“Living the Dream” – Day 7 of our 1/2 world trip aka Year 2, Day 150, Saturday, September 24, 2022. We are at sea today on our way to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It is very foggy and the Seas are really rocking. The barf bags are hanging on the stair railings. The waves are hitting us in the side of the boat. It is fun taking a shower in a rocking boat. Apparently there are covid issues on board. Our app now says to stay out of the corridors between 3:30am and 5am as they are sanitizing and fogging the corridors between those times. We have to have a covid test on Wednesday in order to board the Ovation of the Seas in Vancouver, British Columbia. Canada. We have to be negative to continue with our next leg of our trip on to Hawaii. If positive, we can’t board the ship. Last time we tried multiple back to back cruises, Steve tested positive. Royal Caribbean would not allow us on board and home we went. The crew on board this ship are covid tested every two weeks. Today was their testing day. Our next ship Ovation of the Seas, which we are cruising to Hawaii on passed us at Sea today. How cool is that. Today we were invited to lunch with the officers. Actually, they just introduced themselves and made a toast. They are not back to sitting with the guests to share lunch. All employees are still required to wear masks at all times. The meal served was the best meal we have had on the ship. It was delicious. We sat with others who are Pinnacle which is the highest level in the Crown and Anchor club. We were the low level cruisers at the table. After lunch we noticed that the elevator said Tuesday. I have never been on a ship where the days were not changed in all the elevators a little after midnight with the correct day. Oops, someone changed it to the incorrect day. Tonight is formal night and we have the same very quiet six dinner mates tonight again. They listen quietly to our stories, complaints, and jokes. I have to give a shout out to Natalia the best Diamond Lounge concierge person we have ever had. She has the sweetest, kindest personality and also takes actions to solve anyone’s issues. I can see how guests all love to interact with her. When you meet her you can feel her love for life and her position. Natalia is from Ukraine and has been with Royal Caribbean since 2015. She was promoted last month from Guest Services to Concierge where she is in her probationary period until the end of October. As far as I can tell she is doing a great job fulfilling all the job requirements of a concierge position. She also makes every person who walks into the Diamond lounge feel special from the guests to her co workers. She has mastered these common duties and responsibilities for a Concierge :
• Maintain updated knowledge of assets specific to the company’s needs.
• Greet guests and confirm reservations.
• Maintain positive ongoing relationships.
• Maintain high ethical standards and professionalism.
• Multitask and prioritize as necessary to meet customer needs.
• Uphold company culture at all times while making guests feel welcomed and valued.
• Possess exceptional customer service and people skills.
• Be a detail oriented individual who listens well.
• Be able to anticipate someone’s needs in order to provide a wonderful customer experience.
We also have wonderful servers throughout the ship. It is really foggy this evening and we are listening to the ships horn blow every few minutes. Warning other ships that we coming.
Today’s product recommendations are traveling essentials. 1) Luggage hand cart – we love this cart for easy rolling for easy cruise carry-on bags. Even when you can’t go to your room right away this is so easy to walk around the ship with. Here’s the link https://amzn.to/3s37EOw
2) This large toiletry bag is the best. Steve has the black and I have the pink. We both absolutely love them. Here’s the link https://amzn.to/3v1p6ok and picture
