This is the latest installment of our bimonthly column Crews on Cruise, spotlighting the people who work behind the scenes of the world’s most memorable voyages—from bartenders and entertainers to ship captains and expedition leaders.
When Chief Mate Laci Gist left her lifelong home in Florida for the icy, unpredictable waters of Alaska, she wasn’t just chasing a promotion—she was finding herself. Today the 39-year-old mariner serves as second-in-command on the Native-owned, family-run Alaskan Dream Cruises’ Admiralty Dream, navigating some of North America’s trickiest passages, including the storied Wrangell Narrows. “Just when you think you know these waters, Mother Nature will throw a harrowing tide at you,” says Gist. “I learn something new every day on this job.”
The once male-dominated maritime field is shifting just as quickly. Gist now works alongside female deckhands, officers, and even pilots—at the very top of the maritime ladder—and recalls how the company closed a pay gap in her first season before she even noticed it. But the work also comes with trade-offs: months away from her young daughters and milestones missed back home.
We caught up with Gist in Juneau last summer to talk about her favorite tiny port towns, learning to “read” the personality of a ship, and what keeps her coming back to Alaska cruising season after season.
Why did you decide to work on cruise ships?
“I’m originally from Citrus County, Florida—born and raised. I grew up around boats my whole life. My dad was an avid fisherman, so we were always on the water: fishing, skiing, and taking houseboats out on the Suwannee River.
When he passed away in my mid-30s, it pushed me to take the leap—five months straight aboard with minimal land time. I found pieces of myself I didn’t know existed. My second season was the most meditative. I was mostly at the helm on night watch—just me, the fog, and whales surfacing around the ship. The sunrises were indescribable. It was so very healing.”
What does a typical day on the job look like?
“We carry 44 to 49 passengers and 20 to 23 crew on my vessel. My team covers deck and bridge, galley, stewards, hotel, and engineering. That means safety inspections, rounds, plotting navigation, and incident reports. On smaller ships like ours, everyone pitches in—deck crew might wash dishes one day and help the engineers the next. There’s a lot of laughter. We live in close quarters and become like family, so morale is huge.”
What is your favorite part about this job?
“Learning new ships. Each has its own personality—some stoic, some finicky. The way you treat a ship affects how she handles. Ask any seafarer: Ships have a spirit. Living below the water line, you’re in their bones, and you can feel their attitude. If she’s not happy, she’ll let you know.”