New joinee. Seeking advice
Hi everyone. I am a 21 year old female from Southeast Asia, I just signed my contract at a cruise line. This is going to be my very first contract working on a cruise ship. Honestly, I am feeling a massive mix of intense excitement and terrifying nervousness right now. I am really looking forward to the freedom of being away from home and finally getting to travel the world especially after growing up under strict parents. But now that the reality is setting in, I have a few questions.
Since my contract is over eight months long, I would love some advice on packing. What are the absolute must haves that people always forget to bring, especially when you have to live out of a tiny shared cabin for that long? Speaking of cabins, I am a big introvert. I am worried about getting lonely but also worried about getting socially burned out. How do introverts find quiet time to recharge on a ship, and what is the best way to make genuine friends among the crew without feeling overwhelmed?
I also have a bit of a personal anxiety regarding my health. When I was younger, I took a cruise and got quite sick from the change in water. My relatives were joking that I have a weak immune system and that I won't last a single week out there. How safe is the water on cruise ships, and what should I keep in mind about vaccinations or staying healthy during those first few weeks?