Meet Rovelyn Mae: Preparing for a future in Solvang
After three years in school and one year of training on board Clipper Victory and Clipper Posh, cadet Rovelyn Mae Ramirez (25) is ready to set sail for good with Solvang.
The waves of the sea are calling for Rovelyn. The 25 year-old smiling woman from Cebu, Philippines, has just checked out of Solvang’s cadet programme in Manila and boarded a plane home for a Christmas break. Now she just waits for a call to show up on Clipper Enyo.
“I almost can’t wait to pull on my uniform and start my service as an able seafarer,” Rovelyn says.
Her training was carried out on Clipper Victory and Clipper Posh. She has yet to acquaint herself with all the modern facilities on board Solvang’s top notch E-class vessels.
“The E-class has a special star in my book.”
Stepping stone to independence
Rovelyn grew up with her aunt and uncle, and her cousin, which she recognizes as a blessing.
“I still stay with them when I´m at home, and occasionally I meet my biological parents, brother and sister too,” Rovelyn says, smiling.
It was her cousin’s husband who encouraged her to choose a maritime career back in her school years.
“He already worked in the maritime industry when I was attending high school, and he told the family that I had a potential for seafaring,” Rovelyn says.
When an agent from Solvang later showed up in her senior high school class, Rovelyn decided to apply for Solvang’s cadet program. Being admitted on the first day of tests, she started four years of maritime education and vocational training. Her development was fundamental, both as a maritime
professional and as a human.
“I remember hanging out in the dormitory on Christmas eve in 2020, during the covid lockdown, unable to stay with my beloved family. That experience was a stepping stone into my own life as an independent person,” Rovelyn recalls.
The family on board
As a young cadet, Rovelyn relies on experienced colleagues and dedicated leaders on board, to give her the confidence and routines of an able seafarer.
“To my colleagues across Solvang’s fleet—women and men—I want to say thank you for the teamwork, mentorship, and trust. Let’s all keep supporting each other, pushing for excellence, and showing what we can achieve together,” Rovelyn says.
To have a good variation of life on board, the young cadet has learnt to fill her spare time with activities:
“I love singing! And I practice zumba, an aerobic fitness workout dance which is funny. We have bingo nights, and the crew gather as a community. My female colleagues encourage me to open up and share my views and
thoughts, because everything starts with people,” Rovelyn says.
When asked about her future, the young cadet reveals bold dreams which all involve Solvang:
“My first huge achievement will be when I become an able seafarer early in 2026. After this, I will earn myself with as many new responsibilities as I can, eventually getting to contribute as an officer who others can rely on. And I want to inspire more women to work on board Solvang’s vessels! It’s all about believing in yourself - and earning the trust from your fellow crew. Who knows who will stand tall on the bridge as a captain one day!” Rovelyn says with a big smile.
