Life onboard a Cruise Ship: an alumni story

Olivia McCarthy, a Transit Dance alumni, has taken her dance career to the high seas as the Dance Captain and member of the production cast on the Regent Seven Seas Voyager! For Olivia, working as a dancer on cruise ships has been a dream since she was just 13 years old, and her time at Transit gave her the opportunity to develop and nurture her skills in a range of styles, making her a valuable asset to the Voyager's production team.

Throughout her tenure onboard, Olivia took part in three huge production shows and two smaller sale ‘bumpers’ that were used for special events. "My most memorable show was The Hollywood Musical, which played tribute to influential musical theatre and Hollywood artists/shows from the past to present. I was fortunate enough to sing a couple of numbers paying tribute to iconic singer Carmen Miranda, which was an incredible experience. Another show that stood out was Dance to the Beat. It highlighted various dance styles and icons from across the years.”

Olivia continued, "The audience's favorite show was, without a doubt, Rockin' Soul. It took you through different genres of rock music and artists, and the crowd went wild! More often than not, the audience was dancing and singing in their seats."

Olivia’s talent and leadership skills were on full display on board the Voyager, where she served as not only dancer but also dance captain. "It was a privilege to be trusted with such a crucial role," Olivia stated. "My responsibilities included leading warm-ups, rehearsals, and providing notes to my fellow cast members."

Despite its rewards, being dance captain brought Olivia some challenges that tested her ingenuity. "Injuries and illness in the cast were some of the most significant obstacles I faced," she recalled. "However, I always had an alternative plan ready. Staying ahead in terms of cover tracking for both vocal and physical rehearsals can alleviate a lot of worry and time when it comes to reblock rehearsals."

Olivia's meticulous planning paid off during a performance when the cast had only 15 minutes to reblock the show. "Thanks to our adaptability and perseverance, we made it work," she said. As the old saying goes, 'the show must go on!' “Performers know how to come together to find solutions, and the audience will never notice the difference." 

Olivia holds many memories and experiences from her nine-month contract on the Voyager very close to her heart. She considers herself very fortunate to have visited 42 countries and six continents in that time. "I could list many specific moments," she says, "however, a few standouts for me include a day trip to Rome, a safari in Africa, sunrise sailing into Montenegro, walking through the streets of Barcelona, and spending three days cruising through Antarctica!" 

Apart from the exciting travel experiences, Olivia also cherishes the moments of pride and excitement she felt after opening night of her professional debut. "It was truly exhilarating performing in front of our first packed audience at sea! The fact that this is my job is something I truly cherish with my whole being" she exclaims.

Looking back at her time training at Transit Dance, Olivia expresses how grateful she is for the opportunity to step into every show and act as though she was a professional, "Transit gave me the opportunity to develop and nurture my abilities is such a variety of styles! Along with the training, the number of amazing performance opportunities is amazing! I was able to step into every show and act as though I was a professional, which is also exactly how we were treated."

Olivia's time at Transit Dance proved to be the perfect foundation for her career in dance. She praises the amazing faculty at Transit, who not only provided her with excellent training but also treated her like a professional from day one. "Transit is truly a family," she adds, "the amazing faculty gives you all the support you need to flourish and reach your true potential." 

When asked what advice she could offer potential students seeking to launch their cruise ship careers, she replied simply: “Do not take Full Time for granted, use it as a time to push and develop yourself in all aspects of your training! Be comfortable with being uncomfortable, that is where the best growth happens! “

Olivia also stresses the importance of treating performance opportunities as if they were already your job. "If you're serious about working in the industry," she says, "you need to show up as the version of yourself that is already working and achieving those goals." This mindset is critical not just for cruise ship performers, but for anyone looking to break into a highly competitive industry. It's essential to approach every opportunity with professionalism, dedication, and a strong work ethic. 

Olivia McCarthy's impressive journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and excellent training. As an alumna of Transit Dance, she stands as proof that the school equips its students with all the necessary tools to flourish in the highly competitive cruise ship industry. Due to her passion for dance and travel, Olivia has journeyed to some of the most breathtaking locations across the globe, and now she has secured her second contract on the Regent Seven Seas Splendor, which is one of the world's most opulent cruise ships. This is a tremendous achievement, and we have no doubt that Olivia is poised for more success. As she continues to inspire aspiring performers to follow their dreams, we wish her all the best on her latest adventure.

Interested in a career like Olivia’s? Check out what the Transit Pre-Professional course can offer you!