"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." – Helen Keller
Wanderlust Chronicles: 5 Days as a Crew Member and Pair Skater on a Cruise Ship. (c) Sarah B.
Turnaround day is a marathon, but it sets the tone for an exciting new cruise. While the ship resets for incoming passengers, we gear up for opening night, checking costumes, sharpening skates, and preparing for two high-energy performances. Guest skating sessions bring a different kind of fun, swapping performance mode for helping guests experience ice skating at sea. We fit their skates, offer tips, and make sure everyone stays safe, often sharing a laugh with first-time skaters.
Life as a figure skater on a cruise ship runs on a tight but rewarding schedule. Performances are a major highlight, but there’s more to the job, rehearsals, guest sessions, safety drills, and the daily rhythm that keeps everything flowing. Each week follows a pattern, yet every day feels different. One moment, we’re getting ready for back-to-back shows; the next, we’re introducing guests to the ice for the first time. Port days give us a chance to reset and explore. Some days, we have time to step off the ship, grab a coffee, or relax on the beach. Other times, rehearsals or safety drills come first. Drills are a key part of our role,every crew member, including performers, is trained for emergencies, ensuring that we’re always prepared to assist passengers if needed. Show days bring everything together. From warm-ups to quick changes backstage, we fine-tune every detail. Skating on a moving ship adds an extra challenge, but it also makes every performance unique. The energy from the audience fuels us, and the thrill of landing jumps and lifts on an ever-shifting surface is something special. After the final bow, some of us take a quiet walk on deck, while others gather for a late meal, sharing stories and highlights from the night.
Five days at sea means balancing work, training, and the moments in between. It’s a demanding job, but the teamwork, the travel, and the sheer joy of performing make it one of the most exciting ways to live and work. Here are five things that make it an experience unlike any other.
Life as a figure skater on a cruise ship runs on a tight but rewarding schedule. Performances are a major highlight, but there’s more to the job, rehearsals, guest sessions, safety drills, and the daily rhythm that keeps everything flowing. Each week follows a pattern, yet every day feels different. One moment, we’re getting ready for back-to-back shows; the next, we’re introducing guests to the ice for the first time. Port days give us a chance to reset and explore. Some days, we have time to step off the ship, grab a coffee, or relax on the beach. Other times, rehearsals or safety drills come first. Drills are a key part of our role,every crew member, including performers, is trained for emergencies, ensuring that we’re always prepared to assist passengers if needed. Show days bring everything together. From warm-ups to quick changes backstage, we fine-tune every detail. Skating on a moving ship adds an extra challenge, but it also makes every performance unique. The energy from the audience fuels us, and the thrill of landing jumps and lifts on an ever-shifting surface is something special. After the final bow, some of us take a quiet walk on deck, while others gather for a late meal, sharing stories and highlights from the night.
Five days at sea means balancing work, training, and the moments in between. It’s a demanding job, but the teamwork, the travel, and the sheer joy of performing make it one of the most exciting ways to live and work. Here are five things that make it an experience unlike any other.
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5 Days as a Crew Member and Pair Skater on a Cruise Ship
5 Days as a Crew Member and Pair Skater on a Cruise Ship. (c) Sarah B.
Day 1: Turnaround Day – A Race Against Time
Turnaround day is the busiest and most crucial day of the week. As one set of guests disembarks in the morning and a fresh wave of passengers arrives in the afternoon, the entire ship undergoes a rapid and meticulous transformation. Crew members from all departments work tirelessly to ensure a seamless transition, handling luggage, restocking supplies, deep-cleaning public areas, and preparing thousands of cabins for the next voyage. The process is a well-rehearsed choreography of efficiency, ensuring that every detail is polished before guests step on board. For performers, the work does not stop there. While we may not be responsible for guest accommodations, our role kicks in later in the day when we have to prepare for our first shows of the new cruise. The ice needs resurfacing, our costumes require checking, our skates must be in top condition, and we have to warm up. Performing two high-energy shows in the evening, often after a restless night and a physically demanding morning, is both an endurance test and a thrill. Despite the day rush and business, as soon as we step onto the ice, the energy of the audience, and the magic of live performance make it all worth it. In those moments, everything else disappears, and all that remains is the sheer joy of skating.
Day 2: Guest Skating Sessions – Beyond the Performance
Our role as figure skaters extends beyond our scheduled performances. One of our additional duties includes running public skating sessions, where guests get the unique opportunity to experience ice skating at sea. This involves setting up the rink, assisting passengers in selecting and fitting their skates, and ensuring safety on the ice. For many guests, this is their first time skating, and guiding them through their wobbly first steps can be both amusing and rewarding. Maintaining order during guest skating requires patience, attentiveness, and quick reflexes to help those who stumble. Beyond simply overseeing the rink, we engage with guests, offer skating tips, and sometimes even perform small tricks to entertain them. It’s a great way to interact with passengers on a personal level and share our passion for skating outside the structured setting of a show. Additionally, teamwork among performers extends backstage. During production shows, dancers assist us with quick costume changes, and we return the favor by helping them swap outfits between their numbers. It’s a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes dance that requires coordination and mutual support. These moments of teamwork reinforce the strong bonds within the entertainment team and highlight the collaborative spirit of life on board.
Day 3: Port Days – A Window of Rest and Exploration
While passengers eagerly disembark to explore exciting new destinations, port days offer a small but invaluable opportunity for crew members to take a breather. Depending on our schedule, we may have a few hours to step off the ship, giving us a chance to experience the culture, food, and landscapes of different countries. Some of us take the time to relax on a quiet beach, enjoy a good coffee in a local café, or even fit in a quick sightseeing adventure before returning on board. For those who choose to stay on the ship, port days provide a rare moment of peace. The usually crowded guest areas become serene, allowing us to enjoy the gym, unwind on deck with the ocean breeze, or catch up on much-needed rest. These quiet hours help us recharge before returning to rehearsals, performances, or other onboard duties. Despite the luxury of these brief escapes, our schedule always comes first. If a rehearsal or a safety drill is scheduled, we must be ready, even if it means skipping an island excursion. The ability to balance work and exploration is key to making the most of life at sea.
Day 4: Safety Drills – Prepared for Anything
Life at sea comes with responsibilities that extend far beyond entertainment. Every crew member, regardless of their department, is required to participate in regular safety drills. These include muster station exercises, emergency evacuation procedures, and fire safety training. As much as performing is our passion, safety is our priority, and we take these responsibilities seriously. The drills simulate real-life emergency situations, ensuring that in the event of a crisis—whether a fire, a medical emergency, or an evacuation, every crew member knows exactly what to do. We are assigned specific emergency roles, such as guiding guests to lifeboats or assisting with crowd control. These drills are a stark reminder that working on a cruise ship involves more than just entertainment; it’s about ensuring the well-being of thousands of people. After completing the drills, we can have a day to chill and to explore the island we are dock, take some time off and enjoy our travel destination, and it’s back to business. Rehearsals, show preparations, and training sessions resume as usual.
Day 5: Show Day – The Spotlight Calls
how days are when everything falls into place. From the moment we wake up, a steady current of anticipation courses through us. The day is a ritual stretching, warming up, and running through routines, each movement sharpening our focus. Costumes are meticulously prepped, skates are sharpened to perfection, and final touches of makeup and hair bring our characters to life. Every detail must align seamlessly. As showtime nears, the backstage hums with quiet intensity. Adrenaline builds, fueled by the distant murmur of the audience. The moment the lights go up, we step into the magic. Every jump, spin, and lift carries a spark, magnified by the energy of the crowd. But performing at sea adds an extra dimension, our balance and precision must dance with the ship’s rhythm, adjusting instinctively to the ocean’s gentle sway. Then comes the final bow. A deep breath, a moment of fulfillment. But the night doesn’t end there. Some retreat to the deck, letting the vast expanse of the starlit ocean wash over them. Others gather for a late-night meal, laughter flowing as they relive the evening’s highlights. These post-show moments, whether shared or solitary are as much a part of the experience as the performance itself.
Turnaround day is the busiest and most crucial day of the week. As one set of guests disembarks in the morning and a fresh wave of passengers arrives in the afternoon, the entire ship undergoes a rapid and meticulous transformation. Crew members from all departments work tirelessly to ensure a seamless transition, handling luggage, restocking supplies, deep-cleaning public areas, and preparing thousands of cabins for the next voyage. The process is a well-rehearsed choreography of efficiency, ensuring that every detail is polished before guests step on board. For performers, the work does not stop there. While we may not be responsible for guest accommodations, our role kicks in later in the day when we have to prepare for our first shows of the new cruise. The ice needs resurfacing, our costumes require checking, our skates must be in top condition, and we have to warm up. Performing two high-energy shows in the evening, often after a restless night and a physically demanding morning, is both an endurance test and a thrill. Despite the day rush and business, as soon as we step onto the ice, the energy of the audience, and the magic of live performance make it all worth it. In those moments, everything else disappears, and all that remains is the sheer joy of skating.
Day 2: Guest Skating Sessions – Beyond the Performance
Our role as figure skaters extends beyond our scheduled performances. One of our additional duties includes running public skating sessions, where guests get the unique opportunity to experience ice skating at sea. This involves setting up the rink, assisting passengers in selecting and fitting their skates, and ensuring safety on the ice. For many guests, this is their first time skating, and guiding them through their wobbly first steps can be both amusing and rewarding. Maintaining order during guest skating requires patience, attentiveness, and quick reflexes to help those who stumble. Beyond simply overseeing the rink, we engage with guests, offer skating tips, and sometimes even perform small tricks to entertain them. It’s a great way to interact with passengers on a personal level and share our passion for skating outside the structured setting of a show. Additionally, teamwork among performers extends backstage. During production shows, dancers assist us with quick costume changes, and we return the favor by helping them swap outfits between their numbers. It’s a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes dance that requires coordination and mutual support. These moments of teamwork reinforce the strong bonds within the entertainment team and highlight the collaborative spirit of life on board.
Day 3: Port Days – A Window of Rest and Exploration
While passengers eagerly disembark to explore exciting new destinations, port days offer a small but invaluable opportunity for crew members to take a breather. Depending on our schedule, we may have a few hours to step off the ship, giving us a chance to experience the culture, food, and landscapes of different countries. Some of us take the time to relax on a quiet beach, enjoy a good coffee in a local café, or even fit in a quick sightseeing adventure before returning on board. For those who choose to stay on the ship, port days provide a rare moment of peace. The usually crowded guest areas become serene, allowing us to enjoy the gym, unwind on deck with the ocean breeze, or catch up on much-needed rest. These quiet hours help us recharge before returning to rehearsals, performances, or other onboard duties. Despite the luxury of these brief escapes, our schedule always comes first. If a rehearsal or a safety drill is scheduled, we must be ready, even if it means skipping an island excursion. The ability to balance work and exploration is key to making the most of life at sea.
Day 4: Safety Drills – Prepared for Anything
Life at sea comes with responsibilities that extend far beyond entertainment. Every crew member, regardless of their department, is required to participate in regular safety drills. These include muster station exercises, emergency evacuation procedures, and fire safety training. As much as performing is our passion, safety is our priority, and we take these responsibilities seriously. The drills simulate real-life emergency situations, ensuring that in the event of a crisis—whether a fire, a medical emergency, or an evacuation, every crew member knows exactly what to do. We are assigned specific emergency roles, such as guiding guests to lifeboats or assisting with crowd control. These drills are a stark reminder that working on a cruise ship involves more than just entertainment; it’s about ensuring the well-being of thousands of people. After completing the drills, we can have a day to chill and to explore the island we are dock, take some time off and enjoy our travel destination, and it’s back to business. Rehearsals, show preparations, and training sessions resume as usual.
Day 5: Show Day – The Spotlight Calls
how days are when everything falls into place. From the moment we wake up, a steady current of anticipation courses through us. The day is a ritual stretching, warming up, and running through routines, each movement sharpening our focus. Costumes are meticulously prepped, skates are sharpened to perfection, and final touches of makeup and hair bring our characters to life. Every detail must align seamlessly. As showtime nears, the backstage hums with quiet intensity. Adrenaline builds, fueled by the distant murmur of the audience. The moment the lights go up, we step into the magic. Every jump, spin, and lift carries a spark, magnified by the energy of the crowd. But performing at sea adds an extra dimension, our balance and precision must dance with the ship’s rhythm, adjusting instinctively to the ocean’s gentle sway. Then comes the final bow. A deep breath, a moment of fulfillment. But the night doesn’t end there. Some retreat to the deck, letting the vast expanse of the starlit ocean wash over them. Others gather for a late-night meal, laughter flowing as they relive the evening’s highlights. These post-show moments, whether shared or solitary are as much a part of the experience as the performance itself.
Day 1: Turnaround Day – A Race Against Time. (c) Sarah B.
Day 2: Guest Skating Sessions – Beyond the Performance. (c) Sarah B.
Day 3 and 4 : Port Days and Safety Drill – A Window of Rest and Exploration. (c) Sarah B.
Day 5: Show Day – The Spotlight Calls. (c) Sarah B.
Life at Sea: A Balance of Discipline and Adventure
Life at Sea: A Balance of Discipline and Adventure. (c) Sarah B.
Life as a performer on a cruise ship is a constant balancing act, between discipline and adventure, routine and unpredictability. Every day brings new challenges, from maintaining peak performance on moving ice to managing safety drills and guest interactions, all while adjusting to the unique rhythm of life at sea. It’s a career that demands precision, resilience, and adaptability, where no two shows are ever quite the same. Skating against the backdrop of the open ocean, we navigate both the physical and mental demands of performing in an environment that is always in motion. The job is intense, but it comes with moments of quiet reward, the satisfaction of a well-executed routine, the camaraderie of a tight-knit cast, and the rare chance to merge a passion for skating with the experience of traveling the world. It is undeniably unique, a career defined by movement, challenge, and the ever-changing horizon. It is a world where artistry collides with the vastness of the ocean, where no two performances are ever the same, and where the horizon is both a backdrop and a reminder of endless possibility. Demanding yet exhilarating, exhausting yet deeply fulfilling, this is the life of a cruise ship skater, a journey of passion, dedication, and unforgettable moments, both on and off the ice.
Wanderlust Chronicles: 5 Things That Make Cruise Ship Ice Skating Unique
