February 18, 2024

I’ve been on a lot of cruises over time, and I always make sure to get my hair cut a few days before I board the cruise ship, so that I don’t have to go to the expensive spa for a haircut.  Well, obviously after just over five weeks on board, I needed my hair cut.  So, yesterday I got my first on board haircut in the spa. 

What a fantastic experience.  From now on, I will go aboard every cruise needing a haircut.  I was in the chair for nearly an hour.  She washed my hair, massaged my scalp, cut my hair, trimmed my eyebrows and mustache, shaved my little ear hairs, and trimmed my neck.  WOW, it was good.  Great Clips, about ten minutes.  I had no idea what I was missing.  Just a heads up if you get the chance, try it.  I booked a pedicure for Tuesday; I’ve never had one of those either. 

And now it’s time for another episode of Pool Chronicles:

I have now officially been crowned Pool Deck Monitor. 

As such, I have made some interesting observations.  No matter how early I get to the pool or how long I stay, there is one couple that sits in the same chairs at the same table every day.  They drink Champagne over ice, all day.  And the glasses are refilled several times an hour.   For the record, I saw them in the Club while I was eating Sushi one evening and sure enough, they each had a glass of champagne over ice.  I don’t know how they can do that.   The retired Doctors are there every day and are always interesting to listen to.  And I’m sure there are guests that would mention the fat guy that sits around the pool drinking Margaritas all day, but I never see him. 

Yesterday afternoon was the Cardboard ship building classic.  Some guests collect, with the help of the crew, cardboard and other recyclables from around the ship, build a boat and sail it from one end of the pool to the other.  This cruise produced 6 teams and 6 boats.  It’s clear that some people take this competition very seriously, bringing items like lights and self-propelled SHARKS from home.  Others show little imagination or planning.  It is always a highlight among crew and passengers and today was no disappointment. 

The task was to haul a 4 ½ pound tin of caviar from one end of the pool to the other.  The first ship capsized almost immediately.  The rest made the complete sail.  The judges – Ship’s Captain, Engineer, Hotel director and, First officer –judged on seaworthiness, design, efficiency, and appearance.  In the end, there was a clear winner (pictured).  The greatest thing about the winning team is that they involved Arnold, one of our cabin stewards.  He requested time off to attend the event and was honored like any other guest.  This was special and he really appreciated it.  Arnold is the guy from the town in Honduras where our orphanage is located. 

Enjoy, it’s almost time for my next pool shift to start.