As we start preparing for Carnival’s newest ship, the Carnival Magic, I have been thinking a lot lately about some of the “magical moments” that I have had working for Carnival the past six years.

My job as a cruise director brings me such personal joy everyday. I do not have enough of the right words to describe what an amazing feeling of satisfaction I get from knowing that my job is to make other peoples’ day special. In six years it has never gotten old for me to hear people clap, or the roar of laughter from a crowd. It has never seemed less special or significant to hear the personal stories of our guests who come on our ships to relax, rejuvenate, spend time with family and friends, and to have fun. It has always been a pleasure to meet thousands of people and then get to see familiar faces year after year.

I have some personal achievements that I am very proud of from my last six years; including taking out new ships, traveling the world, working with the great John Heald, and making life long friendships with fellow team members that come from all around the globe… but mostly, my most magical and satisfying experiences come from meeting and getting to know our guests.

I have met some really amazing people throughout the years some of the most memorable to me are those who really embrace the vacation experience. Military personnel, active and veteran, always have a special place in my heart – especially those who get to come and cruise after returning home from overseas to be with their families. I also have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with cancer survivors and those that are on vacation really celebrating life.

Recently, I met a very special family whose oldest daughter is suffering from a severe case of cerebral palsy. Their daughter was confined to a wheel chair and had difficulty walking. She was not expected to live to be an adult, but she defied the odds. I met her mother several times during the voyage and she told me that her daughter had become very fond of me and that often had a hard time getting her to agree to leave the stateroom because she wanted to watch me on T.V. Her mother told me that all she wanted was to meet me in person and I was happy to oblige. Meeting this young woman reminded me of just how special life is and reaffirmed the fact that I have chosen the right career path.

I was again reminded how special it is to be in my position a few weeks ago when I met a courageous single mother traveling with her three teenage children. I met this mother first at our past guest reception mid week and when she entered the party with her kids she stopped to shake my hand and asked if she could give me a hug. I agreed and while we embraced she began to get emotional and whispered in my ear, “Thank you.” At that moment I expressed my appreciation for her gratitude, but didn’t really understand why I was being thanked. Then, during debarkation, I was standing on the gangway saying goodbye to the guests and I again met the same family; this time the young mother was all smiles as she handed me a sealed letter. She wrote me that her husband had recently passed away unexpectedly and that this cruise was her first vacation with the kids since his passing. She wrote in her letter that instead of giving her children material presents for holidays and their birthdays that she was now committed to giving them “memories” and thanked me again for facilitating many new positive memories for her and her family.

These are just a few examples of the many special people that I have had the opportunity to impact in a positive way; in return they have had an impact on me beyond measure. These are the magical moments - the moments where you make a personal connection - that makes it all worthwhile.

Tell me about some of the moments you experienced on your "Fun Ship" vacation that felt magical.