A Cruise Staff

Have you been making BIG post-covid life plans? Maybe people would say you are too hopeful but so are we so for now let's keep daydreaming. If going on a cruise or working as cruise staff has been on your bucket list - don't let go of that dream just yet because who knows what the future holds. 

In the meantime we are bringing you all the insight info about what's it like in a day in the life of cruise staff.

NATASHA: CARNIVAL CRUISE YOUTH STAFF

Can you describe a typical day on the job?

No day is ever the same. On sea days the hours are longer and I am working in the kids' clubs. Or on a port day you usually get a break where you can get off and explore the various islands. The kids' clubs are open between 7 am and 1 am so you are working a lot! You also are part of the safety drills each cruise and although you get hired in one role you always have so many other things to do. 

Why did you choose this as your career? What or who inspired you to do so?

I have always loved cruise ships and thought it would be such a cool experience to work on one so I applied and here I am!

What would you say are three key personality aspects or skills that contributes to success/good performance in your career?

You need to be very adaptable. For my role you must love kids and be creative and have a very bubbly outgoing personality.

What have you learned about yourself through the work that you do?

I have learnt a lot especially how to live away from home and on the other side of the world. I also made a heap of friends that have become my family and I have learned how to adapt and live each day as they come.

What’s been your best moment while doing your work?

Getting to travel around the Caribbean and see places I never thought I would as well as meet people from all over the world.

And a difficult moment?

Being away from my family and working every single day without a whole day off.

ARE THERE ANY SURPRISING OR ODD THINGS THAT PEOPLE WOULDN’T EXPECT IF THEY PICKED THIS CAREER?

You get no privacy anywhere – there is not a minute of the day where you are alone. 

CAN YOU SHARE A FUNNY OR WEIRD STORY ABOUT SOMETHING YOU EXPERIENCED WHILE WORKING ON A PROJECT?

All the things that go wrong behind the scenes that passengers would have no idea about. We had a fire in the galley and not one passenger found out about it because all the crew are so well trained on how to control situations that arise before they get out of hand.

What advice would you give to young people thinking of pursuing a career in this industry?

Go for it be spontaneous and do it! Just know it’s an experience and you cannot plan anything that happens in the role. You need to be able to go with the flow and adapt. But in the end it is so rewarding and I can’t recommend it enough.