Juna Sebayang’s story is one of hard work, passion, and finding love on cruise ship. He began his career as a waiter on Star Cruises and Dream Cruises, learning the ropes of the cruise industry from the ground up. Over time, he built his skills and knowledge, rising through the ranks to become the Food and Beverage Director on Resorts World One. Now, Juna oversees the ship’s wide-ranging operations that include Japanese, Chinese, Malay, Western, and Indonesian dishes, making sure every guest enjoys a taste of home and adventure.

AIDA Cruises launched a new entertainment event, the "AIDA Spirit Show," aboard the AIDAprima, showcasing the diverse talents of its crew. Inspired by the movie The Greatest Showman, the show gave six teams just five days to come up with performances that would bring the "AIDA Spirit" to life. Whether they hailed from the engine room, bar and restaurant, or entertainment departments, crew members from all areas contributed their unique talents to this special show.

A crew member from MSC Cruises has reached out to Crew Center to shed light on a growing concern regarding the company’s performance evaluation process. According to the crew member, who has worked with MSC for several years, the current system used to evaluate employees seems increasingly flawed and biased, causing frustration and delays for many hardworking individuals.

The life of a cruise crew member is exciting but challenging, requiring long hours of work in a confined space. It is essential for crew members to stay active and maintain their physical health to balance the demands of the job. Physical fitness and recreational activities play a significant role in keeping crew members healthy and energized, allowing them to perform their duties effectively while enjoying their time onboard.

In times of struggle, one of the most beautiful things that often rises to the surface is the strength and unity of a community. Today, we are calling on the cruise ship crew and beyond to rally around one of our own.

Marlene dela Cruz is a single mother of three boys and a former Beauty Specialist at Harding Brothers aboard Princess Cruises ships. Marlene has dedicated years of her life to making passengers feel their best, is now in the fight of her life against stage 2B breast cancer.

Norwegian Cruise Line has appointed its first Filipino Staff Captain, Ryan James D. Martinez, marking a historic moment for the Filipino maritime community.

As the second-in-command aboard the Norwegian Gem, Captain Ryan’s rise to this prestigious position showcases exceptional talent, dedication, and leadership. 

We all know about the infamous Costa Concordia disaster, which claimed the lives of 32 people when the luxury cruise liner capsized after striking a reef off the coast of Italy in 2012. But this wasn’t the first vessel named Concordia to meet a tragic fate. Over the years, several ships bearing this name, or similar variations, have been involved in accidents. 

This raises the question: Is naming a vessel Concordia a stroke of bad luck, or are these disasters simply coincidences?

Norwegian Cruise Line introduced Starlink internet services, offering crew members hope for faster and more reliable internet connections while at sea. During the initial launch, crew members aboard the Norwegian Bliss reported that the internet ran smoothly, delivering fast and providing stable connectivity with their families and offering a source of entertainment during off-hours. However, concerns have surfaced after NCL reportedly changed the internet domain for the crew, leading to a noticeable drop in internet speed.

Since August 2024, Mein Schiff has been featuring a series of videos introducing the captains of their fleet. One standout is Captain Todd Burgman, the only American captain in the German cruise line. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Todd joined the Mein Schiff fleet in 2014, leaving behind a career as a finance professor in New York. His journey to becoming a cruise ship captain is inspiring, as he shares his experiences and passions, including his love for cycling and his impressive ability to speak German.

Crew Center recently received a letter from a former crew member who wanted to share his side of the story about a situation that ended with him losing his job. 
This crew member worked as a bartender on the cruise ship MSC Seaside, and thought of his team as family. They joked around, supported each other, and made their work environment feel like home. He worked closely with a waitress from the Philippines, and for two months, they had a good working relationship filled with jokes and mutual respect.