The One Where Michelle Goes to Anthem of the Seas

In February of 2017, I was given my first contract with Royal Caribbean onboard the Anthem of the Seas working as a youth counselor.

While it took some adjusting, it was everything I’d hoped for.

For most of my first few weeks, I was just lost in every aspect.

Navigating the ship’s crew area was a nightmare and I struggled to quickly learn both the kids’ program (while having 1500 kids onboard) as well as all the other duties we were assigned around the ship.

For those wondering what ship life is like, it’s part military, part college frat, and part backpacker life with work tucked in there somewhere too.

For the entirety of your contract, whether it’s 4 months or 9 months, there are no days off; just hours.

Everyone has a “stripe” or rank depending on your job and certain ship privileges are given according to the number of stripes you have.

There are no ambulances or firefighters; the crew are the emergency responders.

Everyone is assigned to respond to different emergencies, and if the alarm is called for yours at 4 a.m., you’re still expected to turn up.

Related: What Working on Cruise Ships is Really Like: Pros & Cons

Cabins get inspected and an unmade bed is a guaranteed fail.

On ships you work hard, but as the saying goes, you party even harder.

Crew bars and back decks provide stress relief with cheap drinks and themed parties, gathering dozens of nationalities in one place.

People always ask if it’s worth it to work on ships due to the long hours and low pay.

My answer is always yes, not only due to the travel perks, but mainly because of the people you meet.

I got lucky with my first team, which I still consider one of the best ones I’ve worked with yet.

Not only were they extremely talented in their jobs, but they were also so kind and patient with me when I first arrived, and the relationships I was able to build with them was something I’ll never forget.

Living and working with the same people for 5 months can be challenging, but it’s a blessing when you consider them family.