Another great benefit is that I get to bring one guest at a time, such as a friend or family member, for free, for up to half of my contract, as well as a discount for family and friends that want to book a cruise while I'm on board." Getting hired is often a matter of persistency. — Bethany, "Understand that my fun and exciting experience working on the cruise ship is extremely rare! Working on a ship means you live and work onboard. It’s been an overwhelming few weeks for most of the world as spikes in new COVID-19 cases have picked up again across the globe. (Yes, she was married.) As a performer, I have an awesome schedule because I only have shows at night, leaving my days entirely free to get out in port and explore. In my position, we generally accompanied the guests on their excursions. We talked to a dancer, a pianist and vocalist, a fitness instructor and spa manager, a wig designer and stylist, a groups and event manager, an English hostess, someone who worked with the kids' program and in future sales. Fellow Cruisers: For the life of me, I have no clue what makes some people lose all coothness when they get on a cruise ship. There were no limits to where I could eat or what I could do on the ship. — Katie, "Any time you have that many people in such an enclosed space, it becomes a breeding ground for germs. — Alissa, "The passengers were so varied, it is hard to say. Units range in price from $43,000 to $165,000. These courses are held at a variety of training centers that are focused on different aspects of crew training. Find out more about working abroad. Staff meals are prepared by dedicated crew cooks in a separate galley. Sure, we sleep in closet-sized … I was also in plainclothes daily and had a pretty cool job on the ship, so I'm sure that factored into my privilege in this area." If we weren't assigned to an excursion, we were able to explore." For the most part, I wasn't required to be in passenger areas so it was easy to escape. Most of them aren't getting paid well enough according to U.S. standards and have to bunk in tiny rooms together. What makes cruise ship employment so unique? — Katie, "For me, it was feeling unvalued. And you get sick of the food pretty quick. I knew he only worked at that one location on the ship six days a week for long hours so I just avoided that area. — Angela, "Beyond working and traveling to new places, cruise ship life can be transformative. Very few people will be thinking about the hard work it takes to make a cruise successful and enjoyable for its passengers. Everyone wanted to date officers. He called my room repeatedly and told me he was in love with me. It costs extra. We have an awesome secret part of the boat all to ourselves. … As for crew, well that's another story. However, it takes a very particular personality to work on a cruise ship — it's an introvert's worst nightmare. Then, I was hanging out at the pool one day, but he came and found me. Cruise Critic met a couple with four children who bought an ACM home three years ago. However, one of my favorite embarkation experiences was in Malta. A few friends did have significant others on the ship. I was contracted at about $1,155 per week. When Are Cruise Lines Around the World Expected To Resume Service? So, $165 per day for all seven days in a week regardless of if I was working or not. As a creative with a design role, I qualified for a single berth cabin and got to live like the passengers on the ship. More than that, you'll get stuck in the lifestyle and find it next to impossible to live on land." The folks we interviewed worked for Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Renaissance Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Crew definitely slept with passengers. In actuality, they hire many people from around the world for a whole host of positions. Going through the check-in and check-out process with everyone else weekly was a drag. — Lisa, "I’ve heard things have changed a lot from my time on board and that dancers have a lot more duties throughout the day now. However, the fact that cruise ships are attractive places to work can be deduced from the number of employees -- often including many members of the same family -- that work for the same lines for many years. — Kelly, "If you can work on a cruise ship, you can handle anything life throws at you. "I went to Europe, Canada, South and Central … This only allowed time to jump off, grab a bite to eat somewhere other than the ship, maybe a stock up on toiletries or essentials. This couldn't be further from the truth. Staff was getting concerned that he was either dead or dying, and we called the medical crew to check him out. Additionally, the line says that many potential crew members apply for jobs after hearing about employment opportunities from friends and family members who already work for Royal Caribbean, and there is never any danger of a shortage of staff. Seniority does lead to benefits, such as more flexibility with contracts, getting preference for working on specific ships and career growth opportunities. In a nutshell: cruise ship work is actually really difficult. It's a type of education that's hard to find anywhere else. I think he had people watching me! Every once in a while I’ll get a listener email that would fall into the opinionated category. Plus, even though you may love your fellow shipmates, being in such close quarters all the time can wear on you." Regardless of the role employees take, they can expect to work hard. As an on-board member of staff you'll see far-flung destinations such as the Caribbean, South America, the Mediterranean, Europe and Asia, and all costs are covered. There was quite a bit of cheating on the ship. Apart … The line itself was a bit cheap so the clientele tended to follow suit. The home-sharing platform proved that this week by canceling the reservation of a customer who used Airbnb to rent a pr. Ahead, these women share the best and worst parts about the job and even spill some juicy stories from their time on board. For instance, many chefs return to their homelands and open restaurants. and get back to the boat! They made more money and had single cabins. The employee bar had discounted drinks for crew members, and that's where the action happened! I was hired to work on a 120-passenger international-expedition ship called Clipper Adventurer, flagged out of the Bahamas. I don't think other workers onboard had that same opportunity. People who work on cruise ships work varying hours every day of the week for the duration of the contract. Someone would fill a kiddie pool with jello and people would wear crazy costumes and wrestle. Other languages, like German or French, generally had translating duties. Free Food. Most new crew members start in entry-level positions, but ambitious cruise ship employees can rise through the ranks. We also had our own bar and we had theme parties every week. Another guest looked me in the face once and told me I was the worst musician he'd ever seen. If you receive no reply after a few weeks then contact them again sending a thank you and follow-up letter. My favorite was a toga party." — Katie. It's like high school." There are cliques, and the rumor mill is immensely active. The most obvious benefit of working on a cruise ship is the opportunity to travel the world. I dated many of the people I worked with. Working on a cruise ship is a great way to save money and also a great way to spend money. Even for crew members, there's no shortage of food on a cruise ship! — Bethany, "The passengers were friendly drunks! — Lisa, "Absolutely! Some were very aggressive. 2006: Workers clean the windows of the Carnival Liberty Cruise ship after more than 700 passengers and crew were stricken with what appeared to be Norovirus. — Angela, "Often passengers would recognize the dancers and loved to say hi or chat. Single rooms are tiny, too, but if you manage to get one, you'll basically be treated like a god. In theory, they could work four months, take two months off and then return to the ship for the second segment of the contract, but most choose to work it all in one go. I explain that living on a cruise ship is like living in a college dorm, but no one has any homework. Cruises Aren't Really All-Inclusive. Is this a full time job? I also had room and board fully covered. (Although some … I aced that pitch and won $20,000 that September when I returned so having that extra time to focus on CosmoSafe paid off!" An empty bottle of vodka fell out of his bag and onto the floor. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. I was able to go on many tours through the shore excursions department. — Angela, "Norovirus! — Angela, "It was hard to miss things at home. It took us a while to figure out why she knew things that she shouldn't." — Bethany, "I had a stalker my last few days on the ship! Hate is such a strong word. Interviews normally take place in Cape Town or Johannesburg. — Kate, "I did get paid fairly, but I also negotiated everything. In general, employees stick to one RCCL cruise line (such as Royal Caribbean or Celebrity), but some do move across brands. I received a small stipend but was mostly commission-based. However, stop after three to five years. There are no holiday entitlements, but crew members can choose when they take the six- to eight-week break that automatically comes with longer contracts. They may think they’re going to hate it. The three hours or so I'm performing each day is the easy part, however, I still have to be ON those other 21 hours. We were gearing up to pitch to Daymond John for the Miller Lite Tap the Future Competition at that time. In total, the company employs 11,000 Filipinos, making up 14 percent of its seagoing employees. "Honestly, most of the passengers I meet are the nicest people in the world. He was from an island and started telling me his whole life story when I bought a drink at the regular bar. While working on a cruise ship is truly a once in a lifetime adventure, and pretty luxurious (imagine port time off in Tahiti one day and an overnight in Maui a few days later) in the end it is still a ‘job.’ If you show up onboard expecting to get weekends off and to see each and every port then you will be disappointed. I always say it was the best of times and the worst of times, but I wouldn't change anything." Cruise Tipping and Salaries Dissected, Life Lessons Learned from 'The Love Boat'. I did fly home after a family member had a very rocky recovery from surgery and I needed to be back." — Angela, wig designer and stylist, "It was amazing to have a secure, semi-long term dance job while traveling the world with people from practically every corner of the globe." When I came in to announce that the gangway was open to embark, one man lay on a chair and wouldn't wake up. People have a hard time hating cruising. I would have people come to my free classes and workshops, but not the paid ones. We didn't have a ton of downtime, but managed to make the most of what we did have." I had great benefits including health insurance, which I hadn't had in a few years. I had windows there, so I didn't get sick. Royal Caribbean Group Sells Popular Cruise Line, Mandatory Vaccines and More (Video), MSC Cruises to Restart Cruising in the Mediterranean From Sunday; Costa Delays Until March, More Ship Sightings: Updates on Cruise Ships Worldwide. The one guy who wasn't in our group was always in the front, which also set him up to be in the lead again because he had more clients. They may want to hate it. — Alissa, "Yes, but there really wasn't enough time off to explore properly. That's when the seasickness came swiftly and without mercy for a week." And most of them were not fitness-focused. There is a lot of jealousy. During the courses, staff are provided with on-site accommodation and all meals. — Katie, "The cruise line I have worked for is not known for attracting as much of a 'party crowd' as other cruise lines are notorious for, so annoying drunk people onboard are not a daily occurrence, but of course, they come with the territory. The turn around time between guests isn't that long. The only bills I really have to pay are for my cell phone and wifi. We didn't get benefits. — Kate, fitness instructor and spa manager, "I was the voice over the tannoy on embarkation days which I, "The worst experience was between having to do a weekly room lottery and the spotty internet service that I had to pay an arm and a leg for. Employment on a cruise ship is DEFINITELY a full time position. For example, we met Dennis Logdat, who joined RCCL in 2006 as a commis (apprentice) chef and got promoted to a chef de partie (line cook) and first chef de partie before taking up his present role as a sous chef. I saw Machu Picchu, penguins, glaciers, and even went on a dog sled!" Back in the early days of cruising, ships divided their crew dining … I did get free access to all the events on the boat. Here's what we learned, including 10 facts about working on a cruise ship … Working on a cruise ship it’s definitely not a walk in the park. We were a tight group nicknamed the Spafia. Upon successful completion of their training, crew members are offered a contract, typically ranging from two to nine months. I met a bartender who was trying to hit on me. Usually one, if not both, was not aware of the other. To be honest, it’s already hard enough to work at a restaurant on land. I also got paid daily and only had to work once a week." RCCL provides a long-term commitment to renewing contracts to provide crew members with the financial stability to take out mortgages. My pay rate was also uncommon. I was scared. You … — Kate, "Passengers were pretty cool. There was partying pretty much every night and booze was super cheap for crew, so drunkenness was pretty par for the course." • It's a great job for people who want to travel and meet new people. I went on tours with the ship's photographers, and they gave me photo lessons. It's a common misconception that life as a cruise ship worker is just one big holiday. It sounds terrible, but ship life can be a suffocatingly lonely life and a short term contract romance can generally ease the pain. — Katie, "Working on a cruise ship is a bit like being back in high school. When we were in port, we went to restaurants, hikes, and tours. The cruise ship life can be hard work but also very rewarding. Royal Caribbean To Keep Quantum of the Seas in Asia, Cancels Ship's 2021 Alaska Season. — Lisa, "Oh, definitely. They broke it down daily though. You're on vacation!) The drunk crew members were more entertaining than the drunk passengers because of their drama." A typical ship has crew represented by 60 countries. You get to really know some of the passengers, especially on the longer cruises and I keep in touch with many of them via email and social media even when they go home. Yet, the majority of our team were massage therapists and most of the customers didn't want to buy face cream or whatnot. — Katie, "Most of my stories involve one of my managers. There were a lot of complaints. — Lisa, kids' program, cruise staff, future sales, and loyalty ambassador, "The most challenging part was cabin fever. — Alissa, "There were a few occasions that the sea got the better of me. As cruise ship vessels are manned around the clock, crew members have access to food and drink 24/7. This also means it is a 7-day work week with 10+ combined hours per day. Then I used the rest of the time to get off the ship or to work on my beauty tech startup, CosmoSafe. Somehow he figured out what room I was in. I hid out on my room the last three days on the ship." If these are problems for you, then a cruise ship will probably not be a good environment for your work. Just because the buffet is near the pool doesn’t mean it’s ok to get your Caribbean jerk chicken, black beans, and fried plantains while not wearing shoes or a shirt. Doesn’t matter if you are the captain, a watch seller or a waiter: food is free. The first few weeks on the boat, I was okay. I had a lot of free time and had a chance to connect with people from different places. — Kate, "I could (and did) write a book about this. It was common for many crew members to have an onboard partner in addition to a married partner at home and/or on another ship. The Best Travel Bags For Long-Weekend Survival, We Found Long-Term Airbnb Rentals With Very Strong WiFi. But at sea, it’s … They're supportive, fun, and just happy (Why wouldn't you be?! — Katie, "I think I get paid very well to work onboard. On ships, it spreads quickly when people don't wash their hands and then touch the food serving utensils and other shared items." Cruise ship work is certainly intense, you work long hours, rarely get a day off and don’t get to go home at the end of the day. I had a sea view room. Whenever I leave my room, even if it is just to run upstairs and grab a quick lunch, I represent the company and need to dress and act like it. Royal Caribbean even has a street named after it in one of the ACM villages. I also received a per diem each time I had to pack up and leave the ship to switch rooms as well as a kit fee for my wig kit." If you are not working in your department, you have free time. With the doctor on his way, one of the security staff went over and picked up the sleeping man. By the time your shift ended in the morning, you might have a few hours in the middle of the day before being back on shift in the afternoon. Similarly, there are plenty of families who work together on cruise ships (and many apply for jobs after talking to relatives who work in the industry). While not revealing specific figures, RCCL says its employee retention record is above the industry standard and crew members choose to stay with the company rather than jump ship to another line. If you are in relatively good health, the risks may be acceptable. I never had any trouble with passengers. Having no one paying for my services meant that I didn't get paid. They also had better connections, so if you ever got yourself into trouble or needed something that you couldn't bring onboard, your officer boyfriend or girlfriend could generally help you out. I remember laying in the fitness studio on a mat for an afternoon. Here's what we learned, including 10 facts about working on a cruise ship you might not know. For example, Royal Caribbean sends staff to a dedicated center for safety and hospitality and catering courses that is situated close to Manila. I could save one third of my salary easily and have a decent amount to spend during the month before the next pay day. In the case of rough sea, prevention techniques included pasta, beer, bread, and apples." Thirsty for a beer or soda? They work together on Enchantment of the Seas and when they are away their children are cared for by their maternal grandmother, who moves into the house for the duration. Amazingly, seeing as we worked together, were roommates, ate, and went out together, we had very little conflict." The next step on the culinary rung is executive sous chef, just one step away from his ultimate goal of becoming the executive, or head, chef on a cruise ship. She knew that we were all pretty tight and would play all these weird games to try to create drama and break us up. The cruise ship will be brought into a noncommercial port. Many people played video games and watched movies. At the same time, I know a lot of happily married couples who met on cruise ships." Cruise ships may be a lot of things, but, floating hospitals they are not! However, when I was working, we had, "Yoga, naps, layout at 'Crew Beach,' a private area under the bridge where crew members would go to tan, explore, chain-smoke, party at the Crew Bar. — Angela, "Not too much when it comes to passengers. They rarely ever get a moment to get off and explore the locations like I did." There are many who have clocked 10 or more years of service. I had to unplug my room phone! The terms of their contracts specify break and meal times, so even the busiest crew members will always have set rest breaks when they have time for a snack or main meal. — Alissa, "A ship is never fully clean and the potential of catching something is big. However, the majority of clients were lovely, grateful, and very interested in life onboard." Just don’t hate on the towel animals. You have to remember too that in addition to a salary, almost all of my living expenses are paid for when I'm onboard — rent (I always get my own cabin with a double bed, which is a BIG deal in the cruise crew world), food (same facilities as guests), medical expenses onboard, laundry, gym, etc. The basics of working a cruise ship job. Then I was transferred to hidden a part of the ship where executives stay. In addition, Filipinos speak English (the official language of the Philippines) and are renowned for providing service with a smile -- two skills important when working with cruise passengers. From crazy hours to lots of partying, here's what they had to say. I actually ended up leaving fitness for a while, because of the experience." That said, the idea that living on a cruise ship is an alternative to nursing care is unrealistic, at best, and dangerous, at worst. — Angela, "When I first started working on ships, I would get seasick all the time and trust me, I've tried every remedy — ginger, green apples, wrist bands, ice. Then I saw how the kitchen crew, hair salon workers, and even the dancers were cooped up living four people to a room. I'll never forget trying to perform while a very intoxicated 80-year-old woman was running around the venue, throwing her shoes at security." If you think of a cruise ship like a big party, the … If you are thinking about working on a cruise ship, it is worth considering both the pros and cons before going ahead and looking for a job. Courses typically last 13 weeks and are filled with practical and classroom-based sessions, a full overview of the department in which they'll be working and job-specific training. Many have offered me a place to stay if I'm ever visiting their hometown and many want to know which ship I'm going to be on and when, so they can book their vacations accordingly. Working on a cruise ship is one of the strangest and most rewarding jobs in entertainment. It was early morning, 8 a.m. or so, and some of the passengers had been waiting hours in the terminal for the ship to arrive. Another ex-crew member described working on a cruise ship as a female was like being in “Rapetown, U.S.A.” On top of all this harassment and even consensual sex going on, one cruise line in particular has stopped offering emergency contraceptives. — Katie, "For the right person, it is a dream job. Cruise Critic was provided with a fascinating glimpse into careers at sea, and life behind the scenes, when Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) let us tour its crew training and housing facility in the Philippines. New cruise ship employees will embark on a residential training course to equip them with all the tools necessary for a successful career at sea. Cruise Critic toured Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s new crew training and housing facility in the Philippines. We were the least expensive option for people to cruise around in Hawaii, so we attracted people who wanted a deal. Even though there are plenty of days spent in port, there is a ton of time spent on the ship, and it's easy to feel trapped after a while. There are a large variety of jobs on cruise ships and at cruise line corporate offices. I kept some ginger snacks around to help out." — Angela, "The pay wasn't great, but for a young person fresh out of college, the free room and board and opportunity to travel the world while performing made it totally worth it. — Bethany, "The grossest thing was that I was hopping around from room to room in utter fear of encountering a bed bug. He was unconscious the whole time." People date, break up, cheat on partners back home, you name it. Princess Cruises takes great pride in our efforts to make the adjustment to sea life as easy as possible so you can focus on being The Consummate Host for our guests. With the cruise industry expanding, and Royal Caribbean continuing to build new 5,000-plus-passenger ships, the opportunities for people looking for a career at sea are not going to dry up any time soon. With so many people working for months in close proximity (there will be 2,394 crew members on Harmony of the Seas), relationships form at sea, and cruise lines have been responsible for plenty of marriages. The crew works very hard to keep everything spotless, however, I still wince when I see people getting in the evaluators barefoot or reaching behind a glass divider while in line for food to serve themselves when clearly, an attendant is there to serve them." I only worked one day a week... On the ship, I worked as a contractor. 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