#7 No, I Don't Code Animations: What a Cruise Ship 'Animator' Really Does

Have you ever met someone who tells you they're an "animator," and your mind immediately conjures images of them hunched over a computer, meticulously crafting cartoon characters or fantastical movie scenes? Yeah, me too. And that's usually the exact reaction I get when I tell people what I do for a living.

It's why, most of the time, I just don't say "animator." Because while the job title might suggest I'm a digital wizard, the reality is far more... energetic.

I've had some truly amusing misunderstandings over the years. One time, I was at my knee doctor, explaining a work-related injury. He asked my position, and I confidently replied, "Animator." He paused, a puzzled look spreading across his face. I could almost hear his thoughts: "Knee overuse from sitting down and animating? How?" As soon as I realized the disconnect, I quickly clarified: "Oh, no, no! I dance, I party!"

That's when his expression shifted from confused to... well, a little judgmental. Imagine going to a doctor for a work injury, and they think you're just out partying! It was even harder to explain here in the Philippines, where a cruise ship "animator" isn't a widely known career. "Partying with guests" as a job isn't exactly a common concept. But it is! We are the life of the party; it's literally our job description.

The Reality Check: My Life as a Cruise Ship Entertainer

So, let's set the record straight: My job as a cruise ship 'animator' means I'm a cruise ship entertainer, a party starter, and the host of your onboard fun. Think less digital drawing board, more dance floor dynamo.

The energy of this job is intense. Guests look for us at every party, eager to see what we'll bring to the table. We walk around the ship almost like we're beloved characters from a film, constantly interacting. We dance with guests all night long, often until they're literally too tired to continue and the lounges finally empty. We don costumes and roam the ship in character, spreading joy wherever we go. We hug, we laugh, we share amazing stories of our day, we catch up, and we make sure everyone is having the time of their lives.

A Day in the Life of a Ship's Spark Plug

A typical day for me as an Animator usually kicks off bright and early with Disembarkation. This is when we help facilitate the smooth flow of guests heading off the ship to explore a port. We have to be composed, yet still entertaining enough to wish them a good day, but also firm enough to ensure they form orderly lines and descend the stairs safely.

After that, there's usually a break for some rest. By around 3 in the afternoon, when about half the guests are back on board, we're ready for quizzes and  poolside activities. The energy steadily builds from there. Around 7 PM, we host an evening game or a party, followed by a meeting to prepare for the main event and the activities for the next day.

Our Main Parties typically kick off around 10 PM. While the Chief Animator usually hosts these, the rest of us are busy inviting guests to join the fun – from simply taking their hand and guiding them onto the dance floor to showing off some moves to get everyone hyped. Once the venue is packed, we launch into Group Dances. From Cha-cha to salsa, or any style depending on the theme, everyone is just having fun, following along and letting loose.

Every single day is a challenge because the energy isn't always on tap. Some guests might have had a long, tiring day on the beach, and all they want to do is relax and chat on the couch. When they're not up for a dance party, we adapt. We mingle with them in other ways – striking up conversations, making them feel like they have company if they're traveling alone. We are that company. We are the constant spark plug, ready to ignite joy in any situation.

Why the Confusion? The Curious Case of the 'Animator' Title

So, why are we called "animators" when we're not sitting behind a screen? I do not know as well, but the term "animator" comes from the Latin word "animare," which means "to breathe life into" or "to enliven." In the context of a cruise ship, this truly captures the essence of the job: we're there to breathe life into the ship's atmosphere, to enliven the guest experience, and to make sure there's never a dull moment. It's about bringing things to life, not just drawing them!

Across the industry, my role might also be called Cruise Staff, Activities Host, Entertainment Host, Guest Activities Coordinator, or even the FUN SQUAD in Carnival Cruises. I don't know a lot about the specific scopes of activities for those other titles, mainly because I've only been with one cruise company so far. However, I do think those titles are self-explanatory. Mine should have been, too. Yet, I believe our role encompasses a broader scope of responsibilities beyond just the main activities, which might be why "Animator" was chosen – maybe to signify our role in "enlivening" the entire guest experience.

The Rewards (and Quirks) of the Job

What I love most about this job is that I get to be almost 100% myself. My energetic and outgoing personality, which might be too much for some conventional roles, is exactly what this job requires. I love creating meaningful experiences and lasting memories for guests, bringing joy to people. I'm not always outwardly cheery, but I am always committed to cheering other people on. It's a unique job, so much so that sometimes it hardly feels like work at all.

Seeing guests have an amazing time is incredibly rewarding. The travel is also a huge perk, allowing me to explore new places constantly. And the diverse people I meet – from every corner of the globe – it's truly amazing how varied and interesting the connections can get.

Of course, being "always on" can be challenging. This job is emotionally as hard as it is physically. But it's also a fantastic way to improve yourself, constantly keeping you on your toes, pushing you to be adaptable and resilient.

Have you ever encountered a job title that completely misled you about what the person actually does? Share your stories in the comments below!

I'd love to hear them.

Till the next chitchat;

ERBE