Beyond the Opera House: Finding My Voice at Sea
When I began my career, I thought I understood what it meant to be a professional singer. Like many classically trained performers, I envisioned a path centered around opera houses, young artist programs, and traditional performance venues. Cruise ships weren’t part of that picture. Not because they weren’t viable, but because they simply weren’t visible.
That changed when I stepped onboard for my first contract.
Rethinking the Industry
What I discovered at sea was an entirely different ecosystem, one that employs thousands of performers across the globe, yet remains largely absent from the conversations we have in training programs and professional circles.
Cruise ships demand something different from singers:
versatility across genres
the ability to connect quickly with diverse audiences
adaptability in a constantly changing environment
It’s not a lesser path—it’s a different one. And for many artists, it can be a deeply fulfilling and sustainable career.
Finding My Place—and My Voice
Over time, my career at sea expanded far beyond performing. I moved into leadership roles, including that of Cruise Director and now Entertainment & Engagement Manager, gaining insight into not just what happens on stage, but how the entire entertainment experience is built. Along the way, I began to notice something else. Despite working in an industry filled with talented and capable women, leadership roles were still disproportionately held by men. On one of my early contracts, across a fleet of ships, only one Cruise Director was a woman. That realization stayed with me.
Why This Matters
The cruise industry reflects a broader pattern seen across many fields: women are well represented in the workforce, but less so in leadership. But change is possible and it starts with visibility, mentorship, and actively supporting one another. Supporting other women doesn’t take away opportunity, it expands it. By sharing our experiences and encouraging more women to step into leadership roles, we help shape a more balanced and inclusive future for the industry.
Read the Full Article
I had the opportunity to explore these ideas in more depth in an article published by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) in celebration of Women’s History Month.
