Alexandra Olsen’s life has always been at sea. From her first cruise at just 4 months old to celebrating her first birthday in Alaska, she has spent most of her childhood aboard Royal Caribbean ships.
At a Glance
- Alexandra Olsen, daughter of Captain Tor Olsen, has lived on cruise ships since infancy.
- She shares her unique upbringing on TikTok, where her videos have gone viral.
- Her family’s routine follows her dad’s schedule, from early morning meetings to crew celebrations.
- The story highlights the blend of adventure and longing that comes with a life at sea.
A Life Aboard From Birth
Alexandra Olsen, first mentioned here, grew up in a world where the horizon was a constant backdrop. Her father, Captain Tor Olsen, 63, has been sailing with Royal Caribbean for nearly 39 years. The family’s life is dictated by the ship’s timetable, with mornings often starting before dawn.
The Rhythm of a Captain’s Family
“Since most mornings he’s up really early – sometimes a 4:15 a.m. wake-up for arrival – we don’t interrupt his nap time,” Alexandra explains. The family’s schedule revolves around her dad’s duties, making every moment on deck carefully planned. When free time does arise, they fill it with card games, walks around the ship, and chats with crew members.
Learning at Sea
“Talk about a cool classroom,” she says, recalling geography lessons in far-off ports and counting nautical miles as part of the curriculum. Her mother signed her out of school and carried her homework aboard, ensuring that education continued at sea. The ship’s varied ports provided a living textbook for Alexandra’s studies.
Moments of Longing
While her childhood was filled with awe-inspiring experiences, it also meant moments of longing. “My dad missed birthdays, Christmases, prom and even my birth by 10 hours,” she says. The distance between family and her father’s duties created a sense of missing out, but it also became a part of her identity.
Lessons from a Leader
Alexandra admires her dad’s leadership. “I can’t even begin to explain how proud I am to call him dad because I know he’s a phenomenal leader and incredible father,” she says. She hopes to one day inspire others like him, drawing on the lessons she learned from his dedication.
Viral TikTok Stories
Recently, Alexandra opened up about her unusual upbringing on TikTok, and the videos have gone viral, racking up thousands of views and hundreds of comments. “I always get asked what it’s like, so now I’m just trying to show what life is like because not many people probably experience growing up like this,” she says.
Family Bonding Across Distances
When they’re apart, Alexandra and her family stay connected via Facebook Messenger or FaceTime. Before social media, handwritten letters bridged the distance, a tradition that left lasting memories. The technology has made it easier to share daily moments, even when the ship is halfway around the world.
Looking Forward
Alexandra continues to embrace life at sea, traveling whenever her dad is at work and she can secure PTO. She plans to keep sharing her adventures, hoping to give others a glimpse into a world few will ever know.
Activities on Deck
- Card games with crew members
- Walks around the ship’s promenade
- Attending shows or karaoke sessions
- Planning dinners at the Windjammer or specialty restaurants
- Sitting on the bridge during departures and arrivals
Timeline of Key Events
| Event | Approximate Age | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First cruise | 4 months old | Journey through the Panama Canal |
| First birthday | 1 year | Celebrated in Alaska |
| Viral TikTok | Recent | Thousands of views and comments |
| Shared adventures | Ongoing | Daily social media posts about life aboard |
Alexandra’s story is a testament to the unique blend of adventure, sacrifice, and family that defines life aboard a cruise ship. Her viral TikTok videos have opened a window into a world that few get to see, while her respect for her father’s leadership shows the lasting impact of a life at sea.
