How Desiree’s passion for helping crew led to a human resources career with Disney Cruise Line
Meet Desiree, Manager of Human Resources with Disney Cruise Line. She recently helped launch Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, where she led the human resources opening team.
With a 17-year career at Disney Cruise Line, a lot of work and growth led to this moment. Desiree first joined Disney Cruise Line after meeting recruiters in Barbados, her home country. She started off as a Guest Services Hostess. As her career progressed, she moved to the role of Crew Services Manager. During her time working in the crew office, she recognized her passion for helping crew members.
“I want to help crew have the most comfortable working and living environment while onboard,” she explains, “I really enjoy helping and mentoring people.”
As Manager of Human Resources, Desiree does just that. Some of her main responsibilities include crew welfare and engagement, ensuring policies and procedures of the company are upheld and professional and personal development of crew members. She also collaborates with leaders from all departments to ensure a positive crew experience.
The human resources team contributes to the crew experience from the minute they step foot on the ship: onboarding to get them oriented with the ship and role, continually developing them throughout their career with Disney and building a community to ensure they feel valued, supported and motivated.
“No two days are the same working in this role,” Desiree says. “Every day is something different which makes it challenging, but also constantly sharpens your problem-solving skills.”
Working for Disney Cruise Line also gives Desiree the opportunity to work with people from all over the world.
“Working with so many different cultures and nationalities broadens your perspective.”
“Working with so many different cultures and nationalities broadens your perspective.”
She has also benefited from the professional growth opportunities Disney offers. She has had ten different roles across two departments, giving her a career experience she doesn’t think she could find anywhere else.
“Disney Cruise Line has made me a better leader and individual,” she explains. “Along my career journey, there have been mentors who took the time to ensure that I developed to my full potential.”
Thanks to her long history with Disney Cruise Line and her passion for helping crew members, Desiree was challenged with opening the Disney Treasure last year, an experience that allowed her to continue to grow in her role.
“It’s a unique experience. Everything ties back to the crew experience, but it’s completely different to what I work on under regular operations. It’s exciting and intense at the same time.”
“Disney Cruise Line has made me a better leader and individual."
Desiree will also be bringing her skills and expertise to the opening team of the Disney Destiny, joining the fleet at the end of 2025.
If your passion is to help people and impact lives, a human resources career with Disney Cruise Line is for you. Desiree’s best advice for anyone pursuing a role with the team is to, “stay focused on the impact you have, take care of yourself and most importantly never give up.”
Looking for career growth like Desiree’s? The Disney Cruise Line fleet is expanding and now is the time to let your human resources career set sail! To explore open human resources roles with Disney Cruise Line, visit DCLJobs.com.