What better way to show you just how fun a South America cruise can be then to hear it straight from Carnival Splendor's social host Jaime? You get to cruise vicariously as she details her trip from one beautiful port to another. Here is her eleventh post.

Dear John,

While conducting his incredibly informative and organized technology seminar, Mickey, one of our guests that is sailing with us for the full 49-day voyage, explained to the crowd that since they had exceeded the midway point of their vacation, guests see themselves as if they are no longer on holiday, rather they are becoming part of the crew.  He is saying this because he is now used to seeing familiar faces on a regular basis, he is ready to host/co-host so of the sea day events and seminars, and the food in the dining room is still delicious, yet slightly predictable. It is evident that Mickey has loved every moment of his vacation this far mostly because he feels like part of the Carnival Splendor family… which he most certainly is.

At first, I did not agree with Mickey. He did not know what it was like to be a crewmember! Yes, maybe he could “share a smile” (one of our crew mottos), or even help by picking up a dropped napkin in the corridor. BUT, he was still being waited on hand and foot, and spending a ridiculous amount of money on doo dads in the gift shop!  Today, a week after this "crewmember" claim was made; I must concede and agree with Mickey that he may now have a slight insight as to what life working on board is like.

 

Scenic Cruising in the Straits of Magellan

Let me explain: Due to high winds and unfit weather conditions, we were forced to leave the port of Ushuaia around midnight – approximately eight hours after our regularly scheduled departure time. Therefore, we arrived near Punta Arenas around 2 pm the next day, rather than 6 am. We could see the port; we were fixated in our tendering location. We had to disembark and embark some customs and immigration officials. We pulled all the way up, and unfortunately guests and crew alike were not allowed off because of clearance issues and time constraints. Now I can say I agree with Mickey because he has experienced one of the most difficult parts of being a crewmember – port manning.

Port manning is a system we have on board where a certain amount of the crew must stay on the ship in case of an emergency.  It seems as though everyone else gets to go outside and have time to explore when you have to stay and ensure the safety of the vessel. I smile because especially when we visit a port only once, these days are especially difficult to enjoy. I understand that many guests, and myself included were disappointed we were not able to go off and experience Puerto Arenas, but at least we can still say the Splendor did visit it… because I have the photos to prove it!



The Carnival Splendor in Puerto Arenas… See! We really did go!

Rather than disembarking guests in this port of call, our Captain scheduled scenic viewing of beautiful glaciers and rocks during day light hours. Our naturalist Dirk’s narration through the Straits of Magellan made this missed port day still extremely educational, beautiful and pleasant.

Cruise Director Goose and Assistant Cruise Director Brad worked diligently all night to re-plan this day at sea with activities, seminars and special scenic cruising highlights. In the morning when we began to sail through the picturesque surroundings I stood on deck 9 aft watching the glaciers on each side of the ship. I overheard a lady calling with a complaint to the Guest Services Desk; here is the conversation I overheard:

Lady:  “Excuse me, it is extremely rude of you to play this type of music on deck while we are trying to enjoy the scenery.”

Guest Services Operator: "I apologize for the inconvenience ma'am, would you please explain to me where you are so we can contact the proper parties to have the music changed for you."

Lady:  "Do not apologize to me!  This is lack of planning and we should experience calming, soothing music as we are trying to enjoy the beautiful sites. I am Lido deck, in the back of the ship. You must send someone immediately!"

Guest Services Operator: "Will do, someone is on their way."



Shots of the Glaciers from this Morning

Another Guest Standing By:  "Hey lady, the music is extremely appropriate! We SHOULD be hearing rock music… we are looking at rocks!"

I smiled, and went on to begin my day….

We have two more sea days until our next port of Puerto Montt.
This is flying by so fast!

Have a wonderful day!
=) Jaime