Konstantinos Theodoridis, the Rhodian captain who “plows” the world’s oceans, speaks to “Rodiaki” from the Caribbean, where he is these days.
As a child in Rhodes, he would look at the sea and dream of journeys to distant horizons. Today, just 35 years old, Konstantinos Christos Theodoridis has made that child’s dream a reality, traveling to almost every corner of the planet. With roots from Xanthi (due to his father Nikos Theodoridis) and a life connected early on with seafaring, Konstantinos belongs to that generation of Greek sailors who keep the tradition alive, while also keeping their gaze fixed on the future.
A graduate of the Syros Merchant Marine Academy and an officer with experience in both the Hellenic Navy and the Merchant Marine, he has crossed oceans, encountered cultures, and been tested in difficult seas — always, with the same passion and deep love for the ship and its crew. During the pandemic, when the cruise industry went through one of the most difficult moments in its history, he remained in action, participating in ship delivery and acceptance missions, while simultaneously completing his MBA in Shipping at the University of the Aegean with excellence.
His career spans over a decade in various positions with major companies in the international passenger shipping industry. He has served as a deck officer in distinguished companies in the cruise sector, most recently with Celebrity Cruises, and has traveled to almost every corner of the earth — Caribbean, Europe, Mediterranean, West and East coast of America, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, and other destinations.
For these experiences from his countless journeys and his life at sea, we asked Konstantinos Theodoridis to speak to “Rodiaki”. We “found” him in the Caribbean and he told us all about his career, the journeys he continues to make with the same humility and emotion with which he started, remaining dedicated to safe navigation and achieving high goals and operational standards for the ships.
And when we asked him how he feels about all this, the answer was clear: “I feel proud to be a Greek sailor and as Themistocles said, ‘We have land and a homeland as long as we have ships at sea’ and that is a phrase that has accompanied me throughout my entire nautical career”!
The interview follows:
How did you decide to pursue this profession and what is the career path you have charted so far?
From a young age, the sea gave me dreams of freedom. A gift played a decisive role: an encyclopedia by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the global explorer of the oceans. There, within the pages, I discovered the true magic of exploration and the search for the unknown. I was born in Rhodes, which is a crossroads of cultures and a hub of global cruising. I felt early on that these huge floating hotels would help me travel the world and discover new places. My choice to become a sailor was born from my desire to be free, to push my limits, and to explore places and situations I had never been in before.
Throughout my long career, I have consistently worked in positions of responsibility in large cruise companies, undertaking leadership roles and guiding multinational teams in demanding situations.
“Every port has its own history, but nothing compares to the awe of returning to the port of Rhodes”
Have there been situations or people who were milestones in your career?
I was truly fortunate to have worked with captains of the old school and they helped me build character. Some of them were mentors in my career and imparted to me values and ethics, elements essential for every captain. A significant milestone was the period of the pandemic, when the cruise industry suffered. Then, through the difficulties, I found the strength to invest in my studies, completing the MBA in Shipping from the University of the Aegean, where I attended leadership courses from Eugenios Eugenides himself and distinguished academics in the field, who cultivated a deeper perspective on the way I view the world.
You have traveled to almost all over the world. Is there a country or a port that has remained unforgettable for you? Why?
Every port has its own history, but nothing compares to the awe of returning to the port of Rhodes. In foreign waters, I single out the port of Havana, where I experienced the soul of Cuba, full of rhythm and life. Nevertheless, I remain proud of Greek hospitality and our maritime tradition.
“Life at sea gives you freedom. Every day brings new experiences and brings you closer to different people and customs”
Is there a particular moment for you from all these journeys of yours?
The ability to lead my crew through a difficult situation and to emerge stronger in the end is always the most distinct moment. What moved me deeply was when, thanks to my immediate intervention, a human life was saved at sea. There you fully comprehend the weight and the greatness of the responsibility you carry.
What is the most difficult part of living and working away from land for so long?
Life at sea gives you freedom. Every day has new experiences and brings you closer to different people and customs. At sea, the limits of endurance are tested daily, something that makes you stronger as a person. However, the absence from loved ones, the distance from the homeland, and the difficult conditions require mental resilience and discipline. At sea, you learn that true strength is resilience and the sense that you are serving something greater than yourself.
“At sea and in life, true success comes with hard work, persistence, patience, and the courage to pursue your vision, even if the difficulties are many”
You certainly have goals, dreams for the future. Is there one of them that relates to Rhodes?
I dream of contributing to Rhodes, by promoting cruising and the exploration of the wonderful seas of the Aegean, and particularly the Dodecanese. I believe there is room for innovative ideas in cruising that will make the island stand out. After all, every day I represent the values of my island with professionalism, respect, dignity, and teamwork.
In every international environment I am not just a professional, but a Greek sailor and a Rhodian, open to dialogue, creative and hospitable.
“At sea you learn that real strength is resilience and the sense that you are serving something greater than yourself”
What would you advise someone who is thinking of following your path?
I would advise them not to fear difficulties, to invest in learning, and to protect their values with passion and consistency. At sea and in life, real success comes with hard work, persistence, patience, and the courage to pursue your vision, even if the difficulties are many.
What is the most powerful “lesson” life at sea has taught you?
The sea taught me that nothing is given and that responsibility always weighs on the one who leads, especially in difficult moments. It taught me to respect nature and people, to remain calm when everything is being tested, and to transmit strength and hope to those around me in every critical moment.
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