Ship Life Diaries

They say your first cruise contract is always the best, and my second one proved why. Here is the honest story of why I walked away, and how time changed the way I see the Cruise Director I once blamed.

Part 3 of Empress of the Seas was the version I almost didn’t want to write. It’s not a story about ship drama—it’s about me-messy, taking accountability, and sitting with the truth that I was hurting myself long before anyone else did. From unexpected karma and hard leadership lessons to finding healing in therapy, this is the story of how Empress became a mirror that helped me wake up.

A shared computer, a rude message, and a realization. Why finding a hidden text from a colleague was the final sign I needed to realize that a job is not who you are.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was sent home for vacation, as the ship was still not ready for service. The scheduled time for cruising had to be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances; basically, the ship was not up to Royal standards yet. The ship had spent nearly a month and a half in Cadiz, much longer than originally scheduled. The concerning aspect was that we had to depart Cadiz, as our time there was up, and cross the Atlantic to the Bahamas to complete the dr

Before I start about my adventure on the Empress of the Seas, I must mention that I was originally supposed to join the Splendour of the Seas (another fantastic contract) and help close the ship. By closing the ship, I mean it was sold, and everything needed to be packed, cleaned, and prepared for whatever process it undergoes when transferred to another company. I won't deny that I was really excited about that opportunity, but I was called to serve on the beautiful Empress

Hello beautiful people, hope everyone is ok, almost ready for Halloween and then Christmas, LOL. Today, my photo gallery brought back memories of my time on the Empress of the Seas, one of my favorite ships. I could say it was among the best contracts, but looking back, it was also one of the most emotionally challenging periods. It was the ship that helped me hit rock bottom, and I believe something in me changed right after that contract. I would be eager to discuss that pe

(You can listen to the podcast or continue reading down below the image) This is a question I used to get a lot, and I believe every crew member gets it as well. I worked 15 years in the industry and I have come up with 3 reasons: 1. Running away, could be from a person, issues, parents, family, you name it. 2. Money, it is kind of an easy way to earn it. 3. Travel the World For me, it was all the options, but primarily Number 1. I was escaping from home, ma

***Audio version is here*** My last 70's Party onboard Ovation of the Seas Hello, beautiful people! I took my time to write part III because I wasn't sure if I should share it. In this part of my story, I need to talk about someone who is great at their job but sometimes lets their insecurities show. I really wanted to express how I felt a bit betrayed and disappointed, but honestly, at the end of the day, I don't think it matters anymore. The Weight of Words I was hurt by th

* *** (Audio version is available now. We are in Spotify as Cecy's Universe: The Podcast! So instead of reading you can also hear me hehe, enjoy!)**** Embracing New Challenges Welcome to Part II of how my journey led me to the life I have today. Perhaps it wasn't life guiding me; maybe I simply didn't want it enough. Keep in mind that everything I share comes from my personal experience and perspective—this is my truth. Some might think I have it wrong, but the stories I'm ab

For over a decade, the ocean was my home. But what do you do when the ultimate promotion comes with a heavy price tag on your mental health? Lost At Sea is the honest, behind-closed-doors reality of my life on cruise ships. Join me as I navigate the adventures, the exhaustion, the gossip, and the profound realization that you are always allowed to walk away from a dream that no longer fits.