In this post, we will learn a little bit about Jessica Gomes. Jessica has worked for many years on Disney Cruise Line as Youth Counselor onboard the Disney Wonder. I’ve met Jessica onboard the Disney Wonder on my first contract back in 2007 and she was on her last one after four and a half years at Disney. As I always say, everything happens for a reason, we have become best friends since then and have been married for over 10 years.
After Disney, Jessica has worked onboard Norwegian Cruise Line with her then-husband, me, for a few years in the position of Youth Counselor and later on a Youth Program Manager onboard the Pride of America in Hawaii. Find out more below about Jessica and her journey at sea.
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Tell Us Briefly Who You Are, How Long You Worked On Ships, And How Many Countries You Have Visited
Hi! My name is Jess (ship name: Juicy), and I worked on ships for a total of 8 years, on and off. I’ve visited nearly 50 countries both via ships and on my own time.
What Position do You Currently Work Or Have Worked in Before?
I was a Youth Counselor for the majority of my time, and a Youth Program Manager for one year. I began my career at sea working for Disney Cruise Line, and the majority of my time working for Norwegian. I also had a couple of short contracts working for Celebrity.
When And Why You Decided To Work On A Cruise Ship?
I began working on ships after I completed college. A girl I worked with at summer camp had done one contract with Disney… and HATED it! She generally had a discouraging attitude about a lot of things, and I found the idea interesting, so I applied.
What Information Did You Know About Working On A Ship?
Not much to be honest. I knew the aforementioned girl hated it. I knew it was something completely different lifestyle than everyone I’d grown up with, and I knew that it involved traveling. That was pretty much all I needed.
Where Did You Apply?
I applied on the Disney website, then through referrals from people I’d met who’d gone to Norwegian, and Celebrity.
How Long Did The Hiring Process Take?
Each time varied, but a few months minimum. Sometimes the response time was slow, and then waiting for the medical to get approved always took longer than expected.
How Much Did You Have To Spend Before Joining?
I only had to pay for medical expenses that were not covered by insurance. Luckily each time I applied I still had insurance, so it was only lab work. Usually not more than US$200. Celebrity (which is part of the Royal Caribbean Brand) wanted me to go to a specific clinic that wanted to charge more than $800 and didn’t take my insurance, so I had the lab work completed through my primary care physician, and just the physical exam at the clinic, which ended up costing about $150, but that was reimbursed when I got onboard. Not all companies/ positions will reimburse for medicals, but each time I did receive around $150 back in one of my first paychecks.
First Impressions On Your First Contract?
In the beginning, it was definitely overwhelming. I felt (and got) lost quite a bit, the food left a lot to be desired, and the hours were long. Luckily, I’m an outgoing person and I met people and made friends quickly. After settling into the lifestyle, I began to forget that there was any other life than ship life!
What’re Your Favorite Things About Working On Ships?
The traveling and the people. I’ve met some amazing people during my time aboard, including my hubby. I think he’s the best one I’ve met so far 😉 And the travel, travel, travel. If you’re lucky to get a contract with a varied itinerary you can visit so many places. Plus, you have time in between contracts to really go explore. It’s easier to save money than on land because you don’t have that much to spend it on… unless you find things to spend it on!
What’re The Least Favorite Things About Working On Ships?
A lot of rules, and grumpy people complaining about everything. Missing out on important events in family and friends’ lives. Not having a “home” and a normal routine. Healthy food, and variety of food.
Favorite And Least Favorite Ports Of Call And Why?
Favorites- Alexandria, Egypt (not the port area itself, but all of the tours), Haifa, Israel (because of the tours), Bermuda, and… well, any European port because of… coffee.
My least favorite- Nassau, Bahamas. It’s not clean, and you really need to make an effort to do anything remotely nice.
What Do You Do On Your Vacation?
Travel, travel, travel. Go home for a few days.
What Could Make Ship Life Better?
Bigger rooms, better food.
Any Fun Stories?
We’d taken a train from the port of Livorno to Tarquinia, Italy in early fall. The town was nearly deserted and we walked around, enjoying the scenic landscapes when we came to a house with a cat meowing desperately on the roof. We all decided that this cat was in need of rescue. First, my husband climbed on the shoulders of a friend of ours trying to reach the cat, but he wasn’t quite close enough. Then we found a plastic lid and tried to reach it that way. I swear that the cat was about to jump on it and get down, but looking back at the photos it definitely had zero interest in our rescue attempts!
What Tips/Advice Do You Have For New Crew Members?
Take a deep breath, it will get better. There is so much training to attend at the beginning (that you will promptly forget about). Find your way around the ship. Talk to people, and be kind to everyone. You never know what your fellow crew members are struggling with. And it’s nice to know people outside of your department. Maybe you’ll meet your soulmate that way too =)
Do You Wanna be the Next Featured Crew Member?
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!
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The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one into its net of Wonder forever
Jacques Yves Cousteau