Magda, a guest services manager aboard the Star Princess, has lifted the lid on what it's really like to be followed by TV cameras while working on a luxury cruise ship. Her revelations come as the new E4 series, Cruising Paradise: Above and Below Deck, continues to air weekly.
Behind the Scenes on the Star Princess
The series, filmed across Princess Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, follows young workers as they navigate demanding shifts, homesickness, and off-duty adventures. Magda admitted she was excited for viewers to see the "back of house" and "how chaotic it actually is, but in a very energetic and flexible way."
The cameras captured it all, including the "strong sides, weak sides and what makes it all come together." Magda also addressed a common misconception about her role: "The main one being a guest services manager means you deal only with negative guests but that's not quite true. I think I often deal with 10 very happy guests, and maybe, maybe one."
The Hardest Part of the Job
Despite the glamour, being away from loved ones for weeks at a time is tough. "It is quite hard because time here feels like it goes so fast but the reality of the outside world that things are happening, moments are happening, birthdays, celebrations so it is a different time world. We live in a different universe," she said.
But Magda wouldn't change a thing, describing the crew as a "very close family" who work together to make life easier. "When it comes to work everyone knows what their job is and we know that if we all achieve the target our lives become easy," she added.
What Magda Loves Most
Magda, who enjoys exploring destinations with the Europe itinerary being her favourite so far, said: "The best part of my job is between the guests and my team. My team, making them laugh, making them smile and knowing that they're supported by me is a fulfilling moment for me."
She also loves meeting guests from around the world: "I love hearing their stories, so I love every aspect of my job."
Cruising Paradise: Above and Below Deck airs Thursdays at 9pm on E4 and streams on Channel 4.
