I traded my land life for a career on the open sea!

After 10+ years of busting my butt as an independent contractor in the wild and wonderful world of experiential marketing I happened to discover a very unique industry where I can not only be my own boss but start generating some serious income, as a port revenue generator! (Explanation to follow!)

*This is my new home!*
As with most change there is a learning curve but I embrace it with an open mind and an optimistic outlook- which I recommend for everyone in any situation!!!
Thankfully the transition from land life to ship life has only been [slightly] dramatic when it comes to accommodations and personal relationships. My first week as a "new-hire" was quite amazing and rewarding, I even met a fellow American (and discovered we are the minority among crew & staff, not passengers) who before introducing herself to me announces "You're gonna be my new roommate next week!" I smile and introduce myself, later feeling eternally grateful after trying to live with a moody Serbian woman who was very demanding (and a bit delusional ...talk about dodging a 3-month long bullet!)
Anyhoo I'm writing because A. I'm elated that I CAN access my blog on my work computer (off hours of course, but FREE!) and B. To keep a log of my voyages (weeks) because I am already one-down with 11 to go before my first break which will be an incredible week-long conference in Miami where I'll get to see my beloved beau AND rub elbows with some major decision makers that hold some of the keys to unlocking even more exciting opportunities for my future!
Now let me rewind for a second because you may be thinking what the HECK is she talking about? I am on WEEK 2 of a six-month contract I signed after being invited to train as a new PORT Marketing & Sales presenter for a very well known cruise line company! In my lame attempt to be somewhat mysterious and tactful I feel that my title and employer should remain "nameless". If it weren't for drooling over my good friend P.J's amazing photography of his adventures working on ships I would have never even imagined of pursuing this life, but BOY am I glad and truly blessed that I did!

*This is one of my new "offices"!*
Now in my attempt to begin really building a following on this blog (not really this one but a professional one that I will link to all #SHIPLIFE posts from here on out) I won't say any more but I assure you there is a lot of awesome stuff to learn and experience (if only vicariously for now) via my posts... so stay tuned and share! :)
I figured this list of WHAT TO PACK for #SHIPLIFE would be helpful for all you future sailors because I know everything else I found online didn't quite prepare me like I wish it did! ;)

"I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul"
First of all if you have a uniform- CONGRATS! I wish I did but needless to say the more basic pieces of my wardrobe are coming in handy for those mornings I arise and simply do not want to get all glammed up (please keep in mind my position is unique compared to other "crew" jobs like bartending and shore excursions, but if I had to start somewhere else I would choose either of those first!)

TIP: THE "ROLLING" Technique DOES SAVE SPACE!
WARDROBE:
2-3 pairs of COMFY, CLOSED-TOE SHOES! (for obvious SAFETY reasons and dress-code restrictions in certain areas)
BLACK & NAVY dress pants (fabric that resists wrinkles and stains easily and match w/any top)
Blouses and shirts with sleeves (you cannot go into the cafeterias a.k.a. "crew mess" in sportswear or w/out sleeves!)
LOTS of underwear (laundry is no fun, though you can hire someone for cheap to do it for you)
A few basics to wear and interchange as pajamas and workout gear (less is more) Comfy Sneakers (again for walking around AT PORTS of call and/or the gym) Bathing Suit and coverup (for life jacket drills and if you have time to hit the beach!)
Formal wear for formal night (if you're on a Freedom class that's more laid-back a cocktail dress or two is perfect! Just remember to look better than the guests lol)
TIP: PACK YOUR FAVORITE/MOST IMPORTANT PIECES IN YOUR CARRY ON, JUST IN CASE YOUR CHECKED BAG IS LOST or DELAYED!!!

STUFF THAT'S EASY TO FORGET
Small umbrella (RAIN happens everywhere!) A light jacket AND sweater (sometimes it's better than a blanky on those dreary days!)
1-3 combination locks (you'll have a safe and drawers you can lock, after all you're roomie will be a STRANGER for however long it takes you to become friends... :O!)
BRAS
SOCKS
HAIR PINS/ACCESSORIES
Brush/Comb
BELTS
Nail clipper/file/polish
TOOTHBRUSH & paste/floss
Makeup remover (cloths are so handy)
Moisturizers/lip balm
Sunglasses/Reading glasses
Baby powder (if you wear flats, keeps 'em fresher & drier in humid areas!)
Small tote bag for your daily survival kit (company was nice enough to give me one, it's not super stylish but I can toss a pair of heels and carry stacks of fliers + my basics like my wallet/lotion/band aids/mints/notebook & pen that I ALWAYS NEED!
GUYS, I will never understand how you stay sane w/out an emergency band-aid, gum, pen or chapstick handy! lol

TOILETRIES
Shampoo & Conditioner (there is only harsh, chlorinated water on board so you might want to rinse your hair with bottled water or invest in a BRITA filtered water bottle)
Your favorite soaps, lotions and fragrances
Feminine care products
Contact lens solution
Deodorant
Q-Tips

OPTIONAL ITEMS (these area all allowed despite what you may read elsewhere- at least on Royal Caribbean)
Flat iron (allowed and much quieter than a blow dryer)
Hair blower (allowed despite what you may read online, doubles as a makeshift iron...splash a lil water on your clothes and use to get wrinkles out if necessary)

BOOKMARK this blog because I WILL be adding more to the list as I'm now getting sleepy and know something else will arise in my real-time experience lol... In the meantime last but not least, a quick PROS & [Potential]CONS of giving SHIP LIFE a try before you jump the plank (pun intended!)
PRO: Eat, Sleep and Travel for FREE!
CON: Work LONG and most likely unpredictable hours and have little time to explore ports
PRO: Escape your life on land and try something completely new
P.CON: Commit to a 5, 6 or 8+ month long contract. Period.

PRO: Meet people from different nations all in one place, every day!
P.CON: Language barriers, personality conflicts, cultural differences.

PRO: Eat great food, never have to cook!
P.CON: Nowhere to cook, weight gain! (Practice self-control!)

PRO: Witness the beauty of mother nature on the open seas...
P.CON: Possible sea sickness, noro virus outbreaks and bad hair days!

PRO: Contract work with career advancement opportunities P.CON: No con here! It's YOUR LIFE! If you work hard, MAKE A PLAN and stick to it- you can have an incredible experience that is rewarding in sooo many ways!

I wish you ALL the best if you're thinking about hopping on board one day! 'Til then, stay tuned for my next installment of "Life as a Renaissance Chick living the SHIP LIFE!" ;)
xoxo