Tattooing has long been a part of maritime culture, but Virgin Voyages is bringing a modern twist to the tradition with its Squid Ink tattoo parlors aboard every ship in its fleet. The cruise line, known for its adults-only, edgy atmosphere, has partnered with World Famous Tattoo Ink to create a tattoo studio experience unlike any other at sea. This fall, they will open a fourth studio aboard the Brilliant Lady, the latest addition to the line’s rock-and-roll fleet.
Sokie Macareno Gomez, the shop manager for Squid Ink, is the person behind the daily operations of the studio. She explains, “Working with so many world-renowned artists, it’s impossible not to want their art on your body.” Macareno Gomez, originally from Baja California, Mexico, began her cruise career with Celebrity Cruises in the food-and-beverage department before transitioning to Virgin Voyages. She now manages the studio and acts as a liaison between passengers and the rotating guest artists. In addition, Macareno Gomez is a professional piercer, handling everything from tragus piercings to nipple rings.
Squid Ink boasts a diverse team of over 150 tattoo artists, each specializing in a variety of styles. “Our artists can do everything from full sleeves in realism or fine line to trash polka,” says Macareno Gomez. “But they’re also happy to tattoo a simple infinity sign with paw prints.” Some passengers even go so far as to get tattoos of the Virgin Voyages logo—one couple aboard the Valiant Lady opted for matching Virgin Red tattoos on their buttocks.
Despite the rocking motion of the sea, inking aboard a ship doesn’t affect the quality of the tattoos. “Artists are used to the movements of the ship and the occasional squirming of customers,” Macareno Gomez notes. “The sea doesn’t faze them.”
In August, we caught up with Macareno Gomez in Kavala, Greece, to discuss life at sea, unforgettable crew experiences, and the passenger interaction that led to one of her own tattoos.
Why did you choose to work on cruise ships?
After graduating with a degree in culinary arts, Macareno Gomez had nothing tying her to home. “I decided to leave and add a twist to my life,” she says. Starting as a beginner cook at Celebrity Cruises, she quickly moved up the ranks, thanks to her fluency in English. A promotion to a guest-facing position followed, and within 10 months, she had earned two more promotions. Her time there was “the time of my life.”
Later, Macareno Gomez joined Virgin Voyages, where she worked her way up from restaurant supervisor to assistant restaurant manager. When she learned about Squid Ink, she was intrigued. “I thought it was such a cool experience,” she recalls. After receiving a mermaid tattoo at the studio, she reached out to the manager via Instagram when she saw a post about an opening for a new shop manager. “You don’t need to know how to tattoo to manage a tattoo shop—you just need to manage the artists.”
A Day in the Life at Squid Ink
On sea days, the tattoo studio is bustling with passengers looking to get inked while they’re at sea. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Macareno Gomez’s days are packed. “I wake up, have breakfast or work out, and open the shop,” she says. “We’re busy all day.” On port days, things are quieter, and she often takes the tattoo artists to explore the local area. “I know where to find the best food, beaches, and activities. Showing the artists around is a fun perk of the job.”
What’s the Best Part of the Job?
Macareno Gomez enjoys the balance of meeting new people and exploring new places. “The crew is incredible,” she says. “I love learning about different cultures and traditions. Virgin Voyages organizes crew-directed events, like celebrating Indonesian Independence Day with traditional food, which is a great way to experience how different cultures celebrate.”
The crew also bonds over karaoke nights, with Filipino crew members often stealing the show. “They’re really good and put all of us to shame!” Macareno Gomez laughs.
The Challenges of Life at Sea
While the job offers many perks, Macareno Gomez admits that working on a cruise ship can be tough. “I miss key moments at home—birthdays, weddings, special events. Sometimes it feels like I’m living a fast-paced life: work, vacation, work, vacation,” she says. Maintaining relationships can be difficult, but she finds solace in food, which she considers her “love language.” “When I’m home, I cook for friends and family or take them out to eat. My 7-year-old niece is the owner of my paycheck,” she jokes.
Dating can also be a challenge, though it’s easier to connect with fellow crew members who understand the unique lifestyle of working at sea.
The Strangest Aspects of Life on a Ship
Macareno Gomez has encountered some unexpected elements of ship life. “We have a freezer on board for deceased passengers,” she says, laughing at the bizarre realization. “That was pretty shocking.” Another surprising discovery? The ghost stories. “I once worked on an older ship and heard some really sad stories about crew members who had passed away,” she recalls. Life at sea can be isolating, and the loneliness is sometimes overwhelming. “Virgin provides access to psychologists and spiritual coaches for crew members. It’s a wonderful program that helps with mental health.”
Despite the challenges, there are also moments of tranquility. “There are these big swings on the port side of the ship,” says Macareno Gomez. “I love reading there. I’ll lay down with my Kindle, just enjoying the fresh air in the middle of the sea when no one is around.”
A Memorable Passenger Interaction
One passenger encounter stands out in Macareno Gomez’s mind. “When I worked on the pizza and pasta station for Celebrity Cruises, I had a lot of scars from the pizza oven burns on my arms,” she remembers. “A guest came up to me and said, ‘I love watching you work. In my country, Greece, we have a word for what you’re doing: meraki. It’s when you put a piece of your soul into your work.’”
The interaction was so meaningful that Macareno Gomez later had the word “meraki” tattooed on her leg, along with a compass rose, anchor, world map, and ship in a bottle.
Tips for First-Time Cruisers
For first-time cruise travelers, Macareno Gomez offers a simple tip: adjust your eating schedule two days before departure. “Change your eating schedule to match the time zone you’re traveling to. It helps your body adjust and prevents jet lag.” She adds, “I survived a 19-hour time difference with zero jet lag by doing this. It’s the best trick.”
In a job where every day brings new challenges and rewards, Macareno Gomez’s passion for tattooing, travel, and people continues to fuel her unique role on board Virgin Voyages’ ships.
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