How long have you been at sea?
I have been at sea for nearly 27 years now, starting as a steward on a cargo ship when I was 16.
Did you come from a seafaring family?
Sort of; my dad is a chief engineer and both my grandfathers were at sea as well. But not really a traditionally seafaring family.
Where is home?
I live in Denmark now, in Svenborg which is about 1.5 hours south from Copenhagen. I've been living there nearly 20 years now, but I originally come from the Faroe Islands, where my parents still live.
What was your first ship?
My first ship was BLIKUR which was from FAROE LINE where I worked as a steward. My first cruise ship was Cunard's Vistafjord which I joined as a 2nd Officer in 1997.
Tell us what a couple of the main duties are on the bridge.
Keep an eye on the traffic and everything else around us really, make sure that the ship holds the speed that is required to reach next port. These are of course the primary tasks, but the Officers on the bridge also keep a close eye on the safety management system that we have onboard.
How do you work out a routine for ship maintenance?
I work very closely with the CPO, and we try various routines out, and agree which one it should be in order to cover the entire ship, but also the one that has the least interruption into passenger service.
Which other ships have you worked on?
I have worked on the following cruise ships: Vistafjord, Seabourn Sun, Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Pride, Tahitian Princess, Pacific Princess, Diamond Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Ventura and now Azura.
What are your favourite ports?
Copenhagen is one of my favourites, Buenos Aires is a magnificent port, Auckland and Melbourne are also in the pile of favourites, and I do really enjoy the Pacific Islands as well. It is hard to pick out just a few, as I think that there are so many fantastic ports that we go to.
Do you have any hobbies?
Music is one of my hobbies, I play the saxophone and spend a fair amount of my time at home practising. I also spend a lot of my time at home playing sport, but unfortunately I do not seem to get around to it enough when I am on the ship - I always find an excuse or two not to go to the gym.
What is your average tour of duty?
I normally stay onboard for about 3.5 months and at home for about 2.5 - 3 months.
All the best for now,
Neil
Posts
3 comments:
Hi Neil
Great to see more Ladies at sea especially as senior officers, the Captains certainly were not that good looking when i was at sea.When i was at sea Ladies were WAPs or working as hairdressers or perhaps children's s hostesses, or they were the telephonists.So very nice to see them diversifying there roles.
Glad to see the webcam up and working again.
Well busy time in the UK, i guess passengers on board would they have to vote prior to the cruise?? and what about the crew when do they get the chance to vote in the General Election.
Regards
Geoff Witts Perth
Hi Neil
My regards to Inger i was lucky enough to be on th Bridge of Aurora last year when she drove us out of Dubrovnik(as were you i seem to remember)she was very accomplished and a charming person.
All the very best
alan gebbie
Hi Neil,
How nice to see a lady Staff Captain, and share your interview with her. Many thanks for that.It's 11.50 here and am staying up for the Welsh results in the election. Have told Peris not to wake me tomorrow, as I guess I wont get to bed much before 6!!!Devil for punishment.Look forward to your next installment.When does the Captain change over?
All the best,
Norma
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