One of the things that I love about my crazy lifestyle is that it is never the same.
I am currently listening to the audiobook of The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian. The odds of the same combination of flight crew working together again is extremely slim - such is the same working on a cruise ship. Even with same team working together, there will be other variables, so the experience is unique every time.
The most magical combination I have ever sailed was aboard Veendam for the 35-day Voyage of the Vikings in 2015. We had an amazing entertainment team, a brilliant itinerary, beautiful weather and lovely guests.
I have always preferred longer voyages, and despite having a great deal of successful experience with them, I almost wasn’t put on Veendam. I was still a relatively new Cruise Director (only a year under my belt), and I had to “interview” for the Veendam rotation as it included the prestigious Voyage of the Vikings. Fortunately, I passed muster and was assigned to Veendam for the year, as it was on Veendam that I met my husband Dirk. This week we celebrated our two year wedding anniversary.
Our current South America cruise has several variables that potentially can affect the energy of the cruise:
1000 guests on from the previous cruise (about 50% of the guests);
large numbers of French and German speaking guests;
a skipped port of call due to weather; and
the first port is a tendering port
Individually, each could be impactful, but together they are a unique combo. It’s not a good thing or a bad thing, but just a thing. While there are many things you can control when planning your cruise (see my post on The 3 P's of Planning, Pacing & Port Load), there are some factors that are beyond your control. I don't often hear many guests taking into account the above variables when considering if they enjoyed their cruise.
Travel
You can argue that it is not just these external factors, but our own personal growth and journey that impact the cruise.
There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered - Nelson Mandela
It has been eight years since I last sailed this itinerary; I have a pretty photographic memory and a good sese of direction, so I have been testing myself a bit.
Puerto Montt was our first call. Due to work meetings I wasn’t able to go ashore for long, but we tendered to where I remembered and the big shopping mall was where I remembered. I had a short shopping list of things for the cabin. Hilariously the mall was as I remembered - the most complex maze of escalators and half floors. I couldn’t find what I was looking for and I couldn’t find a way out - I think the mall was designed by a casino architect. But it was festive for the holidays. On my way back to the ship I stopped in a store that I had almost gone into in the first place (should have trusted my gut) and at least was able to cross a light bulb and small desk lamp off my list. Price tag about $6 for both.
TIP: Puerto Montt is a tender port - be prepared that the pontoon you step onto can be a bit wobbly. Plenty taxis available and some services available within the warehouse terminal.
Wellness Round Up
Nutrition: As it's our first week back, this week we have indulged in old favorites, including an anniversary dinner at Canaletto and an unanticipated Pinnacle Grill dinner. In reacquainting ourselves with the menu, we are:
learning what entrees we can share;
learning which menus lend themselves to just ordering small plates - a soup, salad and appetizer; and
making smoothies for lunch again! This contract we brought back our USB powered mini blender. This takes a little forethought for ingredient foraging, but provides a lighter lunch (my least favorite meal)
So now it's time to get on the serious vegetable train. I don’t anticipate my New Year’s Eve dress expanding.
Hydration: Overall, decent - 60-80 oz /day.
Sleep: We’ve been sleeping deeply, a good 7-8 hours night.
Stress: Stress has reared its head again this week. Technology related again. Some work related, some movement related, both of these weather related - see below.
Movement: For my fresh new start of the contract, I had really been looking forward to starting my days with a walk on the promenade deck. Enter my nemesis - strong winds! Many mornings the outside decks have been closed for safety. One day I tried walking inside laps around all the hallways, and the motion just made me seasick.
For as long as I have been at sea, I have always struggled with seasickness. Best case scenario - the ship’s movement just makes me lethargic and unmotivated. Worst case scenario - I need to lie down and not do anything.
On the positive side, I did make it to an evening stretch class and I did a kayaking excursion. I have also been working on incorporating abs work throughout the day, so a little progress there.
On another note, I do like to share the travel writing of friends and colleagues. A very good high school friend of mine and I grew apart, but it has been fun reconnecting through travel writing. Cara has had an incredible diplomatic career, and her blog The Vibrant Migrants tells her tales. Back in high school, neither of us envisioned the lives we lead, and I am tickled that we have found diverse and rewarding global paths.
That’s it for now. Bon Voyage & Bon Appétit!
Post updated August 17, 2024
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