Cruise: How a cruise holiday transformed into a lifelong career for cruise ship captain

“I have met some amazing people, learned a great deal about the world and have also developed a passion for the polar regions which I would never have expected.”

It all started when he was just a boy, with a family holiday sparking his passion for the ocean.

“My parents took me on cruise holidays as a child, which I think helped me to develop an interest in ships and adventure travel at a young age,” he explained.

As soon as he was old enough, James jumped at the chance of beginning his career, embarking on the long journey to where he is today.

“I joined Cunard as a Deck Officer Cadet when I was 17, and worked my way up the ranks, becoming Chief Officer of the RMS Queen Mary II,” he said.

James spent 10 years sailing across the North Atlantic with Cunard and adventure became a part of the everyday.

“I became interested in the expedition market and worked with Lindblad National Geographic as Chief Officer and Captain for several years,” he continued.

James later joined Scenic Group for the build of the Scenic Eclipse in 2018 and was given the opportunity to mix his love of the Antarctic with his passion for sailing.

DON’T MISS
Authorities board six cruise ships amid ‘serious concerns’ over crew [INSIGHT]
Cruising with Jane McDonald: Inside the Viking Sky’s luxury suite [VIDEO]
TUI, BA, easyJet, Jet2, Virgin Ryanair update: Flights to restart [FULL LIST]