Fidell’s journey took him from the UK to Melbourne, Australia, where he played semi-professional football and worked as a personal trainer for 10 years. A desire to travel led him to join an ocean cruise line as a fitness trainer. “The two years were amazing and I got to travel the world, but the contracts were too long – eight months at a time. I wanted to be closer to my mother and my sister, who is disabled, after being away for so long.”

A friend suggested trying river ships. “At that time it was eight to nine weeks on board and three weeks at home – I jumped at the chance.”

It was a world apart from the ocean. “With river cruising, it’s more personal. You see guests form real friendships because they’re together all the time. On the ocean, with four or five thousand guests, it was chaos. You’d see someone once and never again.”

A Calmer First Step

“Funny – my first day on board, I asked a colleague where the crew bar was, expecting a big pub-like place like on the ocean ships. Instead, I was shown the crew mess. It took me back a bit.”

But the change was welcome. “Life on the ocean was hectic. Coming to the river was calming. I did struggle at the beginning being the only English on board, but right away the crew made me feel welcome.”

Why Aren’t There More Brits?

Fidell is still unsure. “On the ocean, there’s a lot of advertising in the UK for cruise jobs. I don’t know if it’s the same for the river. Maybe it’s just not on the radar.”

A Global Workplace

Working in an international environment gave Fidell a fresh perspective. “There’s so much to learn – different personalities, different mindsets and how everyone approaches situations.”

Switching Gears Completely

“Going from fitness, which I’ve done all my life, to working as a Sailor was a complete change, but one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

It wasn’t easy. “I struggled with the hours at first. You can be on duty at any time, day or night. And the job itself, – I had to get my mindset into something completely new. I’m still learning on the job. I make mistakes, but I try to adjust and improve.”

Holding on to Identity

“It can be tough at times being the only English speaker. Even though everyone speaks English, it’s sometimes hard to join in conversations the way I’d like to.”

Lessons in Teamwork

“I’m starting to get the importance of working as a team and not as an individual. There have been times where I didn’t realise the impact of not being present or aware – and I’ve been told so. I’m a strong-minded person, but I have no problem holding my hands up and taking it on board.

Without discipline and teamwork, there’s no chance of surviving onboard.”

If I Could Go Back

“I wish someone had told me there was no crew bar,” he laughs.

What I’d Tell Anyone Curious

“I think it’s a perfect opportunity – in all departments – for young people especially. You get outside your comfort zone. You experience different cultures and personalities. You travel. You make some money. And you give yourself a chance to progress.”

One of a Kind, But Not Alone

Fidell might be the only Brit in the Avalon fleet, but his voice represents something bigger: courage to change paths, honesty in learning, and a commitment to growth even when everything is unfamiliar. His story is about more than being different – it’s about belonging in your own way, and helping others feel that they can too.