I'll never forget the day I joined the cruise line as a “Shoppy” onboard Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas, as I gazed up at the immense vessel, I couldn't help but marvel at its size (which seemed even more colossal back then). Saying farewell to my Mum, friends, and boyfriend simultaneously, I experienced a mix of fear, nervousness, anticipation, and excitement. Leaving my entire life behind to explore the world, I ventured into the unknown.
Upon boarding, the pace was relentless. Registering, settling into my room, and starting work all happened on the same night. It was full steam ahead from the beginning. Meeting the manager, team, and engaging with customers occurred within hours of stepping on board. Working on a cruise demands a genuine affinity for people. I vividly recall completing my shift around midnight, only to have a strict 8 am training session the following day on health and safety before embarking on a long sea day of work.
Initially, I had reservations about my suitability for this role during the first two weeks. The array of emotions I experienced was unfamiliar, but I managed to navigate through it with the support of newfound friends. Just two months into the journey, my managers approached me and proposed a transfer to another ship due to a pressing need for additional staff. Eager to gather diverse experiences, I pondered the offer and ultimately accepted. The transition took me from Tampa to Miami, where I boarded the Navigator of the Seas. Unaware of the ship's magnitude, my surprise peaked upon arrival at the port, realizing its sheer size in comparison to the Legend of the Seas. It was then revealed that the Navigator of the Seas held the distinction of being the largest ship at sea that day.
‘I think moving ships was meant to be, as I felt more at home and made some amazing friends that I still see and talk to now. The people you meet on board become your instant family and friends—your support unit. You truly do meet some amazing people; I know I did. Another great thing is that you get to travel the world and share these memories with them too. I got to explore Europe, the Caribbean islands, Hawaii, Alaska, and Mexico.
It may all sound like fun, but there’s no fun without hard work, long days, and lack of sleep. But as I mentioned, it's rewarding when you get to dock in a different destination every time you wake up. Those sea days at night when all the guests are sleeping, and you and your friends are gazing at the stars, drinking red wine and eating cheese, talking about where they are from and learning about new things – priceless."
As a staff member, we considered ourselves fortunate to have the opportunity to disembark the ship during port stays, taking advantage of the tax-free closed stores. However, not all crew members were as lucky; some still had to fulfil their duties, ensuring the well-being of the passengers. Their days stretched far beyond mere hours.
"I treasure countless memories from my time ashore with friends—too many to capture in words, but some truly stand out. Each adventure holds a special place in my heart, from spontaneous escapades to unforgettable moments that have become the fabric of my most cherished recollections.
During one memorable escapade, my good friend Krista from Vancouver and I (I love this place and her) hopped on a ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, a journey of around 35–40 minutes. Our destination was Tulum, the site of the pre-Columbian Mayan walled city. Although it's not typically my thing, it was worth the visit. We spent a delightful day exploring the site before heading to Xcaret for some thrilling activities such as zip-lining, water slides, and swimming – truly an enjoyable day. Losing track of time, we had to rush back to catch the ferry, and the choppy waters delayed our return. As we hadn't booked through the ship, being late meant risking our jobs. Fortunately, we made it just in time, rushing to our cabin, changing, and heading straight to work. Was it worth the stress? Absolutely. However, I would recommend booking tours further from the port through the cruise lines to ensure the ship waits if you're late.
Another incredible adventure unfolded in Alaska when we docked in Juneau. On my birthday, a good friend treated me to a trip to Taku Lodge by seaplane, flying over glaciers, savouring fresh salmon, and enjoying local beer. The memories are etched in my mind, especially seeing a family of bears – Mama and her cubs in a tree while Papa bear collected leftover salmon from the BBQ. It was the perfect ending to a magical day. The views on the way back from the plane were breath-taking; I had never seen anything like it before. If you ever get the chance to visit Alaska, this tour is a must.
Today, when I embark on our cruises, I hold immense respect for all the crew working on board. I truly understand the level of hard work, passion, and commitment they invest to make your holiday a memorable experience that you'll cherish for years to come."
Working on cruise ships has blessed me with lasting memories and friendships that will endure a lifetime. Now, as I experience it from the customer's perspective, I appreciate the immense effort that goes into making our holidays unforgettable. Take a moment to say thank you to the crew and share a smile; I guarantee it will go a long way."