Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com
This is the fourth installment of our new bimonthly column Crews on Cruise, highlighting the individuals behind the scenes of the world’s most iconic voyages—from bartenders and entertainers to ship captains and expedition leaders.
Tattooing has long been an integral part of maritime culture, and if there’s a contemporary cruise line equipped to introduce tattoo parlors on board, it would be Virgin Voyages.
Emphasizing a vibrant, adults-only experience, Virgin has collaborated with seasoned professionals from World Famous Tattoo Ink to establish a Squid Ink tattoo studio on each ship within its fleet. This fall, the launch of the new ship, Brilliant Lady, will introduce the fourth studio of its kind.
“Collaborating with numerous acclaimed artists makes it hard not to want their designs etched on your skin,” remarks Sokie Macareno Gomez, the manager of Squid Ink, who oversees the daily activities of the upcoming studio.
Macareno Gomez, originally from Baja California, Mexico, began her journey at sea within the food-and-beverage sector of Celebrity Cruises. Now working her sixth contract for Virgin, she acts as a bridge between guests and the tattoo studio’s rotating collection of guest artists. Additionally, she is a professional piercer, accommodating requests for various piercings, from tragus studs to nipple rings.
The roster at Squid Ink features over 150 tattoo artists, each with unique specialties. “Our crew can execute everything from realistic full sleeves to fine line and trash polka styles,” shares Macareno Gomez. “They are also adept at simpler designs, like an infinity symbol with paw prints.” Some passengers have displayed their admiration for Sir Richard Branson by sporting tattoos of the company logo—in one particularly memorable case, a couple on board the Valiant Lady requested matching Virgin Red tattoos on their posteriors.
Interestingly, the movement of a ship does not hinder the quality of the tattoos. “Our artists have mastered the art of tattooing amid distractions, including the natural swaying of the ocean,” explains Macareno Gomez, who humorously reveals that her own tattoo collection includes food-themed illustrations featuring tacos, churros, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
In August, we spoke with Macareno Gomez in Kavala, Greece, where she shared insights about crew karaoke nights, the unique challenges of ship life, and the passenger encounter that inspired her own tattoos.
What motivated you to pursue a career on cruise ships?
“After finishing my culinary arts degree, I found myself unanchored and ready for adventure. I thought, ‘Why not?’ I started as a yellow scarf, the entry-level kitchen role, on Celebrity Cruises. My proficiency in English helped me transition to guest-facing roles rapidly. The hotel director asked me why I was hidden away in the kitchen when I had so much potential. He encouraged me to cross-train for restaurant hostess, which led to two promotions within ten months during my first contract. It was an exhilarating experience.”
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www.cntraveler.com