For the 4,200 individuals on the Carnival Triumph, including guests and crew, their 4-day dream cruise quickly came to a halt.  The 900-foot Carnival Cruise Group ship sailed out of Galveston, TX only to get stranded in the Gulf of Mexico for four days.

Guests endured horrible conditions on the ship due to a small fire in the engine room. There was a power outage throughout the entire boat which meant no running water, no refrigerated food, and limited activities. Hungry individuals waited in line for up to four hours for food and received nothing but stale vegetables while the meats and lobsters were going bad in refrigerators. With running water out of the picture guests were given “red bags” to use as waste receptacles, only after there were sewage spills into halls and rooms.  The top deck of the ship had become an area of refuge for passengers trying to escape the horrendous smells and find fresh air.

The crew did a good job of trying to appease the guests with free beer and wine, but that wouldn’t be enough for this situation. With past crisis experience, the Carnival Cruise Group did a noble job of mediating the situation quickly and professionally. Eventually the ship returned to stable ground in Alabama. Vacationers were granted a full refund of the trip, a credit for another cruise with Carnival, $500 and a free flight home, and a complementary hotel room for the night. Carnival Cruise Group was not able to remedy this experience for everyone but they certainly strived to please all passengers momentarily.

Because there is a Bahamian flag flying high on the ship, the Bahamas Maritime Authority will serve as the primary investigative agency for the dilemma, but will receive help from the U.S. Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board.

Our CEO Tara Goodwin Frier has also been a victim of a “cruise gone bad”, but conversely did not go through the same resolution process.  Several years ago Tara’s husband, Ted, surprised her with a 3-day Norwegian Cruise to Nowhere for Mother’s Day.  This cruise was non-stop, going up and down the East coast to Canada and back to Boston.  It was built up by Norwegian Cruise lines to be a romantic weekend getaway.

Upon boarding the ship Tara immediately recognized that their cabin did not have a window, which was a result of late booking. Being as claustrophobic as Tara is this was not ideal, but she tried to keep a positive attitude.  To get out of their cabin Tara and her husband went to grab a cocktail in the lounge.  They were unaware that it would take a little over an hour to receive their drinks, and come to find out the drinks were not what they had ordered.  While sitting in the lounge, discussing the weekend to come, she had realized how other passengers were viewing this 3-day cruise—to everyone else on board, this ‘Cruise to Nowhere’ was the perfect opportunity to drink excessively. This caused the ship to run out of certain brands of alcohol and seemed to be the start of a downhill spiral.

The Friers kept an open mind going in to day two on the boat, but that was quickly damaged when they stepped onto the deck. Extremely rough seas were sending the ship in every which way and the weather was cold, raw, and rainy. Due to the harsh conditions, several areas of the ship were roped off with the intent to keep people inside. Ted had suggested Tara go to the spa to attempt relaxation—a great thought—but because of the situation, peace and tranquility were not on her side. Tara was beginning to feel sea sick from the rough seas, and quickly found that the majority of passengers were feeling the same way.

On the final day while exiting the ship people were expressing their anger and verbally announcing how terrible the cruise was.  Tara admits to kissing the Boston ground once her and Ted were finally off of the vessel. Granted, this disaster was not as severe as the Carnival Triumph catastrophe, it can still be considered a bad vacation.  Norwegian Cruise lines did not remedy the situation as Carnival had; the Friers never received any form of compensation regarding the condition of the trip—or even an apology. There was nothing that showed Norwegian Cruise lines valued the passengers on the Cruise to Nowhere.

Large corporations have a reputation to uphold, whether it is on a national or a global scale such as Carnival or a more personal scale such as Norwegian.  Though each cruise line essentially lost customers for future vacations, the Carnival Cruise Group may have swayed some negative reactions with the refunds and credits they distributed. Everyone makes mistakes, but owning up to those mistakes is what keeps the American public happy and willing to forgive so easily.

The once understated internship has risen in effect.  College undergrad and graduate students are found in offices ranging from major financial companies, to political campaigns, to law firms, to medical offices – essentially, any field in which the student is interested.  This being said an internship is not going to get you a job. It is your performance, reputation, recommendation and knowledge gained that sets a student apart.  So how do you optimize your internship while leaving a lasting impression?

Don’t just meet expectations

Every employer retains specific expectations for their interns: punctuality, competency, reasonable communication skills, etc.  The true secret in impressing your employer lies in your ability to exceed their initial expectations.  Take initiative and be proactive: ask what you can do rather than waiting to be told. Demonstrate adaptability: take on various and differing projects. Constantly remain engaged in both the company for which you work and your role as an intern; strive to impress.

Ask Questions

Nothing demonstrates invested interest more than asking questions and learning about the company for which you work. Ask to sit in on meetings, introduce yourself to clients, and inquire about programs and events.  Vocalizing your curiosity displays a willingness to learn while demonstrating your commitment and respect for both the company and your job.

Be Enthusiastic and Energetic

Pom-poms and cheer outfit aside, it is important to exude overt work-related enthusiasm.  Individuals displaying optimism and a genuine interest in their work prove the most successful interns.  A positive, energetic demeanor shows sincere interest in your role to the employer while creating a pleasant work environment.

Blend in to stand out

Aim to become an integral asset to the work place, rather than simply “the intern.”  Complete projects with little direction or assistance, manage your time well, make suggestions, contribute ideas and create discussion.

Make Connections  

As an intern, your intention is not only to gain invaluable experience but establish lasting connections with both your employer and professional in your field.  In forging and maintaining these connections you generate a network of individuals with whom you may contact in your post-grad job search.

As the competitive job market continues to bear down on college graduates, a successful internship can provide that needed “edge” so many young job seekers lack. The skills and knowledge gained during an internship should be cherished and used to improve your future career. Showing employers your willingness to learn and desire to grow in your industry will only increase your chances for employment. So, soak up as much as you can from your internships because it is knowledge you don’t want to forget.