The First contract on a cruise ship was to last from November 5th, 2017 to February 28th, 2018. The best part about it was the route – I would board in Miami and then cruise south all the way to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. Exactly the parts of South America that I haven’t seen. Then from the end of November till mid-February, we would cruise to Antarctica. The only places I haven’t seen and traveled to are Africa and Inner North Europe.

‘International Job Day’ for careers in hospitality, catering and cruise industry will be held on 16th November 2019 between 11:00 AM to 16:00 PM. Recruiters and HR manager from more than 16 leading hotels, river and ocean cruise lines will be present at the Park Inn Hotel by Radisson Bratislava, Slovakia to meet personally candidates interested to start or enhance their career in the hospitality and catering industry.

Since previously I worked in the Bar Department on Princess cruises I decided to try something new and joined Seabourn. The day I embarked on Seabourn Quest reception was at the Show Room where we would go one by one and hand over all our paperwork. 

The Last Night of the contract with Princess Cruise line. A slightly uncomfortable situation occurred on the last day. My Supervisor from the  Philippines didn’t allow us to finish our shift slightly earlier which was the regular practice in Princess Cruises for day before you disembark. The last shift should end at 9PM so you have time to pack and take your bags to security so they can be scanned overnight.

During my first contract, I spent my birthday alone. Sure I was surrounded by people but not the ones that I wanted there – my parents, my sister, and my best friends. That moment was very difficult. I was less and less happy near the end of my contract. One of the worst moments was Orthodox Christmas (January 7th) that we celebrate at home. 

The floor in the Crew Mess was slippery that day because the cleaning crew did a deep washing. I slipped and fell down to the floor, and had a feeling that the whole ship turned with me. My right leg slipped and my hands were holding the tray firmly. Because of this I fell and hit the floor hard with my left elbow.

My duties while working for Princess Cruises were very clear. As a bar waitress, I need to carry a tray, serve drinks, collect empty glasses and follow USPH procedures (cleaning before inspections). That included wiping the shelves where the bottles are kept, wiping the tables and bar with greater detail, changing the tray for the one with the fruit for cocktails. I would also assist in the cocktail making if the bar was very crowded and wipe the bar one more time before closing.

After the transatlantic crossing from Kiel, Germany, following stops in Saint John, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia the cruise ship MSC Meraviglia finally arrived in New York on 7th of October. The news was broadcasted by all mainstream media as the vessel become the largest ship with 4,488 guests to ever dock in New York. However, as we were informed by several crew members onboard, out of 1500 crew working on the ship only 38 employees were allowed to go ashore.

The first time I got sick was during the fifth month of my contract. I got the infamous Norovirus which spreads so easily and if you don’t report symptoms right away you get a formal penalty. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. 

It was the end of September 2013. This is the period when I got really scared on the ship Royal Princess for the first time. We were still on the Mediterranean cruises and the ship was on its’ way from Marseille to Barcelona. The sea was so still and I was working the first shift, a little before midday.