dan

I don't know what sort of response this thread will generate, if any, but I was just thinking about the possibility and searching through the web. Problem is, there are tons of sites that want to sell you a book on how to get the job, or give basic info like what kinds of jobs there are, but very few actual first-hand accounts out there.<BR><BR>I've been planning to take a backpacking trek around the world, and was thinking that either working for a cruise ship before or doing a contract at some point during [like when I hit Europe, for example] might be a neat way to see more of the world and save a bit of money, as well.<BR><BR>If anyone has info about their experiences, PLEASE do share it...

Paul Therault

You guys won't believe this, but I used to clean toilets on the Inspiration!<BR><BR>Paul

Paul Therault

Let me take a guess. It is either x-man or Jennifer that posted the above. If your mommy finds out what you are doing you will be sent to time-out<BR><BR>Paul

shark

Try going to the web sites for each cruise copmpany. I was looking at NCL recently and they had a section for employment opportunites. Good Luck.<BR>

Lisa

Strange that you should ask this, but yes, I worked as a towel girl for the Circle Jerks on Paul's favorite cruiseline. I worked mostly for tips, and I always had someplace warm to sleep.

John

Last week my wife and I talked to a number of the crew on our ship about what working on cruise lines was like. Basically, we learned that the "hotel" (as opposed to the maritime) workers are signed to 7-10 month contracts paying somewhere around $300-$450 per month plus tips. A minimum of 10 hours per day, 7 days a week is expected; 12-16 hour days (really) are more typical, depending on whether the workers are opening or closing restaurants or involved with after-hours maintenance, restocking, etc. On a straight hourly basis that works out to around $1.50/hr. This is hard work for the most part - hauling luggage, fetching drinks or washing dishes, making beds, all that sort of thing. You can see how important tips are in this context. It's no wonder the majority of the hotel crew are from developing countries or the former east bloc. Two or three of the folks we spoke to had been employed by now-defunct cruise lines, and their contracts had been purchased by another line; not indentured servitude, maybe, but they felt pretty manipulated.<BR><BR>Most of the people we talked to saw this as a way to improve their English skills, or maybe learn a trade which could be transferred to another industry. A couple, naively, thought it would be a way to see America, but they only ended up seeing dirty dishes and bartenders. <BR><BR>The Wall Street Journal today had an article about working conditions in the shipping industry (including the cruise industry) and about how the owners use the ship registry, official incorporation country for the cruise line, location of labor halls or contract employment agencies, site where actual hiring occurs, etc., to mix, match, and duck regulations and labor laws. The UN has two investigations pending, but no enforcement powers for the most part. <BR><BR>I don't mean for this to be a downer, but it made me think twice about dropping a few twenties in the casino when the dealer would be bussing my tray at the buffet the following morning.

hamlet

I have never worked on the ships but do know and am close to people who have. How much of the world you see by working on the ship depends on a lot of factors - your job for one. If you are a waiter or cabin steward or asst/cruise director, your time off will be very limited. People who work in the shops don't work in the shops while in port - but chance are they may also be escorting tours or working in an office or something else. If you've been on a cruise you know that 8 hours in port allows you to see only so much, imagine now as a crew member that you only have about 4 hours off to go exploring.<BR><BR>Also depends on what cruiseline and the kind of route you do. If you're doing the same itinerary every week for 5 or 6 months, then you only have (maybe) those few hours to see the same ports every week. Now imagine you are working for Crystal or another line that pretty much circles the world, not doing a lot of back and forth. If you had any time off (if!) you have just a few hours to see the port - and you may not be back there next week. Imagine being in Barcelona or Athens or Juneau or Shanghai and not being able to step off the ship and the ship may not return there - well this contract anyway.<BR><BR>Of course you will see something - at least *see*, if not really going out and experiencing the place firsthand. But if you do this for several contracts (= several years) eventually you will see a lot more.<BR><BR>Financially speaking - it is a way to save money - if you are one that can save. Your base salary depends on your job, the line and what country you come from. Yes, some crew get a very low salary but do *very well* after taking home USDs. Crew members still spend money on gambling, long distance phone calls, cigarettes, computer time, shopping, etc. as people not living at sea might. You have the basic food and shelter "paid for" and it's up to you what you save or spend. Some people end up saving lots of money (regardless of what country they're from) and some don't.<BR><BR>I would say it is probably a once in lifetime experience and would be fun, but hard work considering hours alone. The lifestyle is not for everyone. But those who adapt to it, I find, are actually kind of addicted to it and can't survive off the ship.<BR><BR>There are message boards on Yahoo just for former crew members. I don't think they get much traffice - but that might be another place to look for feedback. If you have other specific questions, feel free to write me directly.

Paul Therault

<BR>The officers of the cruise lines (those dressed in white) do not receive tips but are paid quite nicely by the line. They also have the run of the ship on their time off such as the disco and lounges.<BR><BR>Those that work behind the scenes such as the maintenance crew and kitchen employees also are paid a liveable wage.<BR><BR>The musicians, entertainment and casino personel are employed by outside companies that contract with the cruise lines. They have set hours and when not working they do have the run of the ship.<BR><BR>You should tip the casino personel same as you would do in a land-based casino.<BR><BR>And please do not tip the captain.<BR><BR>Paul<BR>