Spring 2015 - Day 65

Dear crew of the MV Explorer, 

 

I would like to take this time to thank you for all you do. As temporary passengers of the MV we tend to forget that you also call the ship your home. You work so hard for us, preparing and serving our meals, cleaning our cabins, pampering us in the spa, watching over the engines, doing repairs, driving the ship, ensuring our security and more. You do it all with a smile, you even remember our names! 

 

Tonight you sacrificed your own free time in order to put your talents on display for us. You were amazing. 

 

I don't know if you know this but people started lining up for the talent show at 7:30, an hour and a half before it started. I was right there with everyone, there was no way I was going to miss this. I remembered the masses of people on my first voyage and how the crowds bum rushed the Union so that, even though I was near the front, I didn't get a good seat at all. It was madness. 

 

This time it was a little more controlled, but there was still a lot of chaos. Everyone needed a good seat. I was lucky, I was in the second row. 

 

The energy in the room was very positive. I could feel the shipboard community celebrating as a whole. It was the first time I felt like we were acting as a community, cheering on the people we love so much. You guys are the most beloved people on the ship, I am sure you could tell that from the screaming. 

 

The show was wonderful. I clapped and sang and laughed along with you. It was clear you put a lot of effort into your acts and that you were having just as much fun performing them as we did watching them. I don't think I can even pick a favorite; from Vijay Bollywood dancing, or Peter and Alphonso singing their heart it, and the housekeeping crew dancing all together. 

 

The talent show was my favorite thing that has happened on this ship so far this semester. There was so much love in that room that I couldn't help but feel proud of my shipboard community and of all of you. Tomorrow is Neptune day and I can't wait to celebrate with you even more. 

 

Thank you for everything that you do for us. It amazes me each time Joel asks if I have heard about my internship. I can't believe he remembers! It blows my mind when one you knows that I have sailed before, a few of you even remembered my name from over a year ago. I feel blessed every time I come back to my cabin and my bed is made, Armando's hard work makes me feel safe and at home. 

 

Thank you for your dedication and your love for every Semester at Sea student and staff that passes through your ship. It really is your ship. Without you it would be nothing. 

 

Thank a million, 

 

Lauren