Keeping Afloat

This is the Season Finale of Keeping Afloat (Don’t worry, we’ll be back with regular episodes next week for season 3). A major leadership change aboard the Oceanic Euphoria puts me in the hot seat, and an unexpected change of direction for my career. I’m currently aboard the MSC Virtuosa which has been nothing short of amazing! And, for a Transatlantic as well! Can’t wait to share more with you ab...

Welcome aboard, Sailors! In this episode of Keeping Afloat, I’m back with one of the most intense cruises yet aboard the Oceanic Euphoria. Not only did we face heavy seas and a jammed stabilizer, but a serious onboard emergency put our crew to the test. 😬🌪️ Tune in as I recount: • Navigating through 15-foot waves, with guests holding on for dear life 🏠🌊 • The Oceanic Euphoria being delayed by t...

It’s SO great to be back here with you! I’m currently home in Toronto after finishing up my latest contract as a Cruise Director. Tune in for an update on how it went as well as picking up where we left off.  I learn the truth about how I was hired at my cruise line. Also, I don’t know if I’d ever get used to how my relationship changed with the Hotel Director aboard Oceanic Euphoria. From an exci...

The biggest thing I recall from the early parts of my career at sea had to do with humor. There were so many instances where there were situations that would make me laugh, and others that were beyond belief. This cruise, I would experience more than a few. Best of all, in this episode, my mother visits the Oceanic Euphoria. I also wanted to point out, to any of our newer listeners - this show tak...

Being able to talk to another Cruise Director is rare. But doing it on a podcast and being as open and honest as Tyler is, that is exceptional. I hope you enjoy our friendly chat. Tyler from the podcast “Adventures of the Drunken Cruise Director” stops by for an insightful interview. You can check out his podcast here [https://shipfaced.buzzsprout.com]. I hope you enjoy it! - Kabir. www.instagram....

It all starts with the Bridge abuzz with activity as I do one of my first Crew Drills on my own. Christine the Hotel Director makes her intentions clear. And, we deal with a full on situation in the theatre involving a slightly inebriated pianist. But in the end, someone’s got to put their foot down. In the next episode I’ll be catching up with Tyler from the podcast “Adventures of the Drunken Cru...

From heavy seas to a whole new itinerary, change is the only constant. This was a test in leadership and learning how to manage the corporate structure, especially as we say goodbye to Eliott, the old Entertainment Director and hello to a new friend. Plus - an exclusive interview with a Cruise Queen, Emma Cruises! I asked her about her most exciting and embarrassing travel moments. Check her out o...

We’re back! And, the world is opening. Since our last episode, a lot has changed. I’ve had some massive changes in my life and I can’t wait to share them with you. This is my very first cruise as Cruise Director of the Oceanic Euphoria. But, things don’t start off as smoothly as I wanted them to. The line between personal and professional gets blurry. Plus, I get my very first lesson in Leadership...

Get ready for a brand new episode of Keeping Afloat, coming October 27th, 2021! From a riot to a proposition, this is a pretty big deal. Plus, I’ve got some huge news to share with you.

My handover with Maxime is full of surprises and helpful tips and tricks. But nothing could prepare me for my first actual day of being Cruise Director. By the end of it, I was exhausted. And the politics of it all hadn’t even started yet. From running my first Guest Emergency Drill, to hosting my first Welcome Aboard Show, join me on what would be one of the most memorable cruises of my entire ca...

My childhood dream of working on a Cruise Ship and becoming a Cruise Director was finally coming true. In this episode I fly down to Miami for my official Cruise Director Interview and training. In addition to meeting two other Cruise Directors I’d be training with, I embarked on a Training Cruise where I would learn some important lessons about who I could trust. This is an action-packed episode!...

In this episode, I get closer to someone very unexpected. The truth comes out about Karter, the Cruise Director. Plus, things finally fall into place. Little did I know, but this would be one of my final cruises on the Oceanic Joy. Finally - my goal of becoming one of the youngest Cruise Directors in the world is getting closer and close. But there’s a lot more to go through before I get there 😉....

Wherever you are - you’re doing a great job. At this point, self care is so important. If you’re currently in a lockdown, hopefully this episode brings you some adventure.  From dealing with the wrath of Karter, the Cruise Director to handling a full-on emergency, this episode is full of drama.  Also, make sure to check out our new store! From iPhone cases to Keeping Afloat apparel, use...

My new adventure was in full swing. There was no template, no guide book. In the end, I was responsible for myself and nothing else. Karter the Cruise Director isn’t took keen on my position, and he makes it clear from the start. But there is a saving grace; I meet a fellow Candian, as well as a whole new love interest.  Also, make sure to check out our new store! From iPhone cases to Keeping Aflo...

I decided to leave my contract early and head home. Changing jobs is always a gamble, but the question was still in the air; was this the best decision I ever made, or the biggest regret of my career? A new job comes with a steep learning curve, and this one was no different. From attending training in Miami and taking a “training cruise”, where I may meet a special someone, to meeting the CEO of...

This is the final episode of season 1. We will be back in a couple of weeks, so be sure to follow me on instagram! This week we’ve got a special guest, Sarah from the show Behind the Crew Door (links below), a podcast that discusses the reality of working on a cruise ship with Sarah and Tom as your guides. We talk about the interesting ways you can get in trouble while working on a cruise ship.  P...

Another transatlantic arrives, and this time with my Dad on board! In contrast to my last one, this cruise would be like none of the others I’d done. From the ship tilting over, to a medical stop and a surprise twist, I was mentally and physically exhausted. Plus a look into the industry as a whole.  As anther ship heads to the scrapyard, some cruise lines begin to operate. Is it safe to cruise? L...

Things heat up and cool down all at the same time. I find out that the person I’m dating isn’t who I thought they were. Plus a missed port becomes the least of my worries. I also wanted to take a moment to recognize some of the amazing ships that are being scrapped - ships that created so many amazing memories. Pullmantur’s Sovereign & Monarch (Former Sovereign of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas)...

Drama central descends on my latest ship. It all starts with being held up at immigration. Plus, some drama between the senior officers and who they’re dating. I learn a valuable lesson; demanding respect gets you nowhere, that’s something that has to be earned. Respect is a two way street.  Stay tuned for the last few episodes of season 1. We’re in for one heck of a ride! Hoping that you’re keepi...

Dating on a Cruise Ship is a whole different ball game. A relationship that lasts a month on land is equal to a year on ships. It’s about proximity and pace. Plus, my Dad decides to visit me. And I discover a new skill that helps me handle the ups and downs of my chosen career. Please make sure to check out my stuff in the links below! Plus, updates on the Virtual Signature Dance Class - on Instag...

Missing the ship is not a fun prospect! But what’s worse is having to face the consequences when you almost do. And, there are some very interesting guests on board. From to being taught some valuable lessons, this episode focuses on the nuances that I was starting to notice. Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to keep up with everything I’m up to by following the links below. Plus, updates on the...

From heartbreak to getting in trouble, this episode was about navigating the politics of working on board. Like any workplace, it’s bound to get messy sometimes. Plus, I answer some listener questions from Instagram.  If you’re enjoying the show so far, feel free to show your support with a small monthly donation. It helps to give me the resources to continue producing more episodes. You can suppo...

Christmas and New Year in the same cruise? It was crazy. I celebrate my first Christmas and New Year at sea. Plus, my first official date in years.  Thanks for tuning in - and please make sure to subscribe, and check out the Facebook & instagram pages for more! Plus, updates on the Virtual Signature Dance Class - on Instagram Live every week! Until next time, be well.  - Kabir.  www.instagram.com/...

In this episode, I turned 21, and yes, it was incredible. That combined with a full cast install, the Vice President of Entertainment being on board and a new love interest, it made for one of the most memorable cruises of my career! Hoping that quarantine life is treating you well in the meantime 😃. #WeWillBeBack - Kabir. www.instagram.com/cruisedirectorkabir www.facebook.com/cruisedirectorkabir...

In this episode, we break from our usual structure. This is the story of my time aboard my ship during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was an experience I’ll never forget and I’m so honoured to be able to share it with you. Stay healthy and stay tuned for another episode that’ll cover my 21st birthday at sea. Until then stay healthy and I wish you the best! - Kabir. www.instagram.com/cruisedirectorkabir...