Two Photographs, One Big Career Move: Nomcebo's Life at Sea

From serving customers in Newcastle, South Africa, to working onboard a cruise ship, Nomcebo has quite a story to tell. And these two photographs capture it beautifully.

I received two photographs of Nomcebo recently, and I couldn't decide which one I liked more.

In the first, she's standing proudly in her uniform, with a big smile on her face.

In the second, she's out on deck, with the lights of beautiful Santorini behind her.

Two very different moments. Both part of her new life working at sea.

And when you consider where Nomcebo's career began, they're rather lovely photographs to receive.

Before the ocean views

Back home in Newcastle, South Africa, Nomcebo spent several years working in retail.

She was used to busy days, serving more than 100 customers, helping people find what they needed, processing transactions and making sure the store was ready for the next customer.

It was the sort of practical, everyday retail experience that teaches you how to deal with all kinds of people.

And it's experience she could take somewhere new.

In 2025, Nomcebo completed her Cruise Retail Diploma with the Cruise Retail Academy, studying product categories including watches, jewellery, sunglasses and alcohol.

She was preparing to move beyond the retail environment she already knew.

Now she's onboard.

The other side of the uniform

There's something about that second photograph that makes me smile.

Nomcebo is standing on deck, enjoying the evening, with the coastline lit up behind her.

It's a reminder that although working on a cruise ship is a serious commitment, it can also bring experiences that are difficult to find in an ordinary job back home.

There are new colleagues to meet, different cultures to experience and destinations to discover.

Of course, there's plenty of hard work involved too.

Cruise retail means long days, learning new products, looking after guests and adjusting to life away from home.

But when I look at Nomcebo's photograph, I see somebody enjoying one of those moments that makes the experience special.

And that's worth celebrating.

A message from us

Nomcebo, what a pleasure to see you onboard!

You've taken your experience from South Africa, put time into preparing for a different career and now you're living that experience for yourself.

Adrian and I are delighted for you.

Keep learning, enjoy meeting people from around the world and make the most of those opportunities to explore.

And please keep the photographs coming. We love seeing what our Academy Graduates are getting up to!

Congratulations, Nomcebo. ❤️🎓🚢

Interested in working onboard a cruise ship?

Nomcebo's story is a great example of how experience in retail and customer service can be relevant to cruise ship opportunities.

Cruise Retail Academy offers free learning resources, career guidance and access to recruitment opportunities for people interested in working at sea.

Explore what's available at academy-onboard.com.