Embarking on a lengthy international flight, we experience a mix of emotions as we are about to join the ship. There's a sense of exhilaration fueled by the prospect of new adventures and countless opportunities. However, amidst this excitement, a tinge of sadness may arise, knowing that we'll be separated from our loved ones, our family and friends. Yet, regardless of our internal struggles, we are resolute in our commitment to fulfill our duties onboard.

In the cruise industry, we must always track employee satisfaction levels. The most efficient way is to conduct a timely survey and analyze the results. The initial analysis will likely yield minimal results if the company has not worked on employee engagement. Engagement is not the constant value – after a vacation or a teambuilding event, people are normally full of enthusiasm and desire to work.

Management on the cruise ship plays a vital role in the industry. The crew members' turnover rate can drastically change depending on your management style and leadership skills. If you are a cruise ship manager, you must maintain your relationships with your employees. If you do not do this, your best employees will look for a way to change the company because of inefficient engagement levels. And that is only your responsibility as a manager.

Transitioning into a leadership role within the cruise industry can be an exhilarating step forward. This move will likely bring a fresh job title and an increase in compensation. Your responsibilities will shift from day-to-day "grunt work" to being a part of the cruise ship's larger strategic vision, bringing you closer to your ultimate career goals.

Cruise ships have workers from up to 70 countries working on each vessel at a time. This means that we're used to work with people from different culture, and thus means, we all have an international mindset. We have to work and live with people from very different backgrounds, and in doing so, we learn about their cultures and ways of doing things and become more open in general. This flows into every aspect of life and work attitudes.

I have been working on the cruise ship for a long time, and I can guarantee that the crew members are the most resilient, hard-working, and committed employees in the world. Therefore, I would sincerely recommend any business owner to consider employing a former crew member, as that will certainly boost overall business operations. 

Remember that there is a difference between a bad relationship and a bad boss. A bad boss is intentionally mean or unethical and is not receptive to dealing with you honestly and openly. A bad relationship is an inability to communicate or work together to achieve mutually-beneficial goals. When you approach your situation with your boss, you should focus on the relationship instead of the person. This will help you keep cool and find a productive way to address the situation.

This article was written after numerous comments, complaints and reports of crew members suffering from health and mental wellbeing related issues onboard MSC Cruises during the Brazilian season due to severe toxic leadership of a director...and still ongoing even though it has been reported directly to the head office. This ship has recently returned to Europe.

The first day of May marks international labour day, and this week we will try to focus on the importance of the crew members on the cruise ship. Indeed, we all need essential reminders about the actual value of all seamen around the world. Those brave people are willing to sacrifice their presence to create a better future for their loved ones. 

Working on a cruise ship is a complex and challenging job that often involves dealing with high-stress levels. Unfortunately, one of the most difficult aspects of this work can be the managers we work with. Some of them can be biased, untrained, and arrogant, making things even more challenging. As crew members, our primary goal is to create unforgettable memories for our guests. When we succeed in doing so, the sense of fulfillment we feel is truly remarkable.