> I am considering working a cruise line next fall and am anxious for
> feedback from others who have done this. zyedgo has been very
> helpful! (thanx again, Dennis!) If anyone has worked or knows
> anything about tending bar on the ocean, I would greatly appreciate
> any feedback. I am mostly concerned working conditions; hours,
> shifts, downtime, vacation, benefits etc. Where you tipped or hourly?
> What were the terms of your contract? Freepour of jigger? I think you
> get the idea. Thanx in advance!
>
> Jefe
Dear Jefe, I have worked on cruise ships for seven years and I can tell you it
can be a fantastic experience but it also could turn into a nightmere, it all
depends in which company you end up, there are aroud 100 cruise lines in the
market, so you need to make an accurate choice. I recommend you to visit
www.fieldingtravel.com , check all the cruise lines just to have an overall
idea,and try to apply to the highest rated companies, like Crystal,Cunard,
Seaburn, Radisson, these companies sail all over the world carring very welthy
and well travelled passengers, avoid companies like Carnival, Royal Caribbean,
NCL,they only sail the caribbean and mexico, ont top of it on ships sailing
the caribbean you can find "strange" working condition like pay your fare to
and from the ship, no official wages
(you rely entirely on tips),share the cabin with other three crew members, and
long, long working shifts,sometimes up to 14 hours a day,( forget your day
off).
Normally a contract on board a ship lasts 6 months, you are paid the fligth to
the ship and the return one is paid only if you finish the contract,usually
you get to share the cabin with another crewmemb. which usually works in the
same departement as yours, you don't get days off, but sometimes you can have
half a day depending on how many passengers go to the excursions for the
day,crew members on board can come from all over the world,( they say on board
Carnival ships you can count over 100 different nationalities and everybody
speaks english, or rather "bad" english, like mine!!)usually the best cruise
lines employ mostly european staff in the hotel dept. and cruise staff is
usually american.
In the beginning it can be hard, but if you hold on you'll appreciate the
chance to travel the world and see places you probably could only think of,
you'll meet people from all over the world and you'll make a unique working
experience which will be of great help for any future employ.
My suggestion is that you should only go if you find a job with one of the
best companies around otherwise forget it, it could be an ugly experience.
Well, what do you think? (let me know)
cheers
Dom Costa