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Subject: Re: working on a cruise line...
From: zyedgo
Posted: Sat Dec 8. 2001, 12:37 UTC
Followup to: "working on a cruise line..."  by lekky  (Sat Dec 8. 2001, 06:57 UTC)
> I was seriously contemplating bartending on a cruise line...has 
> anyone bartended on a cruise, and if so...please share your 
> experience?  are you allowed to receive tips?  It's it a fun 
> experience overall?
> 
> What's the best way to getting an "in" on a cruise line....

I have worked for two different cruise line.one Americann registry and one 
norweigan,I liked the norwiegan line better because the living conditions were 
better.You have to share a room with strangers,the living quaters are 
cramped,the hours are long and most of the free time you get is at sea and not 
in the ports where you can enjoy sights.

on the upside you get to meet a lot of intresting people and go to a lot of 
places,the food an lodging is inculded so you can save money and you will 
learn about service.

Keep in mind that on the ship or in a foriegn county the capt is the law and 
your ticket home is given to you at the end of your contract,if things aren't 
to your liking you don't have the freedom to quit that you would in a normal 
job.
You will also have ship duties tha have nothing to do with bartendeing, mostly 
involve with saftey drillsss and fire fighting training

There is no cash involved  so people don't tip you directly they run a tab and 
are automacticly dinged a certain percent that is paid to you later.(on one 
ship my records never matched  what the bursar said i was due and there was 
really nothing I could do about it)You don't get an hourly wage youd get a 
daily wage no matter howmany hours you work.You meet a lot of lazy people tha 
what will pay you to do their sidework or pull a shift for them and can make 
money that way in additon to your pay.

most   lines require you to have experience  plus a certificet from the I.B.A 
you will  probably be required to join the International seafares union and 
they will have retirment and insurance benefits.You will have a rating as a 
stewart.

Most cruise lines hvee their owwn web sight where you can apply directly
Be wary of anyone who wants money up front as no line will ask you for 
that.You will need a passport and/or  "z" card.

One line I worked for 90 days and bailed as soon as my contract was up and the 
other almost a year and half and only left because of family reasons requiring 
me to be closer to home.There's good and bad with everything but I would rate  
cruise lines as a mostly positive experience.

Dennis

P.S.I you have specific questionns fell free to email me directly. 


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