My Ship Story

The Sam Catling Story: DeckTales

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:51:52 -0500

Sam goes straight from school in 2006, at only 19 years old, to work on ships as an Entertainment Host. He worked for Thompson Cruises, Travelscope, Silversea Cruises, and Carnival. He tells about a round the world cruise, a bad accident on stage, stupid passenger questions, onboard deaths, and losing his virginity at sea. Since leaving ships in 2010 he has written a book called "Seems Like Smooth Sailing" and recently created the DeckTales Podcast.

https://shows.acast.com/decktales

The Jessie Getlik Story: Jagged Toe Jessie

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 11:19:15 -0500

From an early age, Jessie knew she wanted to work on ships. Fresh out of university at UCF, she joins the Explorer of the Seas in 2016 doing a 22 repositioning from the US to Australia. Then goes to Disney in 2017 up to 2020. She tells about a Filipino-Mafia party, a mooring deck party, the Wave Phone, the Pirate Party, and the Five O' Clock Knock.

The Jordan Bertram Story: AKA Squirrel

Mon, 13 May 2024 09:04:37 -0500

Jordan tells about joining the NCL Pride of America in 2005. And more!

The Fernando Diez Story: Cruising The Galapagos Islands

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 21:12:16 -0500

Fernando is part of a family owned expedition company cruising in the Galapagos Islands since 1986. He tells us about how Quasar Expeditions operates in the islands, the amazing wildlife, snorkeling and scuba diving, naturalist guided tours, the working conditions for the crew, and a desperate porthole escape. Do Galapagos exceptionally!

www.quasarex.com

The Sean Rowland Story: The ITV Guy

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 09:30:03 -0500

Sean loses his land job in Canada and decides to go to work on cruise ships. He joins Celebrity in 2008 as the interactive television specialist on an epic first contract itinerary. He tells us about this dream job and how it gave him an opportunity to explore destinations all around the world.

The John Ensley Story: Learning To Sail

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:27:12 -0500

In a fun departure from our usual ship story format, we talk with instructor John Ensley about sailing the seas. Check out his courses at: https://cruisenlearnsailing.com

The Leo Alvarez and Rommel Pacson Story: Brothers and Bricks

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:24:56 -0500

Eric's younger brother Leo and his friend Rommel meet at Epcot as dancers in 1993. Very soon after they join Princess Cruises as Cruise Staff / Dancers on the Fair Princess. They tell about their stop at Christmas Island, the cruise staff bar tab, tender duty, Ship Shape dollars, the Papeete prostitute, the L.A. guy and Acapulco guy, and "the brick" ends their cruise career.

The James Gregory Story: Founder of The Crew Bar FB

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:58:05 -0500

James gets disillusioned with his corporate job in London and decides to go to work on cruise ships. He joins Disney Cruise Line on the Wonder in 2003 as Youth Staff, goes to Royal Caribbean on the Legend and quickly goes to ACD, meets his wife onboard, becomes a Port and Shopping Guide, works on many different ships and cruise lines, and tells about how the Crew Bar Facebook page got created, destroyed, and created again. Join the Crew Bar on all their social media. https://www.facebook.com/groups/officialcrewbar/

The Santana McAfee Story: The MS Besterdam

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 09:06:44 -0600

Santana leaves Mississippi in 2011 to work for Holland America as a Youth Staff. She tells about hugging the Mexican toilet in Cozumel at the No Name Bar, her first brush with Tequila, works her way up to an assistant Cruise Director position, heading back to the ship ahead of the pack, her tough decision to finally leave ships, the rough transition from ships to life on land, and a crew member steals a passport stamp from Turkish immigration.

The Paula Furness Story: On The Run!

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:54:30 -0600

Paula leaves the most haunted town in South Australia to join the R4 in Papeete, French Polynesia as a bar waiter. She then goes on to bring the R8 out of the shipyard in France. She tells the story of the crazy aftermath on ships after the bankruptcy of Renaissance, a stint with Celebrity, an "Around the World" competition, an affair with the Executive Chef, the overboard of the NZ crew members, and a freak injury that ends her career.

The Roger Ryman Story: It's Not A Boat

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 09:11:20 -0600

Roger graduates from Notre Dame and decides to go to work on cruise ships. He leaves Texas and joins Renaissance Cruise lines as a Purser where he becomes cabin mates with Brad. He tells the story of the two crew members that jumped overboard on the R4 in Tahiti, going to the bank in Papeete, the pros and cons of Kusadasi Turkey, and the fun side of ship life.

The Shane Morris Story: The Random Drug Test

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 15:18:11 -0600

Shane leaves the Gold Coast of Australia in 2003 to join Princess as a Casino Slot Tech without actually being a slot machine technician. He has a very long sleepless journey getting to the Carnival Glory - and then has even worse first week onboard. He tells the story about being selected for a random drug test after a crew party on the Diamond Princess.

The Stu Moss Story: ”The Greatest Cruise Ship Story Ever Told”

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 09:12:33 -0500

After practicing on prisoners in jail, Stu leaves the NYCPD to become a comedian. He goes to work for Royal Caribbean in the early nineties and then on to many other cruise lines. He tells about encounters with other comedians and celebrities, working on the old Love Boat, Bingo Money, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, that time he missed the ship, and starting up a talent agency. www.stumoss.com

The Sami Kohen Story: I’ll Be Back

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:32:56 -0500

Sami starts his career on ships in 1990 with Cunard on the QE2 as a sommelier. He then goes to work for Royal Viking and Crystal Cruises as a Food and Beverage manager. With Renaissance he opens and closes all eight of the R-ships. He tells about working for Apollo Cruise Ship Chandlers, a Japanese charter company, a favor for a captain, good times in Australia, and crossing the equator.

The Gabrielle Nierenberg Story: Ship Lips

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:53:24 -0500

From a very young age, Gabrielle wants to be a dancer. After becoming a professional dancer she gets a contract on the AIDAmar in 2019. Gabrielle packs a lot of adventure into one year before the pandemic shut things down. She tell about the culture shock on her first ship, meets a nice boy, dancing on a moving ship, German party game, Denmark is the Las Vegas of Europe, and escape from Ukraine.

The Lars Hoglund Story: Cargo to Cruises

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 11:59:37 -0500

From a long line of seafarers in Sweden, Lars first starts working on cargo ships. By chance he gets an engineer position with Commodore Cruise Lines working on the re-fit of the Caribe I in 1983. He goes on to have a long career working for many different cruise lines such as: Windstar, Royal Caribbean, and the Renaissance R-ships. He tells stories about having an incredible whale encounter, the disastrous christening of the R4, gives us a pig roast confirmation, two crew jump overboard, a ship fire, a woman scorned, and stripes make a difference.

The Sharon Waugh Story: The Sharonicles

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:42:54 -0600

Former cruise ship employee, writer, actor, blogger, and social media star, Sharon worked for Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines. She tells about a collision between two ships in Cozumel, the trials and tribulations of a Grope Coordinator, an incident with a fire screen door, Fountains, and her transition from ships into a social media creator. https://www.instagram.com/rodrigoflamingo/ https://www.instagram.com/thesharonicles/

The Linda Carol Woodward Story: A Peep Through the Porthole

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 08:45:57 -0600

From a young age Linda dreamed about going to sea. Finally in 1996 she joined the Nieuw Amsterdam with Holland America as a fitness instructor working for Steiner. She was on many different lines on 40 ships in many positions over her 15 year career. She tells stories about being fired from Steiner, getting back onboard as Social Host with Carnival, an epic birthday celebration and aftermath, a rogue wave, the reasons for leaving ships, karaoke blackmail, and deciding to write a book.

For more stories check out her new book: https://www.amazon.com/Through-Porthole-Linda-Carol-Woodward-ebook/dp/B0BMC3QZZ7

The Bas van der Linden Story: Who’s The Boss?

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 10:02:07 -0600

Bas goes from working in Hotels to working for Royal Caribbean on the Brilliance of the Seas in 2012 as Cruise Staff. He tells about being on an arrested ship, ship pranks played on the Cruise Director, cleans guest staterooms during a norovirus outbreak, meets a passenger, and leaves ships after the pandemic hit.

The Brian David Bruns Story: Cruise Confidential

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 09:30:21 -0600

In 2002 Brian falls in love with a woman and follows her to the Carnival Conquest. He tells about the trials and tribulations of being the only U.S. waiter to finish a full contract with Carnival. On his second contract, has a chance encounter that lands him a position as an Art Auctioneer, and ends up happily with a different Romanian woman. After ships Brian becomes a best-selling author with a series of books about his life on ships. https://www.amazon.com/Cruise-Confidential-4-book-series/dp/B074CFCNF5

The Kerem Suna Story: Smell of the Seas

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 11:51:34 -0600

In 1995 Kerem leaves hotels in Istanbul to join the Nordic Empress as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager with Royal Caribbean. He tells about getting forgotten on the Legend of the Seas, going to the Monarch to improve USPH inspections, a fire in the galley, life in the Windjammer buffet, the comment card mobile app idea, the melting pot of ships, and the evolution of work life onboard.

The James Horan Story: Confidential Mr. Bollocks

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 10:10:10 -0600

In 1989 James borrows 2000 pounds and sets out for Paris to get a job working on a cruise ship. He goes to work as a busboy for Premier Cruise Lines and joins the Oceanic in Port Canaveral. He quickly gets promoted to waiter and tells stories of his adventures in the dining room, Mick The Fish and the stoned Canadian pianist, yellow warnings, and that one degree of separation. He wrote a book under the name James Spencer titled "Cruiseline Confidential"

https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-spencer/cruise-line-confidential-part-1

The Nicolae Florea Story: Work - Love - Wine

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 12:01:50 -0600

Nico has a dream to get out of Romania and see the world. He gets a job in the bar department working for Renaissance and joins the R5 in Saint-Nazaire for her maiden voyage. He quickly gets a girlfriend and gets promoted, has a problematic roommate, wants to be a crew member again, and now in the U.S. running a winery.

https://www.maisondamis.com

The Rob Mauldin Story: 100 Blowjobs

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 10:06:31 -0600

Rob leaves Texas in 1991 to work for Royal Caribbean on the Nordic Empress as an Assistant Purser. He admits to pushing a dancer in a wheelchair and cast into the pool at the Marriott, tells some stories when Eric and Rob were cabin-mates, resigns from RCCL to work for Flagship Games, Diane makes a cameo, he then goes to Disney Cruise Line shore side and shipboard Hotel Mgr, tells about the Disney start up issues, and meets his wife on the Majesty.

The Melanie Howell Brooks Story: The Millennium Cruise Riot

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 10:06:42 -0600

Melanie leaves Wisconsin in 1998 to join the Celebrity Elation in Los Angeles as a musician. She tells about Lumpy the snake, a riotous millennium cruise, hangs out with celebrity entertainers, and tours Bob Marley's house.

The French Manchego Story: The Cruise Ship of Love

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 08:58:28 -0600

French leaves Peru in 2008 to work as an assistant waiter on the Spirit for Norwegian Cruise Line. She tells about her one and only contract that completely changes her life forever. #cruiseshipoflove

The Stephanie Elaine Samuel Story: We Are Family

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:48:07 -0500

Stephanie makes a life changing decision to leave Michigan and work for Carnival Cruise Line as a production singer. In 1994 she joins the brand new Fascination in Helsinki. She tells about shows that went awry, a fire in the engine room, and a man overboard.

The Erica DePascale Story: The New Erica From America

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:23:33 -0500

In 2013 Erica decides to leave a high profile job in New York City to work on cruise ships. She joins Royal Caribbean as Cruise Staff on the Grandeur of the Seas where she is given her famous nickname. She tells about going to her first Filipino Party, finds a secret room on the Jewel, comparing crew life then and now, attracts a mysterious stalker, a complaining pax, gross #1 story, gross #2 story, and her huge TikTok success. @EricafromAmerica

The Cassie Mead Story: Human At Sea

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:22:06 -0500

The first female navigation officer on the show, Cassie starts her marine career in New Zealand at a young age. After years of rigorous study and training she goes to work on yachts in Europe and then eventually gets a job with Celebrity. She tells about being on the all women's bridge team, working with Captain Kate, navigating ships around the world, and the last man standing. Follow her on Instagram @cas.sea_onboard

The Mike Stranges Story: Restrain Your Children

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:08:41 -0500

Mike goes to work for Carnival as a Youth Staff in 1996 aboard the Inspiration sailing out of San Juan. He tells about a bad first day on the job, terrible Cones, if I were not upon the sea..., almost misses the ship #AMTS - and a Kathie Lee Gifford problem.

The Lisa O’Connell Story: Canuck in Paradise

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 17:17:03 -0500

Lisa adapts new technology in 1990 to get a job with Royal Caribbean on the Song of Norway as an assistant Purser. She goes on to work numerous positions on ships as Purser, Port Lecturer, Shore Excursion and more. She tells about meeting Jimmy Buffet in Margaritaville, a shigellosis outbreak on the Viking Serenade, bringing out the Majesty from France, the Michael Jackson Suite, secret captain codes, a cabin beach party, and unique charter groups.

The Amy Minches Manalo Story: I Like Filipinos

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 12:32:20 -0500

Amy goes to work for Royal Caribbean shore-side in 1987 doing inventory control. She cruised frequently and met many onboard personnel. She leaves shore-side 1994 and goes to work onboard the Norway as an assistant purser. She tells stories about her many positions with Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Delta Queen, meeting her husband, a brush with death in Ketchikan, Bill W, Filipino parties, and an expired ship's certificate. @myshipstory on Instagram

The Manny Garcia Rubio Story: Mass Exodus

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:37:42 -0500

While still in High School, Manny starts working for Royal Caribbean as a shore-side embarkation personnel. After college he goes to the ships as an Assistant Purser on the Song of America. He tells about a narrow escape from a Hotel Manager, messing up Michael Bayley's date, working in HR for Disney, Festival Cruises in Greece, and Carnival and then finally ending up in higher education.

The Behram Tavadia Story: Chronicles of Disco Bob

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 16:31:25 -0500

In 1986 Bob gets hired via telegram by Royal Caribbean as a purser aboard the Song of America. He tells about his first cabin being the brig, a passenger's cure for seasickness, a brush with aquavit, pranks on new staff, and how he got his nick-name. Bob left Royal Caribbean in 2020 after working for 34 years.

The Kirk Detweiler Story: One Year Turned Into 35

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:10:31 -0500

After college Kirk begins his entertainment career and soon goes to work in a cast for American Hawaii Cruises. From there he moves to Admiral Cruises and becomes Cruise Staff and then quickly up the ranks to Cruise Director for Royal Caribbean and Silver Seas. He tells about a murder onboard the Viking Serenade, stranded onboard at the start of the pandemic, the evolution of socializing with passengers, Duffy's Love Shack, and friends of Karen W.

The Chris Romine Story: One Night in Bali

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 11:22:26 -0500

Chris leaves the Pizza House in Michigan and joins the Song of America in 1992 as a purser. He tells stories about a brush with violence, a cabin crawl, a Sega Genesis, an almost missed the ship story #AMTS, meets a passenger, favorite ports, and ship dreams.

The Chris McNeill Story: The Golden Rivet

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 13:33:19 -0500

Chris joins the Navy soon after high school and goes to submarine training. He tells stories about what is was like working on a nuclear submarine, getting pranked by the engineers, almost misses the boat, strawberry jack, a missile launch drill and cruising the Arctic Ocean.

The Julie Jaeger Luxton Story: Ask More Questions

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 11:37:46 -0500

Julie has a wild time joining the Sovereign of the Seas in 1990 as a dancer. She goes on to work as Cruise Staff, Hostess, and Asst. Shore Ex, she talks about the pre-internet bonds formed with fellow shipmates, crosses paths with a stowaway, leaves some pax in Haiti, the ship-shape police, a Bachelorette party, the American Gladiator and the speedway museum, and bringing out the Majesty.

The Shari Morningstar Story: Champagne & Specters

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 10:00:32 -0500

Shari joins Royal Caribbean in 1973 performing with her husband as a singer. She soon becomes a Social Hostess on the Sun Viking and tells an "almost missed the ship story. #AMTS She gets assaulted by a passenger, wins a champagne bet with the Chef, has two boyfriends, tells a ghost story, and she is still performing.

The Michelle Doran-Sanderson Story: Ensenada’s Revenge

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 12:08:42 -0500

Michelle leaves Virginia in 1988 to work with Chandris Cruises as a dancer. She goes on to work for many other cruise lines in many different positions and now works for Disney Live Entertainment. She tells about having to cover for the lead singer that was unable to perform, gives an ultimatum to the Cruise Director about a hard partying neighbor, and gets married in Barbados.

Season 2 Recap: We’re doing another season?

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 10:14:35 -0500

A look back at Season 2. Scott tells about his recent Princess cruise. The guys discuss all the awesome guests and all the stories they have heard this past year. There will definitely be another season with new people and some guests from the past invited back and of course loads of new ship stories!

Original Trailer: Play Back

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:55:49 -0500

This was intend to be episode #1 from two years ago - until Brad messed up the sequence of the first four shows! Anyway, the guys lay out the premise of the show with some fairly accurate predictions of how things are going so far. If you are new to the show and have not gone back into the archives, here is the one that kicked it all off.

Season 1 Recap: Play Back

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 14:48:17 -0500

A re-run of last year's season one re-cap. The guys talk about their favorite episodes and guests. Then tell their most embarrassing drunk stories.

The Alex Berry Story: Play Back

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 20:27:43 -0500

This is a re-run from Season Two from Alex that didn't get as many downloads as it should have. Listen to some great ship stories if you missed this one the first time around.

The Bibi Jehaludi Burroughs Story: Play Back

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:35:25 -0500

This is a rerun of an episode from August 2021 that was so good and didn't get as many downloads as it should have. Listen again to Bibi tell her amazing ship stories.

The Annette Bodden-Whisker Story: Play Back

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 10:11:07 -0500

Re-publish episode of the hilarious Annette Bodden-Whisker story. She tells us some wild stories of her time working in the housekeeping department for Royal Caribbean.

The Jeff Hopkins Story: Redneck Riviera

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:42:01 -0500

Jeff joins us from the Mt. Rushmore podcast in a special collaboration. In 2002 he joins his first ship as an entertainer. Later he goes back as part of The Second City improv comedy group on NCL. He tells us funny stories about his time as a ship's entertainer. And he reflects on the pleasures of travel and meeting fellow crew and entertainers. https://www.mtrushmorepodcast.com/

The David Rich Story: The Butler Did It!

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:23:32 -0500

David leaves South Africa in 2002 to join the Celebrity Millennium as an Assistant Waiter. He quickly becomes a Waiter and later goes to Oceania Cruise Line. He tells the story of a disaster doctor visit in France, partying with a famous South African Rugby player, working as a Butler, difficult passengers, and waiter pranks.

The Amy Rihari Story: The Searcher

Mon, 30 May 2022 11:28:19 -0500

Amy leaves New Zealand in 2000 to join Princess Cruise Lines as a shop attendant. She tells the story about being a newly trained security guard, comforts a distraught fellow crew member, Gift shop complaints, overnights in Saint Petersburg, ship-wide announcements, the Haka injury, and reflecting about her time on ships.

The Corinne Roucoules Story: Follow Your Dreams

Mon, 16 May 2022 10:52:06 -0500

Corinne leaves France for New York in 1988 to pursue a performing career. She auditions for Royal Caribbean and joins the Nordic Empress in 1990. Corinne tells us stories about getting a visa in Martinique, the funny things that happen in the shows onboard, a cast member forgetting to wear a skirt, and she's working on writing a book.

The Micha Berman Story: Permanent Passenger

Mon, 09 May 2022 09:45:53 -0500

Micha joins the Carnival Ecstasy in 1991 as cruise staff. He tells a hilarious #AMTS in Jamaica, has an encounter with a cone, gives some good relationship advice, management changes, makes use of his time improving his mind and body, hosting activities, going after your dreams, and writes a book called Permanent Passenger. http://michathemouth.com/

The Jaden Ruesch Story: JAR 22

Mon, 02 May 2022 09:40:20 -0500

Jaden leaves Utah to work on cruise ships and gets a job as a photographer with Cunard in 2018. He works on the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary, and Queen Victoria doing trans-Atlantic and world cruises. He tells the story about painting a world map mural, hiding JAR stickers around the ship, experiments with the Betel nut in Papua New Guinea, the hidden crew deck, and passenger parkour. Follow Jaden on social media @creation_jar

The Cristopher Gambito Story: Life Changing Decisions

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:46:57 -0500

Cris was working in Dubai when he decided to try cruise ships. He joined Oceania Cruises in 2006 as a Snack Utility but quickly moved up the ranks to Assistant Waiter, Waiter, and then Bar Waiter. He tells about giving a tour of Muscat to a German passenger on his first contract - which will completely change his life. He eventually goes back to the Philippines to become a teacher.

The Jason Kolker Story: Code Blue

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 10:52:25 -0500

Jason was working as a motor-coach tour guide in Iowa and decides to try cruise ships. He joins the Sun Viking in 1991 for a short run and then quickly gets transferred to The Emerald Seas. He tells the story of being on the Code Blue team, death in the hot tub, makes an announcement in the Paris train station, kept a beer mug from a french hotel, crew talent shows, the perils of working the front desk, the clench and flinch, and all the good people.

The Nick Lewin Story: 6% of 50 years of Magic At Sea

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 09:54:36 -0500

Nick begins his long career entertaining on cruise ships in 1970 when he leaves London at 19 to join Chandris aboard the TSS Romantica. He tells the stories of world cruises, a French nuclear test, the Panama Canal, and the Norwegian coast. After refusing to take a bad cabin he meets his American wife in London over a bad cup of tea. He then moves to California and joins Sitmar Cruises, which would later become Princess Cruises, and a few more stories about fake dog poop, Frank Sinatra Jr. and an onboard concussion.

The Rich Burt Story: Sober Enough to Hear

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 13:37:17 -0500

Rich was a tech engineer for Disney World and gets a job working on the Sovereign of the Seas in 1988 as one of the first sound & light technicians. He tells the story of his first contract aboard sailing without an assigned cabin, working with equipment no one knew how to use, and being assigned to dance with passengers. After several years onboard he moves to HMS doing the set up for new ship builds. And tells how he met his current wife onboard.

The Marie Blum Story: A Marble Stage

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 13:27:03 -0500

Marie does a tour in Italy and gets the idea to work on cruise ships. In 1990 she joins the World Renaissance in Genoa and goes on to the Oceanos. Gets an invitation from the captain that does not go well. Works on land for a while but decides to go back to ships with Carnival on the Holiday. Met her husband at Victoria Station, a wild party in the crew bar, and an eye catching walk to the Ocho Rios jerk center.

The 100th Episode Story: Century Club

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:43:43 -0500

The hosts get together with a group of listeners and previous guests to talk about the first 99 episodes. We discuss behind the scenes on how the podcast is made, some of our favorite moments, and hear a couple new stories! Don't forget to LIKE - SHARE - SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and YouTube channel!

The Ramona Georgescu Story: Role Model

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 16:05:03 -0500

Ramona, our first guest from Romania, is working as a teacher but has a dream to get out and see the world. She takes a job with Carnival in 2000 as a bar waitress, then later switches departments to become a Purser. She leaves ships in 2008 but comes back in 2017 with NCL as a trainer. She tells an #AMTS story about getting lost in Miami and being returned to the port by the police, gets a very strange request from a passenger, has a noisy cabin location, and the decision to return to ships after nearly ten years on land. Check Out Ramona's ship diary: https://www.facebook.com/Jurnal-de-bord-Ships-Diary-1579792715388448

The Danny Larocque Story: The World Needs More Funniness

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 14:36:50 -0600

After growing up cruising many times as a passenger, Danny wants to work on cruise ships. She starts in 2017 as a shop attendant with the Starboard concession on the Explorer of the Seas, and then quickly moves to a Shopping Host. She tells a story about a passenger that forgot their child, the glass girl story, meets her husband Dinko onboard, he gives us an #AMTS and a couple of casino stories, crew bar discussions, the Harmony life boat disaster, a roommate takes a tumble, and the pros and cons of dating onboard. Follow her on TikTok @danny_manny12

The Frazer Snowdon Story: A Passport and a Heartbeat

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 12:01:23 -0600

After a random encounter with a former cruise ship employee, Fraser leaves Canada and joins the Celebrity Zenith in 2003 as a shop attendant. He tells about doing a "blitz" contract, an #AMTS in St. Martin, has a big night out with a friend-guest and discovers that the paperwork isn't quite right, which leads to a captain's hearing. Then gets landed in Mexico and has a couple nightmare auditions trying out for a new gig, but still has good memories on ships.

The Jon Foege Story: Jonny Adventure!

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 15:24:03 -0600

Jon happens upon an important early cruise ship connection after graduating from university and goes to work as a diver on Coco Cay. He travels extensively on and off ships until eventually taking a job as Shore Excursion Manager on the Sovereign of the Seas in 1992 just as Hurricane Andrew hits Miami. He tells stories about going to Bob Marley's home, #AMTS, has a wild night in Dominica that leads directly to another wild night Miami, an Aquavit story, and hijacks a villa in Saint Martin.

The Richard Fernandez Story: Jumping Ship

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 14:25:16 -0600

Richard leaves France to join the Viking Serenade in 1991. He tells stories about the tough working conditions onboard for a waiter, gets harassed by the Filipino mafia, and decides to jump ship toward the end of his first contract. When he gets back to France he starts working at his dream job on private yachts. He now works as a purser on ferries and has his own podcast passing on information young French people about how to get a job on yachts and ships.

Agustin Cartagena: Reindeer Banging

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 12:43:23 -0600

We welcome the first Printer Purser and first Filipino guest. Auggie has to leave his wife and 1 year old child to join ships in 1987 and goes on to serve 32 years with Royal Caribbean. He takes us through the duties of a printer, tells stories about the worst time on The Jewel of the Seas, curses at Al Martin, gets caught smoking in the print room, has a major printing disaster while President Carter was onboard, hates European ports, makes a racy crew Christmas card, Brad remembers learning about photography from Auggie, and the guys discuss the Filipino cultural influence onboard. Follow him on IG @voyager_once

The John Scullion Story: Observe and Report

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 01:34:54 -0600

The first Security Officer on the show, John transitions from the Royal Navy to cruise ships and joins the Seabourn Spirit in 1990. Soon after he gets a contract with Royal Caribbean on the Sovereign of the Seas. He tells stories about the fire in the show lounge, a couple of very stupid smugglers, the boxes of drugs welded to the hull of the Majesty, the Snoopy Group robbery, solves a telephone card scam, and the Cuban refugees.

The Jennifer Block DeLuca Story: $100 Shot

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 19:12:14 -0600

After a short stint as a flight attendant, Jennifer joins the Nordic Empress in 1990 and then does seven more years with Royal Caribbean. She tells the story of her first day onboard, bringing out the Legend of the Seas, has a crazy night and morning in Venice, the Shanghai Zoo, the Century Club, wins the Limbo contest on a booze cruise but didn't know it until later, the engine room, gets a written warning, brings out the Rhapsody, and fond memories of Vietnam.

The Tom Laney Story: Four Rules

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 13:46:27 -0600

Tom leaves Dallas in 1992 and goes to San Juan to join the Carnival Festival. He tells stories about a booze-cruise on The Bajan Queen, the male lingerie contest, "Phil the-pretty-good", Cones-Coning-Coner, the dating game, boat drills, Purser's Disease, the Passenger Talent Show, Hurricane Andrew, and meeting his wife onboard.

The Alex Berry Story: The Streak

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 13:56:04 -0600

Alex was working for Euro-Disney in Paris when he gets a job with Royal Caribbean on the Majesty of the Seas in 1994 with Brad and Eric. He recalls the dead body in Coco Cay, tells a story about kidnapping a teddy bear, being kidnapped himself, dealing with difficult passengers, romantic encounters, streaking deck 7, Christmas in the disco, more fake utility bills, the Majesty's major list, ski-jumping onboard, and CC breaks his knee. Check-out Alex's suturing device coming soon!

The Valerie Wilson Story: Someone’s always watching you

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 01:01:08 -0600

Valerie moves from Chicago to Florida and takes a cruise on the Norwegian Pearl where she meets an American photographer who gives her a tip on how to get a job on a cruise ship. She gets a job in 2017 with Park West Gallery and joins the Grand Princess in San Francisco. She gets a tattoo in Hawaii, has a run-in with security involving a wheelchair on The Independence of the Seas, the Nina incident revisited, #AMTS , finds out about COVID-19, and leaves ships from the Ruby Princess in Sydney March 19th just before the lock-down.

The Neil Galvin Story: Pickled

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 14:03:11 -0600

Neil leaves Brooklyn for Florida and eventually gets a job on the Majesty with Royal Caribbean in 1997. He tells us about life onboard as a stage staff, doing things while drinking, a shore excursion in Jamaica, scuba diving in Cozumel, jet skis and Frankie Valli, and a disco night leads to a new life.

The Harry Greenlee Story: Cruising Confessions

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 12:23:24 -0600

Originally from Ireland, Harry joins Royal Caribbean in 1980 as a waiter on the Song of Norway. then goes to Dolphin as Operations Manager, then Premier/Cape Canaveral Cruise Line, Regency, and American Adventure. Harry tells stories about a wine run to Gibraltar, a lost money bag, another purser heist, the love life of a waiter, the repurposed lobster, a scary night, a "Bond" style #AMTS , and a laundry room liaison.

The Claudia Valentine Story: Contraband

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 12:32:52 -0600

Claudia goes from Mexico City to London to visit a cousin and meets a French girl who is trying to work on cruise ships. She goes with her to the interview and unexpectedly gets hired to work as a cruise staff on the Nordic Empress around 1992. She tells us stories of her six years onboard about a blender, Stevie B! kidnapping her teddy bear, a Tabasco sauce bottle pinata, inheriting a pet hamster named Mary, a hotplate, a shipboard romance that didn't quite work out, and her life now in beautiful San Miguel de Allende.

The Moss Hills Story: The Sinking of The Oceanos

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 18:28:07 -0600

Born and raised in the great sea-faring nation of Zimbabwe, Moss goes to South Africa and ends up as a musician on ships. On his first ship, the Astor, he's in a huge storm in 1989. But already bitten by the "cruise bug" he continues to work on ships. And then Moss tells the incredible story of how the Oceanos sank in 1991, and how he helped save all the passengers onboard. #Oceanos #SilverSea #helicopterrescue #thegreatnancy

The Pedar Pedarson Story: Aftershock

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 01:12:17 -0600

Pedar comes out of "TV School" in 1996 and joins The Majesty of the Seas as a stage staff and immediately moves into a video tech position. He goes to Celebrity on the Galaxy for a long contract and then on to the new R-ships with Renaissance. He tells us about meeting his wife onboard, a hard partying sound tech, the video walls, the Acapulco overnights, the joys of the crew bar, some bar in Stockholm, Istanbul restrooms, a stint with NCL, and finally leaving the ships. Check-out the immersive Van Gogh exhibit. Brad challenges everyone to tell a story about him.

The Paul Rutter Story: You Can‘t Make This Ship Up!

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 13:38:34 -0600

Paul takes his dog for a walk in 1976 and it directly results in him joining cruise ships as a casino cashier. He works for Atlanta Associates onboard for 9 years before trying a short stint as a teacher but can't shake the ship bug. He goes back to ships in 1984 with RCCL as cruise staff and port lecturer and works his way to Cruise Director. He tells some some great stories from his new book. "You Can't Make This Ship Up" A total eclipse of the sun cruise, fraternizing in the early days, a honeymoon cruise, The Vistafjord, The Renaissance, stowaways, the business of cruising, the clothing optional charter. and the Garage Mahal.

The Nina Enciso Story: Already a Pirate

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 13:54:07 -0500

Nina joins us as our first new generation crew member from aboard the NCL Escape in Civitavecchia. Originally from Lima, Peru, she joined ships 2017 as a cruise staff aboard the Costa Classica. Nina tells about life onboard under the current COVID situation, her first run doing Freeport, crew parties, an unfortunate drinking incident, the guys compare and contrast the past and present, #AMTS gets lucky in an almost missed the ship story in L.A., pseudo celebrities, strange places, flattery gets you everywhere, and stay happy and healthy!

The Michael Holland and Ray Careme Story: Death on the High Seas (Halloween Special)

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 02:41:11 -0500

Michael joins the Song of America in 1984 and quickly becomes the youngest Chief Purser in the fleet. Ray goes from Michelin star restaurants in France to the Song of America as a busboy in 1991. Michael, Eric, and Brad tell the story of the dead body found on Coco Cay. Michael tells a story of a murder onboard the ship and the complications around landing a dead body. "Ciao Bella!" and how to clear a ship in Italy. Ray and Michael have a meet-cute at a brothel in Costa Rica. As a waiter, Ray gets propositioned a lot. Makes some serious money and was onboard when the ship runs aground and the Estefan family situation.

The Sue McClay Buchanan Story: Tuna and Pineapple

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:59:40 -0500

Sue starts working for a ferry company in the UK, and after reading an Israeli newspaper ad, decides to go to cruise ships and joins the "Suffering" of the Seas in 1994, finds out she's village neighbors with Gareth Owen, troubles with Americans, Sam Evans, restrooms and safe deposit boxes, the blonde British bitchy one, she's sent to the Viking "Lemonade", is a regular at an Ensenada pizza place, shipboard romance, comment cards, an epic Purser's party, and her American accent.

The Jana Garinger Story: Put a Ring on it!

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 00:55:28 -0500

Jana leaves Canada for ships in 1993 aboard the Majesty in chaos. She tells us about a harrowing helicopter rescue, a psychotic breakdown, the ship's morgue and it's multiple uses, #AMTS , the unjustice on a ship, fire drill, penis comparisons, #PeggyMcLeod , ginger-bread houses, how to spot a storm, newly-wed advice, French probs, and The Ship Bug.

Kelley Gustafson Powell Story: The Handshake

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 23:56:18 -0500

Kelly leaves Plant City FLA "Strawberry Capitol of the World" and joins ships in 1990 as a cruise staff / singer and hostess. She talks about the shows on ships, gets introduced to porn onboard and the secret handshake, Angie Everhart, Sally's group, an uncomfortable job situation, Carlos and Charlies, the Heimlich Maneuver, show games, driving spaceships, the Goucho Monkey, and emergency relationship-revelations.

The Rick Chatterton Story: Dry Dock Disaster

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 01:11:14 -0500

Rick joins The Song of Norway in San Juan 1990. He quickly works his way through the ranks on ships and eventually goes to the shore-side office, but continued to spend time aboard. He tells stories about Brad, has an unexpected meet up on land with Spike, brings out the Rhapsody from France, has a nightmare cruise bringing the Sovereign out of dry-dock, golfing in Casablanca, an over-night in Marrakesh, and another wild night in St. Petersburg.

The Levent Story: Master of Illusion

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 00:28:35 -0500

Levent begins his magic career in 1975 and joins ships in 1985 working for Home Lines. He tells us stories about a noisy cabin, an onboard prostitute, and creating cabins. Levent goes back to land to hone his craft in NY and then moves to Florida in 1990 and goes back to ships. He works many different lines and ships, has to create new shows on the fly, the tough travel of an entertainer, a bunny rabbit burial at sea, American Family Cruises, and an X-ray gag.

The Julie Stevens Story: A Model Traveler

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 12:25:06 -0500

Julie goes from Seattle to Miami in 1993 to try to work on ships, talks her way into Royal Caribbean HR and gets a position onboard the Majesty of the Seas. Julie tells stories about Greek cabin parties, TV probs, goodies from home, goodies from the islands, the Paxton band prank, an #AMTS story, the scavenger hunt, and she decides to leave the U.S. and go international.

The Amy Bruinsma Story: Franks and Beans

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 17:42:34 -0500

Our first nurse and first Carnival crew member, Amy joins ships in 1997 after working for years in the emergency rooms around Miami. which lead to an appearance on an episode of Miami Vice, which lead to working on an emergency flight crew, which lead to a Nurse gig on Carnival. Worked on a ship servicing oil platforms. Tells stories about a heroin addict, how to cure seasickness, stupid passenger questions, a helicopter rescue, drugs on ships, and an unfortunate zipper mishap.

The Dion Meels Story: Cruise Control

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:45:23 -0500

A our first guest from Seabourn Cruise Line and The Netherlands, in 1994 Dion joins the Nordic Prince as a dining room waiter on it's last season for Royal Caribbean to get some ship experience before fulfilling his dream of working for Seabourn. He gets his first warning on his first day on the Spirit - but goes on to log 17 years on ships. Dion tells about the operation of the high-end cruise operation, a failed attempted at promoting Dutch chocolate with the owner of Lindt Swiss chocolate, stories from when the movie Speed 2 was filmed aboard the Seabourn Legend, being an extra in the production and meeting Sandra Bullock. Willem Defoe, and Jason Patric. He talks about his years on the only residential ship The World. And gives us a second-hand story of the pirate attack on the Spirit.

The Bucky Heard Story: Righteous Times

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:55:03 -0500

A singer from a young age, Bucky joins the Sovereign as singer in the cast and is soon recruited to become cruise staff. He tells stories about driving the elevator, the Fat Boy Club, a wild party with Scott and Eric, fixing a drug test, meeting his wife onboard, Mr. Bucky gets a warning, leaves the ship in 1994 to perform on land. And how he met Bill Medley and became a Righteous Brother!

The John Melnick Story: Can I borrow a Fifty?

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:51:51 -0500

John moves from New York to Florida working as a musician. He starts on ships in 1990 aboard a gambling ship called the Europa Sun doing day cruises. He then moves up to Carnival in '92 to work in the Piano Bar on the Jubilee out of San Pedro. John tells the stories about sneaking off the ship in San Juan to do a side-gig in St. Croix, a stowaway onboard, compares Holland America, Carnival, and Windstar. And shares his experiences being in the Piano Bar for many years.

The Garry Mulcahy Story: SharkyTales

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 17:42:38 -0500

Garry follows a girlfriend onto ships in the early 90s to work in the Gift Shop. Garry tells the story about abruptly leaving the Majesty and a wild trip back to Miami. He fills us in on the details of stealing a policeman's hat, gets pushed into the San Juan harbor, transitions to working as an Art Auctioneer with several cruise lines, stories about intimate guest encounters, Mary Wilson, and gets banned from the Jolly Roger.

The Bibi Jehaludi Burroughs Story: Kissing the Ground in New York

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 13:27:08 -0500

Bibi comes to the U.S. in 1979 and then goes from her bathing suit factory job to CCTI to very quickly working on ships. She joins Premier as Youth Staff in 1989 and then does a whirlwind of cruise lines and ships, Sea Escape, Admiral on the Emerald Seas and Azure Seas while dealing with some traditional Indian family transitions. She quickly meets up with Scott and Eric on the Majesty in 1992. She tells about the adventures of bringing the Majesty from St. Nazaire to New York. Name drops a bunch of people, Lisa Merkel, Penny Lesavoy, Julie Luxton, Seinfeld, Bucky Heard, Flo Jo, Gloria Estefan, Susan Lucci, Alan Thicke, Robin Thicke. Bibi introduces Scott to Indian food Food in St Martin... not so much the nude beach. If I were not upon the sea and beer bongs behind the stage and then ends her shipboard career in 2001 on the Enchantment of the Seas. Whew!

The Mark "Kingston" Switzer Story: How to get a visa

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 17:02:42 -0500

Mark goes from Dublin to London and joins ships in 1992 on the Sovereign of the Seas as a photographer. He tells stories about the legendary dark room parties, an infamous racy crew show, photographing whatever sells, how it all happened before digital, the B-2 visa escapade in Kingston, Jamaica, and a crazy night in San Juan.

The Chrissy Moody Story: Please Continue My Facial

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:03:27 -0500

Chrissy is Inspired by a trip to Kusadasi to join ships, she goes in 2000 aboard the R1 as a hairdresser, does a long contract with Renaissance before the bankruptcy, and ends it in Gibraltar aboard the R6. Chrissy tells a story about a rough day at sea with a super-trooper guest on September 10th, 2001. And thing gets worse from there very quickly. There are Santorini donkeys in love, an #AMTS story, and fond memories of the R-Ships crew bar.

The Kym Fulton Story with surprise guest Blaise Besant: Hang on to your faucets!

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 21:24:10 -0500

With a long hotel background, Kym starts on ships in 1989 on the Nordic Empress, brings out the Monarch, goes to the Song of Norway, has an awful cabin situation. Blaise tells some IT stories, satellite calls, roller blades, Nassau, #AMTS, quarantine in Panama, and stories from the L&F store.

The Dave Goodman Story: Anyone here from Bellmore?

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 11:51:11 -0500

Dave is a stand-up comedian that worked for several cruise lines over the years. He tells us what it was like to work onboard as an entertainer, agent problems, what made him decide to leave ships, unexpected things that happened during shows, has a brush with Francesco Schettino, wrote a book called "Confessions of a Cruise Ship Comedian", and his time before ships with Don Rickles.

Season 1 Recap: All These Things We've Done

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 12:23:53 -0500

The guys take a look back at Season 1. Thanks to all the guests! You guys have been amazing! Rocks and nearly empty bottles of Aquavit for everyone! They talk about: the origins of the podcast, explosives, old guys starting a podcast, the Stevie B. gold mine, CDs, Pineapples-Terripins-Porn, Smash that SUBSCRIBE button on the YouTube channel. The Yoko, the competition, Only Seventeen, The Trailer, All these things we've done, the perils of alcohol, season 2 projections, #nosmoke, the umms and ehms, the un-show title, the Lost Cruise Lines, Reality, Accents, Wanted Guests, Favorite Stories, and FUN!!!

The Karen Maybury story re visit.

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 21:41:48 -0500

Let's re visit Karen's story. It's that good.

The Jennifer Bork story: Even better the second time around.

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 03:51:42 -0500

Jennifer goes to the longest ever dancer audition in California, gets hired as an entertainer on the Nordic Empress, and discovers that dancing onboard a moving ship is tricky business.

The Laurie Sofferman Karner Story: Technicolor Yawn

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 11:58:26 -0500

Laurie joins ships in 1992 with Windjammer Barefoot cruises as Activities Mate. Then goes to Renaissance as an Assistant Purser and Shore Ex Manager and works all over the world on the small "Ren" vessels. She tells her funniest vomit story, gets signed-off for medical reasons in India, goes back to ships briefly in 2008 on Crystal, and makes a McDonald's run in Athens. Cook Rocks!!!

The Amiee Price Story: Have you guys done this before?

Mon, 31 May 2021 03:53:24 -0500

Aimee gets bored in Monticello, Iowa and joins the Song of Norway in 1991 as Youth Staff. She works seasonally while in college and then goes to the Nordic Empress as Shore Ex. She tells about Mark's large erection, a lost "narcoleptic" guest on an excursion, brings out the Rhapsody, leaves ships in 1998 and moves to Skagway to work for a guide outfit, goes to Royal Celebrity tours, stuffed eagles and mechanical whales, the ship hits an iceberg, runs the Portland marathon, ice hiking, water ballet, 28 years with Royal Caribbean, an anonymous naked man in a hotel, and random St Petersburg drunken stories. Eric tells a bear story.

The Anonymous Emails Story: Clicks, Grunts, and Whines

Mon, 24 May 2021 12:18:39 -0500

The guys read emails sent in to the email address MyShipStoryPodcast@yahoo.com Whale Watch - Finnish Driving Test - Winner Winner - The Captain's Rental Car - Your Cup Runneth Over.

The Denise DeRosa Liset Story: Adventures in Babysitting

Mon, 17 May 2021 00:17:20 -0500

Denise joins Royal Caribbean on the Sovereign of the Seas in 1991 as an Assistant Purser. She tells an epic #AMTS (Almost Missed The Ship) story while babysitting some Norwegian officer's children. Has another misadventure with children in the ship's hot tub. Gets set up on a date with a captain's relative. And gives some wine tips.

The Carey Sue Majors Vega Story: Madamoiselle's Hatboxes

Mon, 10 May 2021 03:25:50 -0500

Carey Sue leaves Ponca City, Oklahoma, and joins ships with Norwegian Cruise Line in 1990 as a Youth Coordinator and quickly works her way to Cruise Director. She tells stories about life as a "newborn adult" after Cruise Ships, working on 12 different ships, taking kids ashore, the challenges of shipboard relationships, "popping the top" through the Kiel Canal, Carey Sue's luggage, an Elvis themed cruise, and dinner with Kenny Chesney. She now teaches manners and etiquette to young people - plus Brad, Eric, and Scott.

The Tanya Maloney Zaufi Story: All Over the Map

Mon, 03 May 2021 02:08:20 -0500

First guest from Renaissance R-ships, Tanya originally joins with Princess on the Regal in 1997. She goes to Renaissance, and then Disney. She tells the story of a very abnormal first contract, an almost missed the ship story in Cartagena, has a first degree of separation connection, and a dry-dock/road-trip to NYC. A letter to Ellen turns into a book - All Over the Map: Two lovers, Six continents, and a Date with Destiny.

The Rhoda Coffin Story: Laying it on line

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 14:24:05 -0500

Rhoda joins us with co-guest and partner in crime, Mary Giuliani, they tell stories from their many years onboard as pursers with Premier and Royal Caribbean. Rhoda goes from shore-side to onboard with Premiere Cruise Line in the late eighties and later meets up with Mary who threw her keys overboard. The episode is packed with stories that reference previous episodes. Psycho "B"s from hell parts I and II, Brad and Taylor Dayne, name tags pranks, a six-fingered chef, Resuscitation Annie, an April Fool's prank that results in a written warning, Sleezy the 8th dwarf, SugarDaddy Eric, Fred Cariano reference, Mary has a department type, Scott's great carpet heist, Papa Smurf, P.A. games, Sam Evans reference, Anita Parti reference, Paul Nelson's desk, and Rhoda makes a tough call.

The Annette Bodden Whisker Story: Sailor - Soldier - Nurse - Knockout

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 11:58:37 -0500

Our first guest from the Housekeeping department, Annette joins the Song of America in 1988 as a stewardess. She has a noisy unidentified neighbor, loses something, learns about shipboard horse racing, runs down a day in the life of a Cabin Steward, tell about housekeeping wicked tricks, a crazy third party sex-slave story, a crazy pax hook-up story, a storm story, the perils of water-tight doors, and the ignominious bum blow. Exits ships unexpectedly but soon starts a few new lives. "Old Salt: Adventures and Escapades below deck on a Cruise Liner"

The Pippa Story: Dealer's Wheel

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:33:55 -0500

Our first guest from the Casino department, Pippa gives us some gambling tips, joins ships in 1996 with Cunard, loses a big bet, Bushwackers, Besties, Bungee Jumping, another Ship board romance, the Ultimate Wedding Crash, and Notes! Oceantime.com

The Olaf Jacobsen Story: Das Liebesboot

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 04:02:48 -0500

Our first guest from Germany, Olaf is inspired to work on ships by the German love boat TV show, "Das Traumschiff" (The Dream Ship). He tells us what is was like working on super high-end ships as waiter, bar waiter, bar manager, and and eventually port lecturer. He was on the maiden voyage of the The Berlin, worked on a river boat, distilleries in Scotland, and modern cruise sailing ships with Sea Cloud. We hear about shaving cream parties, a sad story about the Concord, a poorly timed shipboard Octoberfest, and funny passenger questions. Whiskey Onboard.

The Gordan Whatman Story:The Cheeky Englishman

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 02:55:06 -0500

Cruise Director, Gordon Whatman, leaves England and joins the Viking Serenade in 1990. Gordon tells us stories from his 30 years working for Royal Caribbean. Always hustling, and always charming, makes Joan Rivers laugh, mends a skirt for Susan Anton, has a wardrobe snafu, a performance that turned a mistake into hilarity, and gives everyone some important words of wisdom.

The Alex Pilepic Story: The Big Babaloo

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 12:03:20 -0500

First guest from the Dining Room, Alex leaves Croatia and joins the Nordic Empress in Miami. He tells stories about what it was like working in the dining room on many Royal Caribbean ships, wins three bottles of Crystal on a bet, makes a tipsy announcement in the middle of the night, a VERY special bracelet, and serving the most difficult passengers ever. Babaloodesign.com

The Eva Grabner Story: Unofficial Ship's Godmother

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 12:32:43 -0500

The first guest from Australia, Eva joins ships as a purser with Radisson Song of Flower and the Premier Oceanic before working for Royal Caribbean for many years. She tells the story about "Splash and Flipper" in St. Thomas, surviving a Captain's hearing, she and Mary Giuliani christen the Vision of the Seas and become the ship's unofficial godmothers, an almost missed the ship story. #AMTS And Scott hijacks a child's bicycle.

The C.J. Romano Story: Iron Maiden

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 23:56:57 -0600

Former Stage Manager and current ACD for an HVAC company, CJ Romano, tells about her pre-family life in entertainment, joining the ships as a dancer in 1988. Creating Rock n Roll night with Jeffrey Arpin, the Ship Shape program, dealing with Jerry Lewis (again!), RAIN, Ben Vereen (again!), Liza Minelli, Labadee, the Haitian Voodoo god, and Fire story on the Sovereign.

The Julie Sherrington Story: The "M" word

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 12:50:36 -0600

Current Guest Services Director with Celebrity, and much requested guest, Julie Sherrington, tells how she started on ships as a hairdresser, moved into the purser department, and worked her way to the top. Julie shares how working onboard has changed over the years, her trials with technology, Babyface the taxi driver, being on the front line, dressing up as a chicken, working the desk with Mikey, Tattoos, Malta, Grand Cayman, and the difficulty of talking to land people.

The Pablo Hawkins Story: The Great Ship Heist!

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:07:29 -0600

Our first guest from South America, Pablo tells the story of joining Princess as a buffet boy, goes to the Nordic Prince as a busboy, Hurricane Bob touches destiny again, transfers to the Purser's department and works his way to Chief Purser, THEN gets caught up in the theft of the payroll money investigation, and THEN twists and turns! #Supercharge #burialatsea

The Ricardo Vega Story: 1 Degree of Separation

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 13:56:11 -0600

Our first guest from NCL, former Purser/Hotel Director Ricardo tells the story of how he started on ships, works his way thru the ranks to a Chief Purser, talks about the trials and tribulations of working on an old ship, meets his wife onboard, has a New Year's surprise, International Nap Time #INT, the weird story of the Windward launch, the SS Norway, and the guys discover they all have one degree separation.

The Scott Record Story: Start spreading the news...

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 03:07:30 -0600

Scott Record tells about his career working with Rodney Dangerfield, Frank Sinatra and Anne Margaret, becomes a star entertainer on ships after meeting an RCCL executive at a golf tournament, does a show while injured, tells about his version of New York, New York, gives a sample of his many impersonations, an audience member dies during a show, and tells about a helicopter rescue at sea.

The Gary Davies Story: Part 2 - More Ship Pranks

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 14:10:09 -0600

Gary finishes up with the aftermath of the April Fools story, plays another prank on a Hotel Manager, has an unpleasant pax encounter, and talks about how guest services has changed over the years.

The Gary Davies Story: April Fools - Part 1

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 12:46:41 -0600

Former chef and current Hotel Director, Gary tells the story of an elaborate April Fools prank and the subsequent aftermath, transferring from Purser to Food and Beverage, bringing out new ships for Royal Caribbean, and more keys get thrown overboard!

The David Curtis Mutter Story: Lounge Lizard

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 16:41:24 -0600

David tells the story of his influence on the innovation and evolution of the ship's Piano Bar. A master of music and puns over 30 years aboard. Stump the Music Man, drunk pax, making the audience the show, the ice bucket, the guest talent show, the entertainer's entertainer, an auto-obituary, #LeaveItToBeaver Waves Goodbye!!!

The Mike Gallegos Story: Part 2 - The Jet Ski Incident

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 17:10:05 -0600

Mikey's episode continues with Cozumel stories, jet-ski accidents, Eric meets up with Mikey in Texas, Mikey has been everywhere, crew members must clean up their own vomit.

The Mike Gallegos Story: Breakin' the Law!: Part 1

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:59:22 -0600

Mikey tells a classic sail away story about an impromptu party with the Steiners, visits another mess and enjoys some Chicken Adobo. more nights in San Juan, rents a Mini Moke in Barbados and tells another great #AMTS story that includes a crazy biting horse.

The Carol Ross Story: Hurricane Bob Revisited

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:00:14 -0600

Former Purser, and current Cruise Planner, Carol Ross tells how she gets from Long Island to the Nordic Prince, gives her version of the voyage through hurricane Bob. She also talks about Hairpieces that are not Scott's, scary bits, a classic #AMTS (almost missed the ship) with the casino of course, elephants and crushes.

The Jeff Martin Story: Dream Job

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 16:28:42 -0600

Jeff tells the story about how he joined ships as a 16 year old magician! He tells many stories about his 22 years working onboard as a Cruise Staff and Cruise Director.

The Carolyn Keating Leibowitz Story: You're Out - I'm In!

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 12:46:40 -0600

Carolyn tells her story of joining ships as a Cruise Staff / Entertainer and eventually meeting her husband Les onboard.

The Fred Cariano Story: Everybody Knows Fred

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:31:05 -0600

Fred leaves Michigan to join the ship as a DJ without ever having been one before, tells stories about cabin crawls, The Come Song, ice carving malapropism, minges, Hotel Managers, The Viking Lemonade, hooking up with pax, Boise Idaho, a Sugar Mama, and gives us an encore of The Taxi Driver.

The Sharon Dindal Story: Rounderette

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 15:18:43 -0600

Former Youth Staff and Dancer, Sharon is now a Corporate meeting planner, Zumba instructor, and member of the Largest marching band in the world called the Awesome Original Second Time Arounders. She tells the story of when Shirley Jones attended her bridal shower, meets Norm Crosby, Rosalyn and Jimmy Carter join her exercise class, partying with animal feet, and gets fed up with a passenger. #MichaelBailey #NordicPrince #SovereignoftheSeas

The Kara Callahan-Boyd Story: Part 2 - Baby on Board

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 15:20:49 -0600

Kara returns to the story after she gets pregnant while working for Disney Cruise Lines, talks about the exhausting routine of working both as a Cruise Director and mother, and reminds everyone... Don't pet rodents!

The Kara Callahan-Boyd Story: A Master in Cruising - Part 1

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 14:09:31 -0600

AKA "Kilo Charley", Kara joins her first ship in 1989. She brings out six ships with RCCL as a production manager. Becomes a Cruise Director and does a World-wide cruise on the Ocean Explorer with World Cruise Company. She tells stories about celebrating the millennium in Antarctica, the 2nd Easter Island disaster, and decides to start a family while still on ships.

The Vincent Neale Story: In The Way Back

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 14:34:50 -0600

Vince Neale started working on ships as a musician in 1973. He tells the guys what life was life aboard the three "baby" RCCL ships. He also worked for Commodore Cruise Line where he met his wife on the Caribe. He also tells stories about an according fire, the flaming Babaloo, the captain's cocktail party shenanigans, Hal Frazier, Pina Coladas, and cabin inspections, while the guys struggle to keep the Motley Crue jokes to a minimum. Check out his photos on the Song of Norway FB page.

The Derek Whittaker Story: And Scene...

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:06:52 -0600

Derek tells stories about his time as a thespian aboard Crystal Cruises, always on, always working, the dichotomy of wanting to be aboard ship and home, world-wide cruises, and been Dover.

The Johnny Lavaniegos Story: Johnny Vegas - Part 2

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 14:59:09 -0600

The story picks back up with Johnny going from Assistant Cruise Director to Art Auctioneer, and appreciation of the diversity and all the great people on ships.

The Johnny Lavaniegos Story: Johnny Vegas - Part 1

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:22:51 -0600

In the first part, Johnny tells the incredible, chaotic, story about joining his first ship as Cruise Staff, and a tryst in the Cruise Director's office.

The Willis Bedard Story: Part 2 - Call Sign "Man Purse"

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 17:12:43 -0600

Willis tells a story about intelligence gathering, Lunch Box, naked Luchadors, Blue Falcon, "Fernando" reappears.

The Willis Bedard Story: The Navy Perspective - Part One

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:59:21 -0600

Scott and Willis bond over their love of Halloween, a faux MOB story, the craziest ship fire story so far, hot Israeli girls, it was actually Yitzhak Rabin, the Navy version of Fernando, and Willis tells an uncomfortable joke. M/V Virginian

Crew Bar Chat: OKGO!!

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:02:38 -0600

Sam's epic New Year's Eve story gets interrupted by Brad's wife, Brad and Eric tell CC's second hand stories, and a story about a fire alarm bathroom break.

The Sam Evans Story: Hairy Bollocks

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:33:17 -0600

Sam tells the details of an often shared story about a fellow purser giving a drunken announcement, going from Youth Staff to Purser, the shady side of Old San Juan, Sam is engulfed in flames, and stories of multiple head wounds.

The Cindy "Coor Light Clark" Hayden Story: Pass the Pigs

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 16:38:55 -0500

Cindy tells her story about a pain killer party, the infamous file cabinet incident, Eric and Cindy have a mysterious cabin swap, Hawaii adventures, and a Nordic Empress officers party.

The Laura Lieberman Story: Life as a Transient

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 14:31:16 -0500

Laura tells the story of a Cuban Refugee surprise, talks about her time as a Port Lecturer, testing Tortuga Rum Cake, and another Nordic Empress Fire. RIP String bean.

The Peggy McLeod Story: Have Funnel - Will Travel.

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 13:52:17 -0500

Peggy tells us that she was always prepared to party, on ships you're guilty until proven innocent, "Ilikta Fallus", and gives her tips on joining the century club.

The Penny Lesavoy Story: Lucky Penny

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 14:25:58 -0500

Beloved by all, OG Youth Staff, Penny tells early day stories aboard the Song of America and the Nordic Empress, "sometimes drinking a little bit", prank announcements, shuffling crew cards, and a New York pizza run with Scott and Eric!

Crew Bar Chat: The Netflix Ramble

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:07:19 -0500

The guys chat about OnlyFans, Black Mirror, Future Technology, Nerds, British TV, and the Netflix Bible.

The Peter & Susan Story: Disaster 101

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 16:22:34 -0500

Peter Vincent tells the fairy wand story and the origins of Friends of Dorothy. Susan tells a horrendous Hurricane Story on the Nordic Prince and 9-11 heartache. They kinda remember Fifties Shows. The Shawn Cassidy mystery is unsolved and Brad butchers the Love Boat Theme.

Crew Bar Chat: Catfish & Shipfires

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 15:43:23 -0500

The guys share recipe tips on Catfish and Gravlax, discuss the CD collection dilemma, Eric tells his many Ship-Fire stories, and they talk about the importance of Shipboard Safety.

The Anita Parti Gerhard Story: BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 13:03:37 -0500

Maxing out on the most awesome guest names this episode... Anita Parti and Gerard Uitenweerde team up to tell about the fire on the Nordic Empress, a watermelon carved into the likeness of Ghandi, and almost missing the ship.

The Steve Baskinger Story: The Magical Door

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 14:52:12 -0500

Stevie B. unleashes the energy! Eric and Steve have a bonding experience over the secret Deck 10 balcony, Steve wants to do ships again as every department head, and names every crew member he's taking with him.

The Jeff Kycek Story: Hang the DJ

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 13:29:28 -0500

Jeff tells the story of his brief and tumultuous life as cruise ship DJ, getting attacked by a pax, meeting a Barbary Macaque, and recalling the joys of a small ship.

The J Pundt Story: Turn it off... then turn it back on.

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 14:24:57 -0500

J finds his people, finds several more vertebrae, finds a good parking space, finds San Juan, Eric loses his fat wallet, and someone loses an eyebrow.

The Mary Giuliani Story: The Popcorn Story

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 12:39:28 -0500

Mary and Eric collaborate on the infamous popcorn story, Eric airs his dirty laundry, Mary performs a burial at sea, tests the mettle of an arrogant assistant purser, and encourages Brad to drink too much Aquavit.

The Todd Gockley Story: Part 2 - Toddles Talk

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 13:34:47 -0500

Titties flapping in the wind, boob action, Drunk Santa, and other behind the scenes stories

The Todd Gockley Story: F.O.G. Watch!

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 13:35:56 -0500

Todd tells his origin story, attending the Cruise Career Training Institute, brushes with celebrity, and coming out on the ship.

The Michelle Martin Wedig Story: As the Propeller Turns

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 12:35:54 -0500

Michelle tells her origin story joining the Sun Viking in 1981, eventually becoming the first female Chief Purser at Royal Caribbean, and gives us stories from the early days on the front desk.

Crew bar chat part 2

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 17:19:37 -0500

Welcome back to the Thursday episodes of, Crew bar chat. These are off topic, ramblings and some aftermath after guest telling us their ship stories.

The Jan Meltzer-Thomas Story: A real shipboard romance.

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Jan tells her story about a long career of managing stage shows and celebrity performers, vetting her future husband, and getting blessed by Ben Vereen.

Crew bar chat (Buckle up)

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 12:00:00 -0500

NEW SERIES! Welcome to a midweek series called, Crew bar chat. There are random chats after the podcast and are all over the place. We apologize in advance!

The Karen Maybury Story: The ol' Shrimp Switcheroo!

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Karen tells about her long career involving a pet shrimp, turtles, parkour in Venice, and a collection of vintage fetish porn.

Jennifer Bork's Story: The apologizing was the worst.

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Jennifer goes to the longest ever dancer audition in California, gets hired as an entertainer on the Nordic Empress, and discovers that dancing onboard a moving ship is tricky business.

Podcast Trailer.

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 02:05:55 -0500

Welcome to the official start of this podcast. Brad, Eric, and Scott introduce themselves and the podcast format.

New podcasts will be published every Monday.

Scott's Origin Story: This is where the fiasco starts.

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 13:13:32 -0500

Scott tells the story of how his mom plots to get him out of the house, gets hired for a position that didn’t exist anymore, and finds out he doesn’t like French fast food, when he joins his first ship on the first voyage of the Majesty of the Seas.

Brad’s Origin story: Where is San Juan?

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 18:40:43 -0500

Brad kicks-off the podcasts with the first episode, telling his story of crushed dreams, getting the hell out of Oklahoma, how he finally got hired by Royal Caribbean and was traumatized joining his first ship, the Song of Norway.

Eric's Origin Story: The path of least resistance.

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 12:38:56 -0500

Eric tells his story about how he reluctantly leaves Miami to take a position on the Emerald Seas, but ends up on the Song of America, and is surprised to discover he's well suited for the lifestyle.