Abel M. Dimaano spent more than 30 years at sea with Princess Cruises, building a career defined by resilience, leadership, and purpose. Starting in 1991 with the goal of creating a better future for his family, he rose through the ranks to Restaurant Manager, faced challenges head-on, and left a lasting impact on the crew community.
A story shared with Crew Center tells how easily a crew member’s career can be ruined by agreeing to “help” a colleague. This serves as an important reminder:
Never accept or store bags or items belonging to others in your cabin.
Princess Cruises has reportedly halted the hiring of Brazilian crew members, becoming the latest cruise line to do so after mounting legal concerns. The decision, which has not yet been officially confirmed by the company, comes in the wake of a broader industry shift away from recruiting Brazilian nationals. The popular channel ShipLife broke the story, reporting that thousands of potential job opportunities for Brazilians have now been lost.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has spotlighted the exceptional dedication of its team, announcing the Employees of the Month for August aboard the Borealis. The awards recognize crew members whose hard work and exemplary service continue to elevate the guest experience on board.
Princess Cruises has issued a fleetwide update to its tattoo policy, formally requiring all shipboard employees to keep visible tattoos covered while on duty. The change, announced in an email sent to all departments by the company’s Fleet HR Team, will take effect on September 10.
Cunard has launched its new ‘Crew Behind the Voyage’ series with a spotlight on one of its rising stars: Barnaly, whose remarkable journey from ballroom dance instructor to onboard leadership is inspiring colleagues across the fleet.
The feature, introduced on the Cunard Careers social media, is part of a broader initiative to recognize the diverse talents and stories of crew members who bring Cunard voyages to life behind the scenes.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has recognized three exceptional crew members aboard Borealis as Employees of the Month for June, highlighting their dedication, hard work, and positive contributions across key departments.
For those curious about what it’s really like to join a cruise ship as crew, Carnival Cruise Line’s Cruise Director Sam Thurgood is offering a firsthand look at the embarkation and sign-on process in a new two-part video series filmed while joining the Carnival Glory. Whether you're a first-time crew member or just interested in life behind the scenes, this video is an excellent resource packed with useful information and real-world insights.
Life at sea can be exhilarating, offering an escape from the hustle of land-based routines, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. For many seafarers, the sense of adventure and freedom is often coupled with long stretches of isolation. While working at sea, there are plenty of activities available, from socialising with fellow crew members to exploring the ship, but after a while, the daily routine can start to feel monotonous. The open sea, with its endless horizon, can be beautiful yet somewhat boring, especially when you’re away from family and friends for long periods.
This week, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is shining a well-deserved spotlight on someone who truly embodies what it means to grow, serve, and care at sea. Rosendo Napalinga III better known as “Nap” has just celebrated an incredible 21 years with the company, and his journey from Deck Boy to Chief Security Officer is nothing short of inspiring.
