Meet the Captain of Anthem of the Seas
8 Questions for the Man at the Helm of the 168,666 -Ton Ship
Claus Andersen has always been a man on the move. Originally from Norway, the 17-year Royal Caribbean veteran now calls South Africa home — that is, of course, when he is not at the helm of a ship. But what does a cruise ship captain really do? And what’s it like to be the top dog — or Master — of a ship like Anthem of the Seas?
Captain Andersen took a few minutes from his busy schedule to tell us all about his job, his favorite activities onboard and some of his most memorable moments at sea.
- What’s it like to be Anthem’s very first captain?
To be taking our newest ship out into the world is exciting. Anthem is the most technologically advanced ship I’ve ever seen, and not just for the crew, but also for guests. To be the first captain to guide this modern ship through the Mediterranean is absolutely fantastic. I can’t help but imagine the Greek and Roman captains who once sailed these waters. We’re going to have a wonderful summer celebrating “firsts” for the ship and our guests.
- Do you actually “drive” the ship?
Yes. While we have incredible technology that can navigate the ship to any point in the world, or park us within centimeters of our dock coordinates, I still drive the ship. Coming into port or leaving port is still done the old-fashioned way: using the wheel and joysticks, we maneuver the ship by hand.
- What is the biggest misconception about your job?
Many people believe I spend all my time at the wheel on the bridge, but my duties take me all over the ship and, of course, I must sleep. Coming into and out of ports, or in heavy traffic or bad weather, I will be on the bridge, but the Captain is responsible for everything on the ship and that takes a team including a core of first class navigational officers.
- What’s a day onboard Anthem like for you?
I oversee the entire operation of 1,500 crew members and 4,950 guests, so no two days are exactly the same. My job is kind of like a general manager who is also a ship captain; it’s a unique job with lots of challenges, but it makes you feel so proud. It takes a strong team to keep everything running smoothly: the Staff Captain, who is in charge of security, safety, outside maintenance of the ship, and helping me run the bridge operation; the Chief Engineer, who oversees all the technical aspects of the ship; and the Hotel Director, who runs this floating hotel.
- As a captain, you get to see a lot of unique moments onboard. Do any stick out in particular?
I would have to say the day we had a guest return from the clothing-optional Orient Beach in St. Maarten wearing only a towel. He was the last man back to ship so he had an audience of 3,500+ guests cheering him on. His clothing had been nabbed while he was swimming and he had to make his way back to ship with no clothes and no money; it was impressive that he convinced a taxi driver to take him for free!
- What’s your favorite thing to do on Anthem?
The North Star! I was probably one of the first people to try it. The North Star is a huge crane with a gondola hanging on it that can lift you nearly 300 feet over the ocean’s surface. It is absolutely magnificent and a little bit thrilling. Also, I don’t want to worry anyone, but I do enjoy the bumper cars in the SeaPlex.
Royal Caribbean introduces its newest and most technologically advanced cruise ship Anthem of the Seas.
Pool Deck at sunset
Pool Deck at sunset
- What’s your favorite itinerary to sail?
The Alaska runs are very hard to beat. It is truly dramatic to sail past massive glaciers and into places like Skagway that are so much a part of legendary adventure. If you don’t have it on your bucket list, you should.
- Any tips for aspiring captains?
It’s a long journey from finishing your education to becoming a captain — 15 or 20 years — so you must truly be following your passion to work your way through the ranks.
Want to learn more about how things work behind the scenes on a Royal Caribbean ship? Read these interviews with a chef,an actor and an ice skater.
No comments:
Post a Comment