Travel Tips

It's crazy how life at sea can change a person. For better or worse. When I first started aboard the Norwegian Dawn back in February of 2006 I didn't know what to think. My first impressions after this contract weren't great. Lackluster food (it's both good and bad), horrible co-workers and homesickness made me just want to quit right there. My boss on my first contract wasn't the greatest boss ever. When I signed off in New York City I was like....should I go back? And guess what? I did! That summer we toured Alaska and Canada and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made.....I was glad I came back! The next two contracts went by smooth as silk. Working on cruise ships aren't for everyone, believe me. It's not all glamorous. But it's great to work with people from all over the world, all walks of life and many different races. There's really no life like it!

Man, whenever we had crew parties it was all about good times and meeting new people. I love meeting so many people from all over. A lot of people my age on ships are single, either looking to fool around or be in love. We're just want our fix! A majority of time after work can be spent drunk!

The activities, the sights of the places we go to and the friendliness of the crew and those around them. That's what makes people come back for their next cruise! Cruise ships offer all kinds of stuff to keep people entertained. Whether it's game shows or contests held by the cruise staff, performances from Broadway-style shows, lounging at the pool with bar staff offering you drinks poolside or just wanna take in bowling at sea (our company was the first EVER to come up with this), the staff on ships are there to make sure you have a memorable time. Of course, some people are stupid and don't because of the little things but that's their problem. The bowling alley shown in this photo apparently was engineered specifically to the ship and the ocean waters! I bowled a pretty good game at sea let me tell ya!

I'm so greatful for all the experiences I've had on ships. It's made me view the world as a beautiful place, in spite of all the problems and people in it at times. I've seen so many countries and places it's just unbelievable! Not many people get to, or choose to, do what I do. I'm so greatful!

Of course, working on a vessel that's carrying thousands of people at sea, one can't assume everything is safe even out in the ocean. In a post 9-11 world where anything goes, expect the unexpected! We get trained pretty extensively, both when we're new hires or returning crew! We must follow ship protocol, know where the appropriate exits are, how to assist disabled passengers and learn all the ships' codes. Code Alpha, Bravo, Delta, Papa and Oscar are very important codes each crew member must know, should the need every arise. I can't explain them here seeing as how they're for crew only and kind of secret. We must learn how to act and the ship's safety manager, firefighter and nurse train us in long sermons and the ship and how to help guests out in emergencies and other situations. We even have basic safety training where we learn not only these things but other things as well like how to tip a liferaft and even fight fires! Man! After wearing those firefighter suits, I GIVE PROPS to all firefighters! Wow they're so heavy to wear and not comfortable! I can't imagine fighting fires in those things!