CRUISING BEFORE COVID
We can all remember the days before the Coronavirus pandemic struck, life seemed normal, people where going on holidays, enjoying life with no worries. The future looked exciting, 2020 was coming a new decade, a new future to look forward to. I was one of those people who was filled with ambitions for the future, especially in May 2019 when I was embarking on a new and exciting job with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line as a Wine Sommelier.
It was a fantastic experience working for Royal Caribbean, sailing around Europe and the Caribbean. A new beginning to a new exciting career back to sea, although the following year March 2020 that was not to be. The world was hit by the Coronavirus pandemic and the entire cruise industry was badly affected, Cruise ships were temporally shut down, and ceased operation, and no one knew what the future prospects for the cruise industry would be. Will the cruise industry revive and survive? 2021 will hopefully be the year the industry is back on its feet, or should I say back on its sea legs, sailing again.
Here is my past adventures working for Royal Caribbean, a 2019 cruising adventure around Europe and the Caribbean islands.
A European Itinerary
I joined the ship in Southampton, embarking on a voyage around Europe, which would take us to Hamburg Germany, Cork Southern Ireland, all around Spain, including the Canary Islands, Portugal, Italy, France, Corsica, and Sardinia. We would be sailing in and out of Southampton for the next 5 months, and then across The Atlantic Ocean towards Miami and the Caribbean islands.
Southampton was a busy shipping port and home to some of the Cruise Ship companies like Cunard and P&O, who have their head office there. Southampton is also the embarkation base for most European itinerary cruises. This is where my Royal Caribbean cruise journey would start, and then end in Miami. For the next 5 months from May 2019 to end of October 2019, I would be sailing around Europe, on regular 2 week voyages around Europe, and returning back to Southampton to pick up new passengers and start a new voyage all over again. Then in November the ship would embark on an 8 day voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to Miami to start their Caribbean cruises.
Sailing out of the 20 mile long Solent was an amazing experience. The Solent is a busy shipping lane from Southampton port separated from the Isle of Wight, which leads to the English Channel. This was also the gateway to our European sailing adventure, as soon as we were out of the Solent, we knew the journey had begun.
Hamburg:
Hamburg which is situated on the Northern part of Germany was our first port of call. I didn’t really do much in Hamburg, because I didn’t really have much money, due to just starting my contract, and it would be 2 weeks before I would receive my first wages, so with a few euros, enough for some street food, and some money I set aside to buy an international plug adapter, that I could use in my cabin to charge my phone and laptop, as my UK charger plug wasn’t compatible with the ships American style plug sockets. So off I went for a walk around the city, looking for a shop that sold plug adapters, taking in the sights, and taking some photos. Hamburg has many canals within the city, and boasts to have more canals than Amsterdam, and a wide variety of bridges, so it is a nice way to walk around the city, especially across the Bridges taking in the scenic canals, with the buildings situated between the narrowed winding canals. You can get easily lost in Hamburg due to the many winding canals and bridges. I got lost and ended up near Hauptbahnhof Train Station, I luckily used my maritime navigational initiative and senses to find my way back to the Town Hall area of the city. I think I just walked and crossed several canal bridges until I got lucky.
I was feeling a bit hungry and was in search for some cheap easy German street food, and I was in luck, near to the Town Hall was a static street food van selling German sausages. So, I bought myself a rather long German sausage and a medium sized bread roll and a cup of lemonade, and stood the street eating my sausage and bread roll while watching the Hamburg city life go by. It was nice, and the sun was shining so it was a good day to dine on outdoor street food.
On my way back to the ship I saw a rather interesting building I just had to get a photo of. My mind was imagining who goes into this place? It did fascinate my curious mind, and part of me wanted to go inside just to enlighten my curiosity. I am not saying I want to join this so-called religion, that is Scientology, I am not a religious person as such. As a budding Journalist Documentary Filmmaker wanna be, I was fascinated and intrigued as to why this institution was in Hamburg Germany. I am guessing it must be popular in Germany, but I do not know I am just guessing, but that guessing off course leads to curiosity, and the want to go inside and understand why it is there in Hamburg? My understanding was that Scientology is only popular in American culture and society. Anyway, I think I will leave this area to my guessing imaginative mind, I am thinking, fearing maybe it is not wise to explore the realms of Scientology incase my mind is manipulated and brainwashed into joining. I think I have a strong mind and can decide my own destiny and what and who I choose to believe in. Many people have tried to convert me to their way of thinking and believing, but I have always stuck to my own mind and opinions. I guess if I really do want to be a documentary filmmaker Journalist, I do need to have an open and impartial mind to explore different realms of reality, and mythology within the world.
Cobh/Cork, Ireland:
After Hamburg we stopped in the port of Cobh, which is about 30 minutes’ drive to the centre of Cork. I did not have enough money to go get the train or bus to Cork, so I just hung around Cobh, and went for a walk, up the hill to St Colman’s Cathedral which has scenic views over Cork Harbour. Cobh is a nice little seaside town with steep hillside alleyways that lead down to the town. After hilltop view, of the town and Harbour, I went down one of the hillside alleyways and stopped for a relaxing half pint of Murphy’s because that is all I could afford at that time. I literally only had 3 Euros to my name, and I could not for the life of me remember my pin number for my credit card, so could not use that, otherwise I would have had several pints of the black stuff. Nevertheless, a half pint was very enjoyable, and after that I headed back to the ship just in time for lunch at the Officers Mess before they closed at 2.30pm. Yes, on Royal Caribbean crew can eat anywhere, in Crew Mess and in Officers Mess, they were good that way. Not like Princess Cruises where I was only allowed to eat in the Crew Mess. Royal Caribbean Officer Mess was good, they had Beef Wellington, Roast joint if Lamb, a big Ribeye of beef, stuff like that, so I was happy to go back in board for lunch for a nice Ribeye lunch. But as soon as I was to get my regular fortnightly wages, it was gourmet dining out in Ports all the time.
Back to Southampton:
After Cork, the ship went back to Southampton to prepare for the European itinerary, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal. Every embarkation port like Southampton it was the Wine departments duty to deliver pre-ordered bottles of wine to certain cabins. We would sign out a master card cabin key from room service, so we could deliver the wines. Although most of the cabins where already open due to the previous passengers leaving, and for housekeeping to clean and re-set the room for the new passengers, who were due to embark on board later. The lead Wine Tender told me about the wine cabin delivery duties the night before and gave me a list of allocated cabins that I would be delivering to. He told me usually the start time is 10am in the morning to start and set up the trolley, with glasses and liner napkins to place the bottles on when placing in the cabin. He said if I wanted to go out in Southampton after finishing my wine delivery duties, it is best to start earlier. Yes, I did really want to go out in Southampton so I decided to start at 08.30am, that would give me plenty of time to set up my trolley with all the mise en place I needed. Mise en place, is a hospitality French term which means to get prepared with all the equipment needed for service operation. So, in the restaurant, setting up mise en place, would mean the waiters would set up their waiter station with cutlery, service spoons, napkins order pads, etc., basically anything they will need for service. In my case my mise en place for wine cabin deliveries was setting the trolley up with wine glasses, champagne glasses, liner napkins, ice buckets if it is a premium champagne order, and the complimentary card to go with the bottle. Oh, and Royal Caribbean corkscrews in case the passengers need for opening the wine bottles. So, therefore I decided to start at 08.30am as sometimes it was a struggle to find the right amount of wine glasses I needed, and then organize the route I would take to deliver the wines in a fast and structured manner. No matter how long you been working on a cruise ship, you can still get lost, and plus some of the cabins where all over the place. For example, deck 6 cabin 212 could be in the AFT section which is the back of the ship and cabin 201 could be in the forward of the ship. Do not ask me why that is, it just is, some odd number cabins are not near the even number cabins. I do not know who designs these cabin layouts, but it is what it is. Many a times its after 10am bordering onto 11am and I am still searching for a cabin to deliver the wine to, and I still got like 4 bottles left to deliver and I really really really want to go outside, preferably by 11am. Then the worst happens I finally finish delivering all the bottles to the appropriate cabins, thinking I am finished. It is coming up for 11.30am, I am thinking it is cool, I still got time to go outside, I just need to chuck the trolley into the wine dispense room, give the master key back and sign in the wine dispense keys back into the manager’s office, I should be outside by 11.45am at the latest. So, I do all that put trolley in wine dispense room, sign in the master key to room service, walk from AFT to mid forward to sign the wine dispense keys back in. After doing all that, I look at my wine delivery sheet and notice, oh shit, I forgot to deliver the champagne to top deck cabin, AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! Why does it have to be the top deck, why why why??? Back to the manager’s office sign out keys, but someone has already signed out the keys after me, so I am running all around the ships bars and other wine dispense rooms to look for the guy who signed out the keys after me, he is nowhere to be found. Its 5 minutes to 12 and I find the guy. “Mate where the fuck have you been?” He replies, “I was in toilet.” OMG “mate I need the key for wine dispense number 4, I still need to deliver a bottle of Champagne to top deck.” He replies, “its ok bro doesn’t worry relax.” I say, “no time for relax, I need to go out, quick give me keys.” I finally make it outside by 12.15, but must be back on board by 3pm, because passenger embarkation safety drill is at 3.30pm. This is where we must demonstrate the safety procedures on board the ship to the passengers. like how to put on a life jacket and where to go in case of an evacuation. This gives me 2 hours and 45 minutes to do what I need to do outside in Southampton, and that is usually go to poundworld, buy some toiletries, like Shower gel, toothpaste, shaving stuff, all that kind of stuff, because it is too expensive to buy at the Crew Shop, and Poundworld is only a £1 for this stuff. After that, maybe I need to go to the bank, do bank stuff, and then it is time for lunch and or a beer in Wetherspoons. Macca was now living in Southampton, so I messaged him to meet up for a beer, but on that occasion, he was out of town and visiting Manchester, so we said we would arrange to meet next Southampton embarkation in 2 weeks. I made sure I did the wine deliveries a 100% correctly that day. In fact, I think I even gave myself an 8am start to give myself time. As Macca was in Manchester, I decided to grab a bite to eat from one of the street foods stalls they had in Southampton outside Westquay shopping centre and out in the city centre. There were many food stalls to choose from, Thai, Lebanese, Greek, Indian, and Mexican. I decided to try the Mexican food stall, which was amazing, the tacos were so deliciously authentic tasting.
France:
Our visit to France took us to some picturesque places, especially the Coe d’Azur on the French Riviera, a luxury paradise for the rich and famous.
VilleFranche-sur-Mer:
A Picturesque town east of the city of Nice where I indulged in some delicious French cuisine and a few wines, at Le Trastevere a nice restaurant by the seafront, with indoor and outdoor seating. I was lucky enough to have a nice seat outside overlooking the seafront. I started with a Kronenburg 1664 beer while browsing the menu, then I ordered a white wine to go with my Escargot Snails, then for main I had a Salmon Tartare. These were the luxuries that I enjoyed when I got any free time from the ships during port days. Off course when I posted the pictures of me enjoying nice gourmet meals in every port, to Facebook, some of my friends, commented that I am was not there to enjoy myself, I was there to work and save money. This was true to some extent, but my response to that was that I work 7 days a week, for 7 months every day. When I go out in the ports for a few hours and indulge myself in nice meals and wine, those few hours are like my days off. So, in that respect I did not feel guilty and instead made the most of my opportunities and enjoyed what time I had off while on the ship for 7 months.
Cannes:
We all know what Cannes is famous for, The Cannes Film Festival, but there was no film festival on when we docked into port. We did not dock into port, because Cannes is a Tender port. That means the ship anchored off port, because Cannes does not have a big enough port for the ship to dock into. The passengers had to get on a tender boat to go to shore, which takes about 5 minutes, but then usually there is a queue to get onto the tender boat, and then the boat must wait till it has a good capacity of passengers before leaving the ship. The ship arrived just offshore around 8am and was due to sail 6pm. I was working at 1pm in the Vintages Wine bar, which I had to set up for a 2pm open, so I did not plan to go, plus I had a few Sierra Nevada beers in the crew bar the night before. I went to work from 1pm until 4pm when the bar server was due to come to relieve me for my break. He arrived at 3pm to work, and told me, that he went out in the morning, and that he had come early to work in case I wanted to go out while I still had time, so I rushed to my cabin got changed and headed to get a tender boat to shore. I got the tender boat at 3.30pm, and before boarding the tender a ships security guard told me that 4.30pm was when crew were due to be back on board. Now I assumed she meant be on board the last tender at 4.30pm. This still did not give me much time ashore, but I went anyway. Once on shore I went to a local gift store and bought a souvenir bottle opener, as I was collecting bottle openers from each port I visited. I will explain later, why I needed to, or should I say wanted to collect bottle openers. After buying a bottle opener, it was 4.15pm so I smashed down a quick beer in a local bar near to the tender port and managed to catch the 4.30pm tender boat, which got me back to the ship at 4.45pm.
When I got back to the ship the security guard was not happy and she told me off, saying, “I told you 4.30pm crew be back on board, its 4.45pm. Don’t do it again ok.”
With that being said, I went to my cabin to relax before starting back at work at 6pm. I was glad I went out, especially to buy the bottle opener.
While I was on the tender boat heading back to the ship, I posted this on my Facebook status, which I think sums up my future ambitions, and plans.
“Quick 30 minutes in Cannes, just to get a bottle opener, as I collect them from every port. Would have been nice to have longer time. I shall keep this bottle opener in its sealed wrapping, and one day I will use it to open a bottle of Beer at the Cannes Film Festival, when my movie is made, and premiered at Cannes. This dream needs to become reality.”
So, there you go, my quick Cannes experience. Now about collecting bottle openers from every port, what is that all about? How did that start about? Well, when I was working in the Vintages Wine Bar, I got friendly with some of the passengers, who were from England. I used to recommend different beers for one of the gentleman passengers, so they really liked me and enjoyed my service. Another one of my Facebook status posts explains the story of the bottle opener better. This is easy book to write, all I need to do is just post all my Facebook status for you to read. It is my writing after all and this book is about me, and the Facebook status is all about me, so I do not see the problem. In Fact, I think it adds some realistic integrity to this books story, about me.
“So, I guess I have started collecting bottle openers. I will tell you the story of how this new obsession began. It began when I thought to myself, I need a good bottle opener if I am working in bar on the ship. So, I went out in Madeira Portugal and bought a Banana bottle opener. I showed it off in the bar and tried to open a Budweiser with it for a passenger. It Was not particularly good at opening bottles, so one of the passengers said I will buy you a better one, and he did, he bought me the Sevilla one. The other passengers also bought me a bottle opener. So since then, I been buying cool bottle openers in ever port I go to. This is just the start of my collection. I really love the Barcelona Guitar one. Let us see what other cool openers I can buy at other Ports. I got 4 months of sailing different Ports to collect as many as I can. I can’t wait to sail to Miami, bet there are cool bottle openers there.”
The photo below is just some of the bottle openers I collected, I got loads more, but unfortunately, I did not take a photo of my whole collection, and I left all my bottle opener collection at my mums’ apartment in Spain to look after. With the pandemic lock down, I could not go visit my mum in Spain. Hopefully once the life is back too normal, I can then go visit my mum and get my bottle openers. Although by the time I get my bottle openers this book should be published. Anyway, this gives you an idea of the kind of bottle openers I was collecting while on the ships. I still do collect them, and again hopefully when things get back to normal and I can travel again, maybe even go back on the ships to work again, I can start collecting more.
Cherbourg:
Situated in the North Western Normandy region of France, and just a ferry ride from Bournemouth, so yes, I have been to Cherbourg before when I lived in Bournemouth about 20 years ago. Last time I was there I visited the Cite de La Mer, which is a Maritime museum, and I had a tour inside a Naval Submarine that is part of the museum. This time I went to an all you can eat Chinese buffet. A Chinese Buffet in Cherbourg France. Why did I not go and eat French food, I hear you ask? Good question. My answer because they had Fresh Oysters in the shell as much as you can eat. Its Chinese food using local French produce. If you are going to go Chinese in France, this is the place, and the fresh French Scallops in Thai chili Sauce were amazing.
After a hearty fulfilling meal, and copious amounts of Oysters and Scallops, oh and the wine to wash it all down with, I went for a walk around the town, and stopped into a local bar for some more wine drinking. When I was living in Bournemouth, Cherbourg for me was an amazing place to buy nice bottles of French wine to take back to the UK. Although with Brexit, I am guessing that will be no longer an option, due to what I am guessing will be heavy tax and customs on wine imports.
Italy:
La Spezia: Situated in the North West of Italy in the Liguria region of Italy. This was our first stop in Italy, and because I have never been to Italy before and being a big lover of Italian food, I mean who does not love Italian food? I was eager to go out. I have been to Sicily 15 years ago, and went up to Mt Etna, but I had never set foot on the mainland of Italy. I found a small café, which was like a UK greasy spoon style café. The place was considerably basic, and they served the food in plastic disposable plates and cutlery. This was no UK style greasy spoon, there was no pies, chips and greasy burgers, this place served fresh tasty seafood, including mussels, and fresh fish in extra Virgin Olive Oil. This is what I loved about travelling around Europe, you can go to the simplest café or street food place and get fresh tasty food.
I look at the food photos now and wish I were there in La Spezia Italy eating fresh seafood, and drinking cold Italian beers, instead of being in cold snowy rainy Scotland. I was going to say and eating greasy Scottish pies and chips, but I am eating good, tasty food in Scotland, as I love to cook. In fact, I enjoy making Italian dishes, like my homemade Lasagne, and Spaghetti Bolognese. Pizza’s I buy from the supermarket ready made for the oven, I do not know yet how to make a pizza dough. My favourite pizza is Margherita Pizza. Talking of Pizza’s that takes us to our next port of call Naples, apparently the home of Italian Pizza. Civitavecchia was our next port of call, which is the Port to visit the city of Rome, but I was working all day in that port, so for me Naples was my next port that I got time off to go out. The only sight I saw in Civitavecchia from the AFT back deck in the crew bar, was a Superman ship, owned by Tirrenia, which is an Italian shipping company that operates Ferries from the mainland.
Naples:
Some people told me that Naples is the home of Pizza, where Pizza first originated, and I love Pizza, so it was only logical that I went out in search of a quality Pizza. I was so looking forward to my Pizza day in Naples, and I wanted to make sure I found the perfect spot to eat a good Naples Pizza. A week into my contract on board the ship, that HR manager organized a tour on the Bridge for all of us new crew, and a chance to meet and chat to the Captain. When casually chatting to the Captain he advised us to be careful in Naples because the city is full of con men and pick pocketers, especially if they see we were foreign tourists. With this knowledge, I made sure no one would be able to pick pocket me, and I kept all my money I was taking out, in my phone wallet with my phone, and I always kept a hold of my phone in my pocket. I did not take any bank cards with me and only took enough cash I thought I would need. Enough for a few beers, wines, and food, and some for any souvenirs I wanted to buy, including yes, a bottle opener from Naples. So, equipped with more than enough money, I headed out to fill my belly, with Italian beer, wine, and Pizza. There was a lot of sights to see in Naples, but with only 5 to 6 hours to spare, I did not have enough time to visit many places. Instead, I took lots of photos, including this spectacular photo of a big church in Naples, called ‘Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola.’
I went inside for a look around, imagining it would also be impressive inside and I was correct. I just had to take some photos while I was there. After taking some photos inside the Church, I then noticed a sign that said no photography allowed inside, so I made a hasty retreat outside in case anyone had seen me taking photos and either fined me or made me delete them. So here are the forbidden photos of inside the ‘Basilica Reale Pontificia San Francesco da Paola.’
It was now time to eat some Pizza, and I found the perfect restaurant overlooking the Volcano, Mt Vesuvius. Now I do not have to tell you all about Mt Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii, because everyone knows all about Mt Vesuvius. If you do not, I suggest you go buy a history book, and read it, then come back and read the rest of my book, because I am too hungry for Pizza and have no time to give you a history lesson on Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii. Its PIZZA!!!!!! Time.
I told you all I love Margherita Pizza yes? Well, the only Margherita Pizza I have tried before having been in an Italian restaurant in Aberdeen, and from Marks & Spencer supermarket, oh and ASDA frozen section. Compared with the UK supermarket Pizza’s and Jamie Oliver’s Italian, how was this Pizza from Naples? It was the best Pizza I have ever had, so deliciously tasty I was loving every bite of it. Not that I have anything against Jamie Oliver’s Italian Pizza but come on I was eating this in the heart of Naples, with a view of Mt Vesuvius. The only view I got in Jamie’s Italian was Aberdeen’s Union Street, and a Brew Dog across the road. Again, not that there is anything wrong with those Aberdeen views, but I was in Italy in what I have been told is the home of Pizza, so when I say it was the best, off course it must be, you cannot compare. The sauce, the cheese, the crusts, and the fresh basil on top, so good that I ate it all. Usually, I can never finish a whole pizza, especially when I get a big one from Dominos or Pizza Hut, and I have the left-over slices for my breakfast the next day with fried egg on top, so good, especially when you got a bit of a hangover. I was in Naples Italy eating the real deal.
This was such a relaxing treat, sitting in the hot Italian summer sun with a cold bottle of Nastro Azzurro looking at the view of Mt Vesuvius. As you can see it is a picture postcard moment, and even looks like a good advertising poster for Nastro Azzurro. Looking at this photo, does it not make you want to go to Naples, sit here and drink an ice-cold beer, while checking out the Volcano? Just sit there relax and let your imagination wonder, what explosive power lies beneath the Volcano, and if it erupts sit back finish your beer, because you aint gonna out run the powerful force of Mt Vesuvius. Volcanoes really do fascinate me, especially when there are vineyards planted near a Volcano, the vines soaking up that Volcanic soil and creating unique styles of wines. As a Qualified Wine Sommelier/Specialist and my fascination with Volcanoes, I would love to one day do a documentary on Volcanic Vineyards.
On my second visit to Naples, I went back out again, but this time I thought I would try a different restaurant, but still the same Margherita Pizza, so I chose this place, slightly inland from the seafront where I was before.
When I posted this photo on Facebook, many of my friends hit the laughing emoji. I was confused why they laughing at me sitting at a restaurant table eating Pizza? Then after someone pointed it out, I then saw the funny side to the photo. I am sure you can see the resemblance of a certain Disney mouse. The plants in the background do make it look so. This was a funny coincidence, and I did not plan the photo like that. It was the waiter who offered to take a photo of me, as he tells me trying to take a selfie, and just like every good waiter, to offer as they do when they see guests taking selfies.
Portugal:
No, I was not in San Francisco at the Golden Gate Bridge, this was the sail into Lisbon the capital city of Portugal, and what an impressive sail in it was.
Lisbon:
I was in Lisbon and I needed a haircut badly, my hair was looking a mess, like a Hobo style. I was told by one of the crew onboard that there was a good barber in Lisbon that I should go to, so that was my plan, have some lunch and then a haircut. I was excited to go out in Lisbon, especially after seeing the scenic sail into port. Our first visit to Lisbon was an overnight one, that meant I could go out in the daytime, and then go back out after my shift at 11pm. My day trip in Lisbon did not turn out as great as I expected, as I lost 50 euros, which must have fell out of my pocket when I was having lunch at some small side street restaurant up at the old town. I decided to forget about losing the 50 euros and not let it worry my mind, plus I was working on a ship making good money, so I would easily earn more on tips to make up for it. I enjoyed my lunch up in the old town, where I had some fish and rice dish, do not know what it was called, but it was nice.
Figaro’s Barbershop:
I managed to find the barber shop, which was an amazing, kind of Hipster style place, located in the downtown area of Lisbon. When I arrived, I was told it would be 15 minutes wait until I could get a haircut, which was fine by me. While I was waiting one of the barbers asked me if I wanted a beer, I naturally said yes, why not, especially when it is complimentary. Apparently, that is their thing.
That they do, they offer their customers a drink, while they wait, and while getting their hair cut. There was also a photo of David Beckham who had got his hair cut there. If it was good enough for Beckham it was good enough for me, 20 euros well spent, I think so anyway. I was happy with my new clean and tidy styled haircut. If I ever get a chance to visit Lisbon again, I am making sure not to get a haircut before I go there, because I would love to go back there. That is now officially my favourite barbers in the world. A Beer and a haircut, what a place, what a concept. These guys run the perfect hair dressing business. They understand customer service and they deliver the high expectations that the customers desire. I am sure they must have a bunch of loyal locals who go there for their hair cut. That is what it is all about, creating customer satisfaction through a differentiated benefit that they provide. Plus, the guys who work there are cool friendly and easy to chat to.
After my evening shift on board, I was back out at 12am for a few beers in a local pub near the ship. When the ship has an overnight stay, the crew always make the most of it, and go out to party at a night club, or just for drinks and a nice evening meal. Ok that is the crew who do not have to work the dinner shift in the dining rooms and bars. For us Food & Beverage workers we must wait till after service until we can go out. The Fitness staff, shop staff and all the admin officers they get the nice schedules and nice wok/social life balance. It was ok, I enjoyed my few beers at a street bar near the ship, and I took some nice nighttime photos of the city. Especially this one of The Church of Santa Engracia, which kind of looked like an old church in Kings Landing in Game of Thrones, what is it called? The Red Keep, I think? Yeah, it looks a bit like that. I even heard passengers comment the same thing, so I guess it does look like it.
Lisbon has some amazing sights and places to see and visit, but one day in Lisbon is not enough. I only had a few hours, but I made the most of those few hours and crammed in as much sights as I could. I was glad that we got to visit Lisbon more than once. The European itinerary was a 2-week sail around Europe, and then back to Southampton to drop off and pick-up new passengers, then we would do the same or slightly similar itinerary all over again. So, if I missed out seeing a certain sight in Lisbon there was always the next turn around visit. So, on our numerous visits to Lisbon, I managed to see a fair bit of the city. It gave me the desire that I would one day love to return for a longer holiday, like 2 weeks, plus there is the desire to return to get my hair cut again at Figaro’s Barber shop. The sights that I managed to squeeze in while in Lisbon was, the Praco do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco). This was the main square in Lisbon and was surrounded by bars and restaurants.
It was not too far from the ship, in fact only 5 minutes’ walk back to the ship’s terminal, so it was a perfect place to go get a nice lunch, when I only had a few hours like 2 hours off. I Did not need to worry about finding my way back to the ship, because I knew it was just a short walk. I could sit back relax drink a beer or 2, then leisurely order a nice 2 course meal, sometimes Oysters to start, then a nice gourmet burger and a glass of Portuguese wine and or beer.
This for me was the perfect way to relax and unwind from everyday working on the ship, a few hours to recharge the mental batteries and relax my mind. Yes, this beer has been a tad bit expensive, but I wanted to try it. It looked intriguing on the menu. Super Bock ABADIA, a Craft Beer, that was lovely caramelized malty flavour. I only had the one glass, then I went onto the normal cheaper priced Super Bock.
After a few or more beers, I needed to relive myself, so I asked a waiter where the toilet was, and he showed me. Now there was only one toilet facility for all the restaurants. It was situated in the middle between the restaurants and was, what is the word, a public toilet that you pay to use, so it was only like 2 euros. The toilet was also a kind of art gallery, and at the reception area where you pay to use the facilities was a photographic art piece of some body Portuguese body artist. I was wondering to myself what kind of toilet is this? It was interesting photo artwork to look at while doing a pee, I must say. I was fascinated by the body art movement photos that I bought the book for only 10 euros. I only went in for a pee, which cost me 12 euros, 2 euros for the pee, and 10 for the book. After my inspiring pee, I went for one last beer, before going back to the ship. While I was sitting enjoying my beer, I thought to myself, Lisbon is an amazing city, with scenic sights of wonder and awe inspiration. Even going for a pee educates and enthralls the mind, excites your senses, unleashes your desires. In Lisbon you can be creative and a free thinker. Anything is possible if you put your mind and your body to it. Do not be afraid to go against the norm. Embrace yourself and embrace the creativities of life. “Abrace a Vida.”
When I saw this on the toilet wall, it inspired me. Inspired me to want to be body beautiful. It gave me the desire to want to get back to the gym, get myself fit and healthy so I could get a body like Amor Causa.
“Amor Causa is Body art. It is encapsulating inspirational devotion to body movement motion. A pristine pectoral picture frame at its best.”
Sardinia & Corsica:
Sailing into the coast of Sardinia on our way to Cagliari the main capital port of Sardinia.
What to do in Cagliari? Well knowing me and my love for food & drink, off course only naturally I would go in search of a good place to eat. That was what I mostly did on cruise travels, go out to eat and drink. I was on a mission to discover different styles of European food. I was on a culinary journey, a culinary adventure.
I found a nice restaurant called ‘KIMBE’ ‘Terra e Mare di’ Sardegna,’ situated in a little side alleyway. During my travels around European cities, I have discovered that the best places to eat are in the side alleyways away from the main town centre. This is where you will find some unique fresh and tasty dishes. A nice, tasty Clam & Sea Roe pasta. Sea Roe as you may have guessed is fish eggs and is unbelievably delicious when mixed in pasta.
I do not have much else to write about Sardinia as it was only a short visit, only enough time to go out to eat and drink, and that is what I did. What I saw of Sardinia and from what I have read about, I would love to also go back to Sardinia for a proper holiday and explore outside the city and into the countryside. I have many fascinations about many things and Ancient Alien mythologies is another fascination of mine. Sardinia is famous for their ancient aliens, and the Nuraghe civilization, also known as Nuragic. When I was working at Gleneagles in 2003 to 2006, and living in shared accommodation with a chef, we would as I may have told you in the Gleneagles chapter, smoke a lot of weed, after work. This resulted into some rather fascinating and interesting discussions about mythology and conspiracy theories. My chef friend would tell me all about these so-called mythological giants. These he was referring to be The Nephilim Giants, a race of demon angels as my friend called them who inhabited Sardinia during the Nuraghe civilization period. Being highly stoned and tripping out my mind on copious amounts of weed, I enjoyed listening to his tales about these Nephilim giants, and my imagination mind would wonder, I would go and lie in bed later that night and think about these Nephilim giants and if they really did exist, and if they really were demonic angels or maybe they were just.
a race of ancient aliens outcasted by the humans on Earth. I have watched documentaries on the Sky TV channels, I think it was the Sci Fi or maybe Discovery channel, but I have no expertise knowledge on this ancient alien mythology. My chef friend knows a lot about it. While in Sardinia I thought it would have been cool if I had more time to go to the museum in Sardinia and learn more about the Nuraghe civilization and Nephilim Giants. I should have bought a book when I was there, that is what I should have done. Although the books in the Sardinian book shop were all in Italian, so I would not have been able to read them anyway. I could have gone to the museum while I was there. Should have, could have, would have, but I chose to eat and drink instead. Therefore, I need to go back for a proper holiday. Maybe do Portugal Lisbon for one week then fly off to Sardinia for a week, and then to Naples. Yes, let us do a 3-week holiday, in fact why not make it a month holiday, and go to Vigo in North West of Spain for a week, and eat Oysters, then Lisbon, as it is not far to get a bus coach to Lisbon from Vigo Spain. Ah this tie in nicely to the next chapter, my Spanish Culinary Adventure. Oh, but before we get to the Spanish chapter, I should mention we also stopped in Corsica which is next to Sardinia and is part of France. I had 2 hours off in Corsica, so I went to the local market, bought a Corsican bottle opener, and ate some tasty pastries, that is it, that is all I have to say about Corsica. Short but sweet, just like the tasty pastries.
Spain:
I don’t have to tell you all that Spain is full of culinary cultures and many adventorous food styles. Everyone who has been to Spain, knows all about the different exciting tasty cuisines that Spain has to offer, from Seafood, to cured meats, cheeses and exceptionally cooked meals. So it is no new news that Spain is one of the best culinary diverse countries. I will share with you all the delicious delights I got the opportunity to eat. So lets start off with my adventure in Northern Spain and work our way down to the south and then the canary islands. Spain is also a country of scenic beauty, from inspirng landscapes to epic architecture.
Food, scenery, sun and epic architecure what more do you want from a holiday? Oh yes and the wine off course, Spain does produce a decent drop of wine, if I should say so myself. Although on this journey I did not get the chance to visit any of the Spanish Vineyards and wineries. This was a coastal journey, being that that our journey around Spain was on a cruise ship. So I guess I would say this was a coastal culinary adventure, mostly of fresh seafood.
Northern Spain:
Vigo Northwest Spain:
On my first experience into Nortthern Spain, I visited the Galician town of Vigo. At first truth be told me expecations of the town was somewhat limited. I didn’t expect much, when the ship pulled into dock and the first impressions of the town was industrial and a bit run down with graffiti walls and old buildings. But my opinion was soon to change when I ventured out of the ship and into the town. Walking up a small cobbled street, I was pleasenty surprised, to see small alleyways with unique old pirate style taverns, which are now tapas bars. These little alleyways and tapas taverns gave the town a certain piratey charm. I could imagine Johny Depp Jack Sparrow running down these tavernish alleyways being pursued by the Spanish authorities. This area of the old town known as Casco Vello even had a pirate statue on one of the local hotel balcony, which helped give the town that quaint piratey theme and atmosphere to it.
Now Vigo is also a bit of a coastal nautical town, sitauted in the southern part of Vigo Bay. So a coastal town like Vigo, you would expect to find some pretty decent seafood around, and you wouldn’t be wrong. Situted in the street area called Rua Pescaderia, you will find a variety of seafood restaurants. In these restaurants they specialise in a certain type of seafood. Fresh shucked Oysers, or Ostras, as they are called in Spain. Now I wasn’t an Oyster fan before visiting Vigo, and I do admit on my first visit I didn’t try the Oysters, as I was still skeptical about them. To me I have always had that impression that they are horrible slimy sea salty yuckiness. The look, and the idea of having to swallow them just didn’t apeal to me. But seeing these fresh Oysters being shucked in this courtyard of restaurants, and also being told these were among the best Oysters you can get. I was intrigued to want to try some. So I thought, on my secind visit to Vigo, I will pluck uo the courage and go for it, give them a try. What’s the worse that could happen, I don’t like them. Anyway I had a plan, I would order wine with them so I could wash them down easily. Off course I have heard beverages like Champagne go better with Vigo, but I thought I would opt for a local white Albarino made there in Vigo. So Oysters and Albarino it was. So what was my verdict? Well I must say I kind of really enjoyed them, they were a nice starting accompainment to go with the other tapas dishes I had ordered. They kind of made you feel good and pleasurable. Taste, how to describe them, I guess seafoody with a slght firm but soft texture. If that makes sense. Truth be told it is hard to describe them. You either love them or hate them. I can say the fruity accidty in the white wine connected very well with the textured sea saltiness of the Oysters. That’s what I enoyed about them. On other future occasions when I had Oysters again, I had beer with Oysters, which I really enjoyed. Yes I will say this, the red wine also went well with them. I know its not a proper conventional food matching red wine and Oysters. But hey I enjoyed them. I guess I was just in a happy relaxed mood and was enjoying the atmosphere and the surroundings. But I probably would stick to accidity based white wines and sparkings and beers when eating Oysters again. Now I am from Scotland and I am very interested to try Scottish Oysters, maybe with some local Scottish Ale, or even Guinness. As I hear Guinness is good with Oysters. So I am sure when I get a chance to try local Scottish Oysters that will be another story to tell. In the meantime back to Spain and Vigo. So there was my Vigo experience. I got to try Oysters for the first time, and got to see some of the sights of Northern Spain. Apart from the Oysters and tapas, I also tried some Vigo’s fish dishes, Swordfish which was tasty. Simple made flavoured fish with soft waxy potatoes and peppers, which went very well with a garnish flavoured oil. Then dessert, I had an Almond cake with Port poured ontop. That was a treat that was hard to beat. The port soaked in an almond frosted sponge cake, was definitly a tasty end to the lunch.
Sailing away from Vigo, you can see how coastal and picturesque the area is, with rugged small islands dotted around the coastline to coastal beaches. A place you could see yourself sailing around in a yacht, or even in a small fishing boat. This was an enjoyable sail away to watch. Seeing the rugged coastline and seagulls flying alongside the ship. If I were a passenger, I could imagine myself sitting up top deck, or even out in my cabin balcony, with a glass of Spanish Albarino watching the majestic scenery that is Vigo coastline. Instead, out in the crew bar back deck, with phone in hand taking any pictures I thought worthy. Smart phones are great devices these days, lets you capture the majestic moment anytime anywhere.
A Coruna:
Another part of Northern Spain that I visited was the city of A Coruna, also situated in Northwest Spain, which is also famous for its coastal seafood. As the city has a large beach area and a port, it is no surprise that it has amazing seafood. Situated just literally 2 minutes or maybe 1 if you are a fast walker, is an area full of many restaurants and bars. So many amazing restaurants it is so hard to choose which one to eat in. You can find yourself walking the streets, down little side streets and alleyways trying to decide where to eat. But it does not matter what restaurant you choose; you will not be disappointed. From an array of fresh seafood restaurants, offering shared seafood platters, to steak restaurants offering fresh succulent tasty meat dishes. My first visit I chose a seafood restaurant and had a starter of tasty what I can only describe as smoked salmon on a toasted bread cracker, with a wasabi mayo. Sorry Cannot think of a word that explains what it was. It was very tasty and that was the main thing. I sure this menu will explain it better.
For my next course I went for Langoustines, and yes, they were good too. What more can I say about them, big, tasty Shrimp type prawns? And off course washed down with a glass of Albarino. I was really loving the Albarino up in Northern Spain.
After a rather enjoyable seafood lunch, I met up with some fellow crew members who were also out enjoying lunch. If I had known earlier that they were going out for lunch I would have joined them in eating a large seafood platter, that they had with an assortment of razor clams, prawns, calamari, mussels you name it. It was a large bowl filled with all sorts of seafood delights, that I unfortunately missed out on. But as I said the lunch, I had was very enjoyable. Maybe next time I visit A Coruna, I can get some of that seafood platter action. But off course you need at least 2 or more people to help you eat it. Anyway, on meeting my fellow sailors, we went for a walk through the town area, where we walked into what was like a town square, known as The Maria Pita Square, where there was more bars and restaurants situated around. The main attraction was the large town hall. This seemed to be a focal point for people to gather take pics, have a coffee or some lunch, and enjoy the sight.
After stopping to take some pictures of the town hall and the spacious town square, we headed to a coffee/ice cream place, that served a selection of different flavored ice creams. Sorry I did not get a pic of the ice creams. I did however get a picture of one of the customers Dog, who was there. The dog seemed to be giving me a strange look, as if to say, “hey why you take photos of me?” But I like animals and any chance I get to take pictures of interesting animals I go for it.
My second visit into A coruna was not a seafood experience, but instead I opted for a meatier lunch, and thought I try a Spanish steak grill called Parrillada Alcume. Making a change from the seafood diet I had been on while on my Northern Spain adventure. So, what did I eat, I hear you ask and want to see? Well, here it is. Buffalo Mozzarella on sliced tomatoes, Fried Jalapenos peppers to start, then some cut fillets of steak with chips, and off course a glass of red wine. Oh, and the beer to start. I always have a beer while I am browsing the menu.
So, there it is my experience in A Coruna, and what an amazing city it is. Do not think I can or need say anymore. All that is left is to share with you more amazing photos of my time in A Coruna, and if you love seafood, be sure to go there and give it a try, experience the joys of A Coruna for yourself.
Bilboa/Getxo:
My final Northern Spanish adventure was in Bilbao situated in the province of Biscay in what is known as the Basque country. I did not have much time in Bilbao due to having work duties on a port day. I did not even get a chance to go into the actual town of Bilbao, as the ship stopped in the shipping port town, known as Getxo. So, my final Northern Spanish was not in Bilbao but in Getxo instead. So, with only 2 hours to free time, I headed to what I saw looked like a selection of restaurants and bars situated only maximum 10 minutes’ walk from the wharf side. So, without hesitation I thought best to head straight there. At least that gave me plenty of time to have some lunch and experience the culinary delights of the Basque region.
So, what did I eat while in Getxo/Bilbao Basque region, I had Baked Octopus? Again, I had never tried Octopus in such a way, a thought why not. As again I had heard Northern Spain Basque region was well known for their Octopus. This was a nice meaty textured tasty Octopus with a picante spice to it, oh and the roasted potatoes and picante vegetables was very tasty. Well not much else to say about Getxo and Bilbao, as it was a short visit. So, here are the culinary pictures to tell the rest of the story.
Barcelona Brunch and an evening Munch:
Barcelona a Catalonian city of architecture at its finest, with the famous Antonio Gaudi La Sagrada Familia Basilica. A building worth seeing in its towering gothic splendour. After a lengthy tour and walk around this mamoth architectural wonder. Barcelona’s cosmopolitan shopping scene will excite any avid shopper. It’s not just shopping and the wonderous hostorically gothic achitecture that Barcelona has to offer and excite an eager tourist. The city hosts amazing Catalonian culinary delights that will tantalise and arouse your taste buds. So if you are looking for a tasty brunch before an architectual tour or before a day of cosmopoitan shopping. The waterfront area of Port Vell Marina next to the Maremagnum Shopping Centre,
hosts an array of scenic restaurants and bars, offering tasty brunches and lunches, as well as dinner functions. So if you are looking for a tasty light brunch may I suggest Tapa Tapa. The Oysters with Tabasco are orgasmic tunch of the calamari, and a light fresh crisp local white wine.
Cadiz Fish Market:
Cadiz is situated in the South West of Spain in the Andulucia region. So what does Cadiz have to offer in the vast culinary conundrum of Spain? Well Cadiz is an ancient coastal port, so if you are looking for tasty seafood and fish dishes, Cadiz is the place. The Mercado Fish Market is the place to go for tasty fresh fish and seafood dishes. The fish market has many food stalls, offering an array of different style fish and seafood dishes to try. You are definitly spoilt for choice, about where and what to eat. Good suggestion is to try as many food stalls as you can, order small tapas bites, so you can try all the different food stalls. The smell of the fresh fish from the fish mongers, entices you into the market place. You can try all sorts of fish and seafood, from Calamari, Mussels to fresh Oysters. Yes this is a fish market, but it also hosts food stalls offering a selection of tasty spanish chorizo sausages and cheeses, as well as beers and wines. Outside of the fish market the town itself has many bars and restaurants to eat in. Where you can have sit down meals out in the local courtyard areas of the city. You can enjoy fresh grilled Sardines to tasty Swordfish. The best way to find places to eat in Cadiz is to just get out walk around and explore. Spend the day, no rush no hurry, just walk relax, take in the photos of the local architecture, the courtyards, and scenic coastal views. You will be sure to find a bar or restaurant that delights your culinary fantasies. While you are having a walk about the town, you can be sure to come across a shopping extravaganza hidden within small alley way streets. You can easily get lost in the many side streets and alley ways. But not to worry, with each alley way or side street you loose yourself in, you will be sure to find interesting and enticing shops, as well as yes many authentically wonderful bars and restaurants, and not forget the small cafés with a selection of fresh quality coffees and pastries to sit, out in a small side street alley way and watch people go by. This is the type of towm you are happy to get lost in. Because getting lost in this town, is the only way to find the delights and pleasures you been looking for in both food, wine, coffee and shopping.
Culinary Canary Cuisines & Ibiza Inspiration:
So the Canary Islands? Can you find quality culinary food and wine? I must admit, yes the Canary Islands isnt as well known as main land Spain in its culinary field. Most of the well known Spanish dishes you fnd on mainland Spain you will find in Canary Islands, from Paella to Chorizo. But the Canary islands does have great fresh tasty seafood. Yes it seems this journal has been heavily geared towards Spanish fish and seafood dishes. So only natural I shall contnue with the fish and seafood theme. So lets see what fish and seafood the canary islands has to offer. Lets start off with Lanzarote, a black volcanic island that looks like you could be on another planet. So is the food out of this world? I should say, yes. King Prawn Estrella cooked in Brandy and cream sauce. With a local Lanzarote dry white wine. This was definitly a dish that was amazingly out of this world, taste sensation. It had the WOW factor. Probably the best meal I had in the Canary Islands. Best of all was the the scenic view of the boats, sitting out in the hot sun, enjoying a lavishly lush tasty lunch, is what makes that holiday experience all the more worthwhile. A meal that makes you love life, love food, love wine, and love travelling. Now this journal does not state the name of the restaurants I dined at. Truth be told, I was too busy enjoying the amazing food I forgot to take note of the restaurants name. But not to worry as this journal isnt a journal about the restaurants I visited. Well it kind of is and isnt. What I am saying it. This journal is more of a celebration of the regions and towns, cities and countries I visited. It’s a guide to entice you to go to these places and walk seek and find your own culinary delights, in these Spanish towns and cities. May you get lucky and come across the very restaurants I dined in, and I am 100% sure you will find these very restaurants I have been to, and will be pleasently surprised and well happy with yourself that you can and will oneday exeperience the many delighful flavours and spanish dishes I have eaten.
As well as Lanzarote I also tasted 2 other tasty fish dishes in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Gran Canaria I had a rather morishly tasty fish of the day, with mussels and prawns in a tasty garlicy pesto sauce. Then onto Tenerife for a seared grilled Tuna steak on a bed of tomato cous cous. All washed down with local fresh white wine.
As well as the Canary Islands I also made a quick stop to Ibiza. Yes Ibiza is well known for its 18 to 30’s party lifestyle. But there is more to Ibiza than just a party place. Yes you can find some really nice enjoyable Spanish dishes to delight your holiday, may it be a party holiday or a whatever. One dish I tried was a black seafood Paella. Now I would not have even mentioned Ibiza in my Spanish culinary journal, had it not been for the black Paella. I have never had a black Paella before so this was a new Spanish culinary experience for me. How was it? Well it was very good, very rich, very morish and very very filling. The type of dish, where you kind of start to get full half way through, but you keep on eating, why? Because it is morishly flavourfull. It may look charcolaed burnt, but it is far from burnt, trust me, if you never had black paella before, you should definitly try it. Now having said that, you don’t have to go all the way to Ibiza to get it. Yes you can get black paella mostly anywhere in Spain. But if you are in Ibiza and want to try a differerent style of Paella, that’s if you havent already tried it, then give it a go.
Beach Chilin and Barbeque Fish Grillin in Malaga:
Sitting on the beach in Malaga with the sun shining down, sipping well quenchingly thirsty drinking a cold beer, with the sand on your feet, and the sea in view, is what most people go to Spain for. Malaga being a typically famous region for British tourists to flock to for sun, sea, sand, and beer. So, what better to eat for a tasty lunch? A nice fresh barbequed fish and a light side salad. Beer and fish barbeque on a Spanish beach in the sun, cannot get any better than that. Or can it? Ok I am sure there are other amazing life experiences and pleasures. But this is a holiday pleasure to be had. That is all I need to say about my experience in Malaga. Barbeque fish on the beach and cold beer, while listening and watching a Spanish guitar player, playing, and singing Santana songs on the beach. I filmed him playing on my smart phone video. Unfortunately, I cannot post videos, on a written journal. I guess you will just have to go to Malaga in summer and see him play, while enjoying barbeque fish and beer on the beach. If he is no longer there, if you go, now that I have excited you with the prospect. I am sure there will be other beach buskers playing tunes on the beach, while you eat drink and enjoy, in the sun and sea.
That was it, out European itinerary was over, and were back in Southampton to prepare for our 8-day voyage at sea across the Atlantic Ocean on our way to Miami to start our Caribbean itinerary cruise. Europe was amazing, I had seen parts of Spain, Italy, France, and Portugal that I had never been to before, and tasted some good dishes, I had never tried before. I even got my first taste and love for Oysters. This would also be the end to the European/British passengers that had dominated the demographics of the cruise. The ship used to put on a disco evening in the main promenade, including Britannia music night, that celebrated everything British. These disco events where every busy and we would get lots of British passengers ordering gin cocktails from what was supposed to be a wine bar but had been temporality changed to a gin bar to accommodate the British passengers drinking needs and desires. I must admit they were fun nights to work in, lots of drinking and music and dancing. The Entertainment team of dancers and singers would dress up in union jack costumes and sing and dance British themed songs for the passengers, including. The British loved it and as any typical drunk British on holiday, off course they joined in and sang along and danced. The Caribbean itinerary would be quite different, as the ship would mostly be filled with American passengers, so the Vintages wine bar was changed back to a wine bar to accommodate the American palate, who enjoy sitting in a wine bar and relax with a nice glass of wine. American’s were not big on disco drunk parties, like the British and they preferred to just relax with fine wines and go to bed early. This was fine by me because it meant we could close the bar earlier. British passengers tend to stay until last orders ordering in copious amounts of alcohol before the bar shuts, meaning they will sit for longer until the early hours.
Caribbean Cruising
Crossing the Atlantic:
Middle of the Atlantic Ocean:
If you have ever crossed the Atlantic Ocean on your way to Miami from Southampton by sea, you will know the feeling. 8 days at sea can be quite boring, while at same a bit enthralling, when the ship reached the middle of the Atlantic Ocean the Captain made an announcement to inform everyone. It is quite a special and fascinating feeling to look out into the Ocean and know that you are in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, your imagination wonder what lies beyond. Ok you know what lies beyond, the United States off course, because that was where the ship was heading, but your imagination still wonders what it must have been like when Christopher Columbus set sail exploring the expanse of this great Ocean. For me I sat in the back deck of the crew bar and was imagining what great sea creatures and beasts where beneath the great abyss of the Atlantic Ocean. So, see the middle of the Atlantic Ocean was a special moment filled with imaginative awe. There were not many sights to see, expect the vastness of the ocean, but I love the Ocean waves so for me it was an impressive sight. Nighttime was even more impressive, especially when you could see the bright stars up above, including Orion’s Belt. Everywhere I go I always see Orion’s Belt brightly in the nights sky, and I must say every time I see Orion’s Belt I feel at home. I feel a sense of happiness and calm, a sense of homely belonging. Maybe I am an Alien from one of the three stars, Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka, that make up Orion’s Belt. I have never really understood human behaviour. I guess that is why I have never had a proper relationship with a woman, because I just do not understand their way of thinking but saying that I think that is the case for all men. I do not think any man knows what goes on in a woman’s mind, that is what makes them fascinating.
So, 8 days at sea, what do the crew do? Simple answer, work, eat, drink, sleep. It is a good chance to catch up on sleep, when not working.
Caribbean Cruising:
St Maarten:
Finally land ahoy after 8 days at sea, and a chance to get off the ship stretch my legs and enjoy a well-deserved Caribbean Rum Mojito. St Maarten was our first Caribbean stop after 8 days at sea, and I made the most of it, even though I only had 2 hours shore leave, due to gangway duties. I managed to get a few hours off in the afternoon to go out and do what I do best, eat and drink.
It was November and I had about a month and a half left on my contract before my 3-month vacation was due to start, and I would head back home to Scotland. On the Caribbean itinerary there was a lot of port day duties, like more wine cabin deliveries and wheelchair assistance gangway duties, where I had to help push people in wheel chairs up the gangway, and I tell you some of those wheelchairs are mighty heavy to push, and that is why there are usually 3 wheelchair assistants. I was not too bothered about doing these port day duties, as I would be going home soon, and I had seen a lot of Europe that I wanted to see, so me I had achieved my ship travelling experiences. If I got a chance to go out in the Caribbean ports and in Fort Lauderdale, it was a bonus for me, and I made the most of it, by indulging in tasty Caribbean food. Oh, and I had some amazing eats in some of the Caribbean ports. From St Thomas US Virgin Islands where I had a finger licking Caribbean Chicken and rice and mash potato dish.
I also saw some Iguana Lizards by the port side, which was very cool I must say.
US Virgin Islands, St Thomas:
I saw one guy go up to them to try and touch them on the face, and I was thinking to myself this is not a good idea, I would not do that if I was you dude. Its gonna bite ya finger off, but it did not. Even though it is probably best to look but do not touch, can never know what a wild animal will do. I guess they are used to humans, because they hang around the port most of the time and see a lot of cruising tourists. They were just posing about in the sun for photos.
Puerto Rico:
Ah Puerto Rico, and a sightseeing walk around, Castillo San Cristobal. Built by the Spanish in 1783, to protect the city of San Juan from any outside attacks. What a fortress it is, there is so much to explore it is that big. It takes a few hours to get around much of the fortress, and it is a must visit for any tourist, that is if you like sightseeing around old fortresses. Some holiday tourists like shopping, eat and drinking, others like to explore old historical sights, and some like to do both, whatever makes you happy on your holiday that is all that matters. It was good that I had the whole day off, and no morning or afternoon duties. My shift was due to start at 5pm, so I had plenty of time to do the whole historical sightseeing thing and have a nice lunch somewhere. This next photo was very cool to look out the lookout post and see part of the city and the coast below. You really must be there to see the view for yourself, yes, the photo’s capture the impressive view, but as you can imagine seeing the view direct from the lookout posts with the naked eye is way better. What I think these photos do is hopefully entice your mind and make you want to go travel there and see for yourself.
Senor Frogs, San Juan, Puerto Rico:
If you have never been to Senor Frogs restaurant, let me explain to you this energetic restaurant concept. It is a themed restaurant yes, and they have them all over certain Caribbean ports. I have seen them in Cozumel Mexico, and I think they have them in Miami and Las Vegas. When I saw let me explain to you this restaurant concept, I sit here thinking what can I write? How do I explain it? I mean you really must go there and see it for yourself, taste the ambience and the food and drink, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy yourself. Be free to have crazy fun, wear balloon hats, while you eat and drink. That is all I can say about the place. Go and enjoy the fun. Oh, and the Enchiladas are good too.
Cozumel Mexico:
If you love Margheritas, and big ones then you will love Cozumel.
I love Mexican food; it is one of my favourite food in the world. The Shrimp Tacos in Cozumel, amazing, with some fresh Guacamole on the side.
I asked the waiter for some hot sauce, like Tabasco, because I love my Mexican food extremely hot. I was expecting him to bring me a bottle of hot sauce, like Tabasco like they do in Mexican restaurants in UK, when you ask for hot sauce. Although this was the real Mexico I was in, this was not some UK Mexican themed restaurant, oh no, this was the real deal. Anyway, what he brought me was fresh chili hot sauce, that had been homemade by the Chefs. He warned me that I think it was the green one, that was the hottest, and asked if I am ok with it. I said yeah man I love it hot, and it was hot, oh yeah, but good hot, good. My mouth is salivating as I type, thinking about those crispy Shrimp Tacos dipped in the homemade hot sauce, and washed down with an ice-cold Sol. That is another place on my list that I need to explore more of Mexico. I even hear that they make wine in Mexico, although I never seen anywhere selling it. Perhaps that is a future adventure for me. I can do a documentary on Mexican wines, go to Mexico explore the wine regions and try some delicious Mexican food with it.
After your meal they even give you a complimentary shot of Mexican water as they call it.
Falmouth Jamaica:
Jamaica what I do in Jamaica man? Not much but again eat and drink. When we stopped in Jamaica I stayed within the confines of the Port, they had bars restaurants, duty free shops, so there was not much need to go outside into the town, plus this was another port where I only had 2 hours off duty. I also heard that Jamaica is dangerous place and is known for its muggings. I heard unruly locals threaten single tourists on their own at knife point and mug them of their belongings. I not sure if these were just rumour’s, but I was not taking any chances, on my own in a place I have never been before. Simon Reeves the travel documentary maker said when I watched his tv show, “Everybody needs to be pushed out of their comfort zone. Otherwise, you don’t feel alive.” Watching his travel shows on tv, and listening to his words, it is kind of helped me to understand my own ambitions and desires in what I want to do in life. For me it was good advice, as I am quite a shy and nervous person with fears of anxiety, and it made me realize if I want to be successful in life and reach my ambitions of one day becoming a Documentary Filmmaker, I need to go outside your comfort zone, and explore new places, to push myself beyond my fears. I should not be afraid to go visit a city or place just because there was a terrorist attack there. It is like London after the Terrorist attacks, I was fearful to ever go there again, and it consumed me with depression and sadness that I may never be able to return to visit London again. Just because bad things happen in the world and there are bad people committing evil acts upon the world, I should not be fearful, to go back to places like London. There will always be evil in the world, we cannot change that, but what we can do is be more observant and aware of our surroundings and yes travel with a cautious mind, but also embrace the fear and the unknown with a strong heart and mind. The more we travel, the more we will learn about the world, and can then try to do better for the world. Write journals, make documentaries that will create awareness for the greater good. That is how we can defeat evil, through our stories of hope. we will also meet good people in bad places, and those good people will enrich and live in our memories forever. So, after all that moral words of courage, and what Simon Reeves advised, why didn’t I go out of the port’s gates and out of that tourist comfort zone? I had not seen the Simon Reeves Travel TV show back then, in November 2019 when I was working on the ships, I only saw it last week February 2021. So back then my mind was stay in the comfort zone and eat Jamaican Jerk Chicken and drink Red Stripe beers.
Labadee Haiti:
Labadee located on the Northern coast of Haiti leased to Royal Caribbean, where Passengers can enjoy a day at the beach, and enjoy the beach bars and buffet restaurants. All the bars and restaurants are manned by crew from the ship and must be set up early in the morning from the ships supply. Working in Labadee was hot, and tiring. We had to meet at 5.30am at the ship’s gangway, waiting till 6am to take all the equipment needed to set up the beach bars, which were small wooden huts made into bars, and 2 crew bar tenders were allocated to work in each bar. I cannot remember how many bars there was on the resort, but there was enough. After taking to bar equipment to the main storage shed and collecting all the bottles of drink that we needed to set up the bar, we headed to our allocated bar. Now I was a Wine Tender on Royal Caribbean and I only had my wine uniform which was black trouser and a Burgundy coloured long sleeve shirt. The bar tenders had their beach bar tenders uniform, which was dark navy-blue shorts and a marine light blue polo shirt. Oh, how I wished I had got beach bar uniform from the uniform room on the ship, because I was dying in my Wine Tenders uniform and I do not need to tell you what it is like to wear black trousers in scorching summer heat. It was literally a fiery hot Hell for me. The sweat and heat was unbearable, but I had to soldier on and get through my shift. My shift would finish at 11am, and by the time 11am came I was out of there and headed straight for the communal toilets on the resort to change into my beach shorts and gym tank top t-shirt because that was me finished my shift for the day. I was not back on duty until 4.30pm. Before I left the bar where I was working, the other bar tender gave me a double shot of Vodka to smash down. The Vodka was warm, and went straight to my head, but it felt good, a good c relaxed calming feeling came over me. So, after changing into my shorts and t-shirt, I got the small boat to Belly Beach. Belly Beach is a small, secluded beach for crew only to use. It is kind of like the Labadee crew beach bar. Once I arrived at Belly Beach, I asked for a cold beer, smashed that down quick and asked for another cold beer, in fact they just kept coming, when the Haitian guy who was working there, saw my bottle was nearly empty he would bring me another one.
They even sold food, and Lobster was only $10, so I ordered both Lobster and Parrotfish, well I asked for fish, because I did not know what Parrotfish was, until he told me what fish it was when he served me. The fish came with fried Plantain and Caribbean style rice. It was ok, simple, and tasty. Yes, I know the fish may not look much, and does I admit look a bit skeletal in appearance, but I assure you there was enough meat on it. I think I may have eaten a fair bit of it before taking the photo. The Lobster was a little overcooked and a bit chewy rubbery, but the sun was shining, the beers were flowing, and the sea was warm and inviting, so I ate, I enjoyed, and I drank. I was thankful with what I had, after all I was working in paradise locations, an overcooked $10 Lobster was no big deal, and dipped into some fresh homemade chili sauce and washed down with an ice-cold beer made it more enjoyable.
Miami Fort Lauderdale:
Evening sail away from Miami Fort Lauderdale was impressive, especially when you see the sun setting beneath the Miami skyline. Miami is a must see, but I never got to see Miami properly, I only got to see Ross discount store in Fort Lauderdale and had a mighty fine burger at BURGERFI. The Double CEO Wagu Burger and a local craft beer, Jai Alai from Cigar City Brewery was a good munch. I ate there twice, but not on the same day, on 2 separate visits. My second visit I tried the Wagu Bacon Cheddar Melt, and a thick milkshake, I cannot remember what flavour. Overall a good hunger busting meal at BURGERFI. It was Just around the corner from Ross discount store where everyone goes for cheap everything. It is basically like UK’s B&M stores or Home Bargains.
Even though I never had time to go into Miami city centre, I found some good places to eat near Ross, so it was all good. Cheap shopping at Ross then a nice Miami munch. If you think the Burger looks good, wait till you check out Kelly’s Landing in Fort Lauderdale. Lobster, Garlic Butter, Baked Potato and sour cream and a Hollywood beer. Then for dessert the Miami famous Key Lime Pie and a glass of Chardonnay.
My 7-month contract was finished, and I was ready for a well-deserved 3-month vacation and looking forward to visiting my mum in Spain for Christmas. It is always good to get Christmas off, especially when you work in hospitality and the cruise industry. I was glad I wasn’t working on the ship Christmas time, although I am sure it is probably good fun, with all the Christmas and New Year Crew Bar parties, and I am sure I would have made the most of the crew celebrations and got my drunk dance on the dance floor. After flying back home to Scotland from Miami, I went up to Aberdeen to visit some friends before flying to Spain for Christmas. I love Aberdeen at Christmas time, especially visiting the Christmas markets, and drinking a big glass of beer.
My few days in Aberdeen, was very eventful, drinking at Christmas market and catching up with some friends in Aberdeen. We started off drinking a bottle of Vodka in my hotel room, and nearly got thrown out hotel, because there were complaints that we were playing music too loud. So we headed out into town, and went to a strip club and got Christmas lap dances, which was fun. Its always a good fun time in Aberdeen at Christmas time. After a fun few days in Aberdeen I got a flight from Aberdeen Airport to Murcia in Spain to start my Christmas holidays. As they say in Spain, “Feliz Navidad.”
