Cruise Ship Officer Reveals What It's REALLY Like Working at Sea

Summary

This video shares the experience of a former cruise ship officer, detailing their challenging seven-month contract during the pandemic. Amidst ghost ship conditions with only 97 crew members and no passengers, the officer reflects on the isolation, strict regulations, and the demands of life at sea. Despite the allure of travel and high pay, the job proved emotionally taxing, leading to a shift in career goals. Now working as Editor-in-Chief of a growing UK cruise magazine, they share insights into the realities of the cruise industry and the personal growth that came from their experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker lost 5 stone over 7 months due to poor food quality during their time working on a cruise ship during the pandemic.
• 😀 Crew members experienced limited food options, with some meals consisting of basic vegetables like carrots and broccoli.
• 😀 The first six weeks of the job were especially difficult as it was during the uncertainty of the pandemic, and the speaker didn't know how long they'd be stranded on the ship.
• 😀 The crew's social interaction was severely limited, as the ship usually carried thousands of passengers but during this time only had around 97 people on board.
• 😀 The ship felt like a 'ghost ship' due to the lack of passengers, and it was strange to walk around without encountering anyone.
• 😀 The speaker was working alongside other ships such as the P&O Britannia and Queen Mary 2, all of which were similarly affected by the pandemic.
• 😀 Despite the early struggles, the speaker grew to appreciate the experience and even liked it toward the end of the contract, though it remained a boring experience.
• 😀 Initially, the speaker had dreams of becoming a ship's officer and eventually a captain, but they realized they weren’t suited to the lifestyle after experiencing life at sea.
• 😀 The demanding nature of the job included being away from family for long periods, missing significant events like weddings and funerals, which weighed heavily on the speaker.
• 😀 While the salary and world travel were appealing, the speaker decided the lifestyle wasn't for them, especially considering the isolation and emotional toll of being away from loved ones.
• 😀 The speaker misses navigating ships but doesn't miss the harsh working conditions, strict cabin inspections, or the tedious responsibilities that came with being a ship's officer.
• 😀 The experience of working at sea provided valuable perspective and has helped the speaker transition into a career as a cruise influencer and, more recently, the Editor in Chief of a fast-growing UK cruise magazine.

Q & A

What led to the speaker's decision to leave their job as a ship's officer?

The speaker realized over time that they were not the right person to work on a cruise ship, mainly due to the long periods away from home, missing important life events, and the challenging work-life balance. Despite enjoying aspects of the job, they concluded that the lifestyle was not sustainable for them.

How did the pandemic impact the speaker’s experience on the cruise ship?

During the pandemic, the speaker was stranded on the ship for seven months with very few crew members, and no passengers. This led to a surreal and isolating experience, as the ship, typically with 2,000 passengers, had fewer than 100 people onboard. The lack of social interaction and the uncertainty of the situation made the first few weeks particularly challenging.

What aspects of ship life did the speaker find most difficult?

The speaker found the food quality on board to be poor, especially when working as a crew member, which contributed to their significant weight loss. Additionally, they struggled with the isolation and monotony of being anchored in the same place for seven months. The strict inspections and routine tasks, like tank inspections and cabin checks, were also hard to endure.

What made the speaker's work as a ship's officer enjoyable despite its challenges?

The speaker enjoyed navigating the ship and the responsibility that came with that role. They appreciated the opportunity to work with great people and experience different parts of the world. However, this enjoyment did not outweigh the personal sacrifices involved, such as missing family events and the constant, rigorous work environment.

How did the speaker’s perception of cruise ship work evolve over time?

Initially, the speaker viewed working on a cruise ship as a dream job. However, over time, they came to realize that the job's demands, such as extended time away from home and lack of personal space, made it unsuitable for them. Eventually, they shifted their focus towards other career opportunities.

How did the speaker handle the feeling of isolation on the ship during the pandemic?

While the initial weeks were difficult due to isolation and uncertainty, the speaker gradually grew to accept the situation. As they adjusted, they began to appreciate some of the quieter aspects of life on board, despite the boredom and lack of social interaction.

What was the crew's morale like during the pandemic on the cruise ship?

The crew was largely isolated from each other and had no passengers to interact with. This contributed to a generally low morale, as there was little to do beyond working. The strange and quiet environment led to an eerie feeling on board.

What did the speaker miss the most about life on a cruise ship?

The speaker missed navigating the ship, as it was a fulfilling aspect of their role. However, they did not miss the early starts, strict inspections, and monotonous duties that were part of the job.

How did the speaker's career path change after leaving the cruise industry?

After leaving the cruise industry, the speaker returned home, finished their exams in Southampton, and eventually transitioned into a new role as the Editor-in-Chief of the fastest-growing cruise magazine in the UK. This new role allowed them to stay connected to the cruise industry without the demanding lifestyle.

What advice does the speaker offer about working on a cruise ship?

The speaker advises that working on a cruise ship is not for everyone. It requires being away from home for long periods and being prepared to miss important events like weddings and funerals. It can be a rewarding job, but only for those who can handle the isolation, strict rules, and challenges of being away from family.