Working for RCI?

[pfm18]

Has anyone ever worked on a cruise ship?

 

 

I know that their staff are pretty much abused but in a way it does interest me.

[TEXASMUNK]

Overworked, under appreciated by the customer, restricted by company policies, but abused?

I don't think they keelhaul staff any more...

[mjldvlks]

Overworked, under appreciated by the customer, restricted by company policies, but abused?

I don't think they keelhaul staff any more...

Yeah but there's the cat o' nine tails on the lido deck.

[chengkp75]

Has anyone ever worked on a cruise ship?

 

 

I know that their staff are pretty much abused but in a way it does interest me.

 

I worked 4 years as an engineering officer on NCL. The first thing you have to disabuse yourself of is the notion that you will be cruising. You will be working. Long, hard hours. You will normally be sharing a cabin that is about the size of an inside passenger cabin that will be for 4 crew. Storage will consist of one 12-15" wide closet and an under bunk drawer. Period. The four of you will share a bathroom that makes a passenger bath look spacious. Working on a foreign flag ship (99% of them), you will be paid under the minimum wage in most states, and expected to work 7 days a week for 10 months. You will also not have any job protection, either safety or financial, that you are used to in the US. Remember, US laws do not apply to crew on foreign flag cruise ships. You will be required to perform tasks that you never thought you'd signed up for: restaurant and bar staff regularly work the embark/debark luggage duty long into the night. If your schedule allows you free time in port, most likely you will be far more interested in sleep or doing laundry than sightseeing. The food is not great, and is on a 14 day rotation, so over your 10 month contract, it gets old in a hurry. Unless you are an officer, or hotel supervisor, you will not have guest area privileges when off duty.

 

Having given you the horror side of the job, I would not dream of dissuading anyone from trying it. Just be very, very realistic about your expectations. If you are looking at a specific job or service area, maybe I can provide some more info.

[schmeed]

I don't personally know anyone who has worked on a ship, but Brian David Bruns did and he wrote a couple books about the experience. I've read them and as an avid cruiser, I find them very compelling.

 

It definitely changed my attitude toward the staff. Not that I was ever nasty or overly demanding, but I certainly have a new found understanding of the life they live on board.

 

http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=cruise+confidential&ugrp=2

[DonnaK]

I worked 4 years as an engineering officer on NCL. The first thing you have to disabuse yourself of is the notion that you will be cruising. You will be working. Long, hard hours. You will normally be sharing a cabin that is about the size of an inside passenger cabin that will be for 4 crew. Storage will consist of one 12-15" wide closet and an under bunk drawer. Period. The four of you will share a bathroom that makes a passenger bath look spacious. Working on a foreign flag ship (99% of them), you will be paid under the minimum wage in most states, and expected to work 7 days a week for 10 months. You will also not have any job protection, either safety or financial, that you are used to in the US. Remember, US laws do not apply to crew on foreign flag cruise ships. You will be required to perform tasks that you never thought you'd signed up for: restaurant and bar staff regularly work the embark/debark luggage duty long into the night. If your schedule allows you free time in port, most likely you will be far more interested in sleep or doing laundry than sightseeing. The food is not great, and is on a 14 day rotation, so over your 10 month contract, it gets old in a hurry. Unless you are an officer, or hotel supervisor, you will not have guest area privileges when off duty.

 

Having given you the horror side of the job, I would not dream of dissuading anyone from trying it. Just be very, very realistic about your expectations. If you are looking at a specific job or service area, maybe I can provide some more info.

 

This is one of the most interesting posts I've read on CC. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[monkeyluis]

I always find it interesting. I like behind the scenes info. I always respect anyone that is doing something. So I always smile, say thanks and say have a nice day to those that are serving me on a ship. I don't know what is like, other than what I've read, such as the post above and around the net, so I want to be just as nice to them. I truly appreciate their hard work. Now of course if I get some jerk worker, that's a different story, but I've actually never come across that.

 

To any cruise line staff that see this, thank you.

[rwdnj]

Always enjoyed this gentlemens blog.

Not a steward but a lighting tech on some of RC's ships.

Noticed he hasn't blog since january but still interesting reading.

 

http://techatsea.blogspot.com/

[chengkp75]

I always find it interesting. I like behind the scenes info. I always respect anyone that is doing something. So I always smile, say thanks and say have a nice day to those that are serving me on a ship. I don't know what is like, other than what I've read, such as the post above and around the net, so I want to be just as nice to them. I truly appreciate their hard work. Now of course if I get some jerk worker, that's a different story, but I've actually never come across that.

 

To any cruise line staff that see this, thank you.

 

Thanks to all polite guests. One other thing many cruisers don't realize is the importance of the gratuities to the international crew. Many, if not most, send their entire paycheck home to their families in their home country. The gratuity is what these crew live on for the 10 months of their contract. While they have "3 hots and a cot" provided, they still have to spend on their laundry materials, personal hygeine (supplies, haircuts, etc) and a little recreation at the crew bar.

 

I'm not sure how other departments handled it, but every 6 months or so, the engineering officers would chip in and pay the food & beverage manager for some beer, soda, and appetizers for the entire engine department (about 50 guys).

[Venusleo1]

I don't personally know anyone who has worked on a ship, but Brian David Bruns did and he wrote a couple books about the experience. I've read them and as an avid cruiser, I find them very compelling.

 

It definitely changed my attitude toward the staff. Not that I was ever nasty or overly demanding, but I certainly have a new found understanding of the life they live on board.

 

http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=cruise+confidential&ugrp=2

 

I have also read both of Brian's books and enjoyed them very much. Not only were they incredibly insightfull but a great story behind them.

[ticktoneer]

Always enjoyed this gentlemens blog.

Not a steward but a lighting tech on some of RC's ships.

Noticed he hasn't blog since january but still interesting reading.

 

http://techatsea.blogspot.com/

That blog is great. Thanks for posting the details :-)

[Scrapnana]

Thanks to all polite guests. One other thing many cruisers don't realize is the importance of the gratuities to the international crew. Many, if not most, send their entire paycheck home to their families in their home country. The gratuity is what these crew live on for the 10 months of their contract.

 

In Brian David Bruns' Cruise Confidential he states that 95% of the crews' income comes from tips. That really made me appreciate their hard work even more!

[nixy103]

I worked 4 Months on 4 weeks off the hours were horrific, the cabins basic, the food horrendous and the pay minimal however it was the best and most memorable job I have ever had. The friends I made on board became my family and although we drove each other mad being confined in such a small floating city we were always there for each other.

 

How many people can say they often woke up in a different country every day at their job, or could have a great night at the crew party for only £5.

 

I would change nothing about my time working on a cruise ship- it really was the best few years of my life x

[chengkp75]

I worked 4 Months on 4 weeks off the hours were horrific, the cabins basic, the food horrendous and the pay minimal however it was the best and most memorable job I have ever had. The friends I made on board became my family and although we drove each other mad being confined in such a small floating city we were always there for each other.

 

How many people can say they often woke up in a different country every day at their job, or could have a great night at the crew party for only £5.

 

I would change nothing about my time working on a cruise ship- it really was the best few years of my life x

 

I have been working on ships for 38 years, so I must enjoy the life. I had hoped that a change to cruise ships would provide an interesting and different job to be a place to end my career. Unfortunately, NCL took away 2 of the 3 US flag ships, and I could not support my family on international wages, even for a Chief Engineer, so I had to return to cargo ships.

 

Even at the prices they charge at crew bar, it is usually the largest source of onboard revenue on many ships.

[Desert Cruizers]

This has been interesting reading the working conditions of the crew. While I never fully understood what they go thru, I realize they have long hard hours with probably little time off so have appreciated their service and DH & I don't worry about any mishaps and thank them during and at the end of the cruise.

[nixy103]

I have been working on ships for 38 years, so I must enjoy the life. I had hoped that a change to cruise ships would provide an interesting and different job to be a place to end my career. Unfortunately, NCL took away 2 of the 3 US flag ships, and I could not support my family on international wages, even for a Chief Engineer, so I had to return to cargo ships.

 

Even at the prices they charge at crew bar, it is usually the largest source of onboard revenue on many ships.

 

Sorry cruise ships didn't work out for you , my husband is a 2nd officer and he did cruise ships for a short time and hated it so he is now back on off shore supply ships :) I was only on as a childcare job which is why i think i enjoyed it so much :)

[micmacmissy]

I had an interesting conversation with the lifeguard supervising the water park at Labadee. He was from London and was doing a 4 month contract on Labadee- he said it was wonderful, especially compared to working on the ship. He was a professional scuba diver, in charge of securing and taking care of the giant inflatables. He said the crew quarters on Labadee were really nice and they especially enjoyed quiet time once the ships departed! All of their food/supplies are brought in on the ships. He said they had dormitory style housing and lots of parties. Until then, I had no idea there was staff on Labadee grounds full time.

 

He also said the Haitians used to steal the inflatables from the water park in the middle of the night, deflate them, then drag them back to the staff in the morning and say, "Look what we found, drifted over to our village." He said they paid them a $200 cash reward the first time that happened- then the following night 3 more disappeared, so they stopped with the rewards and started figuring out how to secure things. Now part of his job is to chain them underwater- he dives down in scuba gear to make sure they are secure and can't be stolen. Same with wave runners, etc.

 

He also said when he was working on the ship, he did long hours on the Flowrider and Rock Wall. He said at any moment, RCI can pull someone from Labadee and put them back on a ship- he was really hoping that didn't happen to him!

 

I wonder how they are compensated, it's not like you tip the guy who helps you get on the Flowrider! Anyway, It was very interesting, to say the least!

[true45]

DH was showband musician on Carnival a few yrs ago.

They had tiny crew cabins with 2 bunk beds, no carpeting, but clean. Actually they slipped a few dollars to stewards. Showband is salaried and received medical coverage after a physical exam. They can use crew and staff dining rooms. Because of their late hours, crew dining was the only place to find food sometimes. There were rules such as they could not be in the casino. They also had to take safety classes.

[Ocean Boy]

Sorry cruise ships didn't work out for you , my husband is a 2nd officer and he did cruise ships for a short time and hated it so he is now back on off shore supply ships :) I was only on as a childcare job which is why i think i enjoyed it so much :)

 

I always wondered officers on the cruise ships found the social part of their jobs to be a bit of a drag. I'm not sure that after working my position that I would necessarily then want to have to go eat dinner in the MDR at a table full of passengers and have to entertain them and answer all their questions. I would think that would get old.

[Ocean Boy]

Having given you the horror side of the job, I would not dream of dissuading anyone from trying it. Just be very, very realistic about your expectations. If you are looking at a specific job or service area, maybe I can provide some more info.

 

Well, I have from time to time thought about finishing off the last working years of my medical career on the ships. Of course that is probably something that has gone though the head of every physician who loves cruising. Any thoughts?

[chengkp75]

Well, I have from time to time thought about finishing off the last working years of my medical career on the ships. Of course that is probably something that has gone though the head of every physician who loves cruising. Any thoughts?

 

Well, it isn't really a retirement, though. We had one doctor at NCL who only lasted a few weeks because he didn't feel like it was his job to run to medical emergencies! It is basically a low intensity ER situation. Sprains, breaks, cuts, heart attacks, and gastro-intestinal problems. We even gained a crew member when NCL allowed someone onboard that was 9 months pregnant (due to their misunderstanding of the ADA), and she delivered during a passage from Maui to the big Island.

 

The doctor normally has officer status, and a single stateroom within the medical facility. One or two doctors, two nurses, and maybe a medical clerk. In addition to clinic hours for passengers and crew, you would be on 24 hour call for injuries and emergencies.

 

Duties of the medical department would include CDC reporting of G-I issues, taking water samples for CDC testing, and various other things. There would be a small x-ray machine, and like lab equipment.

 

As an officer, you would have guest area privileges, including dining in MDR and buffet, bars, shows, etc. Specialty restaurants would require you to pay the cover charge. Uniforms would be required at all times. Officer's mess would be for casual dining. Contracts would be more on the line of 3 months length, most times with equal time off.

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

I have the utmost respect for all crew members and officers of any cruise ship. It may look and sound glamorous to work on a cruise ship and travel the world.....but that's about it, its hard work with long hours day after day.

 

Thank you RC crew!!! :)

 

***

[Ocean Boy]

Well, it isn't really a retirement, though. We had one doctor at NCL who only lasted a few weeks because he didn't feel like it was his job to run to medical emergencies! It is basically a low intensity ER situation. Sprains, breaks, cuts, heart attacks, and gastro-intestinal problems. We even gained a crew member when NCL allowed someone onboard that was 9 months pregnant (due to their misunderstanding of the ADA), and she delivered during a passage from Maui to the big Island.

 

The doctor normally has officer status, and a single stateroom within the medical facility. One or two doctors, two nurses, and maybe a medical clerk. In addition to clinic hours for passengers and crew, you would be on 24 hour call for injuries and emergencies.

 

Duties of the medical department would include CDC reporting of G-I issues, taking water samples for CDC testing, and various other things. There would be a small x-ray machine, and like lab equipment.

 

As an officer, you would have guest area privileges, including dining in MDR and buffet, bars, shows, etc. Specialty restaurants would require you to pay the cover charge. Uniforms would be required at all times. Officer's mess would be for casual dining. Contracts would be more on the line of 3 months length, most times with equal time off.

 

Thank you for your perspective. I know it won't be a vacation. Many older, and not so older, people cruise and they bring their medical issues along with them. With the passenger and crew population of the ships easily reaching the 8000 person mark I would imagine that there would actually be a lot of work to do. But somehow, I keep thinking that those sunrises out on the ocean might make it all worth while for a bit of time.

[emeraldcity]

This is one of the most intriguing threads I've come across in quite some time. Looks like I may want to pick up at least one of those books.

[Raptor2010]

I wonder how they are compensated, it's not like you tip the guy who helps you get on the Flowrider! Anyway, It was very interesting, to say the least!

 

Because we spend most of our time on the Flowrider, we tip the sports staff. They work long hours and have to put up with a LOT of people and speaking as someone who helps to teach people how to flowboard at the local water park, that is a LOT of work loading people into the wave. :D

 

E, Raptor's DW :)