Career in Shipping has been mostly been seen as a Male Gender bastion. Especially when we consider Indian subcontinent, hardly few girls dared to enter the profession. The Marine World happened to meet such a dynamic girl who has a great passion for sea life and always wants to sail all her life. She is a Proud Mariner. She is presently working with Cruise Liners and very much interested to work on Cargo Vessels too.

Ms. Joanita D’Souza born on 20th October 1981, after completing her education, she worked as a graphic designer and also has some work experience in call center. She is very friendly, easy going, jovial, hardworking in nature and sometimes she is short tempered. She loves traveling and long drives.

Career Option in Shipping

I always wanted to join Shipping Industry. Sailing was like a dream for me. I had few friends in shipping industry. I just happened to see one advertisement in newspaper for Cruise Liners, I applied for the same and got selected. It was a dream came true when I joined on ship for first time in 2004


It is really very difficult to work with 60+ different nationalities. They have different religions and cultures, different ethics & values, different languages etc. Western culture is so different from Indian culture. Initially my contract was of nine months, But now it is for six months.

Proud to be mariner

Sailing is not easy. Anything can happen any time. You are away from your family and completely in a new environment. You have to interact with so many people. Shipping is really a challenging field and a lot of people in India still take it in a negative way. But my experience has always been very positive and adventurous, I believe “Where there is a will there is a way”. I think you should do whatever you wish.

Option for Cargo Ship

WOW I would love to work on cargo ship. I feel that I missed an opportunity to go for Pre-Sea Training for Deck Cadets. I wish if I can get the same opportunity again. I am still ready if when any shipping company has any openings for cruise professionals, I would love to join on cargo ships.

Gender doesn’t matter

In Cruise Liner it really doesn’t matter you are a girl or a boy. You are always recognized by your work. You cannot say “NO” to anything. It is not 9am to 5pm office job.

Future plans

I will be happy to be always on ship for all my life. To be practical till the time I can work or shipping companies can absorb me I will work on ships. I would like to sail till I die.



God is with me-

God new that I am interested for this professional, even though that I don’t have any Hotel Management degree
or diploma I got selected. I do my work sincerely and honestly. Hurdles in cruise industry