New Carnival Cruise Director Offers Insights to Journey
Being a cruise director can seem like the most amazing job in the world – always smiling, sailing around the world, leading the fun, living the best life, right?
While this is all true, one of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest cruise directors is offering great insights into the hard work, dedication, and flexibility necessary to gain that amazing title.
Gabby Gamboa was promoted to a full cruise director earlier this month, following years of effort. She shared her accomplishment and what it required with her social media followers on Facebook and Instagram, excited to make the official announcement.
“Did someone say… FULLY PROMOTED!” she said. “After 3.5 years of blood, sweat and a whooooole lot of tears I am so grateful to announce that I have officially been promoted as a full time Cruise Director for Carnival Cruise Line!”
Texas native Gamboa has worked as a Fun Squad member aboard six different Carnival ships, including two inaugural start ups – a rare and exciting opportunity for any crew member. In her time with Carnival Cruise Line, she has visited 34 countries and undoubtedly shared smiles and fun with countless guests.
She has also covered four ships in the past year as acting cruise director, but has now returned to Carnival Jubilee as a fully promoted, full-fledged cruise director.
“I cannot be more grateful for every leader I have had the honor of working with that saw my potential and helped me get to where I am, by giving me that push and helping me to see how far I really can go,” Gamboa acknowledged.
Many of those leaders chimed in on Gamboa’s announcement to wish her well as she sets sail on this new chapter in her Carnival Cruise Line career.
“Congratulations! Not surprised in the least but the most proud,” said fellow cruise director Kyndall Fire. “Can’t wait to see what is in store for you in the years to come!”
Many guests and fans of Gamboa’s infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy also spoke fondly of their sailing adventures with her, including hopes for more voyages in the future.
From Guest to Cruise Director
Gamboa has reflected that her amazing experiences with Carnival Cruise Line started not when she signed on her first contract, but in February 2020 when she sailed on Carnival Vista as a guest.
She loved the experience so much, including the great energy and attitudes of the cruise directors, that she made the goal the become one herself – a goal she has now realized!
Read Also: Carnival Cruise Director Schedule
Gamboa’s younger brother Jayden, who has Down Syndrome, has also been a huge source of inspiration to her in helping her achieve her goals. She fiercely calls him her right hand, her best friend, and her sunshine.
“When I am on stage and able to have my family there and I see him looking up at me from the audience with a smile and shine in his eye I know I’m making him proud,” she explained.
“I just want to show him it doesn’t matter where we come from or how different anyone is, anything is possible. I do everything I do. I am who I am, for Jayden.”
With Gamboa’s infectious smile, energy, and enthusiasm, she is surely an inspiration for many travelers who have the privilege to sail with her across the Carnival fleet.
So what’s next for the new cruise director? Making sure others can also realize their Carnival dreams!
“To my amazing teams that I’ve had the honor of caring for and working with this past year, thank you for helping me grow as a leader. Supporting you all while you spread your wings and reach for your goals has shown me why I love this position I am in,” she said.
Gamboa will be aboard Carnival Jubilee through May 17. Her next contract assignment has not yet been confirmed but should be posted soon.