As you have guessed I am now cruising the high seas....about time hey!! These last few days have been crazy to see the least so I have lots to tell you!

So after my last entry I had 2 days of rehearsals left which I thought were NEVER going to end! We ran the shows a couple more times and I now feel a whole lot more confident with it! There is still a lot to do because so much changes once you're on the stage but at least I have the steps down! We also have another show to learn...yes...ANOTHER ONE! Does it end!!!!

On Friday morning we were picked up at 9 and taken to the airport...ready for lovely Vancouver. Oh how I have been hanging out for this! After sleeping most of the way I was all prepared to see the family! How exciting! Once we got to the hotel, The Sheraton Richmond Inn, we were escorted to our rooms by a VERY cute bell boy...Mmmmhmmm! It was almost like the last request before being executed because we were given these amazing double beds (on the ship we have bunk beds..very little bunk beds!) I skyped mom and dad quickly (always makes me feel better to hear their voices) and then got ready to be picked up by Uncle Kenny...Yay!! It was AMAZING to see the family! It was exactly what I needed! We went to Uncle Ken's and Irene's apartment....OH MY GOODNESS! That place is incredible! Irene made the most delicious meal which we said I could blame if I didn't fit into my costumes! I met little Georgia for the first time (my cousin Carrie's little girl) as well as Andrea (my cousin Chris's partner.) Georgia is the most adorable thing I have EVER laid my eyes on! Andrea is so lovely, it felt like I had known her for soooo long! I couldn't tell you how good it was to catch up with my family, it gave me the kick I needed to get me through the next 6 or so months! I am counting down the next time I see them...especially because the next time could possibly be a shopping trip with Irene (she is the shopping queen!)

Ok to tell you all about the ship! Well as you have already guessed it is incredibly! Oh my goodness! Its like a little mini town here...there is everything you need, an array of restaurants, swimming pools, shopping boutiques, a library, an art gallery, full size theatre, 2 nightclubs...the list goes on! I have no idea how this thing stays afloat! Including crew the Diamond Princess can take about 4000 people...about 2800 passengers of mostly oldies. Our cabins are very small...they consist of a bunk bed, a wardrobe, a desk and then a little bathroom which you can pretty much go to the toilet while having a shower (quite convenient I say!) These are just temporary while we wait for the old cast to disembark which is when we will get their cabins. Its exciting because they are quite a bit bigger which is kind of like getting an upgrade...compared to this its like getting the presidential suite! At the moment we are next to these water tight doors which have an alarm every time they open and close. Oh my goodness! It drives you insane!!

There are so many rules on board which I am slowly getting used to. No denim or trackies any time while in passenger areas, we are only allowed to eat in certain restaurants at certain times, no cell phones in passenger areas and you must say good morning/afternoon to every passenger while you walk past. I don't mind being friendly but your cheeks do start to hurt after a while! You also must be dressed in semi formal after 6 (including heels,) and you HAVE to wear your name badge at all times! Oh man....there is so much to remember!!

I can see myself getting used to this life style...although rehearsals haven't started yet so I could possibly speak too soon! I will keep you updated!

xoxo