💫 From the Boutique Floor to the High Seas: Grace Is Living Her Dream

Some journeys start with experience.

Others start with courage.

For Academy Graduate Grace, it took both.

Since 2023, Grace has been building her retail career on land — sharpening her eye for customer service along the way. But she wanted more: a career that combined her love of people with her love of travel.

Today, that dream is real.

Finding Her Feet Onboard

The first few weeks at sea are rarely easy, and Grace's were no exception — seasickness, a brand-new routine, and 1,500 new colleagues to meet.

What made the difference, she says, was the welcome she received.

“Settling in was made much easier thanks to a team of Sales Associates on board. They welcomed me, showed me around, and answered all my questions.”

Within days, her body adjusted to life on the move, and ship life started to feel like home.

A Change That Turned Into an Opportunity

Grace was originally placed selling perfumes — until an allergy meant a change of course. She moved to Tides, and hasn't looked back.

“This has been a great change. I am now selling pre-loved bags, Majorica, Swarovski, DPT jewellery and sunglasses, and I am really enjoying learning about these different products.”

It's a reminder that a setback onboard is often just a redirect — and that adaptability is one of the biggest strengths a retail career at sea asks of you.

Built on a Strong Foundation

Long before she stepped onboard, Grace was already investing in herself — through the Cruise Retail Academy's product knowledge and guest service training, and through everyday moments on the shop floor, including a proud memory of cross-selling to a group of vacationing women back home in Kenya.

That foundation is exactly what carried her through her first weeks at sea.

“Everything I learned at the Cruise Retail Academy, from product knowledge to customer service, has prepared me well for this experience. Thank you to the Cruise Retail Academy for providing me with the foundation and confidence to step into this industry.”

Grace's ambitions don't stop here — she's already set her sights on growing from Sales Associate to Manager within the next five years, and on building the kind of relationships with guests that keep them coming back, voyage after voyage.

Living the Dream

“I am finally living my dream, and I look forward to learning and experiencing even more.”

Congratulations, Grace. 🎓🚢

We're incredibly proud of how far you've come already — and we can't wait to see where this journey takes you next.

Welcome to the Cruise Retail Academy Graduate Hall of Fame. 🌍✨

To learn about both Majorica and Diamanti Per Tutti jewelry, you can visit our E-Academy, where we have dedicated training for both of these brands. If you are inspired by Grace's story, then apply today on our Academy Onboard careers portal.