Gianna Alexis
- Gianna Alexis worked for Disney Cruise Lines on the Disney Dream ship when she was 24.
- She quit after just four months because of burnout and long working hours.
- Alexis said she had to work at least 70 hours a week and was paid less than minimum wage.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Gianna Alexis, a former crew member of Disney Cruise Line. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
I was three years old when I sailed on my first Disney cruise, and I thought it was the coolest thing. It was the best vacation ever, so I went every few years after that.
I had always been excited about working for Disney, so I applied for a job at Disney Cruise Line in 2017. When I found out I got the job, I was so excited I cried.