UPDATES FROM THE ISLAND!!

January 6, 2008

Just Cruising…

Day two aboard the island princess. Haven’t yet figured out much of how things are run here, but what I do know is the ship is gorgeous and I am absolutely obsessed with it. I’ve always heard of cruise ships as floating resorts, but I have to say that this goes beyond resort in terms of luxury status. Everything impeccably clean, polished, gleaming and gold. For a person who adores the finer things in life, this is paradise.

Day One was port day. Turn around for all the crew on board, and for me, the beginning of what is sure to be one of the most exciting jobs I’ve ever had. After being picked up from the Crown Plaza Hotel in Acapulco and shuttled along with another Guest Entertainer (a comedian/magician also from the states), I was given my first glimpse of the vessel which will now be known as “home” for the next six months. A massive structure, yet not so grand that the intimate feel it offers is lost. Also freakishly long and narrow, considering that it is the largest cruise to squeeze through the Panama Canal. At this point I was simply amazed that I ended up here without a hitch in my travel plans. No flight delays, no hotel mix-ups, and fast and easy entrance aboard the ship. Well, expect for the fact that upon first check-in I was given the room key for Mr. and Mrs. Cooper. Who were staying in the luxury suites. A terrible disappointment when that key was handed back, let me assure you. After settling into my own somewhat smaller room, it was off to lunch with Noelle and Ernie, two of the show teachers that I worked with back in L.A. Ernie is helping to put up the shows with our new cast, while Noelle came aboard to help me learn the ropes. Which pretty much means seeing the shows, laying out, and exploring the ports. A pretty sweet gig. After a tour of the cruise and some unpacking, it was off to the Bordeaux dining room for a delicious 5 course meal, of will I could only make room for three. I tell you though, they will have to roll me off the ship when this contract is over, I will be so completely stuffed! Following dinner and some champagne, twas off to my very first viewing in the Princess Theatre of the Welcome aboard show, a quick five minute act prior to the crew intro in which I sing a little ditty and twirl a bit. Its so hard to merely be in the audience, however, as I am already itching to be aboard. Ah well, patience is a virtue, yada yada…
Show was followed by a visit to the explorers round and then off to my bed. First night aboard ship, and let me tell you, I slept like a rock. Something about the rocking of the water just lulls you to an intense slumber.

Today, up and ready to go explore some more of the ship. Started with the gym, which has some good equipment, but more importantly, is completely surrounded by windows which overlook the entire view as the ship is passing. I usually get bored to tears on the treadmill, but having this amazing view made it almost fun. I know gym-fun, odd combo, but I loved it. Then some breakers from the horizon court. What more could a girl need then delish fresh fruit every morning? The Island docked in Huatulco, Mexico around ten, and since this whole rehearsal period is pretty laid back, Noelle and I were able to disembark and go exploring. 200 pesos later, I am now the proud owner of a straw hat… and bag! I am officially vacationing for half a year. Next on the rehearsal agenda was laying out by the pool, which we undertook with amazing skill. Hey, all cruise ship entertainers need a little color, ci? Now back in my room preparing for my first formal night (thank you Micaela for all the homecoming dresses… on loan, of course!). Going to watch Motor City, one of my favorite shows. Dear lord, please keep me from sprinting on to that stage and busting out a tune. (Can you tell I’m eager to begin?) Then its off to another five course meal (eeks!) and another peaceful night of being carried to sleep by the steady waves.

Till next time, peace, love, and sunscreen!



January 12, 2008

Over a week aboard the Island. Goodness how time flies when you’re… doing pretty much nothing. Hey, a week of self-indulgence never hurt anyone! And in a couple of days, the ship will arrive in San Juan and my three other singers will be on board. Then let the madness begin.

Yesterday was Panama Canal day, which is actually extremely listening. The whole process of going through the canal takes almost the entire day, and can be a bit. However, when the boat got to swiftly sailing in the middle of the passage, the surrounding scenery was absolutely stunning lush greenery which one would never expect to witness in the middle of January, like a slice of land cut from Jurassic Park. And to think of all the rich history behind it all. The men who lost their lives trying to create this completely manmade passage, and all of the commerce it eventually allowed… I feel like I’m living the pages of a history book.

Watched the show “Tribute” last night, which I think is so much fun. Basically, it’s a rock concert with and insane set that is constantly revolving, moving up and down and all around. But the best part is the music. A little Beatles, a little Rat Pack, some Beach Boys. Man, it is so hard to keep watching these shows and not simply pounce on the stage. I am so ready to get started, its ridiculous. Tonight will be especially interesting, as our new troupe of dancers is opening their first show… with the departing singers. We will be joining them next week, but it will be somewhat odd to watch them perform without me. I might sneak on up there and throw out some kick ball changes just to feel like part of the action!

Tomorrow is Aruba… cannot wait! I have heard so much about the crystal clear ocean, white sandy beaches and yummy yummy food, I’m pretty much salivating at the thought of it. Not to mention the fact that cabin fever is full on now. I have not been off this ship since Huatulco, 7 days ago. Granted I may have a fabulous tan, but these limbs are aching to frolic on the shore!

So I will keep you posted once the shows begin. For now, here’s to 3 more days of vaca!

Till next time, peace, love, and three berry daiquiris!



January 17, 2008

Day twelve aboard the Island Princess. Cannot believe I have been aboard for almost 2 weeks. Granted, the first ten days were and utter snooze cruise, consisting of drinks by the pool and lavish dinners in the eve. But now the madness all begins. Finally, my three amazing singers arrived on board in San Juan two days ago, and ever since we have been going non-stop. Costume fittings, rehearsals with the dancers, sounds eq’s, the works. Funny how just yesterday I complained for lack of activities to keep me occupied. As I type now, I am absolutely drained, bundled up in my fuzzy terry bathrobe and slippers, contemplating early retirement. Honestly, more than anything, I am so jazzed about getting this first show up and running. “Piano Man” is show numero uno, and my favorite to sing, so it will certainly get things off to a running start. Today marked our first day of dress/tech, which brought the show to a whole new level for me. A bit of pandemonium, a bit of tripping over feathers, losing earrings down my dress, coming insanely close to face planting down the stairs. You know, the usual. But when all is said and done, I have complete faith that this show will come off splendidly in the end.

If I don’t jump overboard first.

More updates to come!

Till next time, peace, love, and bedazzled ballgowns!


January 22, 2008

Two shows down, three to go! We opened “Do You Wanna Dance” last night, which is pretty much a snooze fest for us singers, as we only sing about five numbers. A little rocky, but we made it through. Right now the whole cast is pretty much on mental overload, so it is somewhat of a challenge to get through these shows as we spend the entire day rehearsing a completely different one. But we will survive I suppose! And r thank goodness we are now working our way west, which means about every other night an hour is gained. It was heavenly to be able to sleep just that extra bit.

I’d have to say the hardest part about cruising as a Guest Entertainer is out status confusion. Technically we are guest entertainers, and yet we are also part of the crew. It is a delicate balance and has caused a couple errors so far. For instance, today we finally had a couple spare hours off of rehearsals, and the singers planned to disembark and go exploring around Costa Rica (mostly for the coffee!) However, due to the fact that I was just added to the crew list, I have to obtain a flu shot and cannot get off quite yet. So I write this from the ships Atrium, a prisoner of the work place! Oi! But I have no right to complain, as there are certainly many worse places to be trapped. I fear my imprisonment will include an hour by the pool, followed by a nap, followed by perusing the art gallery. Tough life, I know!

So in two nights we open “Tribute”, which was once my favorite show due to the fabulous music. Some Rat Pack, Beatles, Beach Boys…. Oh, how it has become the bane of my existence! Rotating, rising stages and jungle gym set pieces are not my cup of tea. But at least it’s a work out. I will keep all updated on the opening experience, if I am not maimed by the set first.

Well, off to the jail cell I go.

Till next time, peace, love, and shuffle board!