The Cupertino Courier
News
Monta Vista grad likes cruising around world
By JACK PRENTICE
Cupertino native Debbie Chang knows a thing or two about traveling in style. After all, she has been to nearly every port on the globe over the past 51/2 years while traveling and working for luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises.
From Russia to Tahiti, she has probably been there. As production manager on her ship, she has also designed the lighting for every show, lecturer and celebrity who has come aboard.
Chang first became involved in theater at Monta Vista High School. She graduated in 1994, and went on to graduate from Santa Clara University in 1998. Her education focused on theater technology and design.
Not wanting to settle down into a long-term job, Chang dabbled in many occupations before deciding to set out on an adventure that would take her around the world.
"I decided to work on the ship because it allowed me to see a lot of places in a quick amount of time," Chang says. She ended up not only working on the ship, but also becoming friends with the guests and crew. "On Crystal we have what we call the Crystal family," Chang explains. "For those five years, the guests and crew were my family."
Her most memorable voyage was one that took her all the way to North Cape, Norway, the most northern point of Europe and home to some of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Asked what was the most spectacular thing she saw in all of her travels, Chang replies, "The fjords are gorgeous. They are so still and have an incredible blue and green color. Geirangerfjord was my favorite. It was breathtaking."
North Cape is also one of the few places on Earth where the sun never sets in the height of summer. "We had our crew party at 2 a.m., and it was light outside," Chang recalls. "Coming from California and seeing that was just amazing."
Is there any place Chang still wants to visit?
"I still want to see the eastern coast of South America and Antarctica," says Chang. "Then I can say I have been to every place in the world that has a coast." For the time being, however, Chang is taking a break from cruising and has teamed up with local travel agency Cruise Vacations--run by fellow Monta Vista grads and husband and wife team Shannon and Tom Willyoung. They specialize in finding the perfect cruise for cruise vacationers.
Chang will speak Thursday at 2 p.m. at 21580 Stevens Creek Blvd., No. 105, at the corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Bubb Road, to share her experiences and answer questions from prospective travelers, especially those interested in learning more about cruising in luxury and style on the high seas. Chang's experiences make her an expert on cruising and Crystal Cruises in particular.
Next on her agenda? The 5-foot, 4-inch Chang shrugs and jokes, "Move to Australia and become a supermodel."
For more information, contact Debbie Chang at DebbieChang@SCUalum.com or 408.209.9411.
