A new adventure

The seatbelt light has flashed off on Flight EK 435 to Dubai and I’m well and truly on my way to a new adventure. In two days time, I’ll be joining the crew of the Ruby Princess, the jewel of the Princess fleet.

Throughout my day; from waking up, through last minute packing mania to sitting in the now-strangely-comfortable departure lounge chair- I had been feeling a strange trepidation about “escaping completely” this time. In my two months at home, I had truly “settled” back in to the Brisbane lifestyle. Constant coffee, cocktails and dinners with friends, job hunting, uni applications and gorgeous spring days out at the races, Parklife and Oktoberfest… I was feeling very “at home”. Last holidays, I grabbed a quick 3.5 weeks and heading back was easy.. but this time, the ties are stronger.

This being said, as I walked down the tunnel to board the plane, a big wave of excitement washed over me. I’m off to Europe once more (ableit briefly), I’m going to experience an atlantic crossing, and I’m going to have those near and dear to me come and experience cruising with me. Freakin awesome!

My newfound feelings of wellbeing were taken to insane levels after I was seated. Seat 31A. Window seat. You always try to play it cool when, as the flow of passengers through the cabin slows to a trickle, and the two seats next to you remain empty. You try not to get over excited. Not to get your hopes up of a couch-style flight. You have to wait for that “cabin crew arm doors” announcement and then.. let the good times roll! I’m currently seated leaning against the window of seat 31A with three pillows softening that annoying chair-arm-in-the back. My legs are resting comfortably across seats 31B and 31C.. my computer is sitting on my lap and I’m sipping a glass of fortified red (tastes like ass.. but.. still adds to the luxury of my current surrounds). This is the ultimate. You could not hope for more!

 It’s a good start to what will hopefully be an amazing contract on the Ruby Princess. The Ruby is the sister ship of my first ship, the Emerald Princess- and thus is a carbon copy. I know exactly where my cabin is and exactly how to get around. No learing curve for me! After the atlantic crossing, we’ll also be doing the exact same itinerary as I did on the Emerald- 7 day Eastern Carribean. Basically, this is the most unforgiving itinerary of all. Tits and teeth every night, 9.5 hours average a day, tender port for 3400 people. I know the score! But I can’t wait. This contract I will have the pleasure of working with my good mate Toby, who I trained with on the Sapphire back in April last year. From the instant I met this boy, I knew we were going to get along like a house on fire. Can’t wait to see his face again!

I’m also excited to meet my new team – not just the cruise staff but the whole ENTS department and indeed, the entire crew 1200 strong. Ugh there weren’t even that many people in total on the Pacific Princess.

But for the time being, I’m settled in here flying over Alice springs. It’s a 13.5 hour flight, so I’m glad to be so comfortable! Now let’s see if I can sleep