Cross-Cultural Communication: Creating Experiences with an International Team

Working on a cruise ship has given me opportunities I could only ever dream of. At the top of that list is the chance to experience so many different cultures. What’s truly incredible is that I don’t even have to step off the ship to do it. With crew members representing more than 70 nationalities, Disney Cruise Line is a floating world of its own, a living, breathing melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. Hallway conversations, team meetings, or shared meals easily become windows into new perspectives.

Navigating Waters

Being an American in the cruise ship industry puts me in the minority. In my department, Entertainment, there are a few more Americans, but still not many. When I first boarded the ship, I was overwhelmed. Conversations swirled around me in different languages, inside jokes flew past, and nametags displayed countries I had barely heard of and some, I’ll admit, I didn’t even know existed.

Operationally, the structure of management was similar to what I knew back home. People reported up to managers, all the way to the captain. From a bird’s-eye view, everything seemed familiar. I had no trouble fitting in as a cog in the machine. But what challenged me most was building meaningful, deep connections with my coworkers from other nationalities.

In college, my eyes were already opened to regional differences in upbringing and values within the U.S. Now, I was interacting daily with people from every corner of the world, and I had no idea what to expect. Disney Cruise Line requires all crew members to wear nametags with their country, which quickly became a bridge rather than a barrier. I’ve always had a knack for talking to strangers and an endless curiosity about the world around me. I channeled that nervous energy into asking questions, learning stories, and discovering the many paths that led each person to Disney Cruise Line.

Creating Bridges

One of the most remarkable things about working for a global company like Disney is its universal reach. Crew members from dozens of countries, speaking different languages, coming from different religions, cultures, and political climates, all grew up with the same stories I did. This similarity creates a strong foundation everyone can build upon.

It was eye-opening to learn about places directly from the people who grew up there. I wasn’t getting secondhand information from a polished news segment; I was hearing real, unfiltered stories of everyday life: the highs, the lows, and everything in between. I learned about new celebrities, pop culture moments, and traditions I’d never encountered before. And the learning didn’t stop with the crew. Guests from around the world continued to teach me about the places they call home.

Understanding one another’s cultures means adapting to make everyone feel comfortable. At the end of the day, we’re a ship family. Famously, The Walt Disney Company adopted the “two-finger point” to avoid offending cultures that view pointing with one finger as rude. It’s a small gesture, but one that speaks volumes about respect and inclusion.

Even our crew dining area reflects that same spirit. Unlike the guest restaurants, it features a truly international cuisine, with dishes that remind crew members of home. I had never tried Nasi Kuning, an Indonesian and Malaysian dish, before joining the ship, but it’s now one of my favorites.

Life onboard is also filled with cultural celebrations, complete with traditional music and trendy fashion. Crew-led events often highlight a specific nationality, from British, South African, Mexican, Bollywood, and Brazilian celebrations. I even hosted an American Country Night, complete with line dancing and country music, sharing a true piece of my culture with others.

At 23 years old, I feel incredibly fortunate. I don’t live in a bubble, I’m surrounded by voices, stories, and traditions from all over the world. And because of that, I see the world, and my place in it, a little differently every day.

Strengths at Sea

Living and working on a cruise ship has taught me lessons no classroom or office ever could. The experience shaped me into a more empathetic, adaptable, and globally-minded professional. Some of the key strengths I’ve developed include:

• Cultural Intelligence: Navigating and respecting different customs, communication styles, and perspectives.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Building genuine connections across language barriers and adapting my approach to diverse audiences.

• Empathy & Emotional Intelligence: Understanding the “why” behind people’s behaviors and finding common ground.

• Adaptability: Thriving amid constantly changing schedules, team dynamics, and challenges.

• Global Storytelling: Crafting stories and messages that resonate universally, across cultures.

• Problem-Solving & Collaboration: Working creatively with dozens of nationalities to find solutions that work for everyone.

• Resilience & Work Ethic: Maintaining energy and professionalism during long days and demanding environments.

• Leadership Through Connection: Hosting multicultural events and uniting colleagues from around the world.

  
  

These lessons have prepared me to thrive in fast-paced, global environments, and to bring a deeper understanding of people, culture, and storytelling to every project I take on. When you work with many accents in one day, you learn that leadership is about clarity and curiosity, not volume.