Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Missing ship!

After 3 long flights from Rome to Dubai, Dubai to Perth and Perth to Auckland, I arrived at the airport to find nobody holding a P&O Australia sign.

I thought it was strange, but not unsurprising so I went to the information desk and asked if there was anyone from the company nearby.
The lady asked if I was joining the ship that was in the storm, to which I agreed. She then told me that the ship had unloaded all of the passengers in Vanuatu and was now in Brisbane, Australia being repaired.

After some phone calls and cup of mint tea, my new plan was scheduled. I was to catch the shuttle bus to the Grand Chancellor hotel, where they would fax my details to the port agent's office so they could sort an Australian Visa and flights to the shipyard to join the damaged Pacific Star.

At the hotel I met two guys that are heading for the same ship, so I will be travelling to them tomorrow. One is a Food and Beverage Utility Cleaner and the other is an Englishman, working for the onboard Casino.

According to the newspaper, there was some hull damage as well as external window and doors needing repair.
The next cruise is starting around 28th July, but I'm not sure if it'll be ready by then.

We'll see.

I'm off on a wonder around the Auckland suburbs to see what I can find.

Monday, July 09, 2007

Another Change Of Plans!

Right, so a few nights ago, I received a phone call from the head office in LA.

I was offered the senior Videographer's position on the Pacific Star (sister ship to the Pacific Sun - the ship I was originally offered). Of course, I said yes! So I'm due to travel around the 16th of this month and head to Auckland, NZ. I will be travelling around the South Pacific, NZ, the east coast of Australia (in August and September) and all around the little islands (Vanuatu, New Caledonia, etc.)

This is a great opportunity for me, as I'll get my first promotion within this company and it puts me in good stead for future cruise contracts.

That's it for me now. I'll put more updates as and when I get them.

As usual, here's a few photos from my travels.





















This is a blurred view of the back of a water taxi at night, jetting around Venice.





















Walking around Rome.
















A parade heading toward the St. Peter's Bassilica in the Vatican City.