Long hours of work and sleepless nights are just two of the concerns that
the people working on cruise ships have to go through. They travel the world
and see different places and cultures, but that is after completing months
onboard a packed vessel. They travel miles, leaving behind their families,
especially their wives and children, so that they can see a better future.
Maria Martins from Porvorim has been
married to James Rodrigues for ten years. Blessed with a son, Rio, the family
longs for quality time whenever James is down on leave. James works on P&O
Cruises as a Chef De Partie. Though James has travelled the world, it is not
easy leaving his family behind. Maria got an opportunity to spend three days
onboard the ship when it came to Mormugao port and headed over to Dubai.
“It is very rare for a family member to
travel onboard a ship, especially from Goa. I was lucky that his ship had a
route through Goa and it sailed to Dubai. I spent three days on the Arcadia
ship, which gave me a better understanding about James’s work. It is really
tough, especially for the galley service, as the menu changes every few hours.
They have to keep up with the demands and they get a short break. I found new
respect for my husband’s job,” says Maria.
Back home, decisions about their family life have to be taken by
both but Maria is usually told to do what she wants. “James keeps in touch
through Whatsapp calling and video calling. Earlier, it used to be satellite
calling or using the ship phone in case of emergencies. I always consult him
and confirm whether he is happy with certain decisions. He gets two months
holiday after six months of work but doesn’t get paid leave. Medicals are also
available only onboard. In case someone has gone on emergency leave, he can get
a call anytime to join the ship, which makes his vacations unpredictable,”
explains Maria.
Jose Dias from Moira has been working for ten years on the ship.
He and his wife Sybil will complete eight years of marriage on May 21, 2019.
Sybil is bringing up both her sons, Caydon and Jonas, while her husband works
for 7-8 months of the year on the Celebrity Infinity Cruise. She is supported
by her mother-in-law, Marina, and the big family decisions are taken with the
consent of all three of them. “Jose comes down every 7-8 months for a vacation
of 55 to 60 days, which can be extended for 90 days on approval,” says Sybil.
Jose works as a stateroom steward.
Sybil knew Jose five years before marriage. He keeps in touch
with the family through video calls. “He mostly does video calls because the
kids want to see him while they talk to him. Though we talk mostly every day,
the loneliness still lingers on. When it is decision time, I consult with him
on all decisions though there are times I have to do it on my own. There is no
choice. Sometimes, I take my mother-in-law’s advice,” explains Sybil.
Jane
Pereira is an associate with Delhivery and keeps in touch with her boyfriend,
Fraden Gomes, over video calling. Fraden works on P & O Aroura as a bar
steward. Jane says, “My boyfriend comes down to Goa after nine months. But we
keep in touch through calls. He calls me whenever he is at the port or through
WhatsApp. But video calls are much better as it feels good to see him. My
parents are supportive about his job. When he comes down, we usually have a get
together.”
