Tuesday, April 2, 2024

What Working on a Cruise Ship is Really Like

working for a cruise line

Because there are no vacation days included in a seafarer’s contract, the norm for the sector mandates a break of at least six weeks between employment agreements. They currently operate 19 ships, including the MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside, and sail to destinations across the world, including Europe, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Some of MSC Cruise’s benefits include crew shore excursions, free medical treatment by the ship’s doctor, and parties in the crew bar. There is so much pride in cruise ship crew life, both the work and lifestyle.

Salary and Benefits for Cruise Ship Employees

The camaraderie and shared experience among crew members can make the living conditions a positive aspect of working on a cruise ship. It’s important to remember that living conditions on a cruise ship are designed to prioritize the comfort and needs of guests. Crew members work hard to ensure guest satisfaction, and their living conditions reflect this focus on guest experience and service. Overall, the work schedule on a cruise ship may be challenging and require flexibility, but it also offers unique opportunities to travel and experience different parts of the world. Crew members on a cruise ship often work long hours, typically between 8 to 12 hours per day. However, the exact schedule can vary based on the needs of the ship and the nature of the job.

Can you drink alcohol onboard?

There are no vacation rights; rather, crew members have the ability to pick when they take the six- to eight-week vacation that is usually included with lengthier contracts. After successfully completing their training, crew members are eligible to get a job offer for a period of time that normally lasts between two and nine months. During the duration of your agreement, you will labor nonstop, with just a few hours off in between shifts.

What about medical care?

Finally, you need to understand what to expect from living conditions on a cruise ship, from what the crew quarters look like to your food, laundry, and leisure options. Aside from exploring the ports of call, crew members can also participate in shore excursions organized by the cruise line. These excursions offer guided tours and activities that allow crew members to experience the unique highlights of each destination. It’s important to note that while crew members have access to the same culinary options, the dining experience may differ from the guest experience.

Celebrity Cruises

Much like is the case for cruisers, there's no shortage of food on a cruise ship for crew members. Staff meals are prepared by dedicated crew cooks in a separate galley. These include regional dishes from the crew members' home countries, fast food (think burgers and pizza) and healthy options.

working for a cruise line

Interacting with colleagues and guests from around the world allows crew members to engage in a rich cultural exchange. Working alongside individuals from different backgrounds provides a unique platform to learn about customs, traditions, languages, and cuisines. Outside of the designated dining areas, crew members may also have access to self-serve snack stations or grab-and-go options.

Cruises

You need to know certain things about getting a job on a cruise ship, especially if you have no experience. Cruise lines also promote cultural exchange onboard by organizing themed events, performances, and activities that celebrate the diversity of the crew members’ backgrounds. Crew members can showcase their talents, share their traditions, and learn from others in a supportive and inclusive environment.

We suggest setting a certain amount that you want sent home, as this will not only help you save, but have the money directly deposited, avoiding those horrible conversion fees. When it comes to hair and nails, you can certainly get them done onboard, but it is much more expensive. I usually went in the home port, as I became more familiar with the area and we would dock every week in the same place. In following contracts you may be able to dock with friends from previous ones. Many ships have a formal night, and if you want to go out in guest areas, you must dress accordingly.

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For many crew positions, you won’t be able to request a specific ship or itinerary for several years. Most crew members work inside the ship though, and in addition to living in a floating metal can of recycled air for months on end, the dry air and dust will definitely affect your health. In my three years onboard, I’ve been woken four times in the early morning hours between 2-5 a.m.

Bruns reveals that pay is minimal and he was constantly working at least 80 hours a week, which he places closer to 100 hours a week. If you are successful in your application, there are also several steps you will need to take to become travel-ready to work onboard. You will partner with a manning office that will help you obtain the required seafarer medical certificates, travel visas, and other required documentation to work at sea. Now all that’s left is to pack your bags and prepare for the start of your contract date as a crew member. Be sure to fulfill any final requirements that your new employer may ask of you, such as up-to-date vaccination. Don’t forget to show enthusiasm and explain why you’re excited to work on that specific cruise line.

They will be the intermediaries between the cruise line and yourself, and all queries, changes and negotiations will need to go through them. Start by updating your resume to cater to the specific job and cruise line you’re applying to. If you’re applying to more than one line, you’ll want to cater your documents to each company. You must understand how vital company culture is when choosing a new workplace.

Once received, candidates will be processed based on current available positions. There's nothing like bringing people together to share unique experiences and see the world, making them feel special and becoming part of the stories they tell for years to come. Interviews are held in person or online, although online interviews have become more and more common. Show up on time and as if you researched the cruise company and the job itself. Prepare for the most general interview question, as well as to ask any questions you may have yourself.

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