A content creator who chooses to spend over half the year aboard a cruise ship has shared a particular habit among guests that she finds unpleasant.
While many of us dream of a life that feels like an endless vacation, Christine Kesteloo, at 44 years old, has made that her reality.
Christine lives on a cruise ship with her husband, who serves as the staff chief engineer. The couple met when Christine was working as a cruise director for Holland America Line.
On TikTok, she goes by @dutchworld_americangirl. Christine turned to this platform to make a living after losing her job during the pandemic. She now spends half of the year sailing the seas while also managing her marketing endeavors and running her business, Dune Travels.
Even with her busy schedule, Christine shared with UNILAD that living on a cruise ship is like being on a “constant vacation.”
Talking about the perks of her life at sea, she said: “I have been to 109 countries. I also don’t have to pay for petrol, food, make my bed, do my laundry or clean my room.”
It’s a lifestyle many would envy.
Christine mentioned she never finds herself bored on the ship: “I have almost three million social friends to entertain. I’m full of energy, and when I am not meeting social media friends or guests on board the ship, I love to recharge my batteries by being alone in my small cabin.”
Despite her enjoyment of guest interactions, Christine noted there’s one behavior from passengers she’d rather avoid.
She revealed: “As far as gross [parts], I don’t like when guests go to the buffet directly after the gym, don’t wash their hands.”
Sweaty hands touching the buffet is something she’d prefer not to encounter.
Christine also pointed out that cruise ships are often misunderstood.
She clarified: “They don’t realize that there are over 260 cruise ships on the ocean every single day. The ship I live on only has 1,400 guests. Very different from these mega cruise ships.
“Most of the ‘myths’ you have heard about cruise ships are wrong,” she added. “Yes, I do drink the water and no you can’t fall overboard unless you are doing something you shouldn’t. Cruising is safe.”
Christine anticipates that she and her husband will keep their cruise ship lifestyle for the “next couple of years,” with planned cruises to destinations like Greece, Norway, and Canada, and an extensive 91-day journey to Australia, Hawaii, the Vanuatu Islands, and Antarctica.
Her husband may retire in the near future, which could mean a return to life on land. At that time, Christine hopes to have something she currently can’t on a cruise: a cat.
“I really wish I could have a cat. I just love animals,” Christine said, also noting, “So does my husband. In our spare time, we watch a lot of funny animal videos in our cruise ship cabin. For now, the sea animals are my friends.”
Christine also misses driving, a reliable internet connection, her family, and a “crisp McDonald’s diet coke,” so she has much to look forward to when her seafaring days conclude.