Interesting that we just went on a cruise a couple of weeks ago…and now there is one drawing all kinds of attention in the media. We really hated to hear that a ship had encountered trouble. I am glad however that a lot of the passengers have expressed that the staff made the best of the situation.
It had been years since we had taken a cruise, until recently.
We have traveled with the carnival line before…but this time we happened to be with a different company.
I’m not sure how a company can encourage their workers to perform their best at all times. The staff seem to keep a great attitude day in and day out. They have always seem to bend over backwards to help in any way possible. Matter of fact when we disembarked the ship, when our vacation was over, we entered the real world….it was very interesting how differently people treated one another. Employees on land acted as if you were a bother to them and as if you got on their very last nerve. I can understand that to some degree. I have worked with the public….and the public on a whole can be very demanding and rude.
On that particular day….I seemed to notice it more. I do hope that I will keep the two different types of treatment in my mind. I pray that I will apply kind actions and words in my daily life. It makes you feel good when someone greets you with a smile instead of an annoyed look. I’m afraid I will be having to do some real soul searching and constant re-evaluating with myself to achieve such a positive disposition.
Because of the attitudes on the ship….. it made our trip very enjoyable. I admire all of the hard work they tirelessly perform.
There is so much to see and do…..
They have multiple pools and hot tubs….
A Carousel….
Two of these rock climbing walls…
They even offer dance classes….
This was a flash mob dance class…which they performed later in the week. It was fun to watch people of all ages participate.
There was a putt-putt course on board….
Billy and I seem to do that better than dancing….
Here is a look at the inside of the back of the ship from the upper deck where we golfed….
They had this zip line….that went across the ship….
this is what you would see beneath you. YIKES!!!!
You could ride the flow rider….
Or just sit a spell and enjoy the surroundings.
Of course cruises are know for all the food they have to offer….
Which while I was taking this picture….I noticed Billy was at the counter…
And well….let’s just say….I think he tried one of every kind of food the ship offered…
but that was alright….there is even a gym where you can work out…to burn up all those extra calories!
Fine dining was offered if you wanted to experience it….if not they had plenty of casual places to eat as well.
We ate in the casual cafe’s during the day….and actually dressed up for dinner in the evenings.
We took this in our cabin before heading out to dinner….
He’s a handsome little thing.
This was another night ….we asked a guy passing by if he would take our picture…..
We found that dressing up for dinner…was kind of fun……every now and then. I have to tell you about the handkerchief in Billy’s coat pocket. That is actually a doo rag. We bought it on the trip so he wouldn’t burn his head. This particular night I noticed that it matched his tie…so I folded it and placed it in his pocket. I thought it turned out nice.
This part of the ship that was called Central Park. It had beautiful greenery everywhere and was so peaceful to stroll through.
Our balcony actually overlooked it….
We attended many shows that were professionally performed. The variety of talent is amazing…there was something that appealed to everyone.
After returning to the room…
It was amazing to see how the staff had prepared your room and left personal touches for your enjoyment. Like this puppy dog.
And….
this cute monkey. Does this staff ever sleep? They are up and at it early in the mornings and they continue until late at night…..amazing.
We went with some friends and had a very relaxing and enjoyable trip. It was also fun getting to know some of the staff and learning where they were from and about their families. Over 62 countries were represented on that ship. That is amazing.
The staff made a huge impression on my life. I learned a lot from them. I will have to say I felt bad about being waited on, watching others work, while I vacationed. When we talked about it…they expressed how grateful they were for ships like these that brought a job to them and an income to their families. They were just doing their job….and they were more than happy to work. I saw that they truly were grateful, they showed it in their actions and their smiles everyday. They make great sacrifices by being away from their families for months at a time. We often complain if we have to work a little overtime. Most of us get to go home after work and see our loved ones….yet we complain about our jobs. They tend to make the best of the situation….and are appreciative for the opportunities that they have been given. WOW….talk about humility.
I hope that I will be that gracious as I go back to work here in my corner of the world. I pray I will have a grateful heart and good attitude….and treat others the way I enjoyed being treated that week.
Colossians 3:17
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
I've Gone Country 