Amy Johnson – Below Deck

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What was your first reaction when you saw Kate back on the crew?

A) I had mixed feelings. It is not a secret, Kate [Chastain] and I had our issues season two. So, as you can imagine, I had some reservations working together again. On the other hand, I was really relieved to see her. Kate is terrific at her job and I hoped our past experience would help us grow to be a better interior team this time around.

Q) This season we see you on your own without your brother Kelley. What did you think when he told you he was not returning?

A) When I first found out Kelley wasn’t going to be a part of this season, I automatically said, “There is no way I’m doing this without Kelley.” As I thought it over more and reflected on the personal growth I gained from Season Two, I decided it was time for me to put on my big girl pants and go at it alone.

Q)  How has your relationship with him changed since sharing time together on the Ohana?

A) Getting to work with Kelley on Ohana was the best takeaway for me on season two. One thing that changed was we gained a new respect for each other on a professional level. We have worked charters together since and he is one of my first go-to’s for work related advice.

Q)  Rocky seems to be a standout personality this season. What was it like to work with her?

A) That is a great way to explain Rocky [Dakota]. She is definitely a “standout personality.” She is a very unique individual, a ball of energy. You never know the next thing that is going to come out of her mouth and one way or another she is always entertaining people. Because of her lack of experience she was difficult to work with at times, but what I appreciate about Rocky is that she maintained her humor throughout the ups and downs of the season.

Q)  This is your second season as 2nd Stew. From your experience and seeing yourself on the show, what areas of your life/work did you change going into this season?

A) Technically, I was 3rd stew on Season Two and now Season Three I am 2nd stew – upgrade!!! The main difference you will see out of me this season is a lot less tears and a lot more laughs. Going into this new season I was able to change my perspective and keep my head above water by trying to keep my focus on doing the best job I could.

Q) The premiere started off seeing you create a fabulous foam party. What are some other great activities we will see the guests experiencing this season?

A) Ha! Foam Party 2015!!! The Bahamas is an ideal backdrop for sunset dinners, water activities and the local culture is always fun to include as part of the festivities. We had some difficult weather this season so we really had to be creative and not let it slow our charters down. Stay tuned there will be many other fabulous guest activities this season.

Q) From commercials for this season, tensions seem to run high with the crew members. When you were on the ship, were you aware of the drama and issues between everyone?

A) Yes and no. There is always something going on. Clearly, there isn’t a lack of drama. At the same time, with the different interior/exterior departments, our busy schedule and running around serving the guests, there is a lot of stuff I miss while it’s actually happening. Living and working in such close quarters, it all comes out eventually. It’s just a matter of time.

Q) Do you keep in touch with any of your past crew members that we have previously seen on the show?

A) Being in the yachting industry everyone is traveling and on such different schedules. It’s hard to keep in touch with my family, much less past crew members. But whenever I get the rare chance of running into them it is always a great experience. I ran into Aleks [Taldykin] at the Fort Lauderdale boat show. It was great to see him and hear how things are for him now!

Q) Is there anything you want to be sure we share with fans about the show that they might be surprised to learn about filming Below Deck or being a part of the show?

A) I’ve realized some viewers don’t think we are actually working?!?! That question shocked me at first because we work so hard, but I’ve been asked it over and over again…So, YES we are really doing our jobs – making beds, cleaning toilets, serving food, etc, etc, etc….

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