Daniel Mitchell's Blog

Port Stop: Messina, Sicily

Well, overall, a bit overrated.
The weather was nice, but that was about the only good point.

There was this big clock that goes off at 12pm every day, and it’s got this weird mechanical lion, cock and some sort of reputation of Jesus Christ being resurrected or something. I wasn’t quite sure, but I’m sure there is some history on it.

After was watched that, we went to a restaurant. We ordered some drinks and It took 40 mins for them to come over and say that it would be a couple of minuets. Needless to say, we left.

I don’t rate it.

Port Stop: Corfu, Greece

Had a good day in Corfu today.
It was very hot, and may have even got a bit of a tan!

We went to this tall fort place, I can’t remember what it’s called, but it was great. Gave us a brilliant view of Corfu.

Went to a nice café, had some nice food, and just chilled out and got some wifi. Love it!

Love to all!

Port Stop: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Off in Dubrovnik today! Weather was lovely, and even had my shorts on!
We had a bit of training this morning, but nothing that spoilt the day.

We went to this a restaurant and had some food. Then went on to the front of the ocean where there is a cliff bar, got some nice shots there, and just generally mooched about. It was really nice, even felt like a holiday!

Going to be heading to Corfu tomorrow, so will do a post then!

All the best to everyone at home. :)

Port Stop: Venice, Italy

Buonasera! So I was in Venice today! I have made a short video that I’ll upload soon, just me rabbiting on about Venice and stuff.

We had a good day though. We went and had some pizza, and a nice walk around. We were going to go for a gondola ride, but it started raining.
I’m looking forward to coming back at the end of this month (I think).

Lots of photos to post, will get them sorted and posted as soon as possible, but for now, ciao! :)

Port Stop: Korcula, Croatia

We have just finished out 4 sea days, and now in Kortual, my second port.
Only down side is, I don’t get to see any of it!
When in port, depending on how big the department is, we need to have a certain amount of crew still on board, should an emergency happen whilst everyone is on ported. So bit of a shame, but did however manage to catch up on some sleep!

It’s been a bit slow going at the moment. Not been very busy in the gallery. I think it’s the whole people who wanted to get photos for now have got them, at least until Venice or the next formal night.
Speaking of, formal nights are pretty busy, and there are some really good shots from it. Even got a photo of me! I’ll post it sometime, but don’t get too excited.

I’m doing well work wise. Getting into the flow of things, and shooting some good photos at the dinners, so I’m liking it.
At current, we are in ‘Red Zone.’ It basically means that some of the passengers have got a bit of D&V (cringe) so everything is being constantly cleaned. It also means that crew aren’t allowed to be in passenger deck areas when we are off duty, which kinda sucks. Hopefully it will only last a few more days.

But anyway, we are heading for Venice, Italy tomorrow, woop!!! I’m looking forward to it, and can’t wait to get on a water taxi!
I’m sure there will be lots of photos I’m going to take, so will post them when I get some wifi or when I get back to Southampton.

Will post some photos ASAP. :)

Port Stop - Vigo, Spain

My first stop! Apparently this place isn’t all that, not much to do etc, but I still had to get off, as it is my first port!

The sea was pretty rough on the way here, so the ship was quite rocky. A lot of swaying!

I had my first formal evening last night. We (the Photog Crew) went around tables taking photos of the passengers. The photos then get printed and go up in the gallery.

We had a bit of a late one last night, didn’t finish work until 12, then we went down to the Crew Bar and had a couple of drinks. It gave me a chance to meet some new people, have a good chinwag and all that.

The hours we have been working have been quite mad. We have been starting at about 9ish, have a few hour breaks. My first night we finished at 10. I think I’m to expect the working hours to vary and long, but it’s all good fun and its a good team.
I feel like I’m fitting into the team quite well, and it’s nice to have Shelley with me, because I don’t feel like I’m going through all this new-ness on my own.

Everything is very cheap on the ship. Tax free, crew discount, it’s great!

My cabin mate is called Lewis. He is one of the Senior Photographers. He is getting off after this cruise. He’s a really nice guy, and he knows everything about cruise life, the ship, the job, so it’s nice to be living with someone who knows all about this stuff. Hopefully I will kinda know what I’m doing when he leaves!

We had drills this morning. It’s just evacuation procedures and what you would do and all that.
Also got a cabin round this morning. That is just managers going around crew cabins, making sure that they are clean and tidy. Won’t know if we passed until I get back on later. Sometimes they are really particular about it apparently, but I’m not worried. I’m a tidy person anyway. :)

I’m now going to explore some of Vigo. I’ll hopefully post another blog in a couple of days. We are having 2 sea days in between ports, so will see what I can do.
I miss everyone at home, and looking forward to speaking to you guys soon! :)