One of the worst things about my second contract on a cruise ship was the supervisor. And what a story it is... The man was in his 30’s and he already avoided a harassment complaint before he became a manager. Instead of getting fired and kicked off the ship he got promoted. 

The First contract on a cruise ship was to last from November 5th, 2017 to February 28th, 2018. The best part about it was the route – I would board in Miami and then cruise south all the way to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. Exactly the parts of South America that I haven’t seen. Then from the end of November till mid-February, we would cruise to Antarctica. The only places I haven’t seen and traveled to are Africa and Inner North Europe.

Since previously I worked in the Bar Department on Princess cruises I decided to try something new and joined Seabourn. The day I embarked on Seabourn Quest reception was at the Show Room where we would go one by one and hand over all our paperwork. 

The Last Night of the contract with Princess Cruise line. A slightly uncomfortable situation occurred on the last day. My Supervisor from the  Philippines didn’t allow us to finish our shift slightly earlier which was the regular practice in Princess Cruises for day before you disembark. The last shift should end at 9PM so you have time to pack and take your bags to security so they can be scanned overnight. After that you get dressed up a bit and go to the Crew Bar to have a drink with everyone.

During my first contract, I spent my birthday alone. Sure I was surrounded by people but not the ones that I wanted there – my parents, my sister, and my best friends. That moment was very difficult. I was less and less happy near the end of my contract. One of the worst moments was Orthodox Christmas (January 7th) that we celebrate at home. 

After a few years on the ship, you really start to wonder what is the purpose of life there? Is it really all about the money? Is it really possible that people can be treated like cheap motor parts? The answer is yes. Yes, it is, it`s like that. No matter how rich the company is or how good you are at your job, you will always be replaceable.

The floor in the Crew Mess was slippery that day because the cleaning crew did a deep washing. I slipped and fell down to the floor, and had a feeling that the whole ship turned with me. My right leg slipped and my hands were holding the tray firmly. Because of this I fell and hit the floor hard with my left elbow.

My duties while working for Princess Cruises were very clear. As a bar waitress, I need to carry a tray, serve drinks, collect empty glasses and follow USPH procedures (cleaning before inspections). That included wiping the shelves where the bottles are kept, wiping the tables and bar with greater detail, changing the tray for the one with the fruit for cocktails. I would also assist in the cocktail making if the bar was very crowded and wipe the bar one more time before closing.

The first time I got sick was during the fifth month of my contract. I got the infamous Norovirus which spreads so easily and if you don’t report symptoms right away you get a formal penalty. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. 

It was the end of September 2013. This is the period when I got really scared on the ship Royal Princess for the first time. We were still on the Mediterranean cruises and the ship was on its’ way from Marseille to Barcelona. The sea was so still and I was working the first shift, a little before midday.