For anyone who has worked on a cruise ship... how is the work? Is it tough, easy? Do you get any free time..

Question

How do the companies treat you (what company did you work for?)... I am seriously considering doing this for a section of my life and really want some advice and feedback! :) If you could sum it up in a few paragraphs or more if you really want to help me out, I would appreciate it loads! :)

Please, no simple answers like "its good" or "they treat you like **** don't work for them" as these will not really help me in my decision.

Thanks in advance, and to whoever is working in the industry right now, maybe see you on the seas soon! ;)

Cheers

Answer 1

I see from your profile you are a musician - consider making a demo and submitting it to the Cruise Lines' entertainment dept's.

Being a musician is one of the better gigs on a ship - fewer hours, and more time off in the ports.

Of course, it's not like touring with the Stones -  you're gonna play the same lame tunes every week, and wear the same outfits as the rest of the band and all that, but it's still better than bussing tables, or hustling gold plated jewelry and t-shirts.

Answer 2

Most cruise lines use outside agents to hire cruise staff (people who work in the shops, casinos etc) and crew (food and beverage, housekeeping). There are very strict rules as to which areas of the ship staff and are permitted to visit. When the ship is in port the staff can disembark and enjoy the area. Accommodations are cramped, but free, and all meals are provided. While I've never worked on a cruise, I've been a passenger on many cruises and have talked to employees in all sectors of the ship. They are mostly young people, and everyone I spoke with said they really liked it. The pay is not great, but you do get to see the world. Go to the link below for more information. HOWEVER - there are a lot of scams in this industry, and before I would trust this company, I'd contact Royal Carribean to make sure this agency is truly affiliated with that line.

Answer 3

You are paid less then minimum wage since you are in international waters. It is a hard job. You only get one day a week off and the rest of the time you are working 16 hour days.

Answer 4

I had wanted to work on a cruise ship years ago, especially after I came back from vacation on one. Not much information is out there but several of my friends are now engineers for many cruise lines. As a result they hooked me up with this persons website (I don't know him personally but it gives a fantastic insight). He seems to enjoy his job. He's also on youtube.com but that's not nearly as informative! Good luck.