I embarked on a journey with Carnival Cruise Lines that started in August. I accepted a job on a cruise ship for 6 months and I'd never been on a ship in my life. I pretty much knew nothing about ship life or what to expect but I jumped on that plane and just showed up. I completed "host college" and I was assigned the Carnival Ecstasy for the rest of my contract.
One thing you learn about ship life is how quickly people will come into your life and then leave it. Hardly any of the people who were on my ship when I started were still there when I left. But quite a few people have left an impression on me. People who I may have otherwise never encountered in my life, but now that I have, I can't imagine not knowing them. And some of them I may never actually see in person again, but I cherish the time I did get to spend with them.
Instead of writing a huge drawn out post, I'm going to tell you the top ten best things about working on a cruise ship for the past 6 months:
10. Having a job that didn't necessarily always feel like a job. Yes, some days were harder than others, but I got paid to have fun! Can't beat that.
9. How many stars you can sea when we're out at sea. I loved to lay on deck 8 and look at all the stars. In the middle of the ocean with no city lights, it was a spectacular view.
8. Getting compliments from guests. It is such a good feeling when someone recognizes how hard you work. I sometimes felt like a celebrity, "Hey, weren't you on stage last night?" "I saw you on TV!"
7. Visiting Disney World and Universal studios for about 4 hours each. We'd rent a car, drive the 45mins-1 hour to orlando, and have as much fun as possible before we had to be back on the ship. Those were the most exhausting days, (especially since embark days I would have to work until at least 12:30am) but also some of the most fun.
6. Having warm weather all the time! While everyone had wind and snow, I had sunny Bahamas with a nice breeze! I also only saw rain maybe twice in 6 months.
5. Being a minority out of 900 crew members, as there were less than 20 americans on my ship. My favorite guest comment was always, "You're the only American I've seen here! Are you the only one?" This is also how I earned the nickname "Token" because I am the token American on the Entertainment Staff (everyone else is English, Canadian, or Mexican).
4. Visiting places I had never been to like: Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Nassau, Freeport, Half Moon Cay, and Key West.
3. Crew Bar. Pretty much every night after you get off work, everyone goes to the crew bar to relax and have cheap drinks. Its the time we use to unwind from the day and have a good laugh. I can't ever remember being in crew bar and not laughing hysterically at something. Good times were always had there.
2. Being a part of Hasbro the Gameshow. I was one of the assistants for this incredible show, we had hours of rehearsals and prep before we put on the first episode. I did almost every show until I left, and I loved seeing the guests get so into it and the excitement of it all.
1. The best part of the last 6 months was finding how much I'm capable of. My confidence level is so much higher now. When I first started I was always so nervous to speak on a microphone in front of 900 people, or be on camera to later be broadcast on every stateroom TV, but I would do it. I've gotten better and better at my job. I even got to sing with the band quite a few times when the singer was sick. I got to do so many things that I love, and in such a short span of time.
Playlist Performer friends
Host Team
Halloween with the Cruise Director and Assistant Cruise Director
Overnight in Nassau at Bambu
Irish Kevin's in Key West
New Years with Georgeous
Happy New Year!
Micah and I. Best roommate ever.
Enjoying the day in Half Moon Cay
People I love dearly on my last night
Now that I am back home in NC, some very exciting things are just around the corner!
I bought a new car! She is a 2011 Toyota Corolla, and I love her. She still doesn't have a name yet.
On February 15th, I am packing up my car with all of my possessions to drive across the country and move into my apartment in LA with one of my best friends. We have been planning this for a while, and I couldn't be happier that it is actually happening! I remember when we were 18 and on tour in California saying someday we're going to live here. Now we actually are!
So wish me luck!
Cali or bust!
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures on our cross country road trip.
-Linds
I am so so happy for you sis! I knew this adventure would be a great one. And it looks like its prepared you for the next one. I know you'll do amazingly in LA. I cannot wait to come visit you out there. Good to have you back stateside!
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