By Gemma Hunt

If you work on a cruise ship you have experienced some of the most beautiful harbor entrances. I used to wake up early before my working hours, take some coffee from crew mess and up to the open deck crew areas. Since cruise ships that I have worked on had different itineraries year-round I had a chance to experience some of the most beautiful scenaries.  

Embarkation day is the day to hear the whips cracking in the slave ship. It's a lot of work for all departments, especially for the housekeeping who need to take the guest from their cabins (sometimes literally) and place new with smiling faces. All of this needs to be done super-fast and pretending that all is well. Imagine that passengers have until 8:30 am to leave the cabin, and they only come out at this time, never come out before. The new passengers come (like the stampede) at 13h.

The heart and soul of any cruise ship's culinary operations, the Main Galley, orchestrates a symphony of meals from breakfast to dinner and even the famous midnight buffet. Operating around the clock, the Galley never sleeps, tirelessly catering to the gastronomic desires of passengers. The sheer scale of food production in the Galley is mind-boggling, and it is divided into several specialized sections, including Appetizers, Bakery, Hotline, and Pastry.

Family & Friends Program Offers Exciting New Enhancements Holland America Line is pleased to announce exciting new enhancements to the Family & Friends Program that streamline the process and make it easier for you to book your family and friends on a special rate cruise. The new enhancements offer: • New Online Applications – A new application process for all HAL employees with a valid HAL email address and for all retirees - just click on https://book.hollandamerica.com/FNFApplication.

The Cruise Company is NOT responsible for expenses incurred as a result of lost, damaged or excess baggage (Extra, overweight, oversized baggage fee) while joining / leaving Company vessels.

Responsible for all food and service-related issues in his/her assigned station of responsibility and guest satisfaction Job description:  Ensure all Hotel Operations functions are carried out in compliance with the line’s Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP). The Waiter/Waitress reports directly to his/her section Assistant Restaurant Manager/Manageress or Supervisor, as directed by the Restaurant Manager/Manageress.  Learn the standards by meeting the relevant restaurant company standard procedures.