Uncharted Waters : A Crewmember's Journey of Life and Love on the High Seas

By Nicole Babjak

A naive and innocent Nicole leaves her sheltered life in Canada to embark on a journey of adventure and self discovery on the high seas. Cruising the world with awe inspiring backdrops such as Alaska, Mexico and the Caribbean, Nicole sails through a labyrinth of mental and physical challenges, testing her endurance at each turn. Surrounded by her loyal group of friends and her bubbly roommate Macie, Nicole learns she is able to take risks and begins living the life she never dreamed she would ever have.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AFB Consulting
• Release date: Jan 3, 2014
• ISBN: 9780991953004

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Uncharted Waters : A Crewmember's Journey of Life and Love on the High Seas

Uncharted Waters : A Crewmember’s Journey of Life and Love on the High Seas

A novel by Nicole Babjak

Copyright

Copyright © 2014 by Nicole Babjak

Published by AFB Consulting Press

Address inquiries to: [e-mail]

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, scanning, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without express written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

Uncharted Waters: A Crewmember’s Journey of Life and Love on the High Seas

ISBN: 978-0-9919530-04

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Babjak, Nicole, [date] author

Uncharted Waters : A Crewmember's Journey of Life and Love on the High

Seas / Nicole Babjak.

I. Title.

PS8603.A288U52 2013                           C813'.6                         C2013-906025-1

C2013-906026-X

This novel is based on the author’s true personal experiences of living and working on a luxury cruise ship. The characters related to this work are based on true individuals. The ports visited were real and part of the ship’s itinerary. The ship name and character names have been altered to protect their privacy. Certain fictitious events, details and situations were added to enhance the story.

Acknowledgements

This novel was a ten-year evolving project, where I faced many challenges and hurdles along the way. It is thanks to the following people that my story was realized. I am grateful to everyone who took the time to read my drafts and who offered their valuable feedback.

Thank you to Pat Mestern, who led me on the right path with my writing. Thank you also to Christopher Gray, who patiently guided me through the publishing process.

I am especially indebted to my sister, Elise, for her advice and helpful suggestions. Your many hours of work did not go unnoticed. You made my book stronger.

Lastly, I would like to thank all of the international crewmembers I met on my journey. You inspired me by your passion for life and your desire to experience as much of the world as possible.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my mom, Angelica, who always believed in me and taught me that you have to go after your dreams and follow your heart’s desire. It is because of her endless support and guidance that I decided to pursue this dream of mine of travelling on a cruise ship and to finish writing this novel.

Prologue

In 2001, when the twin towers had tumbled to the ground so catastrophically in New York City, in the blink of an eye, the world had suddenly transformed into a place of fear and of uncertainty. Like everyone, I had become unexpectedly exposed to the evil side of humanity, something I never thought I would ever witness in my lifetime. Like a dark and ominous cloud, fear hovered over all people, of all cultures and races, and the future of mankind seemed dismal and unknown. So many dreams were shattered on 9/11 and innocent victims lost their lives. They woke up and went to work, not knowing that it would be their last day on earth.

It was from these tragic events of 9/11 that I began to realize how precious life was and how every moment, every millisecond counted. Oddly, it somehow motivated me to try new things and to test out new waters, by pursuing different avenues that were going to challenge me in every way. I wasn’t about to let 9/11 taint my dreams and stop me from seeking out new adventures. Travel had always been a big part of my life. When I explored other parts of the world, I was able to grow and evolve as an individual where I learned to challenge myself outside of my comfort zone.

So many people lost their lives in New York that day, not knowing that they would ever have another chance to fulfill a dream that they had wanted to pursue. I didn’t want to have a life of regrets and I didn’t ever want to say the words what if.  In some ways, I wanted to break free from my restraints and embark on a journey that would present unusual and exciting experiences. And so I did. I dove into an unknown abyss in the middle of the vast blue waters and fulfilled a dream. I worked on a cruise ship.

1- A New Chapter

When I looked up in the air, at the brilliant blue sky and the sun beaming down, I could see a red and white helicopter circling our ship, decreasing in altitude at each passing. It eventually hovered like a bumble bee, making every effort to maintain a perfect, steady position. The deafening, repetitive noise of the propellers blocked out the voices of the ship passengers who were in awe by what was unfolding in front of them. I’m sure many of them had never seen such an event. It was like a scene in a movie.

We were sailing between the islands of Puerto Rico and St. Maarten, about to witness a rescue of a passenger needing immediate medical assistance. It was my very first ‘airlift’ experience, and I couldn’t wait to see how it would develop.

I knew that it wouldn’t be an easy task. Our ship was not equipped with a helipad for the aircraft to land on, so the rescuers had some work cut out for them.

Miss, do you know what’s happening up there? asked an older gentleman who approached me from behind, pointing to the upper deck.

Honestly sir, I don’t know the details, but I think we are watching a medical evacuation, I said, trying to sound as professional as possible.

I lied. I knew exactly what had happened. I had been the first witness to this circumstance. About an hour earlier, I was trying to figure out what to do with this passenger who collapsed unexpectedly in the hallway, just outside of my shop. Little did I know that all of this dramatic action on the top deck would take place immediately afterwards.

I hope, whoever it is, will be all right, the passenger said with a look of concern. Your ship is really putting on a show for us today, that’s for sure.

This old man was right. This was a rarely seen occurrence that not many people could ever experience. To be in the middle of the sea, watching trained emergency rescue personnel do their thing, passengers couldn’t help themselves but stare and wait in suspense. Within seconds, the pool deck had literally become crowded with an infestation of interested onlookers. Everybody wanted to see how the ill passenger would be rescued. Everyone wanted to see whether he would survive.

Time stood still and passengers watched in wonder at the helicopter hovering in the air above us. I was worried that it would make a nose dive on our ship, but I figured that the Puerto Rican Coast Guard knew exactly what it was doing. They were trained in this sort of thing, so I imagined that our patient was in good hands.

Minutes that seemed more like hours had passed until finally the rescuers cautiously lowered one of their men onto the ship, followed by the rescue stretcher. Ship’s officers including our doctor and nurses, assisted in positioning our ill passenger onto the stretcher with the help of the Coast Guard crewmember, fastening him securely, as not to lose him once he got lifted up into the air.

I began to take deeper breaths, not knowing whether he would actually survive. He was after all at death’s door, so it was understandable that everyone witnessing this amazing event felt sorry for the poor guy. Nobody knew him. He had been travelling alone. But I knew him, well sort of, and I wasn’t his biggest fan. Even though I couldn’t stand the very sight of him, I couldn’t help but feel for him and his current situation.  Nobody deserved to fall unconscious while on vacation, in the middle of the sea, especially without friends and family around. It was a terrible way to conclude one’s life – alone. I didn’t know how things would end. All I could do was watch and wait with the rest of the ship, and say a little prayer.

The patient was finally hoisted up like a feather and was carefully placed into the chopper. The entire operation lasted about 40 minutes. Before we knew it, the helicopter whisked away and disappeared out of sight into the distant marshmallow clouds, with the vast blue sea below it. And then, out of nowhere, the old man who approached me earlier began clapping his hands, inviting everyone else to join him in his show of appreciation. A wave of applause dispersed in the air, and suddenly everyone smiled and gave a sigh of relief.

In the middle of all of this excitement, all of this action on the high seas, I began thinking and reminiscing about the day I had left home to join this ship…this ship being my new home away from home.

Nicole, if you really don’t want to go, you don’t have to. You can still change your mind, my mom repeatedly reminded me in her distinctly Eastern European accent. She was trying her best to tell me that I wouldn’t be a failure if I decided not to get on the plane.

I know, I know… I just need a moment…I’ll be ok, I answered with an annoyed tone of voice as I took a long deep breath and repeatedly analyzed the present situation in my head. 

I appreciated what my mom was telling me as it temporarily eased my nervousness and insecurities. Despite the possibility of having an easy getaway, I decided in my heart that leaving and embarking into this other world for five months was the right thing to do. I had to go through with it, even if it turned out to be the worst experience of my life. It was almost as if I had to prove to myself that I could do it – leave my family, my friends, my beloved dog, my home, my comfort zone and embark on an entirely new way of living.  I was taking a major risk and going into the unknown.

The Toronto airport was busy as usual on this particular day. Boat loads of people saturated the terminal, as though flights were given out for free. Being August 18th, while summer travelling was in full swing, it was almost expected to be hectic in all areas of the airport. I loved the chaotic energy from the mad rush of anxious travelers bombarding the departure area. Witnessing all these people preparing themselves for the journey ahead motivated me to focus on the ultimate prize, travel. For me, travelling had always been an invigorating experience, something that gave me a natural high that could not be duplicated any other way.

I hadn’t actually pictured the whole experience like an episode from the Love Boat – no, I was too well informed about the ‘real’ cruise ship life for crew by all of my research. Instead, I pictured it as a world where I would meet all kinds of people from all walks of life, of all ages, with a colorful palette of cultures. I would explore exotic places I could never have dreamed to see. Yes, work would be involved of course, but it would only play a small role in this unique and awesome experience I was about to have.

My stomach churned and my pulse raced. I realized that with this extraordinary experience I would also have to deal with unwanted possibilities like sea sickness, party animals, bad roommates and other inconveniences. With the nerve-wracking thoughts overwhelming my doubtful brain and the butterflies flying in the pit of my stomach, in the end, I had enough courage to make my way to the security line and let life take its course.

Remember to take your vitamins, don’t walk alone in the ports at night and remember to enjoy yourself and have fun! my mom sounded a little worried and I couldn’t blame her. She was, after all, my mother and I was her baby.

As I did in the past, whenever I left my family to fly away for many months, I was overly emotional and tears gushed down my cheeks. I’m not quite sure why I always get so emotional. Perhaps it’s because I had lived a sheltered life for the most part and I had become very attached to my family. What got me through the entire 45 minutes that I waited and contemplated with my mom about whether or not to go, was that I could always come home if I didn’t like it. Honestly, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if I would come home after a month, or a week or even a few days. The planet would still turn and my life would move on even if I failed with my ship adventure.

Okay, you better go. Remember what I told you, said my mom as she gave me a huge, warm bear hug that lasted for about 20 seconds.

As she latched onto me, squeezing my entire body like a child’s teddy bear, understandably, I felt a little embarrassed, as we were right in front of a lineup of people waiting around to go through security. Realizing that I was in fact a young adult that could be married with children, I had to suck it up and show my inner courage to those around me. I released myself from my mom, wiped my last tears, kissed her, joined the lineup of people going through security, waved one last time from the other side and walked to my gate. Now I was all alone to fend for myself.

Where are you off to today young lady? wondered one of the older security guys at the final checkpoint as he scanned my passport to verify my identity.

I’m going to Vancouver…I’m joining a cruise ship actually! I answered in obvious excitement as he handed me back my passport.

Wow, that’s impressive! Are you a newbie? I gave a look of confusion as I wondered what exactly he meant. What I mean is, are you new to the job? Is it your first time joining a ship? he spoke again, rephrasing his question in simpler terms.

Oh, yes, yes, I’m really excited about it! I’ve never done anything like this before!

You can’t fool me! By the look you’re giving, I would say that you were going to a funeral! Good luck anyway! the old man chuckled as though he knew something I didn’t.

I stared with a confused look on my face, trying to read the old man’s expression and figure out what he was trying to tell me. What exactly did he mean by that comment? Was he just pulling my leg and trying to scare me before my great big adventure or was my face emitting to the outside world a look of terror, of ultimate fear? Of course, my eyes were still red and watery from the bitter sweet moment I had with my mom, and naturally, my unsettled stomach continuously churned with nervousness for my upcoming journey on the high seas. These inner feelings were quite understandable given my unusual circumstances, but was this old man seeing more than I was? I still had some time to spare at my gate before my flight to Vancouver, so I headed straight for the ladies room to look at myself in the mirror.

When I peered at my reflection in the massive mirror of the washroom, I understood what the old man saw. Between the dark circles under my eyes, the red blotches on my neck and upper chest, and the painful red pimple popping out of my chin, it was crystal clear that I was scared stiff, like a dog with its tail between its legs.

Oh my God! I look awful! What’s wrong with me? I said to myself as I looked at my skin up close and touched every visible red mark that screamed LOOK AT ME!

That was one thing I didn’t like about myself. Anytime I felt stressed or under pressure, everybody in the world knew it, as my face and my body revealed all of my inner anxiety. I had nowhere to hide my insecurities or my worries. Everything was always written all over my face.

At that moment my body was trying to tell me something - something I couldn’t admit to myself. Like a student on her way to University for the very first time, I had been feeling the raw emotions associated to big changes in a person’s life. I was no longer going to be in the comfort of my own bed at home, or eat what I wanted and when I wanted in my kitchen. I was about to embark on a completely different way of living, with strangers all around me, following a strict schedule made by my superiors, which had to be followed to a tee.

This regimented and organized lifestyle was going to become my reality for the next 5 months, and somehow, my subconscious already knew it and was screaming to warn my conscious what I was getting myself into. As I assessed my situation and tried to fight my inner doubts that seeped more and more into my mind, my mom’s voice suddenly spoke to me, just like the fairy God mother speaking to Dorothy on the yellow brick road.

Just take a deep breath…. You’ll see…. Everything will be fine… YOU will be fine, she said to me.

Yes, I will be fine and I need to stop feeling unsure about myself. I need to do this and just try, I said to myself as I took a deep breath and turned on the faucets to wash my hands under the warm water.

It was still quite early, and I had an hour to kill at the gate before my boarding time. I sat in close proximity to my gate doors, and gazed out the large panoramic window, which overlooked all of the planes parked in the hangar. The sound of laughter and conversation from the neighboring travelers who sat next to me, and the dusty, musty airport smell that hovered in the air, made me fall into a deep trance. I thought back to how all of this had transpired in my life, and how I got to this point of boarding a plane that was going to take me to the other side of the country and onto a cruise ship. Everything happened so fast and like the blink of an eye, I was about to live a completely different way of life.

I didn’t know anyone who had worked on a ship. I had no clue as to what I was getting myself into. The first time I got the idea to brave the seas was back in the early ‘90s when my mom and dad went on a cruise to the Caribbean. During their vacation they met a young Swedish crewmember named Maria and talked to her about ship life.

"Nicole, maybe you should consider working on a ship…you know… like on the Love Boat!"

"The Love Boat? I don’t know the first thing about finding a job on a cruise ship," I answered back to my mom, who seemed more captivated by the idea than I was.

The thought of joining a ship seemed impossible and unachievable – only something one could dream of, not actually live. When my parents spoke with Maria and asked her what it was like working on a cruise ship, she only had positive things to say about her experience on the seas.

Then in 1999, when I worked in Disneyland Paris for three months, an unusual summer job in itself, I spoke with an Italian coworker of mine who was applying to work on Disney Cruise Lines. The idea attracted me and from then on, I always thought about one day pursuing such an endeavor.

Cruising the world, anchoring in locales not easily accessible by other modes of transport, suddenly became appealing to me. I knew though, that if I chose to pursue this risky undertaking sometime in the future, it would have to be after I had completed University and received my degree, as my father insisted that I finish school first before doing anything drastic with my life.

I graduated from University in 2001, completed a diploma in Visual Arts at an art school in 2002 and then sent dozens and dozens of applications to nearly all cruise lines. To assist me in my search for the various cruise lines, I went online and looked up Cruise jobs/employment and found a website offering to sell their guidebook on ‘how to get a job on a cruise ship’. I was doubtful in the beginning, not knowing whether sending money to the person selling this guidebook was actually a con artist. In the end, I took the risk, and was fortunate to have struck gold. Not only did this guidebook explain to me step by step what I should include in my application, but it gave me a long list of addresses of different cruise lines.

One thing that I had to decide was what position to apply for or even figure out what I was qualified for. I pictured myself working as a shore excursion person, who organized and escorted tours for passengers in the different ports of call. It seemed like a fun job to do - seeing new and interesting places gave me an excitement no other ship position could provide.

My original plan though never worked out. After many applications to different cruise lines, to my disappointment, I only received rejection letters. I wasn’t about to let this dream pass me by though – I knew in my entire being that I was going to get on a ship, but I had no idea as what.

Nicole, as long as you get your foot in the door, you could always apply for shore excursion later on, suggested my mom.

I did just that and followed her advice.  I applied as a retail sales associate, a.k.a., a shoppie. This position meant I’d be working in a gift shop and do the typical things shop people do – change window displays, dress mannequins, work in the stockroom, assist customers, count inventory, etc.  It didn’t sound like a thrilling or stimulating job, but at least I had a chance to get on a ship and explore the world. Luckily, I was qualified for this position, as my previous experiences of working in Disneyland Paris in a boutique, and my short contract in a clothing store at my local mall, made me more appealing to the cruise ship retail department.

I followed every step, and after having sent out another batch of applications, I finally heard from one cruise line. The phone unexpectedly rang one evening in August of 2002.

Good evening, I would like to speak with a… Miss Babjak. Is she available? asked a woman in a proper professional tone of voice.

Oh my gosh…could this be a cruise company calling?

Butterflies began to fly uncontrollably in my stomach and in a calm tone of voice I answered, Yes, this is she?

"I’m calling from Diamond Cruise Lines. I received your application and resume and I am very impressed with your qualifications. I would be interested in asking you a few questions over the phone."

I couldn’t believe it. My applications had actually reached someone and the Canadian postal service delivered them. It was difficult to contain my excitement. My mind became saturated with a million thoughts. I was at a loss for words in the beginning, probably because I was thinking too much. I was preoccupied trying to use BIG words to describe my educational background, my past employment experiences and reasons why I would be an asset to the company.

Just stay calm Nicole! Don’t freak out! I said to myself.

While the VP of the retail department asked me questions, I felt my system was on a major high – like I had just drank eight cups of coffee. I must have said something that impressed her on this particular evening, because by the end of our hour long conversation, she hired me.

"Nicole, based on what I’ve heard, I have to say that Diamond Cruise Lines would be honored to have you join our team. I would like to offer you a position as a Retail Sales Associate."

Those words were magic to my ears and I nearly fainted on my family room carpet as the VP welcomed me into her retail ship world. It didn’t take long for me to picture myself lounging on a chair, on an upper deck of a ship, with a piña colada in hand. But of course, that was just a fantasy and not real life. There was however one piece of important information that she kept to the very end, and I could understand why.        

"Nicole, given we are short of one person in our shops onboard the Blue Diamond ship, I will need you to join us in two weeks in Vancouver. Will this be possible?"

In my mind I knew that it seemed extremely rushed, but I wasn’t about to let this opportunity pass me by. It wasn’t like these sorts of things happened on a day to day basis. I accepted the position.

Yes, yes of course! This will not be a problem. I will meet the ship in two weeks!

Oh God! I’ve got to start packing!

I have to say that the elation I felt at that very moment affected me to the very core, making me realize that I had just taken the first step towards my next big adventure.

Selena, the VP, spoke to me for several more minutes, going over a few other important and relevant details, which I barely paid attention to. Everything that was said after she hired me was a complete blur and the only thing that consumed my mind was the ship’s itinerary.

Where will the Blue Diamond take me? I wondered.

The two weeks prior to my flight had been frantically filled with shopping for all essentials and packing. Before I knew it, it was the night before my big day and I was beginning to feel an intense fear. To settle my uneasiness, I decided to join my mom in the family room and relax on our comfy couch.

What’s on television tonight Ma? Anything good? I asked her as I curled up under the soft blanket and flicked the channels with the remote control. Browsing through the different channels, I came across one film which I couldn’t believe was playing.

"How weird is this… they’re playing Speed 2: Cruise Control on the night before I am about to leave and join a ship."

Was it a sign from God trying to communicate to me not to fly to Vancouver to join a cruise ship for five months? Or was it just a bizarre coincidence?

It doesn’t mean anything Nicole. It’s just a movie.

My mom tried to make me feel better as usual and even made sure I didn’t forget anything. Are you packed? Do you have your passport, your contract papers, aspirin, Kleenex, your creams, cold medicine in case you get sick?

I could always depend on my mom to keep me in check, when my stress level would increase to its highest intensity.

I think I have everything, I answered, trying desperately to contain my inner doubts. I couldn’t hold it in for very long.  Oh, Ma… I paused for a moment, unsure whether I should declare my internal fear, I’m really nervous… I’m scared.  Actually…I’m petrified. I don’t think I can do it.

I wasn’t very good at keeping my feelings locked in. I had a tendency of revealing my raw emotions to my mom on a daily basis. We were very close in that respect. She was my best friend, and I couldn’t hide anything from her.

Nicole, don’t worry. Everything will be fine. You will see. I wouldn’t be letting you go just anywhere. I have a good feeling about this. Just trust that everything will be all right. Have faith.

When my mom said those very words, a big weight had been lifted off of my shoulders and within an instant I felt a sense of relief. Just have faith and everything will be fine. These were the precise words I needed to hear on the night before my departure.

Joining a cruise ship and traveling the world seemed like a good idea and I wasn’t about to let go of my new mission. I have to admit though, that I couldn’t sleep on the last night at home. Even though I was in my own bed, and knowing this, should have taken full advantage and appreciated every moment I had on my comfortable mattress, I chose to worry and wonder about what it would be like on a ship.

Will I like it? Will I make friends? Will I hate it and come home in a week?

These were all of the questions I had asked myself as I glanced at my ceiling for hours on end.

This is an announcement for passengers on flight 796 destined for Vancouver, British Colombia! Please board at gate 19! called out the Air Canada representative at the boarding desk.

The call awakened me from my semi-comatose state. Finally, it was time to get on the plane.

2- Embarkation

Five hours, one overly processed meal and a romantic comedy later, my plane reached Vancouver right on schedule. I wasn’t exactly sure who was going to pick me up at the airport and take me to the ship. I was told by Selena that some individual working for the port agency was going to hold a sign up with my name on it. It wasn’t until the baggage claim area that I came across my name written in big bold letters, held by a well-tanned middle aged man. I felt an instant feeling of relief when I spotted the guy, as my eyes were wide with excitement.

Hello there. That’s me, I said as I pointed to the man’s handmade sign.

"Oh…hello! Welcome to Vancouver. I’m your driver Joe and I’ll be taking you to your ship. Diamond Cruises, right?" he asked.

That’s right!

As he collected my bags, I nonchalantly glanced at his badge to make sure he was indeed the person he said he was. I was relieved to see that he was in fact the person he claimed to be, and with ease I followed him into the parking lot.

When he opened up his humongous multi-seated van, I was surprised to find five other well-groomed crewmembers waiting patiently inside. They were all young, probably in their twenties and overhearing their conversations, I found out that many of them were returning crewmembers, coming back from their holiday.

So, where are you off to? You a rookie crewmember? asked a young blonde buff guy, with a noticeable Danish accent.

"As a matter of fact, yes. I’m joining Diamond Cruise Lines. What about you?" I replied shyly as I looked all around the van and eyed the other passengers.

"I’m heading back to Princess. I was on holiday for a couple of months. Actually, I think all of us are heading back after holidays. Am I right ladies?" the Danish accented man asked the good-looking girls sitting with him at the rear of the van, waiting for their reply.

"Yup! That’s right! Back to work once again. Christmas will be my next holiday. That seems like