of my contract….on to the 3rd part…which is the biggest but most exciting part. I officially will be going to a new location EVERY day for 4 months…that is AWESOME!!!! Our cruises will become longer and since this blog was QUITE long…I'm going to try and update every Monday instead of the end of each cruise….I don't need to bore you with these long blogs. Next blog will consist of the following days: Fort Lauderdale on Monday / At Sea on Tuesday and Wednesday / Cartagena, Colombia on Thursday / San Blas Islands, Panama on Friday / going through the Panama Canal on Saturday (which I am SO excited about) / At Sea on Sunday and the blog will end on Monday, when we are in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. 

I hope that everyone is having a very happy and safe new year and I hope that everyone lives by their resolutions this year….try something new this year!!!

Until Next Time,

Jason

Merry Xmas Blog / How tight can your face get....

Merry Xmas everyone,

I hope that everyone's holiday season has been going well. I'm not going to lie…its been a little hard being away from home during this time but I just have to understand that its just a different xmas experience for me….no one likes change but change happens..can't control it. 

Here is what happened on the last cruise:

Sunday, December 12th in St. George, Grenada and I am of course on IPM where I can't get off the ship. I have to do duties all day long and just watch movies…its a quite boring day..oh well. Nothing more to say about IPM days…nothing really happens haha.

Monday, December 13th we are in Bequia, Grenandine Island where again I didn't get off the ship because of two reasons…there isn't really anything there and we have a xmas show rehearsal. I rehearsed my song (which I'm not saying what it is…its a surprise for my mom) and I'm really excited to sing it for the xmas show…I can't believe that xmas is just around the corner…doesn't feel like xmas because its hot and no snow is on the ground…hopefully that will help me get through the holidays. Tonight we had a good show of Rocketman…for some reason though every time that we do that show…the ship is ROCKING…haha, oh well. 

Tuesday, December 14th we are in Castries, St. Lucia (our first time to the island since coming to the caribbean. We haven't been able to come here because of Hurricane Tomas…so it was nice to come somewhere new). Lesley, Phedra, Jen and I got off the ship and headed into town. It was funny…the taxi drivers there are persistent in getting you in their cab. What made me laugh though were the people that stopped when we were half way down the street where ALL the cabs were lined up…asking us if we wanted a ride. I wanted to be like, "You think that we would have a cab by now if we wanted a cab…right…so why would we go in your cab….is is special?" We got asked about 7 times by 7 different people…just annoying. After we got into the city…it was NUTS!!! There were a lot of people and it was kinda run down. It was funny…one of the drunks walking around the town spotted us and said, "MAN YOU HAVE 3 GIRLS…YOU SHOULD SHARE THEM WITH ME…COME ON". It made me laugh…really hard actually. After the drunk man, we found a nice cafe that had internet; had a wonderful meal and I got to talk to some people…always nice to have free wifi. After lunch, Lesley and I walked into a homemade idea shop in the middle of the town…they are SO pushy with stuff…really wanting you to buy stuff…its crazy. Didn't buy anything there so we headed back to the ship. We sat in the back of the ship for quite sometime enjoying each others company and paying "paper toss" on the Itouch…yes, we are that bored sometimes…haha. Had a GREAT show of Jazz tonight…I love singing these songs….I'm enjoying it. 

Wednesday, December 15th we are back in St. Marteen….THANK GOD!!!! Lesley and I got off really early to go shopping for xmas…and I got some stuff that I wanted :-) It was raining all day off and on, so that kinda sucked. After we went shopping, we headed to the place that we ate the last time, Pirate Paradise…where they have free wifi….or they did. It wasn't working this day…that really blew. Had a good meal and then we decided to go on jet skis again…it was a BLAST!!! I love that…Lesley and I just SCREAM and LAUGH the entire time….its a great time…haha. Afterwards, Lesley, Greg and I went down shopping for some stuff and then we got ice cream…it was AWESOME. What a great day!!! I love St. Marteen a lot…too bad that its the last time we are there…thanks for some great memories St. Marteen!!!! 

Thursday, December 16th we are in St. Thomas, USVI (a place that reminds me of my childhood and many different vacations that I have taken throughout the years). Was all alone this day…which was nice to have some alone time and enjoy the day. Did some last minute shopping for xmas…I'm DONE!!! Went to lunch at a cafe and had the BEST lunch and actually couldn't finish it…believe me though, I did try…haha. It was also nice this day…I had phone service…so it was nice to talk to my mom and some other people. I decided to take the 3 mile walk back to the ship and just enjoy the day and being outside getting sun again. The walk back just reminded me of the time that I spent here with my dad, mom and brother on our first cruise that we did about 14 years ago…it was a great time to reminisce about those times. 

Friday and Saturday (December 17th / 18th) we were at sea on our way to Key West, Florida for the first time. Of course we spent the time doing duties and we had Spirito on the Friday night…which I always love doing that show…its a great show. Too bad that Lesley wasn't feeling well though…FEEL BETTER LES!!! Saturday night we had the show of Aquarius which is always a fun show…our favorite. I'm really enjoying performing with this cast…we have really got close during these past 5 months. We just have so much fun on stage with each other….I love it. Speaking of 5 months…I CAN NOT believe that I have already been on the ship for 5 months…that makes no sense AT all. I look back and think that I've already been to the Med and seen all of that stuff; gone to places that I never thought that I would EVER go…just crazy to wrap your mind around it.

Sunday, December 19th we are back in America in Key West, Florida…where I find out that my Grandma was in the hospital….ehhhh. She had broke her pelvic bone (which I was told can not be operated on…just a long recovery time). I got off the ship this day by myself…which was nice but wish I could be with someone and share this with someone…ehhh. Walked around the city all day, just talking to my mom on the phone…just trying to enjoy the day. It was FREEZING out this day….I had to go put on a long sleeve shirt and jeans….sorry those people that have snow on the ground…hehe. After I changed my clothes I went back and had a lunch at Hard Rock. It reminded me of the time that I spent in Cleveland at school (for some reason…thats odd). I'm really missing my friends from college…ehh, the holiday season is sucking being away. Oh well….afterwards I just walked around and got some Starbucks hot chocolate and a donut and sat in from to the ship. I started laughing during this because you could of swore I was Dr. Doolittle…the birds were EVERYWHERE. I was just cracking up…it was funny. 

Monday, December 20th we are done with the cruise and back for another BUSY embarkation day in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Today, I had the JOYOUS job of being Santa. WAIT WAIT WAIT A MINUTE…did I just say Santa? Me…Jason? A skinny, tanned Santa…oh yes everyone…I was santa. I was LAUGHING my ass off the entire 2 hours that I was dressed as Santa. Everyone kept coming up to me and taking pictures….I just felt like the biggest Hilljack Santa…EVER! The pillow that I had as my stomach…was square and it made me look like I had boobs. A woman santa? It wasn't a pretty sight…haha. After playing Santa I got off the ship VERY quickly to go get some essentials for the LAST CARIBBEAN CRUISE!!!! I can't believe that this cruise has finally arrived. So strange looking at the paper that I tick off each day that passes and seeing everywhere that I have been to thus far…just nuts!!! That night, as we sailed away…we do a show called, "Taste of things to come" where we do 2 dances for the passengers. Well, this is defiantly the cruise where we will play the game…how tight can your face get before its had enough face lifting. We have many Latoya Jacksons on this ship…its kinda nuts. During our one song that I sing, "Celebration" I couldn't tell if they were enjoying it or not…they were just sitting there looking at me…oh boy. 

December 20th….LATE LATE night….

The Lunar Eclipse was something else tonight. I think one of my new favorite things will be going on the top deck in the middle of the night and just looking at the stars. HOLY CRAP…I have never seen something so beautiful…ahh. I got those random tears again sitting there…just enjoying the view. I felt so overwhelmed with emotion….happiness and sadness. One of those moments where you can't explain what you feel. Overwhelmed  / in awe / happiness / sadness / loneliness / togetherness….again, doesn't make sense but it will defiantly be one of those moments that I wont forget…how I felt, what I saw…everything. What an incredible experience that I am having…even though its hard to be away from home for the holidays…this will never happen to me again…so I'm going to live every moment, being present in the NOW!!!

Like I said, I have finally made it to the last Caribbean cruise…I can't believe it. This currents cruise itinerary is: At Sea on Tuesday (Rocketman) / Grand Turk on Wednesday / At Sea on Thursday (Jazz) / St. John's, Antigua on Friday (Xmas Show) / At Sea on Saturday (XMAS) / Bequia, Grenadine Island on Sunday (Euro) / Bridgetown, Barbados on Monday / Castries, St. Lucia on Tuesday / Gustavia, St. Barts on Wednesday (IPM) / Spanish Town, BVI on Thursday / At Sea on Friday and Saturday (HAPPY NEW YEAR) / Key West on Sunday and then my last time in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, January 3rd. After the 3rd of January…I will be going to a new place everyday for 4 months until May 3rd…which will be the day that I have circled the globe…wow.

Until Next Time,

Jason

Crazy cruise with some great stories....

Hello everyone,

Another cruise down…another blog to write. I hope that everyone is falling head first in the holiday spirit….this is one of my most favorite times of year (besides my birthday / spring). Well…here's what has happened….

Friday, December 3rd…we were at sea all day long on our way to Grand Turk. Sea days can get a bit boring sometime but normally they go quite quickly. Just a busy day of normal duties…nothing too exciting happened. 

Saturday, December 4th…was a great but VERY short day in Grand Turk. Lesley and I woke up and went to Margaritaville (which is just an amazing place..I've always liked this port). The strange thing was that if felt like we were the only 2 people on the island…there was NO ONE there…granted, we had to be back on board for sail away at 2:00 but still…no one was enjoying the day. We sat with our feet in the pool and enjoyed talking to each other and FINALLY being done with rehearsals and enjoying the sun again. After we were back on the ship…we sat in the back of the ship and watched our sail away and talked for a while. That night we had a wonderful dinner (haha, not) and then watched a movie…was a fun night.

Sunday, December 5th, we were in San Juan, Puerto Rico ( a place that holds a special place in my heart because of the many family vacations that we took there with my dad….and walking the marina and getting a painting from a local artist who would use spray paint and tin cans to make his painting…its cool). Lelsey and I got off the ship because we wanted to go to the mall (which I NEVER knew was there but is HUGE!!!). We waited for the stupid bus for about an hour…sitting in the sun, being able to talk on my phone to my mom and grandparents (which was nice). Lesley and I got pissed and decided to walk away to enjoy our day because the stupid bus wasn't coming. The moment that we started to walk away…the bus came…haha, of course. We ran back to the bus to be the only people on it to the mall…which was fun. When we arrived…the place was HUGE!! I haven't been to a mall that big in a LONG time….but it was refreshing…felt like I was back home a little…which I strange for me to say cause I don't enjoy shopping haha. Walked around a little bit and finally found the store that I shouldn't have ever seen…American Eagle. Oh lord…I'm in trouble. I took Lesley in there cause I thought that she would enjoy the clothes (which she did….mission completed). I gave myself an early xmas present and bought a few things for myself….MERRY CHRISTMAS ME!!! Afterwards, I wanted to go find an Auntie Annie's pretzel place…that would have been just like home…but no, wait…I'm in Puerto Rico…whoops. So, catching the bus back to the ship…Lesley, Greg, Jodie and I went to have a GREAT dinner at Senor Frogs…another great memory with family and even friends (Hi Danielle and Cathy!!!) After dinner, went back to the ship and had a performance of Euro 2010 this night…what a great day.

Monday, December 6th, we were in Road Town / Tortola and I was on IPM…ehhhh. So another day of duties and talking to random people on the ship…haven't found anyone that interesting yet…I hope that there is someone…haha. That sounds a little rude and snobbish of me…but sometimes, when you have to socialize with people ALL the time…you want to have someone or them tell you a story, that is interesting…haha. OH well…hopefully soon.

Tuesday, December 7th, we were in Gustavia, St. Barts…a place that we have been a few times. Lesley and I got off to go find someplace to eat a good meal. We went to a little cafe that actually had really good food (great find, Les)!! After lunch, Lesley and I walked around the city, finding that the shops were SO expensive…I couldn't believe the prices. I picked up a shirt that I actually was thinking about getting…until I realized it was 80 EUROS…which means it was over 100 dollars…um, it wasn't THAT nice..haha. After the non-shopping…we walked to a beach called "Shell Beach" and you guessed it…it was full of shells. Lesley made a good point…do you think that these shells are real and were washed up by the sea OR did the locals just want to have the beach LITERALLY be a beach of shells…odd. Afterwards, we walked back to the tender and got on the ship and enjoyed the rest of our day on board. 

Wednesday, December 8th, we were in Basseterre, St. Kitts….another place that we have been too many times. We decided to use the free internet as we can…so we went to a casino / restaurant called "Sweet Lime" that was right off the port. We sat there, ate a really really good chicken sandwich and I uploaded some pictures that I haven't in a while. I had a great day talking to some friends and enjoying Lesley's company. It has kinda been crappy weather…a lot of rain, lately in the Caribbean so I am ready for that to end…haha. During our lunch, I think that it rained about 4 times…which was nice because it cooled things down but what if we wanted to go to the beach…that would have been an awful day. Now…while I write this..I know that the people that normally read this blog…have a lot of snow on the ground and they are probably thinking…really Jason…stop typing about the "rain" in the "CARIBBEAN"..haha…sorry guys, I'll stop complaining.

Thursday, December 9th, we were in St. John's, Antigua where once again…I sat in a cafe and had a great lunch and uploaded more pictures…it needed to be done. Had a great time just sitting there, enjoying the weather and the free wifi. Sat and talked with Mickki Brown, our Stars Lounge singer…she is a funny woman, I love talking to her. After watching Mickki, fall on her butt after making fun of me (which by the way, was one of the funniest things I have seen in a while…she didn't hurt herself..its okay) I went to Subway to get another meal before heading back to the ship. What caught me off guard was when I arrived to subway…they had NO bread. Now, wait a minute….you are called SUBway…and you have no SUBS? haha…so I got a wrap. Thanks wrapway…haha. After getting back on the ship, had another great night just talking with the cast…they are a great group of people. We had the Aquarius Dawning show this night and I had quite the interesting meet and greet afterwards. In the show, I sing the song Lady Madonna during the Beatles section and its a great time on stage. Well apparently the guest swore I sang, "Lady Vagina"….WHAT? Anyway, during the meet and greet he came up to me and said, "Vagina?" (mum…how do you respond to that question / statement?) "I'm sorry?" I said. "You sang, Lady Vagina and I laughed and I thought that you did it on purpose and no one caught it…but I DID…IT WAS FUNNY." I played it off like, "Yeah, well…I did it just for you sir…so you could have a great laugh…hahaha." WHAT? Afterwards, I told the cast and they laughed and said…no jason, you didn't say that…we have been doing the show for 5 months…we MIGHT have caught you say lady vagina…haha…wow.

Friday, December 10th, we were in Roseau, Dominica for the LAST TIME….wow. Lelsey and I headed to the cafe that has the BEST quasadilla's and of course, free wifi. Sat there and had a great conversation with people from home that I am missing A LOT right now and uploaded the last of the pictures that I needed to. We didn't have very long to be there but it was a well worth trip. Thanks Roseau…you were…strange…haha.  Later that night while socializing…Lesley and I met a very interesting family. We had met early in the trip, the older man…who was 101 years old….which that right there was crazy. You would have NEVER guessed that he was that old. He had great hearing and sight and was very quick to respond and hold a conversation. Talking with his daughter and finding all about his life. WOW…what an incredible life that he has had. Living everywhere around the world…he hasn't stopped and I think THATS why he is in such good shape. Spent about an hour with the family and what great people. His daughter had a music degree and we had talked about music and school and everything…it was great talking about that stuff again. Overall it was a great night…a really great night.

Saturday, December 11th…LONG embarkation day….ehh. Having to wake up in the morning (7am-10am) to pass out passports to the entire ship of passengers. Having to explain to them that the two papers in the passport; the blue form to pick up their luggage in the ship terminal and the white for immigration at the airport. I swear….some people. This man (about in his early 50s) from America was the best that day though…haha. I explained what the papers were and he responded, "I'm not going to a terminal" "Yes you are sir" I said. "No, I'm not…I'm not going to a terminal" "Okay, well….when you get to the building outside…you use the blue paper to get your luggage and the white paper when you get to the airport for immigration". "I'm not going to the airport" "okay, well when you…" "I'm not going to the airport…I'm going to the Hilton" (ehhhhhhhh)…"Well sir, after you have a great time in Barbados at the Hilton and you go to the airport to go back to America…you'll need the white form". I'm a TOTALLY not joking…that was the conversation…boy, I was tired by the end of it. Later that day, I had to stand by the elevators (2:45 - 5:15) greeting people as the come on board…my favorite duty (not). I will say, I get to meet all the crazies on this day and study up on people watching for acting…haha. This one man, from a european country was FREAKING out about where deck 5 reception was and was very frantic after he came off the elevator…"oh, well its right over there sir." Later, he came back over to me and got a little to close. You know, closing the personal bubble space and asked me, "What can I do?" (with a european accent) "I'm sorry…say it again" I said. "What can I do?" (what the hell do you say to that question?) "Um….uhhhh….whatever you would like, sir" I said. "Where can I go open?" "I'm sorry?" "Where can I go open…uhhhh…open area" "OH, the open deck…that would be deck 9" and by the time I finished the sentence…he was GONE. For the next 20 mins…I was CRYING in laughter and couldn't control it…was one of those "had to be there moment". 

What a crazy past cruise….haha but some great stories. This next cruise…we are going to some places we haven't been to yet. We only have 2 more cruises left (including the one that I'm on) left in the caribbean…I can't believe that we are about to move on to our next place…NUTS!!! This currents cruise itinerary is as follows: St. George's, Grenada on Sunday (today) / Bequia, Grenadine Island on Monday (Rocketman) / Castries, St. Lucia on Tuesday (Jazz) / Philipsburg, St. Maarten on Wednesday / St. Thomas, USVI on Thursday / At Sea on Friday and Saturday (Spirito / Aquarius)  / Key West, FL on Sunday and ending the cruise in Fort Lauderdale Florida on Monday, December 20th.

I hope that everyone is enjoying the end of the year….I can't believe that it's almost 2011…wow, thats nuts. Yesterday, was the mark of me having 6 months left and that I have already spent 4 months on the ship….crazy. This experience is going fast…I can't believe it and to think, on my 24th birthday…I will have circled the globe…I can't comprehend that quite yet….whoosh.

Until Next Time,

Jason

Thanksgiving Day / Story Time

Hello everyone,

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving and that everyone is getting ready for the holiday season.

Not too much happened on the last cruise that I was on. I was in rehearsal almost everyday of the cruise…so I didn't get to go off the ship and do anything (except go get a nice meal). Here are the highlights of the cruise…

FIRST…on November 31st during our spirito show (the deck show) at the beginning of the show…this old man came up on the dance floor, stood next to me and started dancing with me and his plate of food. Talk about being on your toes as a performer….I was just shocked. So I danced with him a little bit hoping that my boss would come over and be like, "this way sir". Finally someone did and I laughed it off on stage and the audience just loved it. It was a great great time. 

Grand Turk on Wednesday was an awesome lunch break that we had. We had morning rehearsals and then our stager, Leslie, let us get off to go eat some good food for lunch. We went to Margaritaville and had an awesome lunch. I have been to Grand Turk before, so it was nice to see places that I have been to before. We go to Grand Turk tomorrow for the current cruise that I am on…and I can't wait. After we had a great lunch, we stopped in the duty free shop to get some candies and other stuff that we needed for the ship and then headed back on board for another LONG day of rehearsal.  

Thanksgiving Day….wow, was that a hard hard day. I knew that it would be rough because thats a holiday that is a big "family" day and also, the food…haha. I tried not to think about it all day and I was doing fine until about dinner time when my meal was pathetic…not even mashed potatoes. That depressed me a tiny bit because I knew that I would have had a GREAT thanksgiving lunch at my Aunt Julie and Uncle Jeff's house (Hi guys!!!) and then drove over to my Aunt Kyle and Uncle Jim's house for thanksgiving dinner (miss you guys!!!). It was a rough day but at least one of the three big "family" days (at least in my family) is past me. I did appreciate all the love and support from those people that I love and care about. This time on the ship has made me appreciate those people in my life A LOT more. I know thats a horrible statement but I hope that you understand what I'm saying. In NO WAY did I NOT appreciate them before but its moments like this (that I'm going through) that make you understand and take a step back and see how lucky you are and appreciate them. So sending love to my family and close friends that have been here for me during this adventure…you mean the WORLD to me.

Fort Lauderdale (on December 2nd) was a great day. For some odd reason, my body decided that it couldn't stay asleep any longer after 7am…so I was up. I talked to a few people that morning and that was SO nice to be able to do that. After decorating a tree for christmas (see mom, I got to decorate a tree this year too) Lesley and I headed off the ship to where…..TACO BELL!!!!!!! I was SO happy to get there and have my mexican kick….it was GREAT!!! Afterwards we walked down a BUSY avenue to the Publix and had a great time in the process. She is a great girl…one of those friendships for life sort of things….ANYWAY….we went to the store and bought some food…the essentials. Afterwards, I felt like my Mom and the other mothers from the Sound of Music walking down the busy street with a shopping cart full of food. Now to explain the sound of music story….When I was 12, I was on the Sound of Music national tour and our first city that we played was Fort Myers, Florida. My mom went with me on the tour and this was the time that you could have a  hot plate in your luggage (gosh, I feel like an old person…"in my day, you could travel on an airplane…WITH A HOTPLATE in your luggage"…haha, essh). Well, the sound of music mom's all went to the store that was across from our hotel. Afterwards, they had to get all the food back to the hotel but of course they had no cars….so what happened? One by one the mothers crossed the busy 6 lane avenue (can we say Frogger anyone?) with the shopping carts to finally make it to the hotel. Sorry, I had to explain the story so that you understood how it was funny to me yesterday…haha.

This is quite the short blog for me but nothing has really happened in the past cruise because I really didn't do anything else but rehearse ALL DAY LONG. This coming cruise (the one I started yesterday) is as follows: At Sea on Friday (today) / Grand Turk on Saturday / San Juan, Puerto Rico on Sunday / Road Town, Tortola BVI on Monday / Gustavia, St. Barts on Tuesday / Basseterre, St. Kitts on Wednesday / St. John's, Antigua on Thursday / Roseau, Dominica on Friday and ending our cruise in Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday. I can not believe that I have been in the Caribbean for a month already and in another month…I'll start the journey down to South America for a day then to the Panama Canal over to the coast of Mexico and ending our cruise in Los Angeles to get ready for the WORLD CRUISE!!! I can't believe that its about to start…wow!!!

Until Next Time,

Jason

Is there a Michael Jackson or Billy Joel show??? Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Hello everyone,

Sorry that this blog is a bit late but I have been quite busy lately. I hope that everyone has been having a great week thus far.

Sunday, the 14th…we were in Fort De France, Martinque and it was quite the day. Keeva, Johannah, Lesley and I all went off together and it was quite the ghost town. We asked to go to a ATM where we could get some money to be able to pay the taxi and to get some food later on in the day. The first ATM we went to didn't work but thankfully the second one did. Once we arrived in the hotel (which was quite pretty) we went down to a beach hut and had an okay meal…it was a strange burger but the fries were quite nice. Afterwards, we sat on the rocks that were out in the middle of the beach and looked at the beautiful view…we didn't have enough time this time to swim…so we didn't have our swim trunks. Afterwards, we went upstairs to get some free wifi and sat there for quite sometime. After my ipod touch died…I walked around the hotel and took some pictures of the beautiful view of the sunset…wow, just beautiful. After that we took a taxi back to the ship and that was just so funny. Our taxi driver had some issue possibly with his nose or something but every 2 seconds…not joking…he would sniff like he was about to spit that stuff in the back of your throat out (nice visual, I know but…sorry, haha). It was a 15 min taxi drive and I thought that I was just going to burst with laughter. You know those, you're in a serious moment and you need to not laugh but can't help it…whoosh, such a hard time. Had a great time that night with the show, Rocketman…I'm enjoying doing these shows.

Monday, the 15th…we were in Roseau, Dominica again for the 4th time. This time, I got off the ship early to go with Keeva and Jodie to go visit the Silver Cloud (one of the other ships of the fleet). The Cloud is SO small compared to the Spirit…and I am VERY happy to be on the ship that I am on. Went and watched one of the rehearsals for the cast on the ship…they did a nice job. Saw CC again (the woman that taught 3 of the 5 shows to me) and it was a nice time chatting and catching up. Afterwards, went to the cafe that is in the town and got some AWESOME food that I enjoy there and some free wifi for a while. Afterwards Jodie, Keeva, Emily, Cody and I all went to the Cloud vs. Spirit soccer match…what a fun time that was. Next time they do something like that…I want to play…I found myself going right back to the way I was watching my brother play soccer…yelling and getting all nervous for our team…haha but the only difference between watching the Spirit play and my brother is that there was a rainforest behind the soccer field there in Dominica (not to say, Ryan, that the place you played in college was kinda like a rainforest…more mountain, wooded area…haha). Afterwards, we headed back to the ship and I feel, had one of the best Jazz shows since being on the ship.

Tuesday, the 16th...we were in St. John's, Antigua again and of course…had to be on IPM. I had IPM days…they are SO incredibly boring and just depressing a bit. Normally IPM days for me, I catch up on my sleep…which is always a great thing to do. One funny thing did happen this day during one of my duties. During the day, I had to do Table Tennis and so I stand there hoping that no one comes to play and of course…I have this short, foreign man, who didn't speak very good english comes up and asks if he can play…."of course" I say. Then for the 20 mins that we played…I'm not joking…I got asked the same question…THE ENTIRE TIME. "Are you in the Elton John show?" "Yes, I am" I would say…"Is there a Michael Jackson or Billy Joel show?" "Umm…nope, just Elton John" (haha) and I am not joking..that was the extent of our conversation for 20 mins…and yes, he would continue to ask me if there was a Michael Jackson show….or oh wait….a Billy Joel show. I was cracking up inside. What a great story (but possibly one of those, have to be there kinda moments…haha, oh well). That night we had the show of Euro 2010…and thats enough about that…haha. (I don't really enjoy that show very much..but oh well)

Wednesday, the 17th…we were Gustavia, St. Barts where a lot happened this day…or at least I felt it did. Woke up early in the morning because Lesley and I had to go as escorts on an excursion, the Yellow Submarine tour…fun no? Anyway, we get there to find out that only one of us could do the tour…so Lesley said that I should do it and just take lots of pictures…that was very very sweet of her. We got out into the sea and let me tell you, this semi submerge submarine scared the crap out of me. We would go down into the bottom of this ship and sit on these chairs like you are on a horse…and have the water SO close to you on either side…thank the lord that I'm not afraid of close spaces…whoosh. It was cool that we got to see this fish / stingrays / turtles and such but I did wish that it was a bit better visibility underneath the water…oh well. After the short hour excursion, we all decided to go out to the beach and enjoy the day. We headed off to Kniki beach and had a great day. Keeva and I went to a cafe and had this HUGE sandwiches and whoosh, was I stuffed. Afterwards Lesley, Emily and I all made a sand castle and I was so proud of us…it was a GREAT day. Lesley, Cody and I got into the ocean at the time when a huge gust of wind and clouds came by so we got a little cold. I was CRACKING myself up though…because way out in the distance, there was a group of kids that were trying to learn how to sail and there was one kid that couldn't get his sail to work and was just sitting there…all by his lonesome (if you know the movie Tommy Boy, with Chris Farley….where he gets stuck in the middle of the lake with no wind…you'll understand why its funny…Ryan, I'm sure that you do…haha). Afterwards, we got a taxi back to the ship and all had a restful evening just watching movies and enjoying each others company.

Thursday, the 18th…we were in the WONDERFUL port of Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. I ABSOLUTELY love this place. It was the first port that I remember going there with my family when I was younger….so that was a very comforting feeling. In the morning time, we went shopping…where I am proud to say that I didn't buy anything…because I kept saying to myself…I don't need it, I don't need it….haha. After a few hours..we headed to the beach front where we had lunch at a place called Pirates Paradise…it was so great. After a WONDERFUL lunch, we headed to the beach where we all had a great time in the water…I love this place. Lesley and I decided to go rent a jet ski and oh my lord…it was the first time since being on this contract, where I felt that I was on a vacation…just enjoying and not worry about having to be back on the ship at a certain time. I drove for most of the time and I have never laughed so hard in my life…ahh, it was a great time. After a little while, Lesley wanted to have a go at it and that just cracked me up even more…she kept hitting waves at strange times and hitting there SO hard, then making a noise and then kept going…it was funny. During her time driving, we hit this way and all of a sudden a HUGE turtle came up to get some air…she slams on the break, screams and yells…"what the hell was that?" Oh lord…I think that I almost peed my pants…it was SO funny. Afterwards, she wanted me to take the reigns of that jet ski again and we just FLEW for another 10 mins…boy, we have to do that again when we come back…so much fun. After a LONG day on the beach, we headed back to the ship, where we had an early night in bed…everyone was so tired.

Friday, the 19th…we were in Tortola, BVI where the group of us all headed off to the beach which was on the other side of the island…from where we docked. The drive there was so scary and so pretty at the same time. I have NEVER seen a road that, legit…does a 90 degree incline…but we did going up and down the mountain. I was sure that our taxi wasn't going to make it up and down the mountain but we did…how did we..haha. Once we got to the beach, we were all starving so we headed into one of the restaurants to find out that their card machine wasn't working anymore. Oh wonderful…I have no cash on me. Luckily, Dad came to the rescue and there was a Diebold ATM randomly in the middle of the tiny tiny city…thanks Dad. Had a wonderful (kinda tasted like the Jug, Nene) cheeseburger and fries…mmmmhmmmm…so good. Afterwards, Lesley and I walked the beach and got in for a little bit. This place was quite boring, I will say that. After a while, we began to draw in the sand and do another mini photo shoot…haha, I love Lesley…she is great. The funniest part was when these stray dogs came to visit after a little while and I began narrating for them…their thoughts…whoosh, I don't think that Lesley and I have laughed so hard. What a great time. After wards, we headed back to the ship (over the mountain again…oh, lord…will we make it…haha) and then took off for FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA!!!! I can't wait!!!!!!

Saturday and Sunday, the 20th and 21st….we were at sea and enjoyed our time just talking and spending the last time that we could with Johannah and Keeva, since they both were going to be leaving us on the 22nd. I'm really going to miss both of them since I have grown so close to them. Keeva - I don't think that I have met someone with ADD quite like you but I love you for it. I'm going to miss you always screaming backstage and almost everywhere "oh for F*@K sake"…haha. And Johannah - I'm going to miss our special times on stage where we would sing together and have a tickle fight. I have never met someone that is so jumpy and afraid of horse flies like you…haha. You are an incredibly talented girl and I know that great things are going to happen in your future. I can't wait to see you in NYC when I get off this ship, so BE READY TO GO EAT!!! Be smart….be safe…and don't think so much…you are a wonderful person :-)

Our next cruise starts in the WONDERFUL town of Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Monday / At Sea on Tuesday / Grand Turk on Wednesday / At Sea on Thursday (Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!) / St. John's, Antigua on Friday / Gustavia, St. Barts on Saturday / Basseterre, St. Kitts on Sunday / Spanish Town, BVI on Monday / At Sea on Tuesday and Wednesday / Ending our cruise back in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday on the 2nd. 

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week and a GREAT Thanksgiving. Please appreciate that time with your families and be thankful for the lives that you have and the blessings that you experiences throughout your life.

Until Next Time,

Jason