A Little about me!

My first days onboard i 1994 as a Busboy, Waiter and Head Waiter

From Cleaner to Fleet Manager: My Journey at Sea

Ahoy there! If you had told me back in 1994 that I would one day be managing an entire fleet, I probably would have laughed. After all, my first role on a ship was as a humble cleaner. But as any seasoned sailor will tell you, the sea has a way of teaching you more than just how to navigate the waves—it also shows you how to chart a course for your own success.

Starting Small, Dreaming Big💡

My career at sea began with a mop in hand and a lot of ambition. As a cleaner, my world was all about making the ship shine and ensuring everything was spick and span. But even back then, I knew this was just the beginning. I watched the crew members in the higher ranks, and I knew that one day, I’d be wearing a different uniform, doing something even bigger.

Moving Up the Deck💡

The next step in my journey took me to housekeeping. It was a natural progression, and I learned everything I could about the operations that kept the ship running smoothly. Each day brought new challenges and new opportunities to refine my skills. But my ambitions didn’t stop there—I was hungry to explore every corner of the ship and find my place in the action.

Enter the world of bars and restaurants. I quickly realized that I loved the hustle of the dining room and the energy of the bar. As I honed my skills in guest service, I worked my way up to Assistant Restaurant Manager, where I found myself managing not just guests, but a team, ensuring everything ran like clockwork. The transition from cleaning rooms to managing dining operations was an eye-opener, and it was in these moments that I knew I was ready for the next chapter.

Duty-Free Dreams

By this point, I had gained a deep understanding of ship operations, but I had a new goal in mind: duty-free shopping. I joined the team as a shoppie (yes, that's what we call it on ships) and dove into the world of luxury items, fragrances, and souvenirs. It was an exciting change of pace, and I thrived in the fast-paced, high-energy environment.

The Big Leap to Fleet Manager

After years of working hard, learning, and proving myself as a shoppie then manager, the moment finally arrived when I was offered the opportunity to step into the role of Fleet Manager. It is important to note I would never have got this far without my teams and the people around me. I had some amazing teams on my ships and we always worked as a team and respected each other.

It was a dream come true, and I was both excited and humbled to oversee the operations of multiple ships. The responsibility was huge, but so was the reward. My journey from cleaner to Fleet Manager was no easy feat, but it taught me the value of persistence, learning on the job, and always striving to be better. Most importantly though is the value of your teams and people and how important they are.

Through hard work, determination, and a love for the sea, I transformed my career from cleaning decks to managing fleets. It’s been a wild ride, and I wouldn't trade a minute of it. 💡