Meet the woman who helps run some of Alaska’s most adventurous cruises

This is the latest installment of our bimonthly column Cruise crews, highlighting the people who work behind the scenes of the world’s most memorable journeys, from bartenders and entertainers to ship captains and expedition leaders.

When First Officer Laci Gist left her lifelong home of Florida for the icy, unpredictable waters of Alaska, she wasn’t just chasing a promotion—she was finding herself. Today, the 39-year-old sailor serves as second-in-command on the family-owned and native-owned ship. Alaska dream cruises‘ Dream about Admiraltynavigating some of the most challenging passages in North America, including the historic Wrangell Narrows. “Just when you think you know these waters, Mother Nature will throw a gut-wrenching tide at you,” Gist says. “I learn something new every day in this job.”

The maritime field, once dominated by men, is changing just as rapidly. Gist now works alongside sailors, officers and even pilots (at the top of the maritime ladder) and remembers how the company closed a pay gap in her first season before she realized it. But the job also comes with compensations: months away from their young daughters and missed milestones at home.

We caught up with Gist in Juneau last summer to talk about her favorite small port towns, learning to “read” a boat’s personality, and what keeps her coming back to sail Alaska season after season.

Why did you decide to work on cruise ships?
“I’m originally from Citrus County, Florida, born and raised. I grew up around boats my entire life. My father was an avid fisherman, so we were always on the water: fishing, skiing, and houseboating on the Suwannee River.

When he passed away when I was 30, it prompted me to take the leap: five straight months on board with minimal time on the ground. I found parts of myself that I didn’t know existed. My second season was the most meditative. I was mostly at the helm during the night watch: just me, the fog, and the whales surfacing around the ship. The sunrises were indescribable. “It was very healing.”

What is a typical day at work like?
“We carry 44 to 49 passengers and 20 to 23 crew on my boat. My team covers deck and bridge, galley, stewards, hotel and engineering. That means safety inspections, patrols, charting and incident reporting. On smaller boats like ours, everyone pitches in: the deck crew can wash the dishes one day and help the engineers the next. There’s a lot of laughter. We live in close quarters and find ourselves We became a family, so the morale is enormous.

What is your favorite part of this job?
“Learning about new boats. Each one has its own personality: some stoic, some fussy. The way you treat a boat affects its handling. Ask any sailor: boats have a spirit. Living below the waterline, you are in their bones and you can feel their attitude. If they’re not happy, they’ll let you know.”