SINGAPORE — If you think navigating a passenger liner up and down the same seaways is, well, simply a cruise, you’re mistaken. “Yes, the routes are the same but the master (captain of the ship) and the bridge team will always go through and scrutinise each itinerary before the ship leaves the port. The shipping lanes here are so busy that you will never face the same traffic situation,” revealed Mark Koh, a second officer on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, and one of only two Singaporeans among the international crew of 1,255 from 54 countries.

Mariner will be ending its cruise season in Singapore this weekend before sister ship Voyager of the Seas arrives end of April. Koh, too, is looking forward to a 14-week break when his contract is up. “I usually spend 10 weeks of it travelling. I love places where there are dive sites to explore — the underwater world never fails to amaze me,” he said. Which probably also explains why the water-lover spends the other 42 weeks surrounded by water.

Q: What is the role of a Second Officer on a cruise ship?

A: My primary job is to ensure safe navigation of the ship. My team assists the First Officer during the watch and make decisions together before manoeuvring the ship. My secondary job is the maintenance of all life-saving appliances on the ship, namely, lifeboats, lifebuoys, life jackets and life rafts. Other than that, the bridge team is also involved in ensuring the general safety of all the guests.

Q: Why is travelling on a ship better than by plane?

A: Cruising allows you to visit multiple destinations in a single itinerary and you just have to unpack only once. You check in, unpack, enjoy the wonderful activities, go to bed and wake up in the morning at a new port every day. How convenient is that? I think sailing beats flying any day.

Q: What’s your advice for making a cruise an even better experience?

A: Come on board with an open mind. Eat, drink and relax — that’s what cruising is about. Try out activities you thought you would never do like climbing a rock wall that overlooks the ocean. Give your eyes a break from that computer at work or from your mobile phone and look at the beautiful waves as the ship glides through the water.

Q: What activities would you recommend at popular port of calls in this region?

A: I usually go for a massage in Phuket; in Langkawi, I will enjoy seafood and relax with a coconut on the beach! SERENE LIM