From Sea to Sarova
Blue Sea, Sunshine, white beaches, Palm trees, a different location every day. A life on board a cruise ship is far from dull or boring. Most people, who I share my ship life experiences with, remind me that I must have been mad to leave Royal Caribbean behind. Why return to a nation where we are depressed by the weather, have spiralling costs and the media continually reminding us of the poor economic circumstances that we live in. When you are travelling from port to port, whether in Alaska, or Hawaii, the Mediterranean or South America, life is just a journey full of exploration. It almost takes away any sense of responsibility, with your food provided, cabin cleaned, clothes washed and ironed, all you have to do is do your job. I was a Training and Development Manager, responsible for all new hire training, supervisory, and management development. A role which filled me with a sense of achievement as I saw people grow from having nothing in the world, to earning money, travelling and developing careers for themselves which might never have happened if they had chosen to stay in their country. With approximately 69 different nationalities within the crew base, it really was a multi-cultural society. Cruise ships offer a world of opportunity to young people in developing nations who need an escape route. I guess your probably reading this and thinking, why did I leave? Well like all good things they must come to an end. After 3 years of sailing it was time to return to land, and pick up my career which I put on hold. Now after 4 months I’m happily settled in London working as the Human Resources Manager for The Rembrandt. So from the peace and tranquillity of the ocean to the hustle and bustle of London life. Adjusting to the demands of the city has been challenging and at times it really tests your patience. But all of this is rewarded by a city full of the hippest and trendiest bars and clubs, the high class shops and boutiques, amazing restaurants and of course the best theatre shows in the world. This is a city with rich culture and heritage. A new chapter has just begun!
Derek Rostel, Human Resources manager, The Rembrandt Hotel
