The End of An Era

I have always gotten along with the other members of the Explorations Team (what you might call the cruise staff), but I have never worked with a team whom I felt close to as a team (though that’s not to say that I haven’t felt close to individuals on the team). We were always able to work together without any problems, but there has always been at least one person who does his own things socially and I would never say that we were all good friends. This contract, however, has been different; this contract I consider the team to be my closest friends.

Me, Rashida (Shore Excursion Staff), Jo, Krista, and Amber at the Officer's Ball

Krista, Jacob, Jo, Amber, Benji, and I have all become good friends over the past few months. We’re not cliquish or exclusive (I hope), but we have our inside jokes, we go ashore together, we eat dinner together, and we often spend our evenings together whether telling stories in the OB or watching videos in someone’s room.

Me, Amber, and Jo celebrating Jo's Birthday

This week marks the end of the era. One person leaves at the end of each cruise until I leave in November. Krista leaves tomorrow, Amber leaves next Saturday, Jacob leaves October 6, Benji leaves October 19 after a thirteen-day repositioning, and I leave in November after a 42-day cruise (Jo is here until at least January).I’ve been living in denial that Krista is actually leaving, but once she got her flights I had to accept it. I’m sure everyone who comes will be great and we may all be just as close, but it will still be different. We will have to have a different set of inside jokes, a different routine, and different things in common. In short, I look forward to meeting new people, but I am very sad to see everyone go.

Krista, Me, and Jo enjoying a night in the Crow's Nest

Here’s to the end of an era... Thanks for the fun memories, the many laughs, and two great months. Safe travels and I hope to work with each of you again!

At Dessert Extravaganza