My journey began with a couple long flights before arriving at Sydney airport in Australia with my luggage nowhere to be found. Someone else waiting for their luggage was Leonardo DiCaprio, my childhood crush, which somehow made the experience a bit better. Hoping my luggage would turn up in time, I made my way to the hotel where I met my wonderful roommate Beth who'd also be my roommate on the ship. Luckily my luggage was delivered to our ship the next day, a couple hours before leaving for Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
It took a few days at sea to reach our first port with “sea days” being understandably busy days/nights for youth staff with so many children and teenagers onboard. This contract, I worked with the 13 to 17 year old teens. The majority of the passengers were Australian so I enjoyed getting to know their culture, interests and slang. We had “heaps” of fun playing board games, dancing, competing in foosball, making crafts, and doing other activities on the ship. I was the one with an accent in the teen room – with some teens remarking that I sound like I'm from the movies with my North American accent. When not on the cruise, I loved exploring the other side of the world.
Some highlights were:
- Climbing up to the gorgeous Cascade Waterfalls in Port Vila, Vanuatu
- Relishing a relaxing day off at the uninhabited Amadee Lighthouse Island in New Caledonia where I got to eat fresh South Pacific foods, climb the lighthouse, go snorkelling, enjoy a native performance and ride a glass-bottom boat
- Taking in the scenic views of Akaroa, New Zealand by train and motor coach
- Going to the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland in Rotorua which is considered to be New Zealand's most colourful and diverse geothermal attraction
- Enjoying a boat cruise around the New Zealand Bay of Islands and going through the famous “Hole in the Rock”
- Strolling around Sydney Harbour, in a city I'd love to return to and explore more
- Lastly, all the times I got to swim at the beach in January!
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to travel to my dream destinations while doing a job I enjoy. I'm already looking forward to visiting Bahamas, Aruba and Curacao next week!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at kaarin.lupp@gmail.com.
Kaarin Lupp
Hey young Estos! We want to hear your stories! Share your experiences and photos with story@eestielu.ca.
- My Work Vacations aboard Cruise Ships
- A Glimpse into Young Estos' Work and Volunteer Travels
- Talking Travel with My Vanaema, 89 Years Young
Photo gallery – Photos: Private collection
