My Journey to Becoming a Cruise Director: Part II

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 about to share are the ones I've lived, and I'll explain how they impacted me.

As noted at the conclusion of Part I, my primary focus was on my team and then on the guests. I earnestly endeavored to maintain this approach upon my temporary promotion. When I received the email about my temporary promotion, I was truly thrilled. After spending several years as an Activities Manager, this was my opportunity to prove that I could succeed, entertain guests, advocate for my Division, and secure the permanent position. At that moment, I had immense support from my current direct boss (who gave me a gift), my Cruise Staff team, family, and friends. It was a time of great happiness, and naturally, I was also quite nervous.

A New Ship and New Realizations

I was initially assigned to one of my favorite ships, which is no longer with the company. I think I spent about a month there; it was enjoyable and gave me some practice. Afterward, I returned home for two weeks before joining another ship. It was there that I realized I didn't want to be a Cruise Director. I understood that I didn't want it enough because if I had truly desired it, I would have fought harder. In reality, it just took the enjoyment out of everything.

Here I am at the ship where I was set to spend two months, stepping in for a highly regarded Cruise Director. This person was particularly admired by guests and had excellent ratings. They mingled frequently with guests and were genuinely passionate and committed to the job. I was there for a handover, during which I would learn how things operated on that ship, meet the senior officers, the Hotel Director, my Cruise Staff team, my Activities Manager, and the other Cruise Division Managers. I met them all, and I also already knew some other people, so I was genuinely excited and aware that I had big shoes to fill.

Navigating Challenges

During my handover, I was given some instructions, especially as I was "new" in the position. I was told to defend my ideas, not let other senior officers take over my decisions, and basically stand my ground. I was advised not to let anyone change the program, as it was working, and that Cruise Director was coming back after I left. This was all good advice. I was also informed about some team members and their performances, which seemed normal at the time.

When in a higher position, the truth is, and I did not believe it, one is more alone. You have to make decisions based on the company's values and policies rather than the human side. Remaining professional is crucial; there are rules to follow, things you can say and things you can't, and you must take responsibility for your decisions and your team's. You even have to give disciplinary actions if needed, even if you don't agree.

The Loneliness of Leadership

My time on that ship, especially at the beginning, was very lonely and full of stress. I did not have a full team, so I was multitasking. My Cruise Staff team at that time helped me immensely; they did a fantastic job. I don't think I would have made it without them. I hope they know who they are because, to this day, I am very thankful to them.

I had two Hotel Directors during that time. One of them was there for a really short time, and I thought we had a good connection until I met that person again on another ship. The second Hotel Director I had definitely crushed my patience and my nerves. Unfortunately, I did not have the courage to respond or tell that person what I was thinking because I really wanted the permanent position, and many things were not working in my favor.

The Sound of Frustration

On this ship, the theatre is underneath some officers' cabins. Sometimes, there would be rehearsals in the afternoon or late shows. I did not design the ship, so it wasn't entirely my fault that sound would travel to the cabin this person occupied. What I was responsible for was to check that sound levels were per company standards and maybe try to schedule rehearsals when that person was not taking a break. This person would call me almost every afternoon about the sound coming from the theatre, which was dreadful. The worst was when I was called around 3 AM at night. I was told to call my Stage and Production Manager and meet him backstage because the sound was too high.

I got out of bed, called my SPM, and we met backstage. We waited for about ten minutes, and then I called this person. They decided to meet us and basically tried to teach us a lesson. A lesson about what? Well, I guess it was about showing who was the boss because there was no sound; nothing happened at 3 AM in the theatre.

A Turning Point

I was responsible for the crossing, which involved planning activities and scheduling entertainment for about two weeks as we headed to Europe. That was my last cruise, and finally, I had a complete team. By then, I had an incredible Activities Manager, and I will mention that this AM is a she. She assisted me greatly, and now she is a Cruise Director. I am really proud of her, having met her as Cruise Staff, then AM, and now she is the Boss. We collaborated on planning activities and hosting events. It was wonderful to work with her and the other senior staff members from the Cruise Division, as everyone was highly competent. It was amazing! Guests had such a great time.

At the end of the crossing, when the ratings came in, we achieved one of the highest records for a crossing on that ship. However, this did not matter to the Hotel Director, as during my evaluation, I was harshly criticized. Never in my time with the company had I received such low scores—scores I know I did not deserve. But I suppose that person also had a perspective, and unfortunately, it was not in my favor.

Reflecting on My Experience

Finally, my replacement came back, took over, and I went home. After that contract, I was exhausted, and I was left with a bad taste. It wasn't about my team or my personal experiences; that evaluation really hit hard. I thought to myself, "I have to try harder, be better. Hopefully, there will be a next time."

Part III coming up later, to be continued.......

PS. This is also the time one staff member wrote a book about me, mentioning and describing me as someone who does not like older people for the job. If that person only knew everything that happened behind closed doors without him. But, obviously, I do not think I am allowed to disclose that information. And now that I think about it, maybe it was the same thing for the Hotel Director who gave me my most horrible evaluation in my history of working.