Very often, we get to hear crew members joking about how they're never coming back and that this is their last contract.

How often did we say that while working on the cruise ship? You know this phrase that's it for me; I am done with the ships...I don't want to work on anymore...

The bus arrived in front of the hotel, and it was time for a new adventurous departure in the mystery of the blue ocean. The accumulated cruise ship experience helped me remain calm and focused on the upcoming challenges. Maturity and years of cruise ship experience calm me before a storm.

The flight from Atlanta to Miami was delayed for a couple of hours. Tired and lonely, I finally got on the plane. Unexpectedly, I sat on my plane seat next to the two FBI agents and two prisoners who were probably transferred to another jail in Florida. I held a small prayer book and my wife and kid's pictures in my sweaty hand. 

Sometimes I felt like being on the edge of a cliff. When am I going to see my family again? How could my managers on board the ship be unfair? 

On top of all those concerns, some unpleasant guests are among my regular daily challenges. However, no matter how hard it was, I always kept in mind that the darkest hour of the night always comes just before dawn.

I got the night off because I was nominated as an employee of the month. You know, that is a big deal because for the crew members every night on the cruise ship is Friday night and every morning is a Monday morning. 

Here is an attempt to explain one average working day onboard. 

Most of the time, after a few hours of sleep, I would wake up with only one question: Why am I still stuck here? Tired of unrealistically long working hours, I dragged myself out of bed. 

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a guest happy? The key is to understand the needs of others and always take pride in your job on a cruise ship. Indeed, we live in a society where time is money. Most people work around the clock to ensure their family needs are met. Sometimes, a lucky percentage of people can go on a cruise, capture unforgettable memories with their friends and family, and create a lifetime experience.

There is an enormous amount of pressure that crew members deal with every single day at sea. It is essential to maintain sanity and a clear mindset when working on cruise ships, regardless of the daily difficulties and high-stress levels that life on board the ship inevitably brings.

The key is to stay positive

The following article is based on a true story by Mladen Jakovljevic - former crew member and author of the book "Modern Age Slavery"

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