Career Highlight – Maria Alvarez

On a stormy day in 1982, the sky unleashed a torrential downpour while the ground sizzled from the fierce heat. I was braving the storm in my trusty ’74 Ford Torino, a vehicle that on this sweltering day felt more like a sauna than a car.

At just 18, job hunting was a grueling task, but on that day, desperation drove me onward, making it a mission I could no longer delay.

As fate would have it, I found myself sprinting through the rain, a spectacle for any onlooker, to the doors of Nopal Lines Ltd: a company in dire need of a “telex operator”. The job title was foreign to me, but the requirement was simple: type messages.

By early 1984, the company was struggling, but while many viewed it as a failure, someone saw great potential. The late Ted Arison acquired the failing business, sparking a glimmer of hope.

At the time, Mr. Arison, who owned Concorde Lines, a freight company, was shifting focus from cargo ships to cruise ships. When Concorde merged with Nopal, I saw a chance to move into the new cruise line’s casino department – a decision that would shape my career.

Ted’s generosity was extraordinary; he recognized my two-year service with Nopal and allowed me to carry that into my new role. Since then, the casino has felt like a second home to me. At that time, our fleet was modest – Mardi Gras, Carnivale, Festivale and Tropicale – but it was always vibrant and full of spirit.

The building at 820 Biscayne Boulevard, where we had our humble beginnings, was unassuming. As we grew, so did our surroundings, leading us to move to the expanding Doral area in March 1985. Through the years, the company evolved, but the essence of “Fun” remained unchanged.

The company wasn’t just a backdrop in the tapestry of my life; it was the canvas where my story was painted. As the company evolved and flourished, so did I. I got married and was blessed with a remarkable daughter, Chantelle. Our family vacations weren’t just cruises, they were the moments that built our family memories and milestones, marking significant moments of our lives.

As the years sailed by, my family grew. Two grandchildren, Robert and Sophia, added more purpose to my life. My journey, however, has been equally shaped by the meaningful connections I’ve formed within the company.

What truly anchors me to Carnival is the people – a mosaic of cultures, a symphony of different customs, all united by a shared rhythm. They are not just colleagues; they are family. Together, we strive for one common goal: to find happiness in our work and to make the best of everything.

In this journey, I didn’t just grow older; I grew wiser, richer in experiences, and abundant in memories. As I look back at the path I’ve traveled, I realize that every step, every decision, every leap was worth it! I will always be “Carnival”!!