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.

I remember my long flight to join the ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

On my final flight connection from San Diego to San Juan, I almost got a heart attack. I was returning on the ship running tight with the financials with only $50 in my pocket. The flight was scheduled to arrive in San Juan around 10:30am. With those arrival expectations, It should be a smooth process. 

The ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was scheduled to leave the port at 4 pm. Having that in mind, I thought that there would be plenty of time when I arrived at the San Juan airport. How we plan things ahead of us is a little different compared to reality. Due to some complications with the plane in San Diego, all passengers were told the flight was delayed. I was getting nervous because the ship was leaving at 16h. When the plane finally left San Diego, we were told that the aircraft would arrive in San Juan around 3 pm due to complications. I did not know what to do. 

I could not afford to be late for the ship's departure for several different reasons. First of all, the ship was setting sail for an 8-day cruise. If I was going to miss the ship, I did not know how I would survive and where I would stay for eight days until the ship returned to the home port. Another huge reason was that I had little money in my pocket, which would not be enough to survive in San Juan. Also, I did not have a cell phone at that time; I did not know how I would contact company officials in case I got late. Around 3 pm, we were finally approaching the San Juan airport. I learned from the stewardess that the port of San Juan is luckily located just 20 minutes from the airport. The plane touched down at precisely 1520. I was standing while the plane was still moving around the airport, and I got reprimanded by the airline staff attended. I was very nervous and scared to miss the ship. 

How will I contact the company and tell them that my flight was delayed and that I will miss the ship? At exactly 1535, they finally let us leave the aircraft. I knew there was no time to pick up my baggage in the baggage claim area. For that reason, I decided to run. I left my luggage, knew what I was doing, and had no choice but to sprint toward the port.

I left my luggage, and I started running. I was pretty fit regarding fitness and stamina levels at that time. I was running the fastest I could when I saw the San Juan port a few miles before me. That gave me extra confidence that I could make it. I knew that I had to make a difficult decision to leave my luggage at the airport pick-up area; there was no time to pick it up, otherwise, I would miss the ship and get stuck. Despite being very fit and strong back then, my energy slowly collapsed after 10 minutes of sprinting. When I saw the port of call, I increased the speed despite being dizzy and wet from sweat dripping on my face. Hot Puerto Rican sunshine did not help; I was on the edge of my energy levels. 

When I finally approached the port area, I saw the police officer closing the gates. " Stooooooppp, please! I am a crew member! You have to let me in; I am a crew member and late to board the vessel! "

The police officer just gave me that long, confusing look and asked me for the passport! One minute extra that he was checking, it seemed forever. Finally, the police officer saw that my name was on the sign-on list of new crew members scheduled to join the vessel that day. He opened the gate for me. It was 4 pm, and the ship made a sound that it was about to set sail. The long blast for signaling the time to leave the port! I made one last 50 m sprint and came close to the vessel. 

Security guards were already fixing the gangway and preparing for departure. 

They saw me approaching the ship, and they called the captain to check if is ok to lower the gangway once again and picked me up. Those few seconds when I saw the security officers were taking forever. Finally, I saw that security officers were re-opening the gangway, and they told me to prepare my passport to join the vessel...

That was the most stressful song I experienced in my life. My luggage arrived eight days later, from the airport to the port of call, and I finally got all my belongings. Sometimes life will test our willingness and how much we are ready to suffer to sacrifice and to push ourselves over the limit in order to get what we want. That day, I was running fast for my family, for their future...And I made it. Sometimes, you have to be ready to climb the mountain and jump over unexpected hurdles to achieve your goals. You also have to adjust and quickly decide based on your circumstances. No matter your stressful situation, stay calm and focus on finding the best possible solution for that given moment. Stay strong, determined, and focused, and never give up. Have a great contract, everyone!