Although their experiences differ in many ways, Catherine and Mary Grace speak about their individual journeys with gratitude and pride.
Catherine’s day often starts between 4:00 and 4:30, getting ready for a day filled with the usual food preparation, baking, cleaning, and other duties assigned to her. While she has long settled into a routine, four years working in the galley taught her that some days are far longer and more demanding than others.
But for all it is worth, she says some of her most meaningful memories were also made at sea.
Among the experiences she fondly remembers was crossing the International Date Line for the first time, something that has long been considered a milestone for seafarers.
The other thing she recalled was way more personal for her, as in celebrating her 30th birthday on board.
“It is easy to feel the birthday blues when you are in the middle of the sea, but the whole crew came together and made sure to give me an amazing experience that made me happy even if I was not with my family,” she shared, reminiscing the occasion she holds dear.
Meanwhile, it has been five years since Mary Grace started her seafaring career in the galley of Bow Sea, the first vessel that let her dreams set sail.
Beyond the routine work, she found herself adjusting to a life constantly in motion — one where no two voyages feel exactly the same. Somewhere between long workdays, changing ports, and endless stretches of open water, she learned how to build a sense of home even while far away from it.
One of the moments she remembers most vividly was spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve onboard for the first time.
Coming from Lanao del Norte, she was used to celebrating the holidays with loved ones back home. Being far from the people she cares about was difficult, especially with the nostalgia of her usual Christmas holidays flooding her mind. But over time, the camaraderie onboard helped ease the loneliness.
“Though I am far away from home, I can still feel the spirit of the holiday season because of good people, good food, and good vibes,” Mary Grace quipped, adding that she considers the vessel and crewmates her “home away from home.”
Like many seafarers, Catherine and Mary Grace say that being away from family remains one of the biggest challenges of life onboard. Important occasions are sometimes missed, and there are days when homesickness weighs them down.
Getting used to the life at sea
They both find comfort in watching shows and movies. But while Catherine likes to keep herself entertained by scrolling through social media, Mary Grace prefers to be at the gym during her spare time.
Through video calls, messages, and moments shared with the crew, they learned how to stay connected to the people waiting for them back home.
Still, alongside the sacrifices came new opportunities and adventures that made the journey worthwhile.
For Catherine, one of the most rewarding parts of her work is the chance to upskill.
Over the years, she has learned how to make different kinds of bread and desserts while expanding her knowledge of food preparation and kitchen operations.
Mary Grace, on the other hand, says life at sea gave her the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and learn a thing or two from them.
Her job also gave her the chance to visit places she once only imagined seeing and experience a world far bigger than she knew before.
Career and learnings
Travel eventually became one of the highlights of their careers.
Catherine particularly enjoys visiting Brazil and several European countries because of their beauty and culture, while Mary Grace says ports in the United States were memorable for her because she enjoys buying gifts for loved ones back home and exploring the variety each destination offers.
A view from Rotterdam port.
But beyond the places they have visited, it is the personal growth they gained along the way that mattered most. Years at sea taught both women how to become more resilient, adaptable, and independent.
Catherine says working at sea shaped her into someone emotionally stronger and more optimistic, especially during difficult moments.
“Nothing is permanent,” she reflected. “The key is to learn from mistakes, fix them, and move forward.”
Mary Grace shares the same perspective. For her, one of the most important lessons she learned on board is the value of adaptability and discipline.
“One of the most valuable lessons I have learned during my time onboard is to never skip safety procedures and practices,” she said, adding that her experiences taught her to value life now more than ever.
As they continue their journeys, they hope to encourage aspiring seafarers who dream of building a future at sea.
“There are really many things to go through before entering this industry,” Catherine shared.
“But if you really want to become a seafarer, don’t give up because it is worth it.”
“Be patient and be ready to face all sorts of challenges onboard,” Mary Grace said when asked for advice.
“Keep yourself physically and mentally healthy so you can perform your duties well.”
Over the years, the sea has transformed both women not only as seafarers, but also as individuals. The experience taught them to become more self-sufficient, patient, and confident in facing challenges both onboard and beyond work.
