HI would like to know what a typical schedule is for a cruise staff position?

Question

I would like to know what time you have to wake up and what time you can get to sleep. I need ten hours of sleep and would like to know if it is possible. Thanks This is for cruise staff aboard a cruise liner. I know its hard work I just want to know what a typical shedule is and do you get any on shore time?

Thanks so much for all your answers

Answer 1

As far as I know from talking to cruise staff while onboard, it varies between cruise lines.

Technically, the above poster is right. You aren't expected to work 24/7 (since that isn't physically possible) but you work at least two shifts if you are in the dining room (so breaky/lunch, or lunch/supper). If you are a stateroom attendant then your hours will be different as you'll be expected to tidy up the rooms in the morning, clean all day, and get the beds ready in the early evening.

If anyone is sick, you'll be expected to fill in where needed - no questions asked.

Sleeping quarters are very small (think of an very small inside cabin shared with at least one other person, maybe more) and there is a severe lack of privacy.  

Contracts are usually a minimum of 6-8 months at a time. With no actual "vacation" time in there. Usually it works out to 6 monts on, 2 months off.  Staff who are able to go on shore during a turn around time or while on board say it's only enough time to collect their mail from the port of call.

I think it would be realistic to say you may have the chance to sleep 10 hours but I don't think you could do it unless you went straight to bed and got up and went right back to work. Plus that doesn't account for other ppl walking in and out of your shared cabin.

Also know that these people make the majority of their pay by tips (or gratuities) - NOT BY WAGE. You will get paid minimally and it's the generosity of the passengers that gets you paid.

I hope this has been helpful!

Answer 2

There is no set schedule. Cruise ships operate 24 hours per day, so there is staff on duty 24 hours per day. Granted, most are on duty when most of the passengers are awake, but there is staff on duty 24 hours per day.

And yes, the staff does get shore time.