That variety is one of the things she enjoys most. No two days are the same. One day might involve leading creative activities with children, while the next could mean helping with a big family event elsewhere on board. Alongside that, there is the setting itself: the sea, the changing views and the chance to wake up somewhere new.
It is that mix of purpose, variety and adventure that makes careers at sea so appealing to people from many different backgrounds, especially those who enjoy working with people and want to do something a little less ordinary.
Life on board with the team
A big part of Hannah’s experience has been the team around her. On Iona, the youth department includes a core group of permanent colleagues as well as seasonal team members who join during school holidays. Together, they bring a mix of experience, ideas and energy.
She describes it as a close-knit team. That is not surprising when you live together, work together and often spend time exploring ports together too. There is a strong sense of shared purpose, but also friendship.
It’s also a diverse team, with people from different age groups, backgrounds and countries. Some have come from teaching. Others have experience in nurseries or early years settings. Some are just starting out in their careers. Others have joined after years in other jobs. That range of perspectives helps shape the team and keeps things fresh.
For many people looking at careers at sea, this is one of the biggest attractions. Working on board gives you the chance to be part of a community, learn from others and build experience in an international environment. You are not just joining a job, you are joining a team.
Why Hannah loves life with P&O Cruises
For Hannah, life on board is not only about work. It is also about the lifestyle that comes with it. She has always loved the outdoors and grew up travelling, so working on a ship felt like a natural step. While on board, she has kept up one of her favourite hobbies: swimming.
During the season in the Norwegian fjords, she started regular cold-water swims with fellow crew members. It became something they looked forward to each week; a simple way to enjoy the scenery, challenge themselves and spend time together outside work. As the season changed, so did the landscape around them, making each dip feel a little different.
When she’s not working or exploring ashore, she enjoys making the most of life on board too, whether that is grabbing macaroni cheese from The Beach House or watching entertainment in the evening.
Right now, Hannah says this is the happiest she has been. She loves the role, values the opportunities she has had in a short space of time and is excited by what could come next.
Ready to start your own career at sea? Explore current opportunities with P&O Cruises and discover where your next step could take you.
