Surviving the Holidays at Sea: Finding Joy Far From Shore

For many mariners, the holiday season is not spent around a family table, beside a decorated tree, or bundled up against winter traditions. Instead, it unfolds across steel decks, long shifts, ocean horizons, and time zones that blur together. Yet even far from shore, the holidays can hold meaning, comfort, and connection in ways that look different from home but feel no less sincere.

Women Offshore Ambassador Monica Nancy Candny, a 3rd Engineer with Royal Caribbean International, shared how she brings the spirit of Christmas with her wherever she goes. For Monica, joy is something internal, something she chooses to carry, even when she is miles from home.

“I love Christmas so much that the season naturally brings me joy, no matter where I am in the world. That joy follows me wherever I go even far out at sea.”

Onboard, the festive season brings its own kind of magic. Ships come alive with decorations, lights, and a warm holiday energy that reminds crew members that they are part of something bigger than the distance between them and home. Even small traditions can turn a demanding season into a meaningful one.

Monica decorates her cabin with small touches that lift her spirit, stays connected with loved ones whenever she can, and makes time for the simple joys that help her decompress. Music plays a big role for her.

“One thing that always keeps me smiling is music. I love to make time for a little dance by myself, letting the rhythm wash away the stress of a long day.”

Women Offshore Ambassador Svetlana Klockova also shared her favorite ways to embrace the holidays while offshore. Her advice is joyful, playful, and deeply human: bring the festive spirit with you.

“Treat Christmas offshore the same way as you would at home. Take a Christmas jumper, a reindeer headband, anything that will lift your festive spirit.”

Svetlana also recommends creating community moments with your crew, even if the schedule is busy. Two of her favorite memories at sea came from organizing Secret Santa celebrations with shipmates.

“If you know who will be with you onboard during the holidays, contact them and suggest organizing a Secret Santa. I’ve done it twice. More than 20 people participated the first time, and everyone appreciated the effort. The second time we organized it onboard and exchanged presents on Christmas Day. We still had to work, but it wasn’t a complete Groundhog Day.”

Her story is a reminder that even when routines stay the same, a little creativity and camaraderie can transform the day into something special.

Together, Monica and Svetlana’s experiences show that the holidays at sea may not be traditional, but they can still be meaningful. Joy becomes something you build intentionally. Connection becomes something you create with the people around you. Festivity becomes something you pack in your bag and carry with you.

For every mariner spending this season offshore, we see you. Whether you are standing watch on Christmas morning, celebrating with your crew, or finding small ways to make the days feel special, your resilience and spirit are felt across our community.