The Hotel Manager aboard M/S Quest, Noe de Jesus Salazar, is the one who ensures everything on board runs smoothly, creating the best possible experience for our guests. In this interview by our guide Carina Ketterer, he shares his passion for hospitality, his love of the Arctic landscape, and why he keeps coming back to M/S Quest year after year.
What brought you to work on a ship?
I have always enjoyed hospitality and customer service. Working on a ship gave me the opportunity to combine my passion for service with travel and adventure. It allows me to meet people form all over the world while working in unique destinations like the Arctic.
What keeps you coming back after all these years?
The people, the challenges, and the opportunity to create memorable experiences for our guests. Every voyage is different, and I still enjoy seeing guests leave with unforgettable memories. The teamwork onboard also feels like a second family.
Do you have any hidden skills?
Cooking and baking
What is your daily routine in the morning?
My day usually starts early. I like to review the daily schedule, check operational reports, and make sure all departments are prepared for the day. I also take time to walk through guests area to ensure everything is ready before breakfast begins.
When do you get up – what do you need to check first?
I usually wake up around 6:00 am. The first thing I check is the daily operational plan, guest activities, weather updates, and any overnight reports from other departments to make sure everything is running smoothly
What is the strangest thing you’ve found on deck?
It’s not the strangest thing I’ve experienced onboard, but it is definitely the most amazing.
One evening during a whale-watching excursion, all the guests and crew were focused on the forward part of the ship. I was walking alone on deck when I suddenly stopped and leaned against the railing. As I looked down, a blue whale surfaced tight beside the ship and slowly lifted its tail disappearing beneath the water.
The whale was so immense that for a moment I was completely speechless. I looked around because I wanted to call someone over, but there was nobody nearby. It felt as if that moment had been meant just for me.
To this day, it remains one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had aboard our beautiful M/V Quest, and a reminder of how fortunate we are to work in such an extraordinary environment.
What is your favorite thing to do when you have time off?
When I have Some free time onboard, I love staying in touch with my family. I enjoy going out on deck to appreciate the Arctic scenery, relaxing while enjoying the unique environment we are fortunate to work in and playing video games.
Working aboard M/S Quest is more than a job for me. It’s an opportunity to work with an amazing team, provide exceptional service, and experience some of the most beautiful places on earth. Every voyage is a new adventure.
Thank you very much for the interview and we are happy to meet you again – and again and again (as Noe likes to say).
