Lientjie Joubert, already seasoned in working abroad, returned to South Africa only to discover that she wasn’t quite ready to embrace a simpler lifestyle, especially given her lack of commitments back home. After conducting some research, she stumbled upon a vacancy for a waiter position on a cruise ship. The prospect of the cruise ship journeying to the Caribbean Islands filled her with excitement.
She contacted the agency that had advertised the job to arrange an interview. During the meeting, they delved into Lientjie’s background, highlighting her sales experience. Based on this, she was encouraged to apply for the Gift Shop assistant position on the ship. The thrill of having her application accepted meant that she was on the verge of embarking on a journey aboard the Carnival Cruise ship.
The agency conducted a comprehensive interview, meticulously outlining her job description and the associated expectations. Lientjie learned that she was responsible for covering her flight to the cruise ship’s departure location. The company provided her with the necessary documentation for obtaining her visa, yet the visa application process was her responsibility. The silver lining was that upon completing her 6-month contract, the return flight to South Africa was covered. Moreover, all subsequent flights were taken care of upon contract renewal.
Initially, she envisioned it as an ideal way to travel, thinking work would be a breeze. However, reality soon shattered her fairy tale notions about working on a cruise ship—long hours and hard work awaited. The initial excitement of exploring breathtaking islands where the cruise ship docked gradually started to become routine. The novelty of swimming with dolphins, indulging in local cuisines, and immersing herself in different cultures diminished. Instead, she found herself opting for the beach, a cocktail in hand, attempting to unwind. Occasionally, she chose a nap over disembarking to explore. It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate the opportunity to explore, but the repetitive stops at the same ports, with only a few hours to spare, meant that after a few visits, she had exhausted all the offerings these islands had.
Lientjie found herself in a fortunate position working in the Gift Shop, which afforded her greater freedom to explore compared to those in other roles on the ship. The unique advantage stemmed from the gift shop being tax and duty-free, requiring it to close when the cruise ship docked. Consequently, she enjoyed the freedom to disembark and explore at every stop the cruise ship made.
Don’t be misled by the term “Gift Shop”; the role entails much more than it suggests. Working in the Gift Shop of the cruise ship means being part of the onboard stores, often referred to as the “Mall” of the cruise ship. Sundays marked the arrival of new stock for all the stores, demanding extensive unpacking throughout the day. Maintaining top-notch customer service is crucial, ensuring that passengers have a delightful shopping experience. Additional responsibilities include administrative tasks, pricing items, and operating the checkout. Work schedules could extend from 9 am to 10 pm, often with a 3-hour break in between. This break offers time for lunch, a dip in the pool, or a moment of relaxation in the cabin—perhaps catching up on sleep or watching TV.
While Lientjie found great joy in her work aboard the cruise ship, she did have instances of feeling homesick. She emphasized the importance of maintaining regular contact with her family and friends back home. The emotional toll of being on the same cruise ship for six consecutive months proved challenging. Staying connected with loved ones presented its own set of obstacles, primarily due to the time difference. Lientjie often found herself staying up until 3 am just to have a conversation with her family. Moreover, during that period, video calls were not an option, making it difficult to see their faces and relying solely on the sound of their voices.
Among Lientjie’s most cherished travel memories is the time the ship docked at the Mexico islands. The port was expansive, accommodating up to six cruise ships simultaneously. It felt like a grand reunion each time, with the chance to reconnect with friends made on other cruise ships along the way. These gatherings were filled with laughter and good times. Notably, there was a bar exclusively for crew members, off-limits to passengers. This provided a space for the crew to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. Lientjie fondly recalls the unique touch of South African crew members playing Afrikaans music, waving their national flags, and singing along. The experience forged lasting friendships and created unforgettable moments, etching a special place in her heart from her time working on cruise ships.
One significant positive that left a lasting impression on Lientjie from her time working on a cruise ship was the diverse array of people she encountered. Building friendships with individuals from all corners of the globe became a highlight. The opportunity to immerse herself in various cultures, whether by exploring different Caribbean Islands or interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, added a rich layer to her experience. It was, without a doubt, a remarkable aspect of working on a cruise ship. Although staying in touch becomes more challenging with the passage of time and the demands of life, Lientjie still maintains contact with some of the friends she made. Fortunately, social media has proven to be valuable for staying connected with everyone.
However, not all aspects of working on a cruise ship are positive, as Lientjie pointed out. The toll of working continuously for six months becomes palpable, particularly reaching the sixth month when fatigue sets in. The constant weariness is accompanied by a deep longing for family, friends, and the comforts of home. Sustaining enthusiasm for travel becomes a challenge when the exhaustion from hard work takes its toll. Managing conflicts with fellow crew members and navigating challenging interactions with passengers are additional considerations. Humility is a key virtue in this line of work—open communication with fellow crew members is crucial. When it comes to difficult passengers, adopting a mindset of “The customer is always right” is essential.
Working for the cruise line doesn’t guarantee royal treatment; in fact, they may not take into account the dietary preferences of the crew. Fortunately, they offer buffet-style meals at every serving, ensuring there’s a variety to suit different tastes. While the crew may not experience the same level of consideration, there are perks such as a private bar and pool exclusively for crew members. This designated space provides a welcome retreat during off hours, offering a reprieve from the bustling atmosphere of the passengers on board.
*Did you know that only specific crew members are permitted to partake in the amenities and restaurants designed for passengers? It’s true; certain roles come with restrictions against mingling with passengers. Interestingly, while passengers might casually stroll into a fine dining restaurant in flip flops (though it might be frowned upon), cruise ship crew members desiring the same experience must adhere to a more formal dress code, often requiring a gown or suit.
In retrospect, Lientjie found immense joy in the years she spent working on the cruise ship. Her advice is to savor every moment during your time on board. Certain jobs come with a time limit in the cruise industry, and it’s not a career one pursues indefinitely. So, she encourages making the most of the experience, creating cherished memories during your tenure on the ship.
Carnival Cruises proved to be an incredible adventure for Lientjie, and she wholeheartedly recommends it to anyone seeking an exhilarating way to explore the world. Since then, Lientjie has embarked on a new chapter, getting married and welcoming a child. While she now revels in family life in South Africa, reminiscing about her days on the cruise ship brings forth no regrets. Every moment spent aboard was cherished without a hint of second thought.
