Propelled by People Our Stories

Jenny Dela Cruz

Bartender, Freedom of the Seas  

Jenny “Jen” Dela Cruz decided in college that she wanted to work on cruise ships.  

“I love to travel, so I thought, why not work on a cruise ship and see the world,” she said.   

Following her passion for cooking, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management in the Philippines and went on to work at luxury hotels in Manila and Bahrain. The real-world experience she gained there gave her the confidence to follow her dream of applying for a job in the cruise industry for the first time in 2015.  

Three years later, she attended Royal Caribbean’s open-house interviews in the Philippines and was offered a bartending position on Harmony of the Seas at the Bionic Bar alongside two robotic bartenders. 

She had heard from people that Royal Caribbean was a great place to work, and now experiencing it firsthand, she said Royal Caribbean never ceases to amaze.  

“We’re always coming up with new concepts, innovations, newer ships, and a lot of things for the guests to experience,” she said. “I’m very proud to say that I am Royal.”  

After three consecutive contracts on Harmony of the Seas, she moved to Freedom of the Seas, where she currently mixes drinks for guests at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. 

“I love my work in the bar,” she said. “It’s very fun to meet different people, guests, and other crew members, and there’s always a lot to learn and experience. Royal Caribbean has a heart for everyone, its guests, and especially for its crew. That’s why many crew members want to stay at Royal.” 

Photography by Steve McCurry