From Maritime Academy Cadet to Third Officer: Alli’s Journey to Disney Cruise Line
Third Officer Alli has always loved the ocean. Growing up, she spent many hours on the beach and on boats, and in high school she worked on charter fishing boats. Her passion for the water made pursing a career in the maritime industry a natural fit. “There’s no place I would rather be,” she says.
From Maritime Academy Cadet to Disney Cruise Line Third Officer
Alli soon enrolled at Texas A&M Maritime Academy where she earned certifications and learned about navigation and safety. She began gaining sea time on her school’s vessel, the TS Kennedy, and through a cadet contract onboard a passenger vessel in Hawaii. She also participated in several activities and organizations, both within school and professionally, where she learned more about teamwork, leadership and other soft skills that prepared her for the professional world. One of these organizations is Women Offshore. Her campus’s chapter offered a variety of events and fundraisers to meet and mingle with women in the maritime industry from around the world. “My favorite was when our campus hosted the Women Offshore Conference,” she recalls, “There were different panel discussions from leading ladies in the maritime industry on all different topics affecting women at sea.”
Alli first heard about Disney Cruise Line at a career fair, where she saw an opportunity to pursue her passion with a little bit of pixie dust. Plus, she had fond memories of visiting Walt Disney World Resort with her parents as a child. She accepted a role aboard the Disney Treasure as a Third Officer. She learned about life aboard a ship, Disney’s bridge operations, as well as the culture of the company. After completing her first contract, she was given the opportunity to attend continuing education training about specific shipboard systems and procedures. “Between all the training, shipboard experience and mentorship from other officers,” she describes, “Disney has helped me grow from a cadet into the officer I am today.”
Life As a Third Officer with Disney Cruise Line
Alli’s now on her second contract and has settled into her responsibilities as a Third Officer. An average day consists of two four-hour watches and a few hours completing additional responsibilities. “I currently have watch from 0400 to 0800 and then again from 1600 to 2000,” she says, “This watch is my favorite because I get to see every sunrise and sunset from the best spot on the ship.”
With both a morning and an evening watch, she experiences some of the busiest times on the bridge as the ship is either arriving or departing from a port. During this time, she’s responsible for preparing the bridge for maneuvers and monitoring the ship’s position as they transit. She also assists in inspecting the ship’s fire extinguishers and fire stations, logging these checks in the ship’s logbook.
Safety is extremely important for all crew members aboard Disney Cruise Line ships. In addition to routine safety checks, Alli also assists with safety trainings for new crew members. “I find this rewarding, as I get to meet crew from all around the ship,” she explains, “No matter what department or role, each crew member has safety duties in the event of an emergency that we train and drill together weekly.”
When she’s not working, Alli may spend time on the sun deck, working out in the gym, playing the guitar and going ashore when her schedule allows for it.
Alli with her parents, who visited her aboard the Disney Treasure.
Why Disney Cruise Line?
“I always knew there was something special about Disney Cruise Line, but if I had to choose a specific moment, it would be my first departure from Port Canaveral,” Alli recalls.
“My first day onboard, I was given the opportunity to watch the sail away party, and I got to experience Disney magic from a guests’ perspective. Afterwards, I took my first step on the bridge, which is where the real magic happens. I am very fortunate to combine Disney magic with my dream of navigating ships every day.”
Her best advice for other maritime students aspiring to work for Disney Cruise Line is to volunteer for anything extra and join organizations in the maritime industry. “It was in those extra and unexpected moments I learned the most,” she adds.
Alli says that Disney Cruise Line stood out to her the most because of their commitment to excellence, innovation and world class hospitality. “I wanted to be a part of an amazing company and be a part of making lifetime memories for others,” she says, “I always strive to do my best so I thought, why not strive to work for the best?”
Back to Where it All Began
In a full-circle moment, Alli recently returned to Texas A&M Maritime Academy to represent Disney Cruise Line at a career fair - just like the one she attended as a cadet that inspired her to start her Disney career. Here, she was able to connect with current cadets, share her experience with Disney Cruise Line and inspire their future maritime careers.
Ready to start your Disney Cruise Line career? Follow us on social media for the latest information on our maritime academy visits.
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To explore current openings and apply, visit DCLJobs.com.
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