Interesting and funny story, Tom. Thanks! Specially liked these parts: "Seemed like everyone had spilled coffee stains on their clothes by the end of the trip." "...play Trivial Pursuit at 9:30, then nap, then tune at 11am, then lunch, then nap, then dancing lessons..." And "Arrived in NYC with 15 new pounds that I thoroughly enjoyed packing on..." I imagine you are back down to your fighting weight by now. Nick -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf Of Tom Servinsky Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 5:24 AM To: pianotech at ptg.org Subject: Re: [pianotech] Another Cruise Ship Piano Tuning Question Depends upon what you call "Free". They will barter for techs to go on board for specialty situations and will barter a free trip for 2 , but you'll be working to pay for the trip. Since 911, the number of those situations have dropped dramatically as the cruise ship's have altered their needs. The last one I did was on the famed QE2 .They flew my wife and I over to London, then we sailed from South Hampton, England to New York and did the Trans-Atlantic crossing. All black tie affair and everyone was in tuxes in evening gowns for all events. This was their yearly "Piano Cruise" in which big time concert artists were contracted to do numerous piano recitals daily, with piano masterclasses and lectures in between all concerts. I was on call 1 hr. prior to each event to get that piano ready then was allowed to do as I pleased until the next event. Lots of down-time, incredible good food all day long, but too much cigarette smoke for my tastes. Seemed like everyone smoked constantly and the whole ship smelled of smoke. Seas were a calm 25 ft high with a 1 day of 40 ft seas. Most of the patrons were loaded up with sea sickness shots and plenty of regurgitation, making for a memorable trip. Seemed like everyone had spilled coffee stains on their clothes by the end of the trip. We figured that the trips were being booked at $18,000 for 2 ( for our housing) for a 6 day crossing. All-in-all , a well-worth adventure and would do it again in a heartbeat. I should note that the first quarters they gave us were horrible. 2 double beds on the lower level at the tail end of the ship ( where the affects of motion are felt most). I complained and they said we could upgrade our quarter for $2500 on the 2nd floor ( with a queen bed). After complaining and trying to figure out a better plan, they agreed to give us the upgrade BUT, I would have to work on all of the pianos on the ship instead of the 3 that I was originally assigned to. I would work from 5AM -8AM daily, then go to breakfast with my wife, play Trivial Pursuit at 9:30, then nap, then tune at 11am, then lunch, then nap, then dancing lessons, then nap, then tune at 4PM, then dinner, then some other activity, then tune again at 7PM, then nap to get rested for the midnight buffet with all the king crabs legs one could eat. Pretty pathetic on my part. But hey.... Days were 25 hrs long as the clocks were turned backwards 1 hr each night. Six days of 1 hr r time zone changes has a great affect on one's system. Arrived in NYC with 15 new pounds that I thoroughly enjoyed packing on and stories galore, making this a memorable experience. Tom Servinsky
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