Here are the latest responses to the article: Pirillo Does AK!

Scott writes:
Having made a trip up the coast from Seattle to Sitka on a ship back during my high school days (1979), I have to say I would love to repeat it now with a digital camera and/or digital video camera. Having Internet access would be cool, too. The scenery was awesome and I had no way to save it for future reference. The photos I took on the 110 camera are long since faded and gone. If I had a way to go back I would do it in a heartbeat.

Jeff writes:
“So what do you think? Would a gig on a cruise ship be a blast? Email me above and let me know.”
Both J. The gig has to be a blast, even if you have to ‘work’ your shift. Having provided volunteer labor at a lot of big events, I can tell you that being on-call for part of the time is no impediment to having fun(!). You seldom have to work more than an 8 or 10 hour shift and the rest of the time is YOURS.

Bern writes:
Yes, cruise ships do have a technical person on board. This person usually keeps specific hours, so has some free time. When “at work” I have observed this person take abuse from ignorant computer users, abuse from persons who wonder why the satellite signal is suddenly gone, etc. I’d say this might be a fun job for a while if you have thick skin and a good sense of humor.

Chris writes:
Yes, they have network/PC people on the cruise ships. Several years ago my son applied and was accepted for a position as the Networking Chief on a new cruise ship. Excellent pay. Before the ship was commissioned, however, he also obtained a new girlfriend. Since the crew’s schedule is 5-6 months on duty, then a couple of months off, and he didn’t think his new girlfriend would be very happy with that, he finally declined the job.

The story did turn out well for him and his girlfriend - they are now married - but his Mom would have enjoyed a discount cruise or two… Oh, well… Guess I’ll just have to work on my untechnical daughter.