I Left My Desk Job for a Life at Sea: Aboard Cruises, I've Explored 79 Countries

• A number of years back, I left my office position in New York City to become an entertainment host for a leading cruise company.
• The initial couple of weeks were quite overwhelming, but I soon adapted to the way of life.
• The living quarters were incredibly small, Additionally, there were required weekly checks.

Once I completed my journalism degree, I secured a position at a well-respected magazine in New York City.

However, my two-hour commute and cramped cubicle were far from glamorous. I began experiencing stress-induced bald spots and continuously scrolled through Instagram, yearning to discover a method to earn a livelihood as a wanderer .

Once I found out that cruise-ship staff receive compensation while exploring different places and interacting with various individuals daily, I decided to try out for an entertainment host position aboard a ship. major cruise line When I secured the position, I departed from New York permanently after completing my initial contract of seven months.

Currently, I have spent almost ten years working on cruise ships and have traveled to 79 different countries. Below are seven aspects that stand out: what astonished me the most regarding my work on a cruise .

I have only come across a few other Americans employed on cruise ships.

On my first day aboard the cruise ship, my fellow crew members dubbed me "Erica from America," as I was merely one of nine Americans working onboard.

Since then, I have observed comparable figures. The crew comprises individuals from every corner of the globe, and I consistently notice an extremely low proportion of American employees onboard.

Even after all these years, everybody in my life still refers to me as Erica from America — and it remains the name on my documents. my TikTok handle .

The initial seven days aboard a vessel can be extremely daunting and tense.

Ensuring passenger safety is paramount on cruise ships. Thus, every team member—regardless of being newly onboarded or having served for two decades—is required to undergo mandatory safety training within their initial weeks aboard, alongside their usual preparatory duties.

From submitting all my medical documents to the officers to getting educated on fire safety regulations, I have consistently found the team’s initiation process daunting.

On my initial day aboard a vessel, I was taught to operate a lethal, water-tight hatch. For an entire week, I shed tears daily in the restroom. The demands were quite strenuous, particularly following many hours of journeying, yet living onboard became significantly more manageable after those opening couple of weeks.

The crew quarters are extremely tight spaces.

On the vessels where I have served, the crew cabins They are approximately half the size of a walk-in closet, and the wardrobes can hold only five hangers on each side. Additionally, I often shared these small quarters with two unfamiliar coworkers.

The cabins usually come equipped with a small refrigerator and a flat-screen television that can be swiveled to face the upper berth.

The bathroom tends to be very compact, allowing me to shower, brush my teeth, and use the toilet with minimal movement. The shower area is frequently so cramped that the curtain sticks to your backside while you're inside.

My roommates and I must also get ready for weekly obligatory inspections of our cabins, during which personnel verify that everything is tidy and organized.

The dating scene is intense yet wonderfully rewarding.

I anticipated encountering college-style drama aboard the ship, yet what I encountered turned out to be far more unpredictable.

As part of the team, I frequently find myself among adults who spend nine months away from home, putting in immense effort and traveling all over the globe.

Some individuals are married, others are unmarried, and then there are those who are technically married yet 'unmarried' at sea. The folks I encounter often turn out to be incredible companions, though some fall short of this standard. Ship life certainly comes with its share of emotional pain, however, it also gives rise to numerous extraordinary tales of romance.

I didn't find it difficult to adapt to the way of life.

Serving aboard a ship isn't suitable for everybody, and I've witnessed numerous individuals resigning during their initial thirty days.

Certain team members put in shifts ranging from eight to twelve hours each day without any rest days for an uninterrupted period of seven months. Nevertheless, my colleagues thoroughly enjoy this way of life and find fulfillment in their roles. Those who do not adapt to this might struggle to remain onboard for extended periods.

Operating aboard a vessel, we do this. rise up in another nation Almost daily, I find myself appreciating each moment I have available. Being a member of this incredible team has been the most extraordinary experience I’ve ever encountered. The feeling of camaraderie and high spirits among the rest of the team members is truly remarkable.

Contracts may differ, yet frequently I find myself with several months of downtime between them during which I indulge in junk food, nap throughout the day, and get caught up on popular culture.

Life as part of the crew is amazing, even beyond office hours.

Crew members on cruise ships are often associated with post-work celebrations, and based on my observations, this holds some validity. Nonetheless, stringent rules govern their alcohol consumption during duty hours, emphasizing the importance of mastering restraint.

Typically, there’s a dedicated bar for crew members aboard, offering affordable beverages and lively gatherings. The ships also feature a human-resources department that arranges activities for the crew, provides assistance, and coordinates off-ship excursions for them.

Certain cruise staff members, such as entertainment hosts, receive additional downtime in port compared to their counterparts since they have minimal interaction with passengers when the vessel is moored. I've had the fortune to explore. parts of the world I never imagined I would witness this with my own eyes. My adventures have included mushing through Alaska with dog sleds, jogging around historical sites like Petra, and scuba diving into caves illuminated by bioluminescent worms in New Zealand.

This trip can be brimming with affection yet still leave one feeling isolated.

Even though I have formed incredible friendships that feel as close as family since embarking on my first voyage, I understand that ultimately I am alone in this adventure.

Being amidst hundreds of crew members and passengers holds a certain uniqueness, yet nobody will perceive these moments quite as I do.

I share a strong bond with my fellow crew members due to our common seafaring life. Nevertheless, upon returning home after a contract, I occasionally struggle to connect with my friends and relatives on solid ground. Nonetheless, I am incredibly fortunate to have a family that supports me unconditionally and frequently travels to see me.

It's difficult to convey my way of life to those who have never experienced it. experienced ship life The reality is that I sometimes experience loneliness, yet residing aboard these vessels remains the most captivating and satisfying choice I have ever made.

The tale initially appeared on May 10, 2021, and saw its latest update on July 9, 2024.

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