Cruise director reveals the secrets of life on board - and how to help first-time passengers
A cruise director has revealed all about her life at sea and shared how she helps first-time passengers.
Bettyann Chun works for Holland America Line and has spent the last eight years at sea with her job.
She has travelled to an impressive 85 countries so far, and even explores the world in her spare time, she told the Herald Sun.
The cruise director has collected lots of knowledge during her career and likes to help passengers new to the lifestyle.
Bettyann said: 'Most first-time cruisers are not familiar with the terms such as port, starboard, aft or forward, and how to find their staterooms, so I always like to give them a hand.'
She also revealed her packing essentials that she's always sure to put in her suitcase.
'An umbrella for either rain or sun,' Bettyann explained. 'I use a UV umbrella and I usually like to stay out of the sun.'
To help organise her case, she has a specific technique that she describes as her top tip.
Bettyann Chun works for Holland America Line and has spent the last eight years at sea with her job (stock)
She has travelled to an impressive 85 countries so far and even explores the world in her spare time, she told the Herald Sun
The cruise director shared: 'I love using packing cubes! They are my number one recommendation for any traveller.'
Bettyann is also clued up on how to keep important items safe.
She said: 'I use the ship's safe for any valuables such as money, jewellery, electronics, or medication. If there isn’t one available, then I lock it in my suitcase.'
When she's not working, Bettyann is 'out exploring' different ports during her off hours and she admitted it's her favourite time of the day.
During her time off, she likes to spend a month in a specific part of the world to thoroughly explore.
Bettyann has been to Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore, as well as Egypt and Jordan, to name a few recent trips.
Another cruise ship worker, Anaya, who goes by @anayadaisy.travels on TikTok, also shared insight into the industry.
In a video, she answered a question about how many days off she gets and revealed: 'But the answer unfortunately is no, we don't get any days off.'
The cruise director has collected lots of knowledge during her career and likes to help passengers new to the lifestyle
She clarified: 'Well, most of the crew don't get any days off, myself included.'
Anaya went on to explain that an 'unwritten rule' exists between workers that they don't receive time off during their contract.
'The contracts can range from anywhere from three months for some people, up to eight or nine months,' she added.
The worker shared that due to the demanding nature of cruise ships, staff are constantly needed.
