Table Of Content
But working on ships also allows you to travel to places some only dream of while making some amazing connections with fellow seafarers from all over the world. But there were also many times in my three-year career at sea where it honestly felt like a living nightmare. Internet access is widely available, and you can connect on phone calls if needed. As well, there are plenty of spaces for you to get work done without interruption, and early in the day lends itself to being able to be productive without missing much.
Do Cruise Ship Employees Live on the Ship?
There is so much pride in cruise ship crew life, both the work and lifestyle. On ships, crew members must have a minimum of six weeks of time off between contracts, because, well you don’t have any days off for your entire contract. A new Reddit thread asked crews around the globe what it's like to work and live on a cruise ship. As part of operating this website, we regularly work while on cruise ships. First, most cellular providers offer international and/or cruise ship plans. These plans give you cell service for cheaper than the rates charged on the ship.
There are a lot of job opportunities
The highest-end packages that offer the fastest connection can be upwards of $25-30. Obviously, access is expensive, but for those that have to work, it can be a relatively small price to pay. Angel Portillo is an experienced tourism professional who has worked in the travel industry for many years. He has extensive knowledge of the different destinations that are popular among tourists, and is able to provide tips and advice on how to make the most of your visit.
6-8 Week Vacation In Between Contracts
To my emergency call, which I then had to run up 10 decks and the entire length of the ship to reach my response station. The most I ever clocked in in a day was about 13 hours, but of course this will vary according to job position and possibly whether or not it’s a busy cruise. It’s not easy to work long hours for months at a time, isolated from land and friends and family. You work and live with people from all around the world, and it’s such a unique experience to learn about their lives and country through interaction. While the majority of cruise guests might be primarily from one or two countries, the crew area is like a small, diverse city with people from dozens of countries. While this varies by company and possibly by job, ships generally pay for crew flights.
It really pays to have a solo cabin, which few employees do
Crew members have their own cafeteria (“mess”) separated from guests and even sometimes split between ranks. Luckily, many crew cabins have bunked beds with curtains for each bed so you have your own personal coffin of solitude. As a 5’2″ fun-sized human who doesn’t mind confined spaces, the small cabins don’t really bother me. If you think guest cabins are small, wait until you see what crew cabins look like.
6 Shocking Things We Learned About Cruises From Reddit - TravelPulse
6 Shocking Things We Learned About Cruises From Reddit.
Posted: Wed, 12 Aug 2015 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Time zones can be confusing
The standard living quarters for crew members consist of a bunk bed, a table with a few drawers and shelves, two tiny wardrobe closets, and a bathroom big enough to poop, take a shower, and shave in. Although there is a lot of conjecture regarding the wages of crew members on the Cruise Critic boards, cruise companies do not reveal rates of compensation or perks in public. On dry ground, you can party like crazy on a Friday night and still have Saturday and Sunday to rest up. The following day still brings the same routine of labor and duty aboard the ship.
The air on ships is extremely dry
One of the unique aspects of working on a cruise ship is the constant change in scenery. As the ship sails from one destination to another, you have the opportunity to explore various ports of call. During your time off, you can go ashore and immerse yourself in the local culture, try new cuisines, and visit attractions. It’s like having a mini vacation every time the ship docks at a new port.
Crew Aren’t Treated The Same As Guests
However, it’s important to be aware of the challenges that come with working on a cruise ship. Being away from family and friends for extended periods, adjusting to communal living, and working long hours can be demanding. Flexibility, adaptability, and a positive mindset are essential qualities for success in this industry. Working on a cruise ship offers not only a unique experience but also a range of career opportunities and the potential for advancement within the industry. Cruise lines are constantly seeking talented individuals who can excel in their roles and contribute to the success of the company.
Here's What It's Really Like to Work on a Cruise Ship - Business Insider
Here's What It's Really Like to Work on a Cruise Ship.
Posted: Tue, 19 Jul 2016 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Although it’s not the travel profession with the least amount of difficulty, becoming a tour guide is without a doubt the most gratifying. It is typical for new crew members to start off in entry-level positions, but individuals who are driven have the opportunity to progress their careers on cruise ships. Cruise Critic editors work from cruise ships all the time because -- well, it's our job. We've seen the process become much easier over the years, as cruise ships invest in better and stronger Wi-Fi.
Cruise lines may try to leverage favorable currency conversion rates to offer wages that appear competitive in the employee's home country, but are relatively low by international standards. This issue is then compounded by the fact that many workers are from regions where economic conditions make any job opportunity attractive, despite the low pay. "Depending on the line and ship, you aren't allowed to eat the same food as the guests," writes one user, adding, "And you aren't allowed to be in guest areas (with some exceptions)." Life on board a cruise ship presents opportunities for exploration and learning. Crew members have the chance to visit numerous destinations, immerse themselves in different cultures, and expand their horizons. The camaraderie among crew members from around the world creates a supportive community that often lasts beyond their time on board the ship.
They are responsible for maintaining and repairing machinery, electrical systems, and other technical aspects of the ship. Despite the challenges, while on board I was able to turn in stories, communicate with my colleagues (much of the time), and do most of the usual functions of my job from an unlikely place. Because we were going from Europe to the U.S., we gained time and set our clocks back one hour a total of five times. While I was able to download photos easily, I had trouble uploading photos to our content management system. When I used my phone's Wi-Fi calling feature, the connection was spotty, and I experienced an audio delay through WhatsApp, though the call quality was better. When I boarded the ship on Oct. 15, I was able to connect my devices to the ship's Wi-Fi network easily.
The social life on a cruise ship extends beyond the confines of the ship itself. Many crew members establish long-lasting friendships, and when they have time off, they may explore ports of call together or plan group activities ashore. These connections often transcend the duration of a contract and can result in lifelong bonds. Additionally, cruise ship employment often comes with perks and discounts. Crew members may have access to onboard amenities such as gyms, movie theaters, and crew bars. They may also enjoy discounts on select services, excursions, and even travel opportunities during their time off the ship.
No comments:
Post a Comment