If you're based in the US like me, June and July are some of the most expensive months to fly internationally, so I think summer is a great time to explore what my own country has to offer.
12.07.2024 - 17:22 / insider.com
After I graduated from college with a journalism degree, I got a job at a highly regarded publication in New York City.
However, my two-hour commute and crowded cubicle were anything but glamorous. I started getting stress-induced bald spots and endlessly scrolled through Instagram, desperate to find a way to make a living as a nomad.
When I learned that onboard cruise-ship employees get a paycheck while traveling and meeting new people every day, I auditioned to be an entertainment host for a major cruise line. When I got the job, I left New York for good on my first contract, which lasted seven months.
Now, I've worked on cruise ships for nearly a decade and have visited 79 countries. Here are seven things that first surprised me most about working on a cruise.
The first day I boarded a cruise ship, my crew members coined me "Erica from America" since I was just one of nine American employees.
I've noticed similar numbers since. Crew members come from all over the world, and I've always found a very small percentage of Americans working on board.
Even years later, everyone in my life calls me Erica from America — and it's the name on my TikTok handle.
Safety is the most important thing on cruises. So, whether a crew member is a brand-new hire or they've been working there for 20 years, they have to complete safety training during the first few weeks — and that's in addition to their regular job prep.
Between presenting all of my medical paperwork to officers to learning about fire codes, I've always found the crews' onboarding process intimidating.
The first day I walked on a ship, I learned how to operate a deadly, watertight door. I cried in the bathroom every day for a week straight. The requirements were a lot to handle, especially after hours of travel, but life on board got so much easier after the first few weeks.
On the ships where I've worked, the crew cabins are about half the size of a walk-in closet, and the wardrobes have just enough space to fit five hangers on each side. Not to mention, I've usually lived in those tiny spaces with two other employees I don't know.
The cabins typically also have a mini fridge and a flat-screen TV that can swing to face the top bunk.
The bathroom is usually so tiny that I can bathe, brush my teeth, and use the toilet without taking barely any steps. Showers are often so small that the curtain clings to my butt when I'm in it.
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My roommates and I also have to prepare for mandatory cabin inspections once per week, which is when staff checks that our quarters are orderly.
I expected to experience college-like drama on the ship, but the reality was even wilder.
As a crew member, I'm often surrounded by adults who are away from home for nine
If you're based in the US like me, June and July are some of the most expensive months to fly internationally, so I think summer is a great time to explore what my own country has to offer.
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Despite rising airfares, there are plenty of last-minute deals for a European summer getaway. JetBlue recently announced the «Overseas the Day» fare sale, which provides discounted fares to Europe for as low as $299 one-way from either Boston Logan International Airport or New York's JFK Airport. Best of all, the fare sale includes discounts on JetBlue's highly beloved Mint cabin, which is the airline’s version of business class and includes a lie-flat bed and additional amenities. Travelers can purchase deals including one-way flights to Dublin, Ireland for as low as $299 in Main Cabin or $1,299 in Mint. Those looking to explore the United Kingdom can fly to London-Gatwick Airport for $379 in Main Cabin or $1,299 in Mint. The airline is also offering discounted one-way fares to Paris for $379 in Main Cabin or $1,299 in Mint. The fare sale ends on July 20, 2024 at 11:59 PM, EST, for travel from July 28 through September 30. The airline advises that some days may not be available due to capacity or restricted travel dates. As a price comparison, during a non-sale period, a one-way JFK to LGW flight can cost as much as $1,138 in Main Cabin or $2,233 in Mint, based on pricing from JetBlue's website. While the Mint cabin provides tons of amenities, passengers in the Main Cabin are treated with extra legroom, and a 10" TV that has a variety of power ports including USB-A, USB-C, and AC (standard outlet). Passengers in the Main Cabin also get a complimentary blanket, and a curated menu from New York's Dig restaurant chain. JetBlue has been on the move with enhancements to help passengers during a busy summer travel season. The airline recently updated its baggage policy for basic economy, by allowing passengers to bring a free carry-on. The airline also introduced new service to Dublin and Edinburgh.
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It’s never too early to plan a vacation, and flight deals to popular spring break destinations are on the horizon. United Airlines recently published several discounted fares between February and April 2025, which can help travelers save extra money and get a jumpstart on planning a spring break vacation. For travelers from the New York City and tri-state area, the airline is offering a variety of deals on flights from their Newark (EWR) hub to Orlando, FL (MCO) for as little as $137 round-trip throughout February, March, and April 2025. The flights are a significant savings as other round-trip prices for the same month reach as high as $625 round-trip. From United's hub at Chicago O'Hare, travelers can find spring break deals to Miami, FL (MIA) for as low as $323 round-trip in March and April 2025, which is also a considerable savings from some of the most expensive round-trip flights that month which top at $670. Orlando, which is the home to many popular theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld, is often ranked as a top spring break travel destination.
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