More Than a Job
Janice Franzino
July 1, 2025
Where do I begin to tell the story, my Windjammer story?
It all started with a want ad in the Miami Herald for a reservation position at Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. I answered it in 1985, and that’s when my life changed forever.
I worked on a ship for a short time and in the Windjammer office for most of my 13 years… I have sailed on every ship Windjammer had: the Yankee Trader, Yankee Clipper, Fantome, Polynesia, Legacy, Flying Cloud, and Amazing Grace. Over those years, I met so many people who are still like family to me — both my co-workers and friends who worked on the ships, and the passengers. I have so many stories I could tell from my adventures, there just isn’t enough time to write them all down.
My first cruise was on the Yankee Trader. What an experience! We went to the West Indies, and when we were on Isle de Sainte, I was one of the last few passengers left on the island. I think they were bartering with the locals - trying to trade me for a bunch of lobsters. It was a crazy night, but we got the lobsters. The French fishermen didn’t get me - ha!
When I went on the Flying Cloud, some of us went snorkeling on one of the islands we stopped at. Unfortunately, I stepped on a sea urchin and then landed on fire coral. It was NOT a pleasant experience. When I returned to the ship, the captain said, “Well, the crew is going to have to pee on your foot to help this go away.” I ended up not having to do that — after soaking my foot in warm vinegar, it finally got better. Needless to say, I’ll never forget that day!
When I sailed on the Mandalay from Grenada, one day the French had a naval ship anchored near us. The captain invited some of their men over for a boat race. Oh my gosh, it was so much fun. One of the pursers and I even managed to get two of their shirts — of course, there was alcohol involved — and we wore them to dinner the next night. The captain just gave us this LOOK, like, “just don’t tell me,” haha.
I have so many fond memories of sailing on all those ships. I got to go on the Fantome out of Caracas, which was amazing, and I also sailed on the Amazing Grace in the Tahitian Islands — another unforgettable time.
But I would say the best thing that ever happened to me was meeting my husband.
It was on a singles cruise aboard the Polynesia, sailing out of St. Maarten. I went on that cruise never imagining in a million years that I’d meet my husband. But I did — on the second night. The rest is history. We’ve now been married for 28 years!
Windjammer wasn’t just a job for me. It was thirteen years of wonderful experiences and lifelong friends. Things I will never forget. By now, the photos have faded far more than my memories ever will.
Happy sailing!
