A woman living on a cruise ship talks about the amazing privileges she enjoys and the things she's forbidden to do.
Kristin Kestello gives us a glimpse into her life at sea for six months of the year.
This includes not having to pay rent and even getting free food while on board.
Being able to go on field trips for free isn't bad at all!
Kristin shared what life is like on a cruise ship. (TikTok/@dutchworld_americangirl)
Christine is currently based in Vancouver but spends half the year living on cruise ships.
In a TikTok video, she explained what life at sea is like.
Although Kristin gets to enjoy many of the amenities of a cruise ship, her lifestyle comes with a few caveats.
Christine isn't technically an official member of the crew, but something of a cross between staff and guest.
She explained, “My husband is a staff chief engineer and I'm a former cruise director, but now we're content creators, traveling the world and sharing it all with you.”
“So one thing I want people to know is that even though I live on the ship with my husband, I am considered service staff. That means I'm essentially a crew member and a guest at the same time, and I can do everything a guest does, with a few exceptions.”
Meals on board are complimentary, but this does not include some premium options.
Not a bad deal! (TikTok/@dutchworld_americangirl)
She also serves and looks after cruise ship passengers and receives free sightseeing tours of all the ports the ship docks in.
Another expense not included in the price is Wi-Fi, as well as small purchases in the shops (often at a discount) and tips for the room steward.
However, accommodation, laundry etc. are all included.
So what is one thing Christine definitely shouldn't do while on board?
Well, there's one thing Christine is specifically forbidden to do.
Christine Kesteloo takes a free shore excursion (Instagram/@christinekesteloo)
She said: “First of all, I can't gamble. I can't play bingo. I feel a bit weird when I gamble.”
Christine also explained that paying customers are expected to give up their seats.
She explained: “On our last engagement, when I was on board, it was the last day of the cruise and I had booked in to get my hair done, and this woman really needed to get her hair cut.
“So the hotel director called me and said, ‘Chris, can you cancel your reservation?’ And I said, ‘Of course,’ because on a ship, the guest always comes first.”
