Hi does any one ever work in cruiseship? pls help me understand?

Question

I just got an offer to work there and I dont trust it for second I just believe its people who take individualls from poor countries and make them slaves

Answer 1

I've worked on cruise ships for over a year (for Hardings also) and as others have said it depends what company you work for and what role you are doing. Generally if you come from poorer countries like Philipines and Indonesia you'll be getting a good wage compared to most jobs back home. You do also generally work long hours but it's not slave labour, you do get time off.

Answer 2

Depends a lot. On what company, your contract, etc.

Be careful.

First, what position was offered?

There´s a huge diference between CREW and STAFF positions, and even if you are staff, there are tricks.

I worked for Carnival and later for Hardings (retailer that runs shops onboard), even though Hardings is a UK based company, you are registered in some fiscal paradise like Gernsey and pretty much dont have any rights.

To give an idea, the workload per week was "as required" which tecnically means they can make you work 24 hours a day.

Of course that does not happen, but sometimes, depending on your onboard manager, it gets ugly.

Starboard is even worse, with unprepared managers, who think that to be a good boss you have to be rude, blunt and make people work 18 hour shifts.

Its not easy when you get someone from eastern europe as a boss (and there are lots of them). I dont mean to seem racist, but people are educated diferently.

Also, sometimes, what aparently is a bad, old, small ship, can be really nice.

Of all the lines Ive worked for, Costa was the worst by far, Thomson the best.

E-mail me if you have more questions.

Answer 3

Dear lord... are you serious?

Cruise ships pay less money than most minimum wages here in the states, but you don't have overhead cost. For the time spent on the cruise, you don't pay for food or lodging. Plus you're obligated to a tip on every cruise you're present. You don't work 24 hours a day. The downside would be a very cramped living area, with no 'personal' area to your self, it probably doesn't smell the greatest, and you more than likely wouldn't be eating the same food as the customers, unless there are leftovers.. not positive on that last note.

However, even if it is less than minimum wage in the state you're in, if you're in the US, it pays a ---lot--- more than the working or living wages in the Phillipines and elsewhere, which is why you see many of them on the cruise ships.

Answer 4

I know that you have to work for 4 months straight without seeing friends/family & such. But i suggest you work in the teen clubs Z& entertain, then it's alot of fun. I know someone who's worked there. good luck