Norwegian Celebrates International Women's Day

SHANTY LEE C. VERIAN, EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF, NORWEGIAN ESCAPE

Please tell us a little about your home country and family.

Mabuhay (a traditional Filipino greeting)! I am Shanty Lee Verian — a dreamer, a believer, a single mother, a woman of faith and power and a proud Filipina. I’m the second of six children in my family, which has been solely supported by my mother, Leonila. Her strength, grit, dedication and faith have inspired us all to achieve our dreams.

How would you describe the work you do?

In addition to being a single mother raising my son remotely, I am an Executive Sous Chef. Working in this industry isn’t a piece of cake! It takes expertise, dedication, passion and a sound disposition to always ensure the highest quality. I check the condition of the kitchen, the supplies and equipment daily. I also oversee that sanitation and safety protocols are observed by the kitchen staff, assist in planning the daily menu and ensuring that the food meets the highest standards.

How were you inspired to work at sea?

Working for a cruise line is a dream come true since it includes two things I’m passionate about — cooking and experiencing the world’s beauty. I love having the opportunity to travel and learn from people with diverse backgrounds.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

In the coming years, I see myself becoming an executive chef who proudly waves the Philippine flag for being the embodiment of the new face of the 21st century — an empowered and proud Filipina. I also see myself inspiring others in the field. I’m confident that I’ll continue to be successful in the cruise industry and as a single mother to the love of my life, my son.

What’s your favorite part of the world? What places are on your bucket list?

With the many destinations I’ve visited, the beautiful landscapes of Alaska completely captivated me. The tall icebergs, snowcapped mountains and rugged coastlines are awe-inspiring. For me, Alaska is truly a place worth exploring!

MARIA KAKOU, 1ST OFFICER, NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY

How would you describe the work you do?

As a bridge officer, I’m responsible for ensuring the ship’s safe passage, which includes navigation. I’m also responsible for the inspection and maintenance of the safety equipment on board.

How were you inspired to work at sea?

I was inspired to become a bridge officer due to my frequent ferry trips from Santorini to visit family. Although my family has no maritime background, Greece's rich maritime history drew me to the Merchant Marine Academy in 2012, where I began my career.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

I see myself being promoted to chief officer and ultimately becoming a captain within the next few years. Additionally, I hope to become a permanent member of a multinational crew.

What’s your favorite part of the world? What places are on your bucket list?

While Spain is my favorite destination I frequently visit, I hope to one day visit Antarctica, Greenland, Peru and New Zealand.

SHEENA PAOLA VASQUEZ CARRILLO, 2ND OFFICER, NORWEGIAN JEWEL

Please tell us a little about your home country and family.

Born in the province of Chitre, I grew up in Panama City. I’m the professional I am today thanks to my mother. She was always a pillar for me to continue pursuing this career path.

How would you describe the work you do?

On sea days, I begin work at 8:30am as a co-navigator, assisting the OOW (Officer On Watch) to safely navigate the ship. This includes always keeping a sharp lookout and monitoring weather conditions, being aware of the ship’s stability and working to ensure that passengers feel comfortable throughout the ship’s travels. After completing my co-navigator duties, I then oversee checking lifeboats to ensure that everything remains in good condition.

How were you inspired to work at sea?

When I was child, my mother took me to the Miraflores locks and seeing the ships transit the Panama Canal inspired me. By high school, I already knew that I wanted to become a navigation officer.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

I see myself being a chief officer in five years and in 10 years becoming a captain.

What’s your favorite part of the world? What places are on your bucket list?

Paris, France is my favorite place in the world. I would also love to visit New York City, Greece and Spain.

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OLENA SAPKO, ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER, NORWEGIAN JOY

Please tell us a little about your home country and family.

I’m from the great, brave and beautiful country of Ukraine. I lived in Chernigiv, which is far from the nearest coastline, but I dreamed of living by the sea. Now I live and work in the middle of the ocean!

How would you describe the work you do?

I make sure that the ship is in compliance with all international and local laws. I also help create the Environmental Voyage Plan for each cruise so all discharges are within allowed limits, oversee environmental-related trainings, answer guests’ environmental-related questions and oversee waste disposal, among other duties.

How were you inspired to work at sea?

My seafarer’s career started in July 2015 as a youth counselor. But I soon realized that I wanted new, more exciting challenges. One time in port I saw officers standing on the bridge, getting ready for departure and I promised myself that one day I would be standing with them as a fellow bridge officer. It took five years for my dream to come true, including earning a second Master’s degree in Environmental Science, completing an online MARPOL course, cross-training and an Environmental Officer’s training in Miami. But here I am, an environmental officer!

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

I see myself still working at sea, helping Norwegian achieve their Sail & Sustain program’s environmental goals. Every person can play a part in improving our world. As I like to say, a beautiful environment starts with YOU!

What’s your favorite part of the world? What places are on your bucket list?

So far my favorite countries are Portugal and Spain, but my bucket list is still full of unexplored locations like Bali, Thailand, Japan and New Zealand.

ELISA CASTRO, 2ND ENGINEER, NORWEGIAN JOY

Please tell us a little about your home country and family.

I am most thankful for my family. Since they have always been my greatest supporters, I owe my achievements to them.

How would you describe the work you do?

My duties as 2nd engineer include supervision of dry waste handling systems, incinerators and shredders and supervision of food waste system, such as feed system, batch dryers, food waste holding tanks and related discharging equipment. I also supervise the Scanship wastewater and bilge handling systems, among other responsibilities.

How were you inspired to work at sea?

I always wanted to study naval engineering and work on ships and knew that working hard would get me to where I am now. I studied naval engineering at the Maritime University of Panama and then began working for Norwegian in 2015 as a cadet. After seven years, I’m already a 2nd engineer. It hasn’t been easy to get where I am today, but I’m proud of all that I’ve already achieved.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

I enjoy working for Norwegian, and I’m very grateful for the trust they have placed in me. In five or 10 years, I will have gained a much broader knowledge of my profession, so I would like to one day become a chief engineer.

What’s your favorite part of the world? What places are on your bucket list?

One of my passions is traveling, exploring different countries and, above all, learning from diverse cultures. My next trip will be to visit European countries.

Where are you cruising next? Wherever you choose, we hope you get to meet some of our incredible team members that make these vacations possible with their flawless execution.