James Deering planned on being either a professional photographer or a psychologist. Instead, it was the call of the sea that steered his life. For 16 years now, the American citizen and Tokyo resident has held management positions on the world's biggest cruise lines. In a few days, he will don his uniform, four gold stripes on each sleeve, and set sail, managing what will be his 30th ship.
The 58-year-old Deering rose "through the ranks on the food and beverage side" to become general manager, or hotel manager, as it is called on some lines. One of four senior officers along with the captain, chief engineer and staff captain, Deering will be on duty 20 hours a day, seven days a week and "running every minute."
Deering's job entails near-overwhelming responsibility. Burnout comes quickly. "The energy levels that you have to maintain are just so high."