How to Travel and Get Paid

In Episode 6 I'm joined by friend and colleague Sjoerd Maes from The Netherlands. Sjoerd was a team member in the Guest Services department on both the Eurodam and the Noordam and worked with Holland America Line as part of a hotel management course he was studying back home in Holland. Since completing that course, Sjoerd is now back at college studying another class and hopes to be back on cruise ships again soon! 

In Episode 5 I'm joined by my colleague and friend Alden Powell from the Philippines to talk about his job role and experience whilst working onboard Holland America Line. In the role of Entertainment Coordinator, Alden oversees the full programming of the ships activities and events and works closely with other departments to provide entertainment to guests onboard. Alden has sailed to many countries but his absolute favourite destination is Antarctica! We chat programming, travel bucket lists and what it's like to a Filipino onboard.  

In Episode 4 I'm joined by Matt Whitehouse who works as a Waiter onboard Disney Cruise Line. Matt has completed two contracts working in the Remy restaurant that's available on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships. The restaurant is inspired by movie favourite Ratatouille. Matt shares a great insight into what it's like working for one of the biggest companies in the world as well as place he's been and plans for the future. 

In Episode 3 I'm joined by Christine Streets who's worked in 3 different job roles onboard. Christine's been a shopping expert, an Events Manager and a Cruise Director with more than 10 years experience in the cruising industry. Christine was born in the United States but now lives in The Netherlands with her soon-to-be husband after meeting each other onboard Holland America Line. We talk job roles, relationships and why we turned to cruising. 

In Episode 2 I'm joined by Claire Macdonald, a former photographer onboard Holland America Line ships who made quite the job switch after realising her passion for the sea during lockdown. Claire was stuck onboard at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and had time to reflect on her cruise ship journey and decided that she wanted to become a Deck Officer. She is now studying for her cadetship and is due to go back to sea in March. We talk about working onboard in photography, what her new job role entails and relationships as Claire met her boyfriend onboard.