Working and living onboard. Loving it.

Niki Christidi Roemmer is a 26-year-old hostess from beautiful Thessaloniki in Greece. Niki has travelled a lot onboard since her childhood and in this post she tells us what's life like onboard, how she manages to combine her work, her passion and her life and of course some of her favourite Greek dishes. 

How did your passion for sailing start? 

"My enthusiasm and dedication to life on the water comes from my great parents.

I grew up in Thessaloniki, on the beautiful beaches of Halkidiki, and my little sister and I went on adventurous trips with our parents during the holidays, for fishing or free diving. My friends already knew that in retrospect I was not only tanned but also had a lot to tell about my adventures from our trips around the Greek islands."

Chilling and working, what more? 

When did you decide to turn your passion into a profession?

"Sailing has always fascinated me. In the beginning I worked in Santorini, but after a year I decided to start my own company John Enzzo Cruises, which today operates in northern Greece. As I worked in this field,  I could clearly sense the joy a holiday at sea brings to travelers, families, group of friends or expert sailors alike. This has led me to turn my work into my passion."

A shot by Niki in one her trips in the Ionian Sea

What makes Greek cuisine so special for you?

"Gastronomy in Greece is authentic, of high quality and traditional and makes a great use of local products, as it has been for hundreds of years in ancient Greece. The variety of recipes from different regions of the country will often include local ingredients. There are plenty of good recipes, which are spread all over Greece, but then there are also special and particular dishes for each region, such as in Corfu, Crete, the Cyclades, etc...

As healthy eating becomes more and more important today, Mediterranean Greek cuisine is also known for its positive effects on the body.

Healthy, delicious, fresh, authentic and varied. What more could you want?"

What's cooking tonight, Niki? 

The most memorable moment in the blue waters?

"For me it is the people around me that make a moment unique. Every second on the sea with my family or with great customers is therefore a special moment for me."

2020 has been a bit different so far, how has it been for you? 

"After having lived in Qatar during the virus pandemic, I am incredibly excited to go back to Greece this summer.

Currently I am on my second charter and it feels like always being on the boat with the clients. Only when we go ashore and see that some shops are still shut it does make me a bit thoughtful. But there are also positive sides for all those who decide to spend their summer on the yacht, because beaches and marinas are quieter and therefore the whole sailing experience promises more peace and relaxation."

How do your guests/crew deal with the situation?

"Oh, they are very happy! Just getting out of their homes again, away from the lockdown, is liberating for everyone and so the customers enjoy every single moment.

We as crew members have to pay attention to more details, like disinfecting the yacht after every single customer or when they meet for the first time after their arrival from the airport. We do everything to make the charter as safe as possible."

What are your plans for the coming months?

"Working, working & working, that means a lot of fun! 😊" The advice I'd give to those thinking to work onboard is that it is important to keep a positive attitude and motivation, so that work becomes a pleasure and your customers become family.

Your absolute favourite spot in the Med?

"The island of Skopelos! I probably got that from my father, because that's where his favourite place for spearfishing is. Since we're at it, I strongly recommend topping it up with my favourite Greek dish Giouvetsi. The combination of meat, pasta and cheese seasoned with a variety of herbs makes the dish perfect, and there is always something left over for the next day. Secretly, I also love cookies, I never get enough of them!"

Another view in the Ionian Sea taken by Niki

What should never be missing on a yacht?

"A loudspeaker! For relaxed music for my clients to wake up to or for a party in the evening. Oh, and a bit of security equipment can't hurt either. I'd say to keep our seas cleaner I'd recommend to exercise leaving as much plastic out of the boat.  Especially plastic bags from shopping. These fly off quickly in the weakest breeze, so let's keep them away so we can have cleaner oceans and beaches and enjoy an environment-friendly holiday."

If you're looking for some recipes ideas to prepare on board, take a look at Niki's recipe Papoutsakia, a simpler and delicious version of the Greek moussaka. Check it out yourself!