In the second episode of our Women Power column, we interviewed Giulia Simone, Second Officer on Deck for Princess Cruises. She opens up about her world of consistently unconventional choices, from sacrifices to challenges that led her from cargo ships to cruise ships.
1. What was the main motivation behind your choice to pursue a career on cruise ships?
To answer this first question, I need to provide some context. My career began on cargo ships, where I worked my way up for 6 years before deciding to transition to cruise ships. After 6 years, I felt the need to make a change in my life and career, driven by various motivations. The foremost reason was the desire to grow into a professionally complete officer. Additionally, I was tired of the lifestyle despite loving my work. I began facing health issues related to the onboard lifestyle, being almost always the only woman in the crew, enduring sexist comments and insults regularly. Above all, I was tired of having to work twice as hard as a man to prove my competence.
2. Can you share a significant moment or experience that made you realize this was the right job for you?
I knew this was the right job for me from my first assignment. I remember the passion with which I assisted First Officer Alberto in loading cargo. I never tired of working, always striving to do my best. He constantly pushed me to excel, and I became his shadow, wanting to take on his responsibilities and become like him. The bridge was always where I enjoyed being; I wanted to learn as much as possible, and it was the window through which I saw the world. Now Alberto is a Captain, and I always remember him fondly because it's thanks to him that I loved this job from the beginning.
3. Being a cruise ship officer is often associated with a male-dominated environment. How have you faced and overcome gender-related challenges in your career?
To be honest, I feel much less of this disparity now on cruise ships, although it's still predominantly a male environment. Women are making strides in the cruise industry, and the companies support us. While there's room for improvement in the mindset of some colleagues, I've been fortunate to have a wonderful team of men who supported me in recent assignments. On the contrary, I faced gender-related challenges on cargo ships, a constant struggle with free insults and unfounded accusations. Despite excelling at work, I was judged as a woman, and I endured all of this with a strong desire for vindication. I didn't let myself be discouraged, focused on my goal, and, perhaps at times, doubted my adequacy. But my strong character was always on my side, never afraid to respond or assert my position.
4. What specific role do you play on board the ship, and what challenges and satisfactions come with it?
I currently hold the position of Second Officer on Deck, serving as the Senior Officer of my watch. For 8 hours a day, I "command" the ship, shouldering all responsibilities related to navigation and safety. Challenges are daily, and each day is different from the previous one. Being a good leader isn't easy, with the entire 300-meter ship under control, thinking ahead, never being unprepared, and managing emergencies. The biggest challenge for me was transitioning from cargo to cruise ships, a completely different job. I had to start over after 6 years, faced moments of despair, but now I'm very happy with my decision. In this job, you never know what will happen; you never stop learning, feel like climbing an endless mountain, and some days are truly tough. Leading a ship with over 4000 people on board is frightening yet enormously satisfying.
5. When you were a child, did you have a secret dream?
It might sound cliché, but my childhood dream was exactly this. I always loved the sea and everything associated with it. From a very young age, my Uncle Nicola took me near the rocks, teaching me to go underwater. He taught me not to fear the sea but to always want to know more. Throughout my career, he never failed to support me. Since middle school, I knew I would attend the Nautical Institute. People around me mocked my decision; when I said I wanted to work on ships and become an officer, no one believed me. They thought I was all talk and would change my mind. And now, here I am.
6. Cruise ships are often considered microcosms of cultural diversity. How do you manage communication and interpersonal relationships with such a diverse crew?
I've always loved being in contact with so many cultures and nationalities. I often form friendships with other crew members because I enjoy engaging with them and learning more about different cultures. It's amazing how so many nationalities (over 40 on board) can work together harmoniously. As for communication, it's straightforward for us because English is the exclusive language on board, and everyone can speak it. Regarding interpersonal relationships, I believe the key is RESPECT. One must respect others and understand that what may be normal for us might not be for them. Avoid being intrusive and remember to be kind because kindness never goes out of style.
7. How do you manage work-life balance when you spend long periods away from home?
This is probably the most challenging question. Balancing work and personal life in this job is not easy. Unfortunately, what we do is not a normal life; we spend a lot of time away from home, loved ones, and our family. We miss crucial moments, and life goes on without us. For a woman, this is even more challenging because when you choose this job, you know it'll be complicated to have a relationship or even one day have a family. But I'm hopeful that things will change soon, and women will manage to reconcile this job with family life. Personally, I try to spend all the time I have available at home with my loved ones, creating quality time to compensate for my long absences, even though I know time is often never enough. But my parents and my brother are my greatest strength, always there, waiting for me with open arms, and perhaps it's precisely because we don't see each other often that I appreciate our moments together more.
8. What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession and what motivates you to continue working on cruise ships?
The most gratifying aspect of my profession is undoubtedly feeling the ship under my hands, having control, and the opportunity to grow, advance in rank, and become what you want solely through your efforts. Moreover, being able to travel the world with your job is no small feat; I've always loved exploring new places. My first motivation to continue comes from the people who have always believed in me, those who have supported every step, and I cannot afford to disappoint them. Then, of course, the career prospects on cruise ships are truly exceptional. But above all, the strong desire for redemption drives me—the desire to show the world that women, too, can reach the top because we are perfectly capable, the desire to give hope to girls aspiring to this career, and the desire to change things and make a difference. I don't know if I'll ever be able to make a real difference, but it would be enough for me to be helpful and encourage girls in this profession.
9. Finally, what advice would you give to those considering a career as a cruise ship officer, especially women who may feel uncertain about this professional path?
To women who want to pursue this career, I say never stop chasing your dreams, even if everything seems against you. Never underestimate yourselves; give yourselves importance. Don't expect to be treated better at work just because you're women; instead, work hard and demand to be treated like men. Additionally, stay united because envy weakens us, while the strength of united women is enormous. Be professional and humble, arm yourselves with a strong desire to learn, and you'll have all the tools to move forward. Dream big, and don't be discouraged by the obstacles you encounter. Don't be afraid to be imperfect or make mistakes; assert your independence and don't let anyone tell you what's best for you.
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