Whether it’s an outstanding cruise vacation or a career dedicated to providing those outstanding cruise vacations, all good things must eventually end. For one popular Carnival cruise director, that end has come after nine years aboard various Fun Ships.
Jake Miller has announced his retirement from Carnival Cruise Line with an emotional post on social media to his more than 8,000 followers, sharing his thanks to everyone who has been part of his journey.
“After 9 unforgettable years, it’s time to say goodbye to a chapter that changed my life forever,” Miller said. “Leaving Carnival is one of the most emotional things I’ve ever done—not because it’s the end, but because of everything the journey has meant to me.”
Miller notes that he’s had uncountable adventures along the way, both at ports of call and in sharing the time with various team members during his years with the cruise line.
Both onboard and shoreside team members have been part of Miller’s years with Carnival Cruise Line, from first beginning as an intern to becoming an official cruise director in 2021.
“It was the people I met along the way who made it truly special. Thank you to all of the incredible team members who I had the privilege to work with—your talent, heart, and friendship made every day something I looked forward to,” Miller said.
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On every sailing, it was also the guests who made Miller’s career with Carnival so enjoyable and memorable.
“But the best part? Getting to create joy for millions of guests. Being a part of your vacations and celebrations was an honor I never took for granted. It kept me going and gave me purpose,” he explained.
Miller was the face of fun for guests across the Carnival fleet, including aboard Carnival Magic, Carnival Legend, Carnival Glory, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Sunrise, and more.
His service to the cruise line was also marked with exceptional charitable service. In February 2024, Miller was awarded the St. Jude Champion award at the cruise line’s Entertainment Leadership Conference, in part for his shipboard fundraising efforts in 2024 that raised more than $150,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Miller has not shared what his next plans may be, other than he’s likely remaining on dry land for the time being. He signed off with his signature catch phrase, one that has brought smiles to countless guests for the past nine years.
“Here’s to new beginnings, endless gratitude, and a heart full of memories. Here’s to land life! And for the very last time… Jake It Easy.”
How Long Is the Career of a Cruise Director?
It may seem as though nine years is a short career for a Carnival cruise director, but in fact, the high intensity demands of cruise ship life mean many careers are far shorter than land-based jobs.
Some move on to shoreside jobs, such as company promotions to Fleet Cruise Director, while others, such as Chris “The Flying Scotsman” Williams, retire for family considerations or other opportunities.
Another of Carnival’s most popular cruise directors, Kyndall Fire, offered an insight into the career as she reflected on Miller’s retirement.
“Jake and I started in the Summer of 2016 as a part of the Inaugural Internship at Sea Program. There were 13 of us selected out of thousands of applicants, and up until today we were the only 2 left from that first class,” she noted.
Carnival cruise directors come from many walks of life and set sail all over the world, bringing great fun to millions of passengers every year. Even with a relatively short career, that impact can never be overstated.
