Which are the best cruise lines to work for?

Question

i'll most likely work as a hairdresser and if i do it i'll be in one from 6-8 months so i wanna choose the right one! i don't wanna work for just any line. i think i'd like to work on a luxurious, great paying with good tips, ship that travels around the world and not just one certain area. i know one has to work their butt off, but is the money and tips worth one's time? what's the average pay? i heard that out a 6 month contract one works 4 and is off 2. if so, does it mean that when one is off one has to leave the ship, or can one stay? if one stays are accomodations paid for as if one was still working? how does it work?

sorry for all the questions, but i'm very cautious when making big decisions!!!

peace & ♥

Answer 1

If you are a hairdresser you will most likeyly work for Stiener of London, the hours are long and there is not alot of time off to go ashore...  If you want a better position try the Giftshops, they get all the port time off and are paid relatively OK.  When you apply with Stiener or Starboard you will be working for a seperate company and will be "Placed" on a ship or cruise line, there is not really any choosing at the begining of your ship career.  Once you complete your first contract, then you can start to request different ships/lines.

I work for Starboard (6 years) and the contracts are as follows.  You sign on for 6 months and you have up to 2 months off after you complete your 6 months.  Once you complete one contract, all of your flights are paid for and you will even get holiday pay...  It is a good gig.

The Address of Starboard Cruise Services (formaly Greyhound Leisure services) is www.starboardcruise.com they opperate the retail shops on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, Costa and a couple others.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Definitely Carnival..keep me updated much ♥ AriP!!

Answer 3

Most cruise lines don't accept direct applications but you'll have to go through an agency. As you want to work as a hairdresser you might want to check with Steiner's of London or GreyHound (not sure where they are located).

Mostly you'll get a contract for 9 months or up to one year and you should expect to be working 8 to12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Depending on the company/ your manager onboard you might have a day off weekly or part of the day. Salaries are low but you'll work on a commission base so you are expected to push retail products as much as possible.

After you finish your contract you will have to leave the ship; if you want to make a cruise you should pay for it. You probably will get a discount but most people are happy to get off from the ship for a vacation.

The ships making world cruises are great but don't expect many tips and lots of money. People on the shorter cruises spend usually more money than those doing the longer cruises.

I have been working on cruise ships for about ten years and I loved it. But I have seen many, many people come onboard and leave within a couple of weeks as they hated it, couldn't stand all the safety drills and rules and regulations onboard.