Cruise Ship Life – Meet Eric Hernandez

In this post, you will learn a little bit about Eric Hernandez. Eric was born and raised in New Mexico and he had the opportunity to work on ships as Youth Counselor, working a total of 9 contracts on 8 different ships, all part of the Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet.

Since working on ships, Eric has visited over 20 countries and strive to make travel one of the top priorities in his life. I had the pleasure of working alongside Eric during my time on Norwegian Pearl as a Youth Counselor, and eventually, we planned a trip to Brazil during our vacation and we had a blast.

Eric had the pleasure of working on the following Norwegian Cruise Line ships:

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Tell us briefly who you are and what position you currently work or have worked before?

My name is Eric Hernandez and I am a free spirit who is living life on his terms.

I am now back on land for good. My last contract was July of 2009. Almost 10 years ago now!

When and why you decided to work on a cruise ship?

I started my first ever contract working for Norwegian Cruise Line in January of 2006. I was working for Albuquerque Public Schools as an EA at the time. I worked with two incredible teachers who ran a dual classroom who knew my love of traveling and seeing new places, and they knew this would be a job that would fit that lifestyle. They both helped me out with my resume and looking for a company to work for. I flew to Miami for interview weeks afterward and the rest is history.

What information did you know about working on a ship?

I knew absolutely nothing about what I was getting into initially. I had a base idea of what I would be doing but didn’t know anything else about what ship life entailed. It wasn’t until I signed on and “hit the ground running” that I got the full dose of what ship life was going to be like.

Where did you apply and How long did the hiring process take?

I can’t remember how the application process went exactly. I remember sending my resume to Disney first, but they rejected it. It was NCL who gave me the first opportunity.

I remember it taking weeks. I had to get a full-on physical and do lab tests to make sure I was safe to sail and that I was physically well.

To learn what are the requirements to work on a cruise ship, visit our post, What are the requirements to work on a cruise ship?

How much did you have to spend before joining?

I don’t remember spending a whole lot, it was so long ago now that it was all a blur. But I don’t remember breaking the bank with the process. Things like luggage and toiletries were my biggest expense back then.

First impressions on your first contract?

I came away from my first contract with open eyes that there was a bigger world out there than my hometown. I learned to be a little more versatile with people and adaptable to many different work environments.”

To be honest, my first contract was tough. It was my first time being away from home for an extended period and at first, and I was overwhelmed with everything. I didn’t work with a good group of people at all, bar from maybe two or three fellow YC’s. The YC’s I worked with on that contract were very cliquey, and the ones that adjusted to ship life fast never included me in things. I didn’t have good leadership, either and that made it tough.

I also was one of the first males to work in the youth staff department, and it was tough working with an all-female team, however, towards the end of my first contract, I finally started to feel comfortable with ship life and comfortable with my new independence.

Finally, at the very end of my contract, I was confident enough to handle my next contract with an open mind and heart.

What’s the PROS and CONS about working on cruise ships?

Naturally, the traveling always came first when it came to my favorite thing working onboard. The other favorite things would be the perks we would get as crew members, like helping on shore excursions and the cheap booze.

Depending on where I was in the world, being seasick was definitely up there. Having to work while you’re seasick is no pleasant experience, but you had to get on with it. The occasional homesickness was also tough. Also, the other thing that was my least favorite was the weekly boat drills. As important and vital as they were, it wasn’t fun reporting to your muster station while working a full sea day before, or nursing that crew party hangover.

Favorite and least favorite ports of call and why?

My favorite ports were the ones in Alaska. I have so many fond memories in those ports. It had to be because of Alaska’s natural beauty and the camaraderie I had with my co-workers on those contracts that made those ports so special. I also loved the ports on the Mediterranean run because of the culture and the food.

My least favorite port was Manta, Ecuador. We were there only for a day during our repo to South America but that seemed to be enough for me. It felt like such a dusty and dreary place. I didn’t care for Puerto Barrios in Guatemala, either.

What do you do on your vacation?

My vacations home were spent catching up on rest and hanging out with friends and family.

What could make Ship life better?

I think the training for whatever position you apply for is paramount, so first-timers know what to expect and are prepared mentally and physically for the challenges that the position brings. Also, the crew mess food is always in need of improvement. At least an alternative food area in the mess that doesn’t serve fish heads or other things that Westerners would eat.

Any fun stories?

There are so many good times that it is hard to name just one standout story. I have seen and done so much during my cruise ship years that it all seems a blur now.

What tips/advice do you have for new crew members?

Keep an open mind and an open heart, always. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, try and open up to your superiors and talk it out. Make sure that you pack right for whatever itinerary your ship follows. It’ll save you the expense of buying clothes in port. Also, keep up constant communication with loved ones back home. I always found communication with my loved ones was my salvation if I ever felt lonely or isolated.

Last words?

Working for cruise ships became one of the best things that ever happened to me. It made me the man I am today. It made me grow as a person and it made me appreciate different cultures and that everyone dances in different ways to their own beats in this life. Naturally, this line of work won’t be for everybody, but you’ll know during your first contract if you fit the mold or not. The years I worked for NCL were some of the best times of my life, and I wouldn’t trade those for anything.

Have you worked on a cruise ship before or are you currently working on a cruise ship?

Let me know if you are interested in sharing your stories, fun photos and experiences of your journey at sea. Let the world know the awesome things you can do while working on a cruise ship. You will be helping future and current crew members learn more about what’s like to work on a cruise ship.

If you are interested, leave a comment below and we’ll be in touch soon.

Sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. 

Drake