My name is Daan, I’m 21 years old, and I’ve been working at WestCord for a little over a year and a half. In my free time, I like to work out, go out in the city with friends, or watch movies.

How did you end up at WestCord Hotels / SS Rotterdam?
I came across SS Rotterdam through an online ad. In the summer of 2024, I started working as a staff member in the escape rooms on board. Since the hours there were a bit inconsistent, I decided to get trained on other departments as well. I really enjoy working at SS Rotterdam!

What does a typical day look like for you?
No day on board is ever the same. Since I have a zero-hour contract, I mostly work in the evenings alongside my studies and internship. One example of a busy night is during a Vrienden Van Amstel Live afterparty.

Around 8:00 PM, the shift starts: getting ready, chatting with colleagues, and setting everything up for the evening. By 9:30 PM, the bar is ready and the fruit is prepped, and you can take a short break before the first guests arrive. From 10:00 PM, the bar officially opens and the party starts.

During the night, I make sure the heat lamps and trays are on and that everything runs smoothly. Around 1:30 AM, the first guests start leaving, and I begin clearing the bar and food. By 3:00 AM, everything is back in place, and you can enjoy a small closing drink before heading home.

“Every day is different, especially when you work across multiple departments, which makes each night on board unique and varied.”

What do you enjoy most about working with guests in the Escape Rooms?
I love the interaction the most. Every group is different, and an enthusiastic group can really brighten up your day. I get a lot of energy from explaining the tasks and rules. This job has really helped me become confident in front of a group, even if I don’t know the people yet!

Can you share a funny moment with guests?
At the back, near the computers, we have a sheet where we write down funny things guests say. There are cameras and microphones in the escape rooms (so be nice to us), and if you hear something funny, you can write it on the sheet. I always enjoy reading all the comments later!

What makes working on SS Rotterdam unique?
Everything. The location is amazing, especially with views of the Erasmus Bridge and the Euromast. But the people are fantastic too. Since I work across so many departments, I know a large part of the staff and volunteers, and there’s always someone you can chat with during a break.

The guests also make the job really fun. I’ve been working in hospitality for a while, but you really notice how relaxed hotel guests feel when they arrive at SS Rotterdam. Many guests are also genuinely interested in the ship and all the adventures it has experienced over the years.

How would your colleagues describe you?
My colleagues would describe me as cheerful and social, but also a hard worker. I’m someone who really pushes through when needed, but I also enjoy a joke or a laugh in between.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about working at WestCord Hotels?
I’d definitely recommend it. The company is very open and welcoming. Personally, I’ve grown a lot at WestCord, and I’ve also met a ton of fun, kind people along the way!