Let the work commence.......

We were fortunate enough to start our shift pattern with 2 days off before we had to start work. The first day was taken up by induction meetings. The second day by settling in and finding our way round this vast ship. Our very roomy cabin certainly will suit us well for 3 months with a living space, mini kitchen, double bed and bathroom. Plus a view over the next ship on the docks with a hive of activity during the day.
Our shift pattern is 2 days on 3 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off. Start at 7:00 finish at 19:00 hrs with 2 long breaks in between.
Eugene's work in the galley is not easy at all, apart from a long day on your feet is also noisy and warm with a generous dose of African gospel music thrown in. This makes the language barrier a bit of a challenge at times! I am in the cold section and the easy peeler quickly became my best friend attacking 2 cases of cucumbers in quick succession! There are 18 of us in the galley, 2 of us from the UK/NL.
Sally is in the dining room to help stock the serveries and drinks counters as well as help clearing away and sorting out the dirty dishes and cutlery. A lot of contact with the crew which suits Sally who is not shy of talking to anyone! There are 15 in the team with 4 from Western Europe/US.
First day off is spend having a rest, getting in the gym and doing the laundry. We also had an hour deck time with the patients on the veranda outside, playing games and trying to communicate in pigeon English and with our hands. A lot of children with leg operations that are not mobile yet. It brings it home why we are there!Read more