The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and togetherness. For those at sea, however, these cherished traditions take on a unique form, as the crew becomes a “ship’s family”, creating festive moments far from home. Captain Jan Ruesch of Hapag-Lloyd shares insights into how seafarers celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve on board, blending maritime life with holiday cheer.
A Hapag-Lloyd vessel gliding across the vast expanse of the ocean, its mast adorned with a twinkling Christmas tree, a beacon of festivity against the night sky. Below deck, the crew and officers’ room each house beautifully decorated Christmas trees, spreading warmth and a sense of home to all aboard.
Christmas on the high seas
“Even seamen are normal human beings,” Captain Ruesch humorously notes. Traditions on board are cherished. Each ship is adorned with three Christmas trees: one in the mast, one in the crew messroom, and one in the officers’ messroom. “On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, we try to mirror the warm atmosphere of home on board”, he further explains.
Festivities typically begin with a speech from the captain, setting the tone for an evening of camaraderie. “I remind the crew that while we may be far from home, we are never truly alone”, says Captain Ruesch. A special dinner follows, during which Santa Claus makes an appearance to distribute gifts to each crew member. The celebrations often include games, karaoke, and even performances by a crew band, bringing everyone together in a spirit of joy and unity.
For Captain Ruesch, working at Hapag-Lloyd is more than a career – it is a family legacy. His great-grandfather served as a captain back in the 1890s, inspiring a lifelong dream to follow in his footsteps. Combining his expertise as a seaman and an IT specialist, Captain Ruesch joined Hapag-Lloyd in 1991 as a working student in the IT department. Over the years, he transitioned between IT roles and life at sea, eventually becoming a captain in 2011.
As Captain Ruesch reflects on his work, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a family-oriented approach: “For me, being a captain is more than just managing people – it is about fostering an environment where everyone feels like part of a family. Just like my great-grandfather did, I want to ensure that we support each other, share knowledge, and grow together. This sense of belonging and shared purpose is what makes our work so fulfilling.”
One thing is particularly important to him in his work as captain: a strong team spirit. “We try to establish a kind of family on board,” says Captain Ruesch. Being away from family during the holidays is one of the greatest challenges for seafarers. “Homesickness is a shared emotion, but it is met with a collective effort to create a sense of belonging on board”, explains Captain Ruesch. The crew’s diversity – encompassing various religions, nationalities, and backgrounds – is celebrated, so that everyone feels included in all festivities. “My team of cooks always prepares a very delicious buffet with all kinds of foods that are appealing to all the different nationalities on board”, tells us Captain Ruesch proudly.
When asked about memorable celebrations aboard, Captain Ruesch laughs warmly and jokingly says, “I always tell the crew during my speech that the ship is the place to create unforgettable moments – but to avoid trouble back home, these memories have to stay on board!” His tone is lighthearted, yet it is clear that these shared moments are deeply meaningful. “Our ship may sail across vast, empty oceans, but with our laughter, music, and camaraderie, we bring a little piece of home wherever we go.”
As the holidays approach, Captain Ruesch offers a message that reflects his warmth and appreciation for the seafaring community: “Merry Christmas to all of you. May God bless you, your families, and your loved ones.” His words are a reminder of the resilience, camaraderie, and strength that characterize life at sea, especially during the holidays – when moments of togetherness become even more precious.
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Source: Hapag-Lloyd
