For many, a career at sea is a positively life-changing experience. Gaining a new perspective on life, a new family in your crew members, and a deeper love for travel. But how do you get to this career from land?  

At Viking Crew, what makes our teams so special is that they have experience in the maritime industry, having worked on vessels themselves. So we asked them all about their transition from shore to sea. 

Molly Allard 

Molly works in our Yacht Recruitment department, sourcing and placing candidates in their dream roles, she first worked onboard Celebrity Cruises, based in Miami, working as a Shore excursions staff member as part of a 6-month industry placement at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. 

What made you want to start a career at sea? 

“I have always been interested in having a career which allowed me to travel. I was also very interested in how cruise ships operate, working with over 60 nationalities and making new friends from across the world.  

I had previously spent four months working in the USA as part of a J1 Work & Travel experience, so I was eager to work internationally again.” 

How did you find the transition from shore-based working to onboard working? 

“I personally found it very difficult [the first time] leaving the ship to return for my final year at university. I found onboard I was living in my own world, with everything at my fingertips and no real adult bills to pay!  

Luckily, university was always full of social events, so I was occupied a lot of the time. I thought I would find it difficult, being surrounded by 3,000 crew members a day, to then go back to a student house. However, I completed my degree in September and was back on board by October, joining in Australia!” 

What was your favourite thing about working on board? 

“My favourite thing was how busy every day was; no day was ever the same. I loved meeting guests from around the world and assisting them in planning their excursions, and the busyness of the ship, it was alive 24/7. There was always something to do or people to talk to. I am also truly grateful that I have these roles allowed me to sail across the world twice.” 

What advice would you give someone who is about to start their on board career? 

“Be yourself! And immerse yourself into all new experiences and be open-minded! You will meet some of the most exceptional people on board and establish lifelong, worldwide connections. Your hard work will be recognised, and there are many opportunities for career growth on board.” 

What advice would you give to someone looking for a career at sea? 

“Be prepared to leave your environment for six months or more as contracts mean you will be away from home comforts for months at a time.  

But don’t forget to be confident, there are many different cruise companies to work for so apply for one that you would like to go on yourself.  

Finally, complete your STCWs and be open-minded!” 

Joe Bowyer  

Joe has been a maritime Instructor at the Maritime Skills Academy for just over two years, helping delegates pass their necessary training to embark on their own careers ta sea. Passing down his own knowledge and experience, from working onboard P&O Ferries at 16 and working his way up the deck and engine ranks for 25 years, makes joe a valuable member of the team.

What made you want to start a career at sea?

I came from a family of seafarers, with both parents and my grandfather having worked onboard. Growing up with stories of their times onboard, meant a life at sea was never really a question for me.

How did you find the transition from shore-based working to onboard working?

Getting on board for the first time as a young person is exciting and fun. I don’t think that feeling ever really leaves you, every experience at sea is new, different and uncharted.

What was your favourite thing about working onboard?

Working onboard the ferries is the best job you could ever have. Meeting new people from different backgrounds, an everchanging lifestyle and the comradery onboard are unmatched, it is an experience I wouldn’t change for anything. 
 
Working onboard was also a great way to save money, with meals provided and accommodation, cost of living is significantly lower than a life ashore. 

Thinking of starting a career at sea?

If these interviews have inspired you to take a leap and start a career at sea, then register your profile now and begin applying for your dream role.

Viking Crew have been Placing People First since 1988, and have a wealth of luxury clients for you to experience working at sea with. So what are you waiting for?

For more helpful information on starting a career at sea, and how to write the perfect CV to catch a recruiters eye, visit our blog page here.