When people think about cruise ships, it is usually in the context of a relaxing vacation and not about the benefits of working on a cruise ship.
Sunbathing, fruity drinks, delicious food, beautiful scenery, and time with loved ones—these are the images that usually spring to mind.
But the reality is that this is only half of what happens on a cruise ship. The other half is the hard work that keeps the vessel running smoothly and the passengers happy.
Today, TikTok has become a platform for those who have experienced the grind of working and living on a cruise ship to share their candid accounts of what it is truly like onboard.
Among these voices is Your Xhosa Chef, a local chef currently working for the international cruise line MSC.
In a touching TikTok video captioned “Not for the faint-hearted”, she gave viewers a glimpse into her exhausting experiences aboard the floating city.
Tired and visibly worn out, she admitted that her new job had taken a toll on her, requiring her to rely on a back brace to support her fatigued body.
@yourxhosachef Not for the faint hearted #yourxhosachef #thetravelingchef #xhosacheftotheworld ♬ son original - Shay
This personal narrative sparked a wave of stories from others who sought to share their own realities.
Year of the Bull chimed in saying, “I did 6 years. All I can remember is feeling so tired, especially the last 2 months of the contract.”
Numerous responses came through, revealing a multifaceted view of life at sea.
Zoleka, who had a challenging experience during her nine-month contract, offered a heartfelt glimpse into the emotional aspect of the job.
“I resigned in month number 7. Bengikhala (I was crying) every day, guess what? I'm going back. I don't want to give up on my dream just because of a bad experience!”
Then there’s Matokonye, who said: “I went to NCL. My contract was for 9 months. I left after 8 months and never looked back. I drank heavily every day and cried every minute. Yho the cruise mentally affects you.”
Lastly, another user provided a note of encouragement, stating: “I’m happy to see you still hanging on.”