What It Takes to Keep Thousands of Kids Entertained on a Mega Cruise Ship

From a young age, Nadia Durigon’s aspirations were clear. Growing up near Venice, she would often stop at a travel agency to gaze at a ferry displayed in the window, fueling her desire for adventure. When her teachers prompted her to envision her future, her consistent answer was, “on a cruise ship.”

Durigon's journey into the world of tourism began immediately after high school, where she focused on foreign languages and tourism studies. At just 19 years old, she immersed herself in youth programming, where the role felt akin to simply spending time with friends.

Now, at 37 years old, Durigon boasts nearly two decades of experience working offshore and currently holds the position of Traveling Fleet Supervisor for Family Entertainment at MSC Cruises. Her responsibilities encompass a blend of youth programming, trend forecasting, activity development, staff training, and ship launches—ultimately enhancing the family experience across the MSC fleet.

She has played a crucial role in launching innovative features such as mascot parades and laser-gaming activities aboard vessels like the World America, MSC's latest flagship designed with family audiences in mind. Spanning 22 decks, this mega ship features one of the largest kids' clubs at sea, along with bumper cars, roller skating rinks, waterslides, a ropes course, and the Cliffhanger, which is the cruise industry's first overwater swing ride. The activities available include quiz shows, dance parties, teen-exclusive gaming zones, Guinness World Records competitions, and a plethora of entertainment options that keep kids engaged for days at a time.

"It's the best job in the world," Durigon expresses. "I am not someone who thrives on routine, and this role allows me to meet new people daily while traveling around the globe."

A Day on the Job

Given that Durigon typically boards a ship for only one or, at most, two cruises at a time, she maximizes her time on board. Her afternoons and evenings are filled with activity. She enjoys participating in the youth staff team’s efforts to gather guest feedback directly. One successful addition on the World America has been the new LEGO family game show, which attracts many participants, including families and grandparents eager to engage with their children and grandchildren in the games. After each event, she provides feedback to the crew on areas for improvement.

The excitement of launching a ship is palpable, as every aspect is new and thrilling. For instance, during the LEGO parade, a choreographer was brought on to instruct the staff on dance routines while in mascot costumes. Although initially met with skepticism, the team delivered remarkable performances.

Favorite Parts and Challenges

When asked what she enjoys most about her job, Durigon candidly replies, "I would be dishonest if I didn't say that traveling is a major perk, even after many years. However, the variety in each day also captivates me. I love spending time with the kids and their families. There’s a trend called '67' that took me three days to fully grasp. This position truly keeps me feeling youthful."

Conversely, the most challenging aspect of her role is the farewells. While she has grown accustomed to being away from home, saying goodbye to the ships and the team members she connects with poses a significant emotional challenge. The camaraderie often feels like family, and after a brief period of togetherness, parting ways can be difficult, especially with uncertainty regarding when they might reunite.

Life at Sea

One intriguing aspect of life aboard a ship is the necessity of sharing living quarters with an unfamiliar person. As the only child, Durigon found having a roommate to be an adjustment, yet she has come to appreciate it as part of the overall adventure. Living at sea transforms one’s perspective on everyday life.

Among her favorite destinations to date is New York, with its vibrant theater scene and serene Central Park. However, she finds herself particularly enchanted by Ocean Cay, the cruise line’s private island and marine reserve in the western Bahamas. Witnessing the transformation of Ocean Cay, from a mere 20 palm trees and a lighthouse to its current stunning beauty, resonates with her deeply. As the island has flourished, so too has she, creating a special bond with the locale.

When on the ship, Durigon enjoys spending her free time at the theater. Although she occasionally joins her team at the crew bar or crew disco, she aims to maintain a respectful distance in her supervisory role, ensuring her presence doesn't affect the derailing of their usual behavior.

Memorable Guest Moments

A particularly memorable interaction occurs when she reflects on her early days in the teens’ club. Overwhelmed by shyness, she was uncertain of her impact on the youth. At the end of her inaugural cruise, parents approached her expressing gratitude, stating, "I don’t know what you did, but this is the first cruise where our kids wanted to stay in the teens' club the entire time." This affirmation was more than just praise; it validated her ability to create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for the children. Now, every similar piece of feedback reinforces her conviction that she is fulfilling her purpose.

Top Tip for First-Time Cruisers

"Plan, but leave room for spontaneity. Embrace the unique experiences a cruise offers, such as taking a moment to sit on the deck and enjoy the sunset or sunrise while breathing in the fresh sea air."