Does anyone have any experience of working on a cruise liner?

Question

My son would like to try working on a cruise liner and would really appreciate any advice anyone of you lovely people could give.

Thanks a lot,

Molly

Answer 1

my grandson works on them as a bartender and is having the time of his life. the other staff become like family and have parties from time to time. they have their own swimming pool and gym. They do get time off when at a port but otherwise it is 11 hour shifts and hardwork. he does six monthly contracts with two months off in between. he has seen a vast amount of the world and has been doing the job for two years.  He gets to meet the passengers through his job but I don't know about maintenance workers. the theatre workers can mingle.It is also good as the food/bed is free so no rent to pay or grub, plus the cabin is cleaned and laundry done for a small fee each week.

Hi Molly, he works for Princess, they only advertise about twice a year you can visit...catererglobal.com and then search for bartender, then worldwide and cruise ships or something like that. He sent his CV, when he was lucky to catch them advertising and then got an interview in Southampton. He then had to get a ten year visa for America as it is an american company then a marine medical certificate for a seafarer which lasts him two years. Once all that was done he got a date to fly to the ship. Maybe Cunard would be good for your son as the pay isn't good on american cruises but they make a lot of tips. If you go to the cruise websites you may be able to get the UK address for the companies and write. He needs to be 21 for bar work, I don't know if there's any age restriction on maintenance workers

Answer 2

I have been on a couple of cruises and have seen many of the crew at port on each stop.  Now this is the crew I see on a daily basis not any of the maintenance crew.  It is generally a 6 month contract.  They get to see wonderful places all over the world. I think it would be a great experience for a 25 year old.

Answer 3

I was talking to staff on rci voyager last week, i have just returnded from a cruise, apparantly 6 months on, constant work and sleep, cannot mix with guests (only as part of your job description) You can olny go ashore if you have time off, which is quite rare, its work 7 days a week.  Loved it as a guest on board, but wouldnt like to work on one myself

Answer 4

i worked on QE2 wot job does he want to do . how old . etc etc

Answer 5

no, i'm sorry