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Keeping Afloat

by Kabir

Following the life of Cruise Director Kabir, from Toronto to the 7 seas. Stories from all around the world, both past and present. This is a story of love, acceptance, leadership and empowerment. From attending film festivals and creating a life on land, to building a career at sea, Kabir works aboard some of the worlds best cruise ships. From adventures on board to in port, Kabir shares his story as well as the people he meets along the way.

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Episodes

  1. 2.13 Handing Over as Cruise Director and Unexpected Changes

    This is the Season Finale of Keeping Afloat (Don’t worry, we’ll be back with regular episodes next week for season 3). A major leadership change aboard the Oceanic Euphoria puts me in the hot seat, and an unexpected change of direction for my career. I’m currently aboard the MSC Virtuosa which…

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  2. 2.12 Onboard Emergencies, Storms and Teamwork: The Most Dramatic Cruise of My Career (So Far)

    Welcome aboard, Sailors! In this episode of Keeping Afloat, I’m back with one of the most intense cruises yet aboard the Oceanic Euphoria. Not only did we face heavy seas and a jammed stabilizer, but a serious onboard emergency put our crew to the test. 😬🌪️ Tune in as I recount: • Navigating...

  3. 2.11 Multiple Storms Brewing: Love Games & Breakup Gains

    It’s SO great to be back here with you! I’m currently home in Toronto after finishing up my latest contract as a Cruise Director. Tune in for an update on how it went as well as picking up where we left off. I learn the truth about how I was hired at my cruise line. Also, I don’t know if I’d ever...

  4. 2.10 Bitter Enemies to Besties - How I Won Over a Rival

    The biggest thing I recall from the early parts of my career at sea had to do with humor. There were so many instances where there were situations that would make me laugh, and others that were beyond belief. This cruise, I would experience more than a few. Best of all, in this episode, my mother...

  5. Sobering Thoughts from a Formerly Shipfaced Cruise Director - Interview with Tyler

    Being able to talk to another Cruise Director is rare. But doing it on a podcast and being as open and honest as Tyler is, that is exceptional. I hope you enjoy our friendly chat. Tyler from the podcast “Adventures of the Drunken Cruise Director” stops by for an insightful interview. You can…

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  6. 2.9 What the FOC? I’m Going Back to Sea! Picking Up From Where We Left Off - Two Dudes One Ship

    It all starts with the Bridge abuzz with activity as I do one of my first Crew Drills on my own. Christine the Hotel Director makes her intentions clear. And, we deal with a full on situation in the theatre involving a slightly inebriated pianist. But in the end, someone’s got to put their foot...

  7. 2.8 The Show Must Go On + Interview with Emma Cruises

    From heavy seas to a whole new itinerary, change is the only constant. This was a test in leadership and learning how to manage the corporate structure, especially as we say goodbye to Eliott, the old Entertainment Director and hello to a new friend. Plus - an exclusive interview with a Cruise...

  8. 2.7 Can You Sleep With Guests?

    We’re back! And, the world is opening. Since our last episode, a lot has changed. I’ve had some massive changes in my life and I can’t wait to share them with you. This is my very first cruise as Cruise Director of the Oceanic Euphoria. But, things don’t start off as smoothly as I wanted them to....

  9. New Episode Coming Out October 27th, 2021

    Get ready for a brand new episode of Keeping Afloat, coming October 27th, 2021! From a riot to a proposition, this is a pretty big deal. Plus, I’ve got some huge news to share with you.

  10. 2.6 Becoming a Cruise Director - Part 2

    My handover with Maxime is full of surprises and helpful tips and tricks. But nothing could prepare me for my first actual day of being Cruise Director. By the end of it, I was exhausted. And the politics of it all hadn’t even started yet. From running my first Guest Emergency Drill, to hosting…

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  11. 2.5 Becoming a Cruise Director - Part 1

    My childhood dream of working on a Cruise Ship and becoming a Cruise Director was finally coming true. In this episode I fly down to Miami for my official Cruise Director Interview and training. In addition to meeting two other Cruise Directors I’d be training with, I embarked on a Training…

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  12. 2.4 Falling Into Place

    In this episode, I get closer to someone very unexpected. The truth comes out about Karter, the Cruise Director. Plus, things finally fall into place. Little did I know, but this would be one of my final cruises on the Oceanic Joy. Finally - my goal of becoming one of the youngest Cruise…

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  13. 2.3 Collisions

    Wherever you are - you’re doing a great job. At this point, self care is so important. If you’re currently in a lockdown, hopefully this episode brings you some adventure. From dealing with the wrath of Karter, the Cruise Director to handling a full-on emergency, this episode is full of drama....

  14. 2.2 Please Say My Name Right

    My new adventure was in full swing. There was no template, no guide book. In the end, I was responsible for myself and nothing else. Karter the Cruise Director isn’t took keen on my position, and he makes it clear from the start. But there is a saving grace; I meet a fellow Candian, as well as a...

  15. 2.1 Starting All Over Again + Interview with Sheri from CruiseTipsTV

    I decided to leave my contract early and head home. Changing jobs is always a gamble, but the question was still in the air; was this the best decision I ever made, or the biggest regret of my career? A new job comes with a steep learning curve, and this one was no different. From attending...

  16. 1.24 The Most Dramatic Moment of my Career + Guest Interview: Getting In Trouble On a Cruise Ship

    This is the final episode of season 1. We will be back in a couple of weeks, so be sure to follow me on instagram! This week we’ve got a special guest, Sarah from the show Behind the Crew Door (links below), a podcast that discusses the reality of working on a cruise ship with Sarah and Tom as…

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  17. 1.23 Volleyball, Bad Boyfriends & Tilting Over

    Another transatlantic arrives, and this time with my Dad on board! In contrast to my last one, this cruise would be like none of the others I’d done. From the ship tilting over, to a medical stop and a surprise twist, I was mentally and physically exhausted. Plus a look into the industry as a...

  18. 1.22 Liars Club, Dating While Married & Fire 🔥

    Things heat up and cool down all at the same time. I find out that the person I’m dating isn’t who I thought they were. Plus a missed port becomes the least of my worries. I also wanted to take a moment to recognize some of the amazing ships that are being scrapped - ships that created so many...

  19. 1.21 Champagne Showers

    Drama central descends on my latest ship. It all starts with being held up at immigration. Plus, some drama between the senior officers and who they’re dating. I learn a valuable lesson; demanding respect gets you nowhere, that’s something that has to be earned. Respect is a two way street. Stay...

  20. 1.20 Romance at Sea: The Dating Scene on a Cruise Ship

    Dating on a Cruise Ship is a whole different ball game. A relationship that lasts a month on land is equal to a year on ships. It’s about proximity and pace. Plus, my Dad decides to visit me. And I discover a new skill that helps me handle the ups and downs of my chosen career. Please make sure…

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  21. 1.19 Almost Missing the Ship

    Missing the ship is not a fun prospect! But what’s worse is having to face the consequences when you almost do. And, there are some very interesting guests on board. From to being taught some valuable lessons, this episode focuses on the nuances that I was starting to notice. Thanks for tuning…

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  22. 1.18 The Politics of Working on a Cruise Ship

    From heartbreak to getting in trouble, this episode was about navigating the politics of working on board. Like any workplace, it’s bound to get messy sometimes. Plus, I answer some listener questions from Instagram. If you’re enjoying the show so far, feel free to show your support with a small...

  23. 1.17 The Drama of Holidays at Sea

    Christmas and New Year in the same cruise? It was crazy. I celebrate my first Christmas and New Year at sea. Plus, my first official date in years. Thanks for tuning in - and please make sure to subscribe, and check out the Facebook & instagram pages for more! Plus, updates on the Virtual…

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  24. 1.16 The Porthole & Budding Romance

    In this episode, I turned 21, and yes, it was incredible. That combined with a full cast install, the Vice President of Entertainment being on board and a new love interest, it made for one of the most memorable cruises of my career! Hoping that quarantine life is treating you well in the…

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  25. 1.15 Working on a Cruise Ship During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    In this episode, we break from our usual structure. This is the story of my time aboard my ship during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was an experience I’ll never forget and I’m so honoured to be able to share it with you. Stay healthy and stay tuned for another episode that’ll cover my 21st birthday…

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  26. Bonus: Guided Meditation 🧘‍♂️

    This is a guided meditation for absolutely everyone. It doesn’t matter if you have practiced before or if this is your first time. It’s easy to follow along. You can perform this practice absolutely anywhere - in your home, outside, or even if you are out and about. Focus on your breath. Be kind…

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  27. 1.14 Everything is Fine, My Favourite Ships, Contract 2 & Someone Gets Fired

    I’m still on board my current ship, and it looks like I’ll be here for a while. But in the meantime I’m also enjoying writing music, new podcasts and taking in the sunshine ☀️. This is also an ode to the industry I know and love so much. I mention some of my favourite ships; Celestyal Olympia...

  28. 1.13 It’s Time to Head Home

    The world has changed. The industry I know and love is on a complete pause. Listen in to hear about where ships are headed and what it’s like on board. Plus - my story continues with my first time being at home after my first contract. From handling a family crisis to catching up with the life…

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  29. 1.12 The News That Changed My Life

    My Mom comes to visit me and delivers news that shakes me to my core. Suddenly, my whole life changes. Plus, in current time, I’m settling into my new ship. Life is all about change, and this episode definitely doesn’t let me forget it. This episode also has exclusive pictures on my Instagram and...

  30. 1.11 Reykjavík, Finding Love and Trivia Captains

    My Roommate, Charlie, arrives to the ship, just in time for a cruise to Iceland and Norway. Once the dread of my day, Trivia becomes my new favourite activity after implementing some regulations and a self proclaimed title. Plus we cross the arctic circle - ceremony and all - and I finally find a...

  31. 1.10 The Time I Almost Got Arrested

    2019 was an amazing year - I spent so much time with my family, and worked across two cruise lines. This year was full of hardships are well; and every single one was a learning experience. This is the story of my journey home after a date. It was quite the adventure to say the least. Wishing you…

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  32. 1.9 Christmas 2019 - What It’s Like to Be Aboard Over Christmas

    Christmas is such a special time of year! It’s a time to bond with family, friends and to be greatful. But, what are the holidays like on board - when you’re away from the people you care about most? It’s different and it takes on a new meaning. Thank you for all of your support this year…

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  33. 1.8 Agadir, Dad Visits & Everything Changes

    My ship is currently in Morocco, plus my parents are aboard. Could life get any better? In just a short while I’ll be headed home for the holidays. In the story, my Dad and Grandmother come to see me aboard my ship in the Baltic. That was an experience like no other. Plus, I transfer to my new…

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  34. 1.7 Youngest To Date

    A crazy busy two weeks meant I was a bit behind. But we are back! At this part of the story, I’m about to begin my first week as Activity Manager. It was of learning experiences and valuable insight. Plus, I get some great news from back home. Thanks for listening, now let’s cast off!...

  35. 1.6 Transatlantic Chaos

    A ship never stays in the same place for long. Now it was time for my ship to sail across the Atlantic to our new home port; Amsterdam. That, plus, I get told some career-changing news! Make sure to check out my Facebook page to see the pictures referenced in this episode. Thanks for listening…

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  36. 1.5 Getting the Hang of It

    From being the only Activity Host on board and running around, to getting aboard the biggest cruise ship in the world, I finally feel like I’ve got the hang of this job. Plus a lunch with Angie, my mentor, helps to boost my knowledge of what’s actually going on. Thanks for listening, now let’s…

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  37. 1.4 A Hard Lesson to Learn

    This episode uncovers my first encounter with politics in the workplace. It’s a hard lesson to learn, but an important one to process. And since I encountered this situation, I’ve learned how to approach problem solving mindfully and with compassion; tools that are essential and invaluable in the...

  38. 1.3 Living That Crew Life

    In this episode, I finally have a week to absorb all of the information as it arrives; from trainings to a new manager. All of it is brand new and exciting. Plus, I get to meet Dale, the Cruise Director. At the time, this was as daunting as it was informative. I’ll be doing a Q&A show very soon…

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  39. 1.2 What Did I Just Do? My first day on board.

    My first day on board is met with all sorts of new details and challenges. From not knowing where “Tween Deck” is, to having to do an emergency drill with no training. The switch from being a guest to a crew member is an immense challenge. It is a steep learning curve, but it just makes me think;...

  40. 1.1 Why I Wanted to Work on a Cruise Ship & First Moments

    The story of how I started to work on a cruise ship. In February 2015, I decided to follow my passion and take up a life at sea. The goal: to become Cruise Director by the age of 22. But could I handle everything that working on a ship came with? In this first episode get a glimpse into why I did...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Following the life of Cruise Director Kabir, from Toronto to the 7 seas. Stories from all around the world, both past and present. This is a story of love, acceptance, leadership and empowerment. From attending film festivals and creating a life on land, to building a career at sea, Kabir works aboard some of the worlds best cruise ships. From adventures on board to in port, Kabir shares his story as well as the people he meets along the way.

HOSTED BY

Kabir

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Keeping Afloat have?

Keeping Afloat currently has 40 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Keeping Afloat about?

Following the life of Cruise Director Kabir, from Toronto to the 7 seas. Stories from all around the world, both past and present. This is a story of love, acceptance, leadership and empowerment. From attending film festivals and creating a life on land, to building a career at sea, Kabir works...

How often does Keeping Afloat release new episodes?

Keeping Afloat has 40 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Keeping Afloat?

You can listen to Keeping Afloat on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Keeping Afloat?

Keeping Afloat is created and hosted by Kabir.
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