This is Only Just the Beginning

This is the very first post on my brand spankin' new blog!
I plan to use this blog for my family and friends (new and old!) to follow along on my journey hitting the high seas. Also, for those who are interested in working on a cruise ship, please feel free to use this as a source of first hand "life onboard" information. Through my posts, opinions and stories are that of my own and will not reflect my employer or those mentioned in any posts.

I feel like I should start at the very beginning....
In December 2010, my parents and I vacationed on the Carnival Fascination from Jacksonville, FL., to Nassau, Bahamas. Our trip was intended to find out if this was what I wanted to do. I had an unreal time (even though the weather was COLD!) and had an opportunity to meet with the Cruise Director (CD), and Assistant Cruise Director (ACD). They gave me a fabulous contact at head office in Miami, and I landed myself an interview downtown Toronto the following February. Less than two weeks later I found out I was a successful Entertainment Crew Member candidate and was to start lining up a unbelievably extensive medical and criminal record check. If you are planning on working on a cruise ship, expect this process to take FOREVER! Here it is July, and I juuuuust found out my start date. However, I'm sure this journey of a lifetime will be WELL worth the wait!

I recently heard that I will be training in Tampa Bay, FL., for three weeks starting Aug 22, 2011. Flying out of Toronto.... They are paying... BONUS!! After I complete my training I will be off to the ship I am best suited for based on my personality (which I am going to put on display so I land a SWEET ship.. fingers crossed:) ). Once I am on a ship I will be hitting the high seas for a 6 month contract. I can't describe how excited.. and nervous I am to make this HUGE step (in the right direction). My biggest fear is how homesick I am going to be and... not going to lie... Tsunami's. I'm a tough girl, and have been away from home before, so I'm sure I will be fine. But for right now, that is where my head's at. I've been looking online for different blogs, or youtube videos on what life onboard is like.... I have found nothing. Hopefully this blog will be what I was looking for, for other successful cruise line candidates.

All for now!.... Stay tuned!

Ciao xo
Amanda

Mom & Dad and I, on the Fascination 

Port of Nassau, Bahamas.... It was COLD!