How We Keep You Comfortable at Sea: An Interview with our Chief Housekeeper

Housekeeping, Behind the Scenes: An interview with Sotero "Terry" Agtagma, Chief Housekeeper onboard the Douglas Mawson.

When guests think about expedition cruising, they often imagine icebergs, wildlife encounters, and expert guides. But behind every unforgettable day on shore is a hotel team quietly ensuring guests feel comfortable, cared for, and at home onboard.

We sat down with Aurora Expeditions’ Chief Housekeeper, Terry Agtagma, to learn what really goes into creating a great housekeeping experience at sea.

Can you tell us a bit about your role onboard?

My role is to look after everything related to guest comfort in their cabins and shared spaces. That includes cleanliness, organisation, linen, laundry, and working closely with the wider hotel team to make sure every guest feels relaxed and well looked after from the moment they step onboard.

On an expedition ship, housekeeping isn’t just about cleaning, it’s about care, anticipation, and attention to detail.

What does a “great housekeeping experience” mean to you?

For me, it means guests don’t have to think about it at all. Their cabin feels warm, fresh, and welcoming every time they return from an excursion. Their gear is dry, towels are fluffy, beds are comfortable, and everything is exactly where they expect it to be.

If we’ve done our job well, guests feel at ease — even when we’re sailing in some of the most remote places on Earth.

How is housekeeping on an expedition ship different from a traditional cruise or hotel?

It’s very different. Guests are coming back from zodiac landings, kayaking, hiking, or snow, often wet, tired, and exhilarated. We’re constantly adapting to changing weather, sea conditions, and daily expedition schedules.

We also work closely with the expedition team, because timing matters. Cabins need to be refreshed while guests are off exploring, sometimes very quickly, so everything is ready for them to recharge before the next briefing or landing.

How do you help guests stay comfortable after long days of exploration?

Warmth and dryness are key. Making sure cabins are cosy, towels are ready, and wet gear is handled properly makes a huge difference. Small things, like turning down beds, adjusting cabin temperature, or leaving things neatly arranged - help guests relax and recover.

We know that a good night’s sleep can completely change how someone experiences the next day of the expedition.

What role does attention to detail play in your work?

It’s everything. Guests may not consciously notice every detail, but they feel the difference. Clean lines, fresh linens, neatly folded clothing, and a calm, uncluttered space all contribute to comfort.

We also pay attention to guest preferences - some like extra pillows, some prefer things a certain way - and we try to remember those details throughout the voyage.

How do you work with such a small-ship environment?

On Aurora’s small ships, you really get to know the guests. That personal connection allows us to tailor the experience more than on larger vessels. We’re visible, approachable, and always happy to help.

It also means teamwork is essential. Housekeeping, hotel, expedition, and bridge crews all rely on each other to keep everything running smoothly.

What makes you proud of the housekeeping team onboard?

Their dedication and adaptability. Conditions can be challenging, but the team always shows up with professionalism, care, and a genuine desire to look after our guests.

Many guests comment on how comfortable and looked after they feel onboard — and that’s incredibly rewarding for the whole team.

What do you hope guests take away from their onboard experience?

I hope they feel they were truly cared for. That even in remote and wild places, they could relax, feel comfortable, and focus fully on the adventure.

Creating that sense of calm and trust is what makes our work meaningful.