Kieran, Deck Officer

From Southampton to sea: Kieran’s deck department journey

Growing up in Southampton, the sea was never far away for Kieran. With both parents working for P&O Cruises, a future in the maritime world felt like a natural step. Today, he’s a deck officer with Carnival UK Maritime, building his career at sea and working towards his long-term goal of becoming a captain.

Growing up in a maritime city

For Kieran, working at sea wasn’t just an idea,  it was part of everyday life. “I grew up in Southampton. My mum was in the company years ago, my dad still is. It’s nice to work for a company that operates from your hometown.”

With its long maritime history and busy cruise terminals, Southampton is a place where careers at sea feel more visible and accessible than in many other parts of the UK. “I think here, more than anywhere else, going into the maritime industry feels like a natural option.” That early exposure helped shape his decision to follow a similar path and take his first steps towards a career on board.

Life on board and finding your place

One of the things Kieran values most about cruise ship careers is the variety.

Life on board offers more than just the job itself. It’s also about the people you meet and the experiences you share. “You’ve got so many friends on board and so many different things you can do. In the Caribbean especially, there’s always something happening ashore, and lots of opportunities to explore together.”

That sense of connection is especially strong when the work becomes more hands-on. “My favourite part of the job is mooring. It’s practical, it’s satisfying, and I really enjoy the camaraderie that comes with it.” For many working in hospitality jobs and operational roles at sea, it’s this balance between responsibility and shared experience that makes the role rewarding.

Learning on the job and building a career

Like many who choose P&O Cruises, Kieran started as a cadet. Making the move to third officer was a big milestone. “With that step, you gain real responsibility. There’s a lot of job satisfaction that comes with it.”

Working on the bridge has been a key part of that development, offering both technical experience and a strong team environment. “It’s great working on the bridge because you’re part of a proper team. Everyone works closely together, and it really brings the department together.”

Kieran’s next step takes him back ashore for further studies. “After this contract, I’ll go back to college for eight months to complete my chief officer exams. Then I’ll return and hopefully move into a second deck officer role.” It’s a journey that highlights how structured development and hands-on experience work side by side in cruise ship careers.

Looking ahead to the future

Kieran’s path is still unfolding, but his ambition is clear. “The journey keeps going – hopefully one day becoming a captain.”

Along the way, there are plenty of standout moments that make the experience worthwhile. “Seeing a ship floated for the first time, welcoming passengers for the first time, visiting new ports; it’s an amazing experience. I’m proud of what I do, and grateful to have ended up here.”

It’s that pride, combined with the variety and progression, that continues to attract people to careers at sea.

Start your career at sea

Kieran’s story is a great example of how a career at sea can grow over time, from your first role to long-term ambition.

Learn more about working in the deck department.