From cruise ship to record deal

It’s amazing to think that it was on this very day, two years ago, that I departed my home in New Zealand to take up my first ever cruise contract. Not only would it be my first time working on a ship, but it was also going to be my introduction to entertaining UK audiences; something I viewed as a truly daunting prospect!

I boarded Ocean Village on the Tuesday in Palma de Mallorca. There were hundreds of people boarding along with me, however they were most definitely in holiday mode. I was in more like, where-am-I-and-what-am-I-doing mode !?!



The crew greeted me, with a mixture of smiles and concern… (“is this ‘child’ going to be capable of entertaining our passengers ?!?”) … but, I gradually adjusted to the ins and outs of the ‘cruise ship performer’ job, as well as the needs of the UK audience. Not only that, but when I departed some weeks later, I left knowing that I had met some amazing people, people who I knew would be my closest friends for years to come.

It certainly brings a smile thinking back to my first cruise contract. After all, it was whilst working onboard Ocean Village that record label representatives flew out to witness me “do my thing”. My end of the negotiations, was initially done via the Cyber Café! Now, I’m fortunate enough to be signed to ‘Universal Classics and Jazz’, with my debut album ‘A NEW WORLD’ in stores THIS WEEK!




I'm about to go back on board Ocean Village this weekend to see where I started, so I'm looking forward to singing a song or two in some familiar places. Bring on ‘The Marquee’, ‘Balcony Bar’, and late night snacking in ‘Plantations’! I'll also be finding out what position my album enters the classical charts on Sunday so hopefully we'll have something to celebrate too!

See You Soon …

Will Martin
Vocalist on Ocean Village - Sep to Nov 2006