ocean.denis
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There´s a lot to be considered.
1 - Crew position, Staff position...
Crew positions are waiters, cabin steward, bar waiters, bartenders. They usually come from countries where the dollar still has buying power, they get mostly tips, either pre-paid or post-paid, they work very long hours and have no deck privileges, meaning they only go to pax areas while working.
Staff are receptionists, gift shop personnel, casino, spa, photo, excursions, cruise staff, entertainers. They have some deck privileges (depends a lot on the line), they have a much better onboard status, better cabins, cabin stewards, etc.
They can make good money, but sometimes tipping positions are better.
It all depends a lot on: your destination and the nationality of the pax you are serving.
I worked as a receptionist with Carnival long ago, they paid much better than, but we still made a lot less than say the waiters.
After I went to work for Hardings (www.hardingbros.co.uk) which is a concession that runs Gift Shops on some 50 ships. Pay is good, 160 pounds a week plus sales commission. It´s also very easy to sell stuff to people on vacation, they come on a buying mood. Also since most cruises are duty free, you dont work while the shops are on port, which is very good.
You work nights and sea days.
If you have a good manager there´s lots of time off and the cruise line pretty much leaves you alone.
On a good destination with good pax your salary can be 3 times that.
You need something called STCW-95 which includes:
Basic sea survival, basic first aid, basic fire fighting and crowd management.
You need a medical certificate, no big deal.
STCW prices depend on where you take the course, it can cost 200US or up to 400pounds.
Medical prices depend on if you have insurance or not, but it should not be more than 200US.
You pay your inbound plane ticket, they pay your way back, if you finish your contract (6 months).
They issue employment letters to help you get necessary visas. You pay for it. US C1-D (crew) visa costs 100US and it´s no problem at all to get it, unless I guess if you have problems to get US visas in general, but with the 50 or so ships that Hardings has, I´d say you need a US visa on maybe 15%.
The more languages you speak the better. Interviews are over the phone, unless you live in the UK, in which case you have to go to Bristol.
Some retail experience is welcomed.
Looks, knowing how to deal with the public, manners are important.
Some ships you need a Tux.
Others just a black suit.
They ask for a seaman´s book as well, which is pretty stupid since its required by very few countries, but they´ll take care of it, you pay, prices are from 40US to 50pounds. Depends on the flag of the ship you are going to.
Your contract is registered in Guernesey and there are no benefits. While on board you are covered by insurance by the ship. Hardings doesnt say that but you are.
It´s a cool life. |
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