Lifelong Learning Week is taking place all week (3 – 7 November) and we’re inviting everyone to pause, reflect, and celebrate the power of learning.
Whether you’ve picked up a new skill, attended a workshop or embraced a fresh way of working this year, every learning experience counts.
Thank you to everyone who took part in our Lifelong Learning competition – all winners will be contacted by the learning team very shortly.
Here’s a snapshot of just a few of the entries which demonstrate just how broad learning can be:
“This year, I accidentally stumbled across something beautiful – Mandala art. Honestly, it all started as a time-pass. I was just randomly doodling one day and thought, “Why not try those cool circle-pattern-things I keep seeing on Instagram?” So I gave it a shot. But then… I went down the rabbit hole. The more I explored, the more I realised that people out there are doing crazy intricate work with just a pen and a whole lot of patience. Different strokes, styles, patterns. I started with simple designs, but now I’m diving deep into the more complex, detailed stuff and I love it. What started as a fun thing quickly turned into my own kind of therapy. A detox. This year hasn’t been the easiest for me. This new skill has helped me slow down. There’s even a whole Mandala club in Delhi that meets at Hard Rock Café, where artists like me can come together and honestly, being part of a creative community like that, I highly recommend it”.
Shefali Negi, Ventura
“While I was on Arcadia, I took part in a Leadership Management Training course. Although I’ve been a supervisor for the past 20 years, there were no clear written guidelines to confirm whether my approach was the right one. This training gave me that clarity. It reassured me that I was on the right path and showed me how I could further enhance my leadership skills for the benefit of my team”.
Aruna Gurung, Britannia
“My biggest learning this year has been about confidence. Being myself and feeling confident in doing so has helped me communicate with guests and deliver a great experience for them. Working in the food hall I have lots of opportunity to speak with guests and by having the confidence to interact and serve them with a smile it has improved my experience as well as that of guests.”
Dylan Van Rooyen, Queen Anne
Keep an eye on noticeboards for information about what’s happening for Lifelong Learning Week on your ship, or speak with your LDO for more information.
14 Comments
This year has been a beautiful leaning curve for me in all aspects but more so in my health. This year I adopted a new habit of taking care of my health so on a daily basis when I go to the mess I stop on the M1 and have a read at the health notice board that teaches us everything with regards to our health. I then also adopted a new hobby of attending the crew gym classes which has been such a positive impact on my heath physically and mentally. Teaching me the power of persistence, hard work and never giving up. I have lost an incredible amount of weight 30kg in total since January to date ando cannot explain how incredible I feel. I love how I don’t run out of breathe anymore neither do I battle with knee problems any more because I have shedded all the extra weight.
As a leader I have learned the importance of inspiring my team to be the best versions of themselves for the overall guest experience and more so to help boost their reputation and image.
My training here in Iona at sea has been a continuous journey,
Attending different training like Shine, Safety and Security, Different safety measures before proceeding to our work areas, I have learned that a ship is not merely a vessel just to work but it is a Home away from home, a home where each person’s actions have consequences for everyone on board.
. My training onboard here in Iona taught me about the complex safety protocols, emergency drills, and the correct use of survival equipment, all of which are essential for mitigating the inherent risks of working on the water. My training emphasized how to collaborate effectively with people from different departments and cultures, often under stressful conditions. I discovered that clear communication is the linchpin of an efficient and safe operation. I understanding that we are all part of a larger crew, and success hinges on a shared sense of responsibility.
Finally, my training taught me about adaptability and the inner resilience required for a life at sea. A career on a ship means adjusting to a confined environment, long periods away from home, and the unpredictability of the ocean. I now know that life at sea demands a disciplined respect for safety, a cooperative spirit of teamwork, and a deep well of personal resilience.
This year with P&O Cruises has been a true learning journey not just about ship operations, but about teamwork, resilience, and adaptability in a multicultural environment. I learned how every department from front of house to galley and housekeeping, works together to create the guest experience that defines P&O Cruises. I’ve developed stronger communication, discipline, and time management skills while understanding the importance of safety and service standards at sea. Most importantly, I’ve learned that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and taking pride in contributing to something larger than yourself.
I’ve learned a lot this contract on how to host a few game shows for guests. I wasn’t confident to do or try it before but after i hosted one, i started to learn the other game shows and started to love it. The things i was afraid to do before was replaced with big confidemce and i started now to teach and show how it works to our new to sea colleagues.
I learned so many things in Aurora.
I’ve learned how to trouble shoot different kinds of equipment in the ship. Understand how each and every machine works. Also got many new friends. I learned how to engaged with other people. Our officers together with my colleagues inspire me to go further with my knowledge and learnings.
I had a beautiful Time on Azura with one of the best crew office team I ever worked with, I have learnt about the about visas requirements for different ports and different nationalities , how to apply for Schengen Visas for disembarking crew and a different process of embark and disembarking crew unlike other ships in fleet, I was also able to increased my network with the port agents which will also help me in my future growth with company.
I have taken time and learnt to play keyboard. which was always my dream to learn the keyboard
Since the embarkation day on my first contract, until the present, I have been learning something new every day. I remember as it was yesterday, embarking in Southampton and seeing all the organisation by sending our suitcases straight to the ship. That was the best first impression ever! In terms of challenges, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and started to provide Shore Excursion escort training for crew. To my surprise, the first session I had 22 crew members signed up. With high attendance, I have opened 3 other sessions. I learnt that I am capable of teaching big groups and encouraging them to participate in our tours. All the feedback was passed to my manager as they loved the way I’ve done the training. From Culture side, I’ve learnt how to serve British guest, as it was my first time working with this market. It may sound cliché but guests helped me to improve my confidence when speaking in English. From Crew life side, I’ve learnt to cook in the Cookery Club. What an amazing experience to make Empanadas, Fish Balls and Brownies! From a very personal perspective, I would say, the best thing I’ve learnt by working on P&O is we all come from different backgrounds. I’ve participated in cultural events from many countries and it is remarkable to see the crew putting effort into the preparation and creation of those events. All this learning would not have been possible in any other job!
This year, one of my biggest learning moments was realising the power of active listening.
As Assistant Crew Services Manager, I work with crew members from many different cultures and backgrounds. This year, I made a conscious effort to slow down, listen more deeply, and ensure everyone feels heard — whether it’s about wellbeing, career growth, or day-to-day concerns.
It’s helped me build stronger trust with the team, resolve issues more effectively, and even spot opportunities for improvement that I might have missed before. It reminded me that sometimes, the most powerful leadership tool isn’t action — it’s attention.
I work with crew members from many different cultures and It’s helped me build stronger trust with the team, resolve issues more effectively, and even spot opportunities All this learning would not have been possible in any other job! I learned how every department from front of house to galley and housekeeping, works together to create the guest experience that defines P&O Cruises. I’ve developed stronger communication, discipline, and time management skills while understanding the importance of safety and service standards at sea. My training emphasized how to collaborate effectively with people from different departments and cultures, often under stressful conditions. I discovered that clear communication is the linchpin of an efficient and safe operation. I now know that life at sea demands a disciplined respect for safety, a cooperative spirit of teamwork, and a deep well of personal resilience. O have Learned from temperature management to different chemicals and the hygiene levels that the IONA holds the world class levels facilities also, I have learned world class level of living life on board . It will help me throughout my life. This will make my life more disciplined and perfect. This Iona high standard world class level will be my life learning lesson, and I will teach my children’s my family. It’s a great learning experience from P&O cruises. I want to thank the P&O cruises for the great opportunity to walk on board. I will always remember the world class standards, which I have trained from your P&O cruises as I will pass on my upcoming generations thank you for everything. It’s an amazing experience.
It’s my first time onboard and my experience with P&O Cruises has been a profoundly enriching one. This journey has not only deepened my understanding of ship operations but has also taught me invaluable lessons in teamwork, resilience, and adaptability within a multicultural environment. Throughout my contract, I have consistently expanded my knowledge and skills, gaining insight into the intricate workings of various departments, including front of house, galley, and housekeeping. I have come to appreciate the significance of interdepartmental collaboration in delivering the exceptional guest experience that P&O Cruises is renowned for. Furthermore, I have developed and refined essential skills such as effective communication, discipline, and time management, while also recognizing the paramount importance of maintaining high safety and service standards at sea. Perhaps most notably, I have learned that personal growth and development are often the result of embracing challenges outside one’s comfort zone and taking pride in contributing to a collective purpose that transcends individual roles.
I love this company
This year l have really learned a lot and improved a lot in my work and my health/meantal health.To begin with l wokr in the hot galley but during the contract l had to help im the pastry and l loved each and every time l was there because l learnt a lot about pastries and also making some desserts.Then alomg the way l started joining the gym classes,bootcamp,yoga to name a few and l would attemd each and every class and l enjoyed the pain l would get after each class and l comtinued doing that even alone and would go to the gym also helped my mental health in so many ways.l also learnt how to socialise with people and speaking up whenever something is wrong or troubling me.As QV hosted the ladies night l was so happy to be part of it as we had to it down as ladies and we learnt a few things about being women at sea hence it was a great opportunity for learning.Each and every day in the galley l learn new something it might be sauce,soups,special orders l always ask the incharge chef how they made it,the allergies and sometimes the substitutes so being im the galley its a learning phase for me each and every day and l loved it
As I reflect on my experiences working on a cruise ship this year, I’ve learned so much that has not only enhanced my professional skills but also broadened my personal horizons.
Key Points
Adaptability
Living and working in a dynamic environment with people from diverse backgrounds has taught me to be flexible and adapt to new situations quickly.
Teamwork
Collaborating with colleagues from various departments to ensure seamless passenger experiences has shown me the importance of effective communication and teamwork.
Cultural Awareness
Interacting with passengers and crew members from around the world has enriched my understanding of different cultures and customs.
Problem-Solving
Dealing with various situations, from passenger concerns to logistical challenges, has honed my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Time Management
Balancing multiple tasks and responsibilities while maintaining a high level of service has helped me refine my time management skills.
Leadership
Taking on leadership roles or mentoring new crew members has given me valuable experience in guiding and motivating others.