'Six or seven months': Cruise director reveals little known fact about workers on ships
The crew of a cruise ship are a big part of any holiday at sea.
Luigi Incarnato is a cruise director for MSC.
That means he's at the helm of all the entertainment on the ship.
You'll see a cruise director hosting events, introducing acts and getting involved with passengers.
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Luigi Incarnato is a cruise director for MSC. Supplied
Luigi tells 9Travel his top tips for first-time cruisers, as well as what you might not know about your ship crew and staff.
What's your top tip for somebody going on a cruise for the first time?
MSC Cruises provides extensive information about port procedures and the cruise to all embarking guests.
We always encourage our new guests to carefully read all documents, ask questions if not clarified about the procedures or the life on board to ensure a smooth journey.
For example, it is important to check your flights, connections, transfers, location in the port and embarkation window.
Cruise ship MSC World Europa. Supplied
In case of flights from Australia, our guests are advised to arrive on the day before the embarkation day and stay at a hotel to avoid missing the ship due to flight delays.
Knowing what to bring and not on board is also essential, whether official documents, or wardrobe.
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Where is your favourite place to cruise?
The Mediterranean Sea offers numerous advantages over other cruising areas, with its diversity of cultures, people, languages and history.
While the weather from spring to autumn is almost always ideal, the weather is generally very mild even in the cooler winter months.
Croatia is a popular cruising spot in the Mediterranean. Getty Images/iStockphoto
What's the essential thing people should pack they may not think of?
Their complete health issues history and a medicine list with any prescriptions that may be needed during the cruise.
A suitable wardrobe for the theme nights, especially for the elegant and white dress code evenings, and sunscreen.
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Nine/Tara Blancato
What do people not realize about the working of a cruise ship?
Our crew onboard comes from more than 60-70 countries of the world, spread on all continents, leading to an exceptionally culturally diverse team, which we are very proud of.
Each one of our crew members is remarkably hard working and skilled in their trade.
Our crew comes onboard for an average of six to seven months then goes home to rest for an average of two months and reembarks, possibly on a new ship.
We work on national holidays, on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.
MSC's new ship World America launching April 2025 Supplied
What's the thing people miss on cruise ships you think they need to do?
My advice to our guests would be to enjoy all the ships amenities, take part in the activities, watch the shows and enjoy the parties, visit every shop, admire the beauty of the lounges, take photos, taste every aroma and simply enjoy life onboard and all it has to offer.
