Part 2
So, by now your probably wondering how I got a job on a
ship...well I'll tell ya.
I saw an ad in the paper about cruise ships hiring. I sent
money to get the info. I sent 40 resumes out and got 2
answers. As a matter of fact they both called on the same
day one hour apart.
One was the Delta Queen Riverboat that goes up & down the
muddy Mississippi, and the other was Commodore Cruise Lines
that sails the beautiful blue Caribbean. Guess which one I
chose?
Come to find out, the Vice President of the Cruise line
(from Norway) saw American girls behind bars in Miami and
got an idea to hire American female bartenders. His idea
was to have something that other ships didn't have. And he
felt sales would increase.
So, I was one of those girls. The other girls lasted about
3-4 months and they couldn't take it any longer. Some more
girls came on to replace them but they fizzled out too.
I loved it. I hated it. It was exciting, boring, tiring,
cool, cramped, and fun.
Ships have several bars. I got to work a different bar
every week. Casino, pool, disco, etc. I loved meeting and
learning about the 52 nationalities I worked with onboard.
I loved the happy generous passengers and the famous people
I hung out with. And I made tons of money because I am a
very entertaining bartender.
My pay was 15% my sales plus whatever cash was slipped my
way. One time I took off in a convertible with $20,000
in my pocket and travelled the states for a year visiting
passengers that invited me to stop by when I came through
their city.
Oh my, this is bringing back too many memories and I'm
getting off the subject.....
Anyway, if you don't have any ties or commitments
try to get a job on a cruiseship just for the experience.
You can get the addresses of cruise lines at the library,
the internet, or travel agent brochures. Make sure you send
a picture, and good luck!
Remember, your perception will always be your reality.
Bon Voyage!
Cheryl