What life is REALLY like as cruise ship crew
Sean Willis has a particularly cruisy job - he works as a video producer onboard a cruise ship.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?
The reason I decided to work onboard a cruise ship was to travel and see places I never imagined I would. I began my six month contract in mid-May, departing San Francisco bound for Alaska, then I was transhipped to cruise around Australia and the Pacific Islands.
What do you do there?
I'm the video producer onboard the ship. My role is to produce DVD packages for guests to purchase so they can take their holiday back home with them. This covers the tours I do in the ports of call, as well as onboard events, which include a Great Gatsby theme and Bianco White party.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
The greatest advantage of working on a ship is that the food and accommodation is all provided, so I'm saving more money than I would be living on land. Add in the fact that the office view is different every day - so I'm always discovering new places.
Disadvantages?
You don't know what day of the week it is as it's either a port day or sea day. The internet connection is via a satellite feed so it's similar to the days of dial up - just without the noise. Of course, large swells can sometimes make the office rock side to side, but we haven't encountered a storm yet - the highest swells we've had were only five metres.
Best after-dark activity?
There's late night comedy shows in the theatre which staff can attend, otherwise crew bar activities include darts tournaments, themed nights hosted by different departments, open DJ nights and karaoke.
Best time of the year to visit?
Dry seasons. North Queensland cruising was blue skies and 26 degrees Celsius during our visits there in July and August. The Pacific Islands had mild weather this year with mostly cloud or showers and a few hot sunny days, and an average temperature in the early 20s. Alaska's dry season begins in May and when I was there it was blue skies and 22C, but as low as -3C in the mornings.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
Sunsets are better at sea when you see the sun dip below the horizon and the sky light up pink. Onboard the ship there's a mini adventure park where you can recreate the Titanic moment at the bow of the ship, stand on top of the big screen during sailaway or go zip lining over the open decks. Finally, I would recommend the locations we visit. Get out and explore the culture and the beauty these places have to offer.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
I miss driving the most. Getting behind the wheel and going to a random location. I have gotten used to the cars driving on the right side of the road. I also miss home-cooked meals with certain spices and flavours.
What an amazing story! While it’s certainly not for everyone, cruising around the world seems like an incredible life! Do you have any cruise plans on the horizon?
Let us know in the comments below.
First appeared on Stuff.co.nz.
Video credit: Sean Willis / YouTube
Related links:
5 secret confessions from cruise ship employees
Becoming a permanent cruise ship passenger
The cat that became a cruise ship captain