Have you worked on a cruise ?

Question

Hi, im Ana , i have just got my first job on a cruise as a youth staff and i am so excited about it cause is what i have always wanted and finally i got it, but also i am a bit nervos about how my coworkers are going to be since english is not my first language .

I would love to hear some tips from ppl who have worked, or are working on a cruise , tips about anything that u think can help me to do a better job once i´m on board.

Thnks :)

Answer 1

Ana, don't worry, you'll be fine. The vast majority of the crew are from non english countries.

As far as the job, it depends a lot on the company.

Some are better than others.

I wouln't take your position, but I have patience with kids at all.

But overall is fun.

As a matter of fact, I had trouble understanding the accents, some people have strong accents.

Answer 2

hello there congrats! i would like to know how yo applied for the job?  can you recommend me to your company? im very interested to work in a cruise!thank you

Answer 3

Congrats!! You'll have fun!

Answer 4

Working on the ship demands very strong character, simply because it is a closed environment, with it' s own rules. There are few things you have to be aware off. First of all, there is a difference between "staff" and "crew". Staff positions are upper positions on the ship which means that you have some better service, option to be in passangers area when off duty... Your position is staff, and crew are waiters, stewards...staff positions hold mostly European people or English speaking people; comparing earnings crew makes more in average.

English is "official" language on most cruise lines, and I don't think you will have any problems, especially if you are from Europe. Just you have to start to speak and that is it.

First few days are confusing, you have orientation with others who will "sign on" ( come on the ship ) with you. Many of them are newcomers, so you are not alone.

The most difficult thing are guests, because most of them don't use their braines, to put it nicely. You will get lots of questions, like " where do you sleep"(in cabins?!), "why is raining in San Juan" , where is deck ( floor ) # 4, and so on.

Sometimes you don't know what to say and not to be rude.You will have to deal with kids who are more or less ok , you make them happy and their parents will be happy.

There are certain rules you have to follow and your life on the ship will be excellent. Most of companies have montly crew parties for all crewmemers, you can go to crew bar every night, you can go out in the ports, if you don't work...My advice to you is just to be yourself, remember when you have a feeling you don't know anything, and you will have it, all crewmembers had same fears and questions. For the first two weeks I was thinking I am the most stupid person there. It takes time to adjust to that environment. If you have question, just ask anybody. Find somebody from your country and they will help you.

One more thing about guys. They are all ok, but when they see you are new to the ships, they will sweetalk to you, asking you to join them to their cabin, especially officers. They call new girls "new meat" so be carefull. Thay are not agressive ( if they do, they will lose job), but they tend to "change" girlfriends like socks. It is your choice to do whatever you want but remember, it is a small place and you can not hide anything. It is like a village, everybody are talikng about others.

Overall I had excellent time, and after five years I still have.

Job is not very hard, but level of stress is extremlly high, people are friendly, and it is a good job if you are not looking to get rich.

Enjoy