What 20+ Cruises Taught Me About Onboarding

Ahoy there, CHART members! As someone who’s had the pleasure of sailing on more than 20 cruises (and three more upcoming), I can tell you there’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping aboard a ship, ready for a new adventure. But did you know that onboarding a new team member is a lot like setting sail on a cruise? Just as a cruise requires careful planning, preparation, and a smooth journey to ensure guests have the time of their lives, so does the onboarding process for your new team members. Let’s dive into the parallels and explore how you can make your onboarding process as smooth as a luxury cruise.

Pre-Boarding: Setting the Course

Before you ever step foot on a cruise ship, there’s a flurry of activity to ensure everything is shipshape. From pre-trip emails detailing the itinerary to apps that help you navigate the ports of call, cruise lines know how to build anticipation and set expectations. Drawing from my 20+ cruise experiences, I can tell you that this pre-boarding phase is essential. It’s what gets you excited for the journey ahead and ensures you’re prepared for what’s to come.

Similarly, pre-boarding a new hire is crucial. Before their first day, make sure they have all the information they need—company policies, who their team members are, and maybe even a welcome message from their captain (aka manager). Just as cruise lines make sure guests are excited about the trip ahead, you can build anticipation by sending new hires a welcome packet with details about the company culture, a schedule for their first week, and maybe even some insider tips to help them navigate the waters of your workplace.

Anchors Aweigh: The First Day Safety Drill

One of the first things you do when you board a cruise is participate in a mandatory safety drill. I’ve stood through these drills on every cruise, and while they might seem routine, they’re vital for ensuring everyone knows what to do in an emergency. In your organization, the first day should include a similar kind of “safety drill.”

This isn’t just about physical safety—although that’s important—it’s also about ensuring new hires understand the company’s values, ethical guidelines, and where to turn if they need support. Introduce them to key players, show them around, and make sure they feel secure in their new environment. Just like how a safety drill gives passengers peace of mind, your new hires will feel more secure knowing they’re in a place that values their safety, both physically and mentally.

Exploring the Ship: Training and Development

One of my favorite parts of any cruise is exploring the ship. Every vessel has its own unique layout, amenities, and hidden gems, and it’s always a thrill to discover what’s onboard. In the same way, your training program should be an exploration of sorts. Let your new hires roam the “ship,” meeting team members, understanding the different departments, and familiarizing themselves with the resources available to them.

Consider a “training excursion,” where they can dive into their role through hands-on experience, much like how cruise passengers might take a snorkeling trip to get up close with the local marine life. The goal is to give them the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their new role confidently.

Smooth Sailing: Ongoing Support and Check-Ins

Once the ship sets sail, the crew’s job is to ensure that every passenger’s journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. This means regular check-ins, offering assistance when needed, and making sure everyone’s needs are met. On my cruises, I’ve always appreciated the attentive crew members who make sure everything is just right. For your new hires, this translates to ongoing support. Don’t let them drift off course—schedule regular check-ins to see how they’re adjusting and if they need any additional support.

Just as a cruise director might suggest the best activities for passengers, managers should offer new hires opportunities to grow, whether through additional training, mentoring, or new responsibilities. Keeping the journey engaging ensures that your new hire will enjoy the ride and stick around for the long haul.

Disembarking: Charting the Course for the Next Cruise

All cruises must come to an end, but that doesn’t mean the journey stops there. On every cruise I’ve been on, the last day is always bittersweet, but it’s also a time to start thinking about the next adventure. Many passengers, me included, often find themselves booking their next cruise before even leaving the ship. In the workplace, this same principle applies when an employee is ready to embark on their next “cruise” within your organization.

Whether they’re moving to a new department, taking on a different role, or being promoted, the transition should be handled with the same care and attention as onboarding a brand-new employee. Just as cruise lines make sure passengers are excited about their next voyage, you should ensure that internal transitions are seamless and filled with anticipation for what’s to come.

Onboarding internal employees into new roles is just as important as welcoming new hires. It’s about giving them the tools and support they need to succeed in their new position. Much like how a cruise line ensures repeat passengers have a smooth and familiar experience, your organization should have a clear and supportive process for helping employees transition into new roles.

By focusing on internal onboarding, you’re not just filling a new role—you’re retaining talent, fostering loyalty, and ensuring that employees continue to grow and thrive within your company. This approach helps employees feel valued and sets the stage for them to make an even bigger impact on your organization.

In essence, think of each role change as the beginning of another exciting cruise. With the right preparation and support, your employees will be ready to set sail on their next adventure within your company, confident and eager for the journey ahead.

Anchoring Your Onboarding Program

So, there you have it—onboarding is a lot like cruising! From pre-boarding to disembarking, every step is about ensuring your new team members are set up for success, just as a cruise line ensures its passengers have the vacation of a lifetime. By keeping the process engaging, supportive, and well-planned, you’ll ensure that your new hires are ready to sail smoothly through their journey with your company.

Bon voyage, CHART members! May your onboarding process be smooth, your team members be happy, and your seas always calm.