radiofreebcj

If you want to sneak alcohol on board, here's a good way to do it...bribe your cabin attendant to bring some onboard. They're allowed to bring alcohol onboard, and they can bring it up to you. It's strictly forbidden, but everyone does it.

Having worked on a few ships, and roomed with a few Casino techs...here's a tip for slot machines. Play the ones closest to the main doors...they're actually programmed to pay out more. Sit outside the Casino, and wait to see if someone plays one of those machines for a while without winning. When they leave...jump in there and win win win! It really does work. Most Casinos do that to encourage people to come in and gamble...because if they see people winning when they first get there, they're more than likely to put down money and play. Also, with Blackjack...play the table minimums until you lose, then double up until you win it back...and then start betting the minimum again. You usually need about a $1500 float to do this safely on a $5 table...but if you play that way...you'll never lose. Some casinos won't let you play that way...but some will. You won't win big...but you'll always end up with more money than you started with.

Chichen Itza is amazing...but it's too bad the ship isn't docking in Progreso. Tulum is nice, but it'll be packed with gringos. Maybe do the tour in Belize, since Belize City is such a garbage pile...and this will give you a chance to get out of town. Also, if you're going to Roatan...be sure to stop by the pizza place in West End. My parents used to own it, and I spent a few winters slinging pies for people...good times. Roatan is amazing, and you'll love it. The reef at West Bay beats anything in the Caymans and Belize. It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen...and being in the water will save you from the sand fleas (no-see-ums). If you go to Anthony's Key...be sure to say hi to Julito for Brenda and Dan!

I live 15 minutes away from the dock, and see the ship every weekend on my way to work. Plus, I used to work on the Radiance (sister ship) when it was up in Alaska for 3 seasons...so I have a pretty good understanding of the climate. Basically, the weather here is so all over the place that it's almost impossible to predict. It was hot and sunny yesterday, cold and rainy today...and who knows what it'll be tomorrow. People here say "If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes". It works. So, bring layers...that's the best advice I can give. Layers...and something that will keep you dry. You may also want some good hiking shoes, since Alaska is best appreciated off the beaten track. There are great hikes in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway (the Dewey Lake hike in Skagway is amazing...but not for the timid). But, it can also get really hot...but this late in the season, it's not likely (but it is possible). Also, be forewarned that the immediate neighbourhood in Vancouver where the ship docks is HORRIBLE. It has the highest HIV rate in North America, has the lowest per-capita income of any neighbourhood in Canada, and is a place where you can see people shooting heroin and smoking crack out in the open. It's really too bad the RCL ships don't go to Canada Place downtown, because that is a far nicer place to start and end your cruise. It's the third world, basically...so don't go wandering around or else you may find yourself in a position you didn't want to find yourself in. It's really that bad... Hate to bring people down, but you'll be really glad when the ship pulls away...it's like a third world nation right near the docks.

NO worries...glad you liked the video! It's been viewed over 600,000 times on YouTube, and if you look up "Panama Canal" on YouTube, it's #1! Also, if you do a google search for "Panama Canal"...it's in the top ten. I've done a few other videos like this, but this is the best one. I also have a sail in to Hong Kong harbour, and a few SkyTrain videos like this...but I still like the Panama one best.

I used to work on the Radiance of the Seas (Jewel's sister ship) and took this video when the ship went through the canal back in 2003. It's a timelapse video that shows the entire trip in less than 2 minutes! Enjoy! http://revver.com/video/278842/panama-canal-timelapse/

There are less now than there used to be. The exchange isn't great right now, and the wages haven't gone up in the cruise industry since 9/11. Royal Caribbean froze wages the week after, and they still haven't moved one cent.

It's a lot of fun for someone who has no ties to a particular place. It does matter what position you're taking, but the choices for Americans are pretty decent. It's hard work, but it's good experience...and a great way to see the world.

The Bilderberg Group was calling for oil prices to reach $200/barrel last year as part of their worldwide depopulation agenda. They're very pleased with the prices we're paying right now, and they will continue to rise until the middle class is entirely wiped out (along with the third world). This is all part of a plan, and we've got front row seats! In other news, why are Bush's impeachment articles getting little to no coverage in US news? Clinton had headlines for months... Look up: - Peak Oil - Bilderberg Group - Georgia Guidestones - PNAC - Cheney Energy Task Force - 9/11 Truth - WTC 7 - Operation Northwoods The shell game will continue until there is nothing left for us regular people. Look at the US economy...it's in a world of pain, and none of the moves by the Federal Reserve Bank are doing anything to help. Cruise ships are more likely to be used as prison ships in the future than vacation ships. They'll just tie them up, and they'll become FEMA prison camps to those of us not lucky to be born with a last name like Rockefeller, Rothchild and Warburg. I've been trying to warn you good people for years...maybe one day someone will listen. Sorry Jason...I just can't help helping people see the light in this time of darkness.

A lot of Canadians are buying up US goods, property, etc...it's really good if you're spending money...not so good if you're making it. I didn't think this was going to happen this fast, but back in 2000 when Bush got appointed, I remember saying that our dollar would be even before he left office. I also predicted Hillary Clinton to be appointed in 2008 back in 2002. Seems like that might happen too! Personally, Ron Paul seems like the only hope for your country...but I don't live in the bubble...so I'm not sure. Maybe Giuliani is your guy...

I didn't lose it...I chose not to go and make US money.

Well, the US dollar has dipped lower than ours (and then some), and I can't afford to take this job anymore. My rent and expenses keep going up, and my wage with Royal Caribbean just keeps going down! So, I'm not going to take the contract...but I'm still working on the TV show. I will insist that I be paid in Canadian dollars though ;) What is going on down there? What is happening to the USA?

Jacketwatch...yes, I've been on the Adventure of the Seas. I never worked on it though...I just took a tour while it was docked with us (I was on the Radiance) in St. Maarten. Pretty amazing ship! I did work on the Voyager though. Oh, and it looks like I'll be there through Christmas and New Year's. They extended my contract until the middle of January...so I'll have to contact Sailingrose.

I'm pretty sure I'll be home by then (NYE), I really hope I don't have to work over Christmas this year! Head Video Tech. I'm in charge of ALL onboard television. Everything you see in your staterooms, in the lounges, in the theatre...all of it. It's a really fun job, but a lot of work! Tracking satellites when you're moving at 20mph isn't easy. Television is just one of those things we all just take for granted...even on ships. But, it's a lot of fun when everything is working!

I had already worked on this ship for over a year, so I'm excited to go back! Great run, great ship...and I'm really excited to get back out on the water! I'll keep ya posted! If anyone is going to be onboard the Radiance between Nov/Dec, let me know...and I'll make sure you get in the cruise video!