Wanderlust Chronicles: Being A Pair Skater At Sea – Where Legacy Meets Innovation on Cruise Ships

For centuries, ships have carried more than just cargo and passengers; they have transported dreams, ambitions, and the ever-present human desire to push beyond the known world. They have been vessels of migration, of conquest, of commerce, and of escape. From the creaking wooden hulls of ancient explorers to the iron giants of the Industrial Age, ships have shaped history, connecting civilizations and carving paths across uncharted waters. Beyond their physical function, ships have always been powerful symbols in literature and mythology. Homer’s Odyssey turns a voyage into an existential trial, a journey shaped as much by fate as by the unrelenting sea. In Jules Verne’s L’Île mystérieuse, the shipwrecked protagonists transform their isolation into an opportunity for ingenuity and survival, proving that the sea is, yes, a force, but also a space for reinvention and, more than anything, discovery. Joseph Conrad, himself a sailor, wrote of ships as places where isolation and human nature are laid bare, where the vastness of the ocean forces introspection. To set sail is an act of reckoning, of transformation, of surrendering to forces larger than oneself.

The Birth of Leisure Cruising

The idea of a ship as more than just a means of transport, transforming into a vessel of leisure and experience, began to emerge in the early 19th century. While passenger liners once dominated long-distance travel, the concept of cruising as an industry dedicated purely to exploration and entertainment truly took shape in the 20th century. The first purpose-built cruise ship, Prinzessin Victoria Luise, launched in 1900 by Germany’s Hamburg-America Line, was designed exclusively for pleasure voyages rather than transport. Over the decades, the cruise industry evolved from repurposed ocean liners to innovative, experience-driven ships. The modern era of cruising was revolutionized by Royal Caribbean, which, in 1970, introduced Song of Norway, the first ship designed specifically for leisure cruising rather than transatlantic crossings. This marked the beginning of an entirely new approach, ships evolving into floating resorts, where the journey itself became just as important as the destination. As technology advanced, so did the scale and ambition of cruise ships. The launch of Sovereign of the Seas in 1988 redefined the industry, becoming the first mega-cruise ship, while the introduction of the Oasis Class in 2009 pushed the boundaries even further, transforming ships into vast, self-contained cities at sea. Today, vessels like Wonder of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, continue to expand the possibilities of ocean travel, blending luxury, innovation, and adventure on an unprecedented scale. As entertainment became an integral part of the cruise experience, ships began incorporating not just theaters and lounges, but grand performance spaces designed for world-class productions. Ice skating rinks onboard cruise ships were once unimaginable, yet today, they host full-scale productions where athletes and artists merge sport and spectacle, creating breathtaking performances that glide across a frozen stage at sea.

Life at Sea, Performing on Ice

Today’s cruise ships, sleek and immense, are no longer just a means of crossing the ocean but destinations in themselves, floating cities that blend luxury with movement, entertainment with the unknown. They exist in a paradox, built for leisure, yet constantly in motion, designed for stability, yet always at the mercy of the sea. The decks may be lined with pools and restaurants, theaters and boutiques, but beneath them, the ship breathes like a living entity, its steel frame flexing with the waves, its heart pulsing to the rhythm of its massive engines. In the controlled elegance of its grand staircases and glass-walled lounges, the illusion of permanence is carefully maintained, yet everything about ship life is ephemeral. Every aspect of life on board is a delicate balance between precision and unpredictability, between the carefully curated world of onboard entertainment and the vast, untamed force of the ocean beyond. Passengers embark with excitement, enjoy fleeting moments of indulgence, then disappear back to their realities on land.

For those who live and work on board, life at sea offers a different kind of excitement and discovery. Indeed, this environment brings a unique thrill, adapting to the ship’s movement adds an extra dimension to the craft, life aboard fosters a close-knit creative community, and each new port offers fresh inspiration, making every show a dynamic and ever-evolving experience. Our lives are shaped by contracts and itineraries, where friendships form quickly, and routines shift with every new port, every five, seven days, or more. It is a rhythm dictated by changing destinations and fleeting connections, in a world that is always in motion. Shows are performed, applauded, and replaced, a cycle that mirrors the constant movement of the ship itself. A vessel never stands still, and neither do the lives it carries. It was in this ever-moving world that I found myself stepping onto Mariner of the Seas for the first time, not just onto a ship, but onto a stage floating on water, where every performance is shaped by the sea itself. Under the glow of the spotlights, against the vast horizon, ice and ocean converge, a world where artistry and adventure meet.


 

It started with a feeling, a strange, almost imperceptible shift under my feet as I stepped onto the Mariner of the Seas for the first time. I had my luggage in one hand, my fiancé by my side, (who is also a professional figure skater on ships with me), and a stack of paperwork that seemed endless. The ship’s hallways smelled of fresh paint and salt air, a mix of something new and something timeless. The cool metal under my feet, the distant hum of the engines, the low chatter of crew members passing by in their pressed uniforms, everything carried a sense of motion, of transition. This was the start of something I had long envisioned.

In fact, as I mentioned on my previous articles, performing, skating on cruise ships, it had existed in my mind like a dream frozen in time, a quiet, persistent wish that had nestled itself in the back of my thoughts since childhood. I had imagined this moment a thousand times: walking through the corridors of a cruise ship, the knowledge that I would soon be gliding on an ice rink in the middle of the ocean filling me with anticipation. And yet, reality always has its own way of unfolding. The first few hours blurred together in a whirlwind of bureaucracy and logistics. Crew IDs, safety protocols, cabin assignments, all essential yet overwhelming details that marked my transition from guest to crew member. I learned how to navigate the labyrinthine back corridors, memorized which staircases led where, and quickly understood that the ship had its own hidden world, separate from the elegant decks and pools where passengers lounged in the sun. But it wasn’t until I stepped into Studio B for the first time that everything truly hit me. I stood in the heart of this massive vessel, staring at an ice rink that shouldn’t exist here, and yet, there it was, a gleaming surface waiting to be carved by blades, surrounded by rows of empty seats that would soon be filled with expectant faces. I took a slow breath, absorbing the moment. The low hum of the refrigeration units keeping the ice stable, the way the arena lights cast a glow over the rink, the faint smell of sharpened skates, it all felt both familiar and surreal.

This was it. My childhood dream, that quiet fantasy of being there, had crossed the threshold from imagination to reality. It wasn’t like the dramatic moment I had imagined, no sweeping cinematic score playing in my head, no revelatory pause as I took it all in. Instead, it was quieter, more personal, an internal tremor, the kind you feel when something significant is beginning, even if you can’t quite grasp its shape yet. And as I laced up my skates for the first time on this floating stage, I realized that this journey, one filled with movement, adaptation, and performance, was only just beginning.





 

Entertainment at sea has undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from simple onboard amusements to high-tech, immersive productions rivaling those found in world-class theaters. The journey from early transatlantic liners to today’s floating entertainment hubs tells a fascinating story of innovation, ambition, and the ever-growing desire to captivate audiences in unexpected ways.

- The Early Days: A World of Elegance and Simplicity

In the early 20th century, ocean liners were symbols of luxury and grandeur, catering to an elite clientele traveling between Europe and the Americas. Entertainment at sea was largely about elegance, charm, and tradition. There were no large-scale productions or high-tech effects, just an intimate atmosphere designed to provide moments of leisure between ports. These ships, set the stage for early onboard entertainment, albeit in a vastly different form than what exists today:
• Ballrooms and orchestras: Passengers waltzed to live classical music, dressed in their finest evening wear as bands played in grand ballrooms.
• Cabaret performances: Small theatrical acts and intimate music recitals provided refined distractions for long voyages.
• Reading salons and lectures: Cultural enrichment came in the form of readings and discussions, appealing to well-educated travelers seeking intellectual stimulation.

- The 1970s: The Birth of the Modern Cruise Industry

The transformation of cruise entertainment began in the 1970s, as companies shifted their focus from transportation to leisure. With the introduction of larger and more luxurious vessels, cruise lines competed to offer the most extravagant experiences, leading to an entertainment arms race that continues today. The rise of dedicated cruise vacations meant that ships were no longer just a means to cross the ocean, they were becoming destinations or let’s say big Malls in themselves.
• Broadway-style productions: Inspired by the success of Las Vegas and Broadway, cruise lines introduced stage shows featuring singing, dancing, and elaborate costumes.
• Nightclubs and casinos: Ships began incorporating nightlife venues, appealing to younger and more entertainment-driven travelers.
• Celebrity guest performances: Musicians, comedians, and magicians were invited to perform, bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour to the high seas.
• Haute Couture shops and famous brands collaborations: As cruise lines sought to elevate their onboard experience, they turned to the world of high fashion. Luxury boutiques featuring haute couture houses such as Chanel, Dior, and Hermès began appearing on the most exclusive ships, offering passengers access to high-end shopping at sea. This era also saw the rise of collaborations between renowned fashion designers and cruise lines, with limited-edition collections, exclusive runway shows, and designer uniforms for crew members.

- 1999: The Game-Changer – Ice Rinks at Sea

In 1999, Royal Caribbean revolutionized cruise entertainment with the launch of Studio B, the first-ever ice rink at sea, aboard the Voyager of the Seas. This groundbreaking innovation pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a cruise ship, introducing a spectacle that had never been attempted before: figure skating performances on a moving vessel. Skaters and engineers worked together to adjust to conditions, modifying techniques and ice preparation strategies to ensure smooth performances.
Bringing an ice rink onto a cruise ship was no small feat. Engineers faced significant challenges in ensuring a stable, skateable surface:
• Refrigeration technology: A state-of-the-art cooling system was installed to keep the ice solid despite warm ocean climates and fluctuating humidity levels.
• Shock absorption: The ship’s constant movement meant that the ice had to be reinforced to prevent cracks from forming.
• Adaptable ice maintenance: Unlike land-based arenas, which maintain a consistent temperature, Studio B required frequent adjustments based on external conditions.

- The Impact of Ice Shows on the Cruise Industry

The introduction of ice shows had a profound effect on the cruise entertainment landscape. What was once a novelty quickly became a hallmark and an exclusivity of Royal Caribbean’s entertainment portfolio, with each new ship featuring enhanced versions of the rink, incorporating cutting-edge lighting, projection mapping, and advanced stage effects, drawing passengers eager to witness professional skaters perform breathtaking routines in the middle of the ocean.
• Redefining onboard entertainment: Ice shows offered a unique alternative to traditional theater performances, blending athleticism with artistry.
• Influencing competitors: Seeing the success of Studio B, other cruise lines, such as MSC and Norwegian Cruise Line, began exploring new forms of entertainment, including aqua shows, drone performances, and aerial acrobatics.
• Elevating production value: The success of ice rinks pushed cruise lines to invest in more elaborate productions, with custom-designed theaters, interactive performances, and immersive audience experiences becoming the norm.

The evolution of cruise entertainment is a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of wonder. From simple ballroom dances to Broadway productions, acrobatic performances, and skating shows, the industry has continuously reinvented itself, proving that even at sea, the stage knows no limits.






 

Lacing up my skates in Studio B for the first time, I felt the weight of its history. This was a stage where generations of skaters had left their mark.

Performing in Ice Under the Big Top was about bringing the magic of the circus to life on ice. As a pair skater, my role extended beyond technique, I had to create seamless lifts, spins, and throws with my partner, ensuring our movements were not only precise but in symbiosis, in connexion, expressive enough to capture the show’s theatricality. From the moment the lights dimmed to the grand finale, the audience was transported into a whimsical world where circus and figure skating merged. Unlike competitive skating, where technical difficulty and rankings are central, ice shows demand a different kind of performance. One that blends skating skill with theatrical expression and direct audience engagement. While competitive skaters also interpret their programs, show skating removes the pressure of scoring and focuses purely on entertainment. Ice Under the Big Top required performers to slip into multiple roles, one moment a clown, the next an acrobat or a fortune teller, each demanding not just technical execution but expressive acting. Eye contact, exaggerated expressions, and full-body movement were just as vital as skating skills, making every performance a dynamic narrative on ice.

This illusion of seamless storytelling relied on rapid costume changes. Unlike competitive routines, where a single costume is designed for one performance, this production required multiple transformations within minutes. Behind the scenes, dressers worked swiftly, often with multiple crew members assisting a single skater.
Every detail, from choreography to costumes, was designed to create an uninterrupted, enchanting spectacle where the line between ice skating and circus magic disappeared.Costumes were designed for efficiency: Velcro fastenings replaced buttons and zippers for quick removals. Pre-layered outfits allowed a top layer to be stripped away, instantly revealing a new character. Hidden zippers and magnetic closures enabled lightning-fast transitions between scenes.

Skating on a moving surface presents a set of challenges that no amount of land-based training can fully prepare you for. As a pair skater, the complexity doubles, not only do I need to adjust my own balance, but I must also synchronize every movement with my partner, anticipating the ship’s rhythm together. Unlike traditional ice shows, where skaters perform on a stable rink, ice shows had to be choreographed with the unpredictability of the ocean in mind.

The ice surface could be affected by the ship’s motion, requiring constant adjustments during rehearsals. Despite the challenges, the goal was to make the performance feel effortless, ensuring that passengers never noticed the subtle adjustments happening on stage.To ensure safety, certain elements were tailored for stability, jumps were kept lower on rough sea days, reducing the risk of unsteady landings. Spins were controlled to maintain balance, with deeper knee bends compensating for unexpected tilts. Footwork sequences were designed with wide, stable movements to adapt to the ship’s shifts. Despite the challenges, the goal was to make the performance feel effortless, ensuring that passengers never noticed the subtle adjustments happening on stage.

• Ship movement affects balance: Even in calm waters, a cruise ship is never completely motionless. Skaters learn to anticipate the ship’s rhythm, adjusting their edges and posture to compensate for the subtle shifts beneath them.
• Jump takeoffs, lifts and landings require adaptation: Standard figure skating jumps demand precise timing, but at sea, even a slight roll of the ship can alter a takeoff, making landings unpredictable.
• Rehearsals include motion training: For three weeks, rehearsals were a mix of choreography, timing, and unexpected adjustments. Every skater in the cast had their own adaptation method, some relied on core strength, others adjusted their knee bend or think about plan B regarding tricks. By the time opening night arrived, we were no longer just skaters; we had become performers of the sea.




 

One of the most striking aspects of life on a cruise ship is the incredible diversity of the crew. With over 1,200 crew members from dozens of nationalities, the ship operates like a floating city where languages, traditions, and personal histories intertwine. What makes cruise life so unique is the bond that forms between crew members from vastly different backgrounds and all coming together to create something larger than themselves. Indeed, behind the scenes, life is a well-orchestrated ballet of organization, hard work, and collaboration. A cruise ship functions 24/7, with different departments operating like the gears of a massive machine:

• Hospitality teams ensure that cabins are pristine, meals are served to perfection, and guests feel at home.
• Engineers and deck officers monitor the ship’s mechanical and navigational systems to ensure smooth sailing.
• Entertainment teams, including musicians, dancers, and skaters, bring the ship’s nightly spectacles to life.
• Security personnel and medical staff ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on board.

- Responsibilities Beyond Performing

Beyond our performances, skaters take on additional duties that contribute to the onboard experience. Unlike on land, where performers focus solely on their craft, cruise ship contracts involve multiple roles. For example, Studio B isn’t just a performance venue, it’s also an attraction for passengers. Many guests are fascinated by pair skating, often asking about the level of trust and precision required to execute lifts, tricks, throws or backflips, on such a small ice surface. As cast members, we help:

• Distribute skates and ensure guests find the right fit.
• Provide basic skating tips to beginners.
• Supervise the rink, making sure all passengers skate safely.

- Weekly Safety Drills

As crew members, we are responsible for more than just entertainment, we are also part of the ship’s emergency response system. These drills are critical; in a real emergency, every crew member has a designated role, from guiding guests to safety zones to assisting with medical needs. Training is rigorous because, at sea, preparedness is key.
Each week, all crew participate in mandatory safety drills, preparing for scenarios such as:
• Fire safety and evacuation procedures.
• Guest assistance during emergencies.
• Familiarization with lifeboat and life raft protocols.

- Guest Assistance

At any moment, we might be called upon to assist guests in ways that go beyond skating. Whether it’s answering questions about ship amenities, helping someone navigate the hallways, or even providing directions to shore excursions, crew members are expected to be approachable and helpful. Sometimes, unexpected moments happen like helping a nervous guest overcome their fear of stepping onto the ice or assisting a fellow crew member who needs support. These small interactions make life onboard special, creating connections that transcend nationalities and backgrounds.



 

Life on a cruise ship is an amazing paradox, fast-paced yet timeless, structured yet unpredictable. Every show, rehearsal, side work, experiences, and every interaction leaves an imprint, shaping an experience that extends far beyond the rink. It is all about adapting, embracing the unexpected, and finding harmony between movement and motion. The friendships formed, the adrenaline of the stage, the hum of the ship beneath my feet, all of it is part of a greater story, one that continues to evolve. But this is only the beginning. Each aspect of this unique experience, the legacy of cruise entertainment, the challenges of performing on a moving surface, the intricacies of life as a crew member, and the artistry behind every show, deserves a closer look. In the next Wanderlust articles, I will dive deeper into these details, uncovering the history, the mechanics, and the hidden realities that shape the world of figure skating at sea.