In this post, we will learn about Renata! I had the opportunity to meet Renata while working onboard the Norwegian Spirit. We both worked on the shore excursions department and had a blast. Renata is a fun person to be around and very intelligent. She speaks Portuguese, Spanish and French. Everyone that knows Renata (including myself) says she has a great smile, good vibes and she is fun to be around.
Stick around to see what Renata thinks about working on Cruise Ships!
Table of Contents
Tell us Briefly Who You Are
My Name is Renata Porto, from Brazil and I’ve worked on ships for a total of 4 years altogether. I did 1 contract working at the shops onboard and after a 2-year break, I was with the shore excursions department for 3 years. Throughout these years I had the chance of visiting 43 countries!
What Position you Currently Work or Have Worked Before?
As I mentioned previously, I worked the longest period with the shore excursions department, on 6 different NCL ships.
When and Why you Decided to Work on a Cruise Ship?
I decided to work on a cruise ship when I was almost finishing college and wanted to leave the country again and travel the world. So I decided to give this opportunity a try.
What did You Know About Working on a Cruise Ship?
I didn’t know much, to be honest, I knew people leave on a small cabin and usually share it with up to 4 cabin mates depending on the department. Also that I wouldn’t have to pay any bills and stay onboard for approximately 6 months.
Where did you Apply for a Cruise Ship Job?
I applied back home in Brazil, with (a really bad) recruiter company called Infinity Brazil, which I do not recommend. From now on I always tell people to apply directly online at the company’s website (See our Cruise Lines page to learn how to Apply). The hiring process took approximately 3 months.
How Much Did You Have to Spend Before Joining?
I had to pay some fees (like US$300) to this recruiting company, including my STCW certificate, which they said the cruise ship company would never hire me if I didn’t have it – actually not true, some companies will hire you and you’ll do your STCW training onboard for free.
First Impressions on Your First Contract?
It was a bit crazy in the beginning, I enjoyed it for the most part but hated the food and that small cabin I had to share with one person. Luckily I became good friends with her and kept in touch until today!
I also didn’t like the way we’re treated, as if we were all poor people who have no option other than to be there. Some people onboard believe they are gods because they have a higher position than you.
Favorite Things About Working on Cruise Ships?
My favorite things are definitely meeting new people, making friends all over the world, people who you’ll keep in touch for your whole life. Then, of course, the traveling, tours everywhere, endless parties and time spent together.
Least Favorite Things About Working on Cruise Ships?
I would say the accommodation, all the little rules. I understand that you need rules in order to keep all these crew members in order, but some of them quite annoying.
Favorite and Least Favorite Ports of Call?
Favorites: Barcelona and one in Japan.
Least favorite: Nassau Bahamas
What do you do on your Vacation?
I spend some time at home and then travel before I get bored.
What Could Make Ship Life Better?
Better accommodations and working hours.
Any Fun Stories?
Funny/ tense. Once we were in Shanghai at night, it was raining and we had to go back to the ship soon. We took the taxi, using our translator, showed him the address and he started driving. Halfway to the ship, he said he wanted more money because the port was too far and started arguing with us. We were afraid he’d leave us in the middle of nowhere, in China, at night, so I said we’d give him more money. Long story short, we couldn’t stop laughing at the situation and once we arrived, we left the taxi and ran to the port.
What Tips do you Have For New Crew Members?
Go for it, enjoy your contract and try not to take it too seriously. Have fun!
Final Words
Thank you, Renata, for sharing some information about working on cruise ships and showing off your awesome photos. Keep us posted and good luck on your career at sea!
You can follow Renata on Instagram at @RenataPorto
Do You Want to Be the Next Featured Crew Member?
Rocio Maggi Jessica
If you work or have worked on a cruise ship before and would like to share your story with us, let us know. Fill out the form below and let us know the following:
- Please provide the following:
- Your name
- If you are currently working on a cruise ship or have worked on one
- Your current/past Cruise Ship Position
- A good contact information
Once we have this information, I’ll be in touch and you could be the next featured crew member!
[wpforms id="2020" title="false" description="false"]“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
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