Anyone ever worked on a cruise ship?

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Anja H

Worked as a Bar waitress, Bartender, Asst. Purser, Purser, Maitre D', Chief Purser and Hotel Manager.

It is 4 to 6 months at a time, 7 days a week, minimum of 10 hours a day, up to 15 at times. The first contract I found the most difficult one and it was hard to get to work 6 months straight.
Shared small cabins and bathrooms, lifeboat drills, safety training, USPH cleaning and coast guard inspections are the not so fun parts of it.
Being away from home and family, communication might be difficult at times - however, now with internet it is easier.
Be prepared to lose contact to some of your friends at home, due to your absence and afterwards due to the fact, that they do not understand anymore what you are talking about.
Hierarchy is a present element of ships life and while it is not like the army - it can be compared.

Enjoyed the travel, meeting people from more than 50 different countries, the possibility to save money and to make a career. In reference to a previous answer you got, yes for a contractor some of the salaries are low - yet one does not need to have many expenses onboard a ship, since lodging and food, medical is taken care off.
Wearing a Uniform while in passenger areas is a must, when not on duty you are not allowed in a passenger area.

Good luck.

Philip O

i have worked on many cruise ships as a contractor,and got to know many of the crew.depending on what nationality you are,male or female,and what shipping line you work for the results are varied.although you see the world,you are poorly paid and the hours are long.the majority of the people i spoke to (phillipino)to them it was good money,but treated badly.if you are white you are looked after better than the indians and phillipinos,which is wrong. give it a shot it may be just for you,but be warned

Kevin L

It's probably the hardest job you will ever have, but at the same time, it will probably be the most fun you will have.

And it's not hard, like physically hard. But, mentally. And it takes time to adjust to a 7pday a week schedule and not having any days off. At least it did for me.

I was offered two positions, one was Assistant Purser and the other was on the Production Team. I accepted the Production Team one. So primarily I worked with the entertainers and singers and dancer, and the entertainment department in general.

I think if I went back, I would try and get a purser position. I have more experience in that area, and I think I would be more in my comfort level. I had experience in theater too, but it wasn't as recent.

Overall, I liked it. There were days when I just wanted to walk off the ship (as long as it was in port). But, now that I am back home, there are some days that I really miss it. Despite all the little stupid things that are part of living and working on a ship.

It is certainly not a job for everyone, nor should it be. You have to have a certain amount of commitment and pride in what you do. And it helps if you're a happy, upbeat, optimistic person.

Now, in my position we were allowed in guest areas when we weren't working. We had to be in uniform, but we were allowed to use guest facilities (except for casino and dining rooms) But we could eat in the specialty restaurants aboard ship, as long as they weren't full. And we could use the guest pools and long as there were less than 5 people in them.

But ship privileges vary from ship to ship and department to department

Star Girl

i know somebody who worked on one and has just recently gone back to work on one again. she does beauty stuff. she must have liked it if she has gone back.

Sali

it is good, travelling different destinations for free, but bouring job after a while you will need a change.

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