Crew parties, what ‘to die for’ & the ‘big’ rule: Cruise ship dancer reveals life behind the scenes

Words by Harriet Mallinson

Queen Anne, the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, isn’t just a ship; it’s a floating stage for some pretty cool experiences. Among its highlights is the Bright Lights Society, a chic show bar venue featuring immersive performances.

At the heart of the action is 27-year-old Danika Novelli [below], a British performer making her cruise debut and embracing life as part of the Cunard crew. We found out what life is really like out on the waves.

How to get a job as a performer on a cruise ship

The cruise ship bit of her career was never part of Danika’s plan – “I never thought that I would end up working at sea,” Danika explains to Sailawaze – but the job spec was too tempting. “I couldn’t believe there were immersive theatre shows happening on a cruise ship with singing, dancing, acting, comedy and improv!”

Danika’s journey to Queen Anne started with a self-taped audition in July, followed by an intense two-day callback in London. After showcasing her varied talents, she secured a coveted spot in the cast.

– READ MORE: Complete guide to Cunard cruise ship Queen Anne –

What’s it like to work on a cruise ship?

Joining Queen Anne was a revelation for Danika, who had never been on a cruise before: “I think she sets a very high standard.”

Danika was immediately struck by the sheer size of the ship. “The most surprising thing I’ve found is that you can spend a month onboard and still not have visited everywhere on the ship!” she says.

It’s the motion of the ocean that came as the biggest shock, however. “Getting your sea legs is a real thing!” she insists. “Sometimes when the ship is rocky you can’t walk in a straight line, and it makes you feel like you’ve had too much to drink – even when you’ve only had water and your morning coffee!”

Life as part of the Cunard crew, however, comes with a unique rhythm. Days are filled with rehearsals, shows and moments of discovery in ports of call. When asked about her favourite part of the job, Danika doesn’t hesitate – it’s her fellow staff. “The service on a Cunard ship is unparalleled and everyone is so friendly,” she shares.

What’s the worst thing about working on a cruise ship?

While life onboard can feel magical, there are challenges. “Being away from home [is the hardest],” Danika admits. You miss your family and sometimes being in the middle of the ocean you can feel very far away from reality.”

It’s her toe-tapping shipmates that provide the salve though: “Working on a ship is like being in a bubble,” she says, “which is why it’s so important to have friends onboard who become your ship family. Luckily for us, the Bright Lights Cast are very close, and we have a great time together!”

Behind the scenes of cruise crew life

Being part of the Cunard crew offers its own unique set of experiences. Danika explains that performers like her have some “guest status” privileges, including access to nearly all areas of the ship, but they follow the same core rules as other cruise crew members.

“The main rule is that guests take priority; we always let guests go first in the queue and we always greet guests politely.” Another is their responsibility for the safety and security of the ship. “That is a big one!” Danika emphasises.

The crew’s social life is centred around the “wardie”, the crew bar where everyone comes together to relax and friendships are cemented. “You get the waiters, engineers, entertainers and even the officers there,” she explains.

“We also have crew parties where we are all up dancing! The last one we went to was Afro Beats and it was amazing to see so many of the crew let their hair down and dance! A lot of people on this ship are secret professional dancers when they are out of uniform!”

– READ MORE: Cunard ship to undergo extensive makeover – what to expect –

What is the Cunard Bright Lights Society?

The Bright Lights Society on Cunard brings a fresh, modern twist to Queen Anne entertainment. With three unique shows, there’s something for everyone. Guests love the cocktails served with Bittersweet Symphony and Noir, where raucous sing-alongs to Murder on the Dancefloor are a regular occurrence.

But it’s Fizz that gets the most rave reviews – it turns out we’re all a sucker for a love story. “Guests always say how fun, modern and refreshing it is!” Danika enthuses. “I also think Cunard guests love a love story because there’s always so many couples in the audience who have been together for years and Fizz is filled with romance and good music.”

What do insiders recommend on Queen Anne?

When she’s not performing, Danika loves to explore Queen Anne’s many highlights. She highly recommends a visit to the Mareel Spa [below, left] – “It’s so relaxing and the perfect way to end a busy port day when you’ve walked for miles, and you just need some downtime!” – while dining in the Britannia Restaurant [below, right] is “to die for” with its impeccable service and world-class cuisine.

One of her absolute favourite onboard experiences is Big Band night in The Queen’s Room. “It has the best vibes! All the guests are dancing, and the band are exceptional! You simply can’t just sit and listen; you have to get up and move to the music!”

Smaller, everyday moments onboard Queen Anne are filled with entertainment too. Danika laughs about how some guests miss the signs on the Deck 3 promenade directing them to walk clockwise. “Everyone does the opposite and we look like we are the ones walking the wrong way!”

– READ MORE: What entertainment is on Cunard cruise ships? –

What job comes next after working on a cruise ship?

For Danika, being part of Queen Anne entertainment has been a dream come true, but like everyone, she’s looking ahead. “As actors you never really know what is going to happen next, but I would love to move into musical theatre in London on the West End or maybe even be a guest vocalist on board other Cunard ships!”

Whatever the future holds, she says, “Bright Lights will always have a special place in my heart, and I’d love to return to the role in the future.”