Anyone here worked on a cruise ship?

Show all answers

ocean.denis

I worked as a purser for Carnival and then later on as a "shoppie", assistant manager and manager at the shops.
In 95% of all ships you will have deck privileges when not working.
You can use the bars, disc, deck, lounges, watch the shows, and in some lines you can eat at the buffet and even at the dinning room.
Cabins are shared between 2 people and they are small.
You'll always share with someone from the same department.
Usually you'll have a cabin steward (and you have to tip him).
Shoppies are STAFF and not crew.
That means a lot more perks.

What's your company? Hardings? Starboard? Princess?

Let me know if you have more questions.
There are differences between the companies, but basically it's the same.

Kevin L

Wasn't a shoppie myself. But it seems like an okay job.

I worked as staff with Royal Caribbean. Unlike some of the others we were allowed to hang out in guest areas when off the clock. If you were in guest areas and not working, you did have to be in uniform with your nametag on. You could use the lounges, go to the bars, the shows, dance clubs. basically whatever. In fact, a lot of times there are more employees in the dance clubs then there are guests.

We didn't have dining room privileges unless you had family sailing that cruise...as staff we were allowed at the "midnight/poolside" buffets after a certain time.

As staff we were also allowed to use the guest gym, use the main swimming pools, layout on the pool deck...restrictions apply to all that stuff though.

most ships have a gym for staff and crew as well.

I was paid twice a month, and I think I tipped my cabin steward $15-$20 each pay day. And the cabin stewards are not required to clean your cabin. It's not part of their normal duties. They do it on their own time.

It's hard work, and the weekly crew drills start to suck after a while. But, at the same time, it's a lot of fun too.

Each ship/company is a bit different and they will explain what you can do and what you can't once you get on.

Chad P

Share rooms with other staff...can't hang out with guests unless on the clock...but, still get to travel & get paid & the ppl u work with are cool

green

Chad is right.Go for,is a great experience and fun.
I did it for 2 years and was cool.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: