CRUISE JOB AGENCY
FAQ
How long are the contracts for?
Contracts can vary between 3-8 months
depending on which cruise line you will be working for. After each contract you
will have a work break that can range from 2-6 weeks. Work breaks are usually
not paid, so be sure to put some money away for your vacation.
How will I get paid?
Depending on the cruise line, you may be paid bi-weekly or monthly. You will
need to take some cash, ATM card/and or credit cards with you to carry you
through the first month. You’ll find you probably won’t use much, but better
too much than too little. In most cases you will be paid in U.S. cash.
What do I do about banking?
You have a few options, you can open an
account in your homeport, or in one of the ports in your itinerary. We suggest
making money orders and sending them home to either a family member, a friend or
directly to your bank. It is probably the smartest and safest option.
Who do I work for?
The cruise line that hires you will be your
employer. Please take notice that all cruise lines have different rules and
regulations that need to be followed. Failure to do so can result in dismissal.
How often will I be working?
In most cases, you can expect to work
7days/week and anywhere from 8-12 hours/day.
What about my flight to the ship?
Your flight to the ship may or may not be
provided by the cruise line. Depending on the company policy, you may have to
pay your way there, and upon completion of your contract, they will fly you
home. Some lines require you to pay your flight there, and upon completion of
your contract, you will be reimbursed your flight, and flown home. Then there
are some lines that will pay your flight to and from the ship!
Can I get mail?
Every ship has an address. We can usually
give you the address prior to departure. If not, you will receive the
information on board.
Can I make phone calls?
There are phones on board, however we
recommend using them for emergency use only. They are extremely expensive and
could range up to $15.00 per minute. You will have access to crew calling
centers at mostly every port.
How much notice will I get if I am hired?
The amount of notice you may get can vary.
Positions are always coming up, some sooner than others. Emergency positions do
come up that may only leave you with a few days notice, so be prepared!!!
We will always try to give the crewmember
as much notice as possible.
What am I responsible for as far as living
expenses?
All your food and accommodations are provided. Cruise lines also provide medical
insurance whilst under contract. You will be required to pay for any incidentals,
souvenirs, as well as any alcoholic beverages.
Do I share a cabin?
Yes, all the cabins are small and compact
and are shared with one other person of the same sex. In some instances you may
have to share with up to three people. Most cabins have a bathroom, however some
bathroom facilities can be shared by up to four people. The cabins are cleaned
with linen changed daily by your cabin steward.
Can I do laundry on the ship?
Yes, you may have access to laundry
facilities or a service will be offered for a nominal fee.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
Yes, your uniform is supplied by the cruise
line and will be given to you upon arrival to the ship. In some instances you
nay have to pay for your uniform in which case it will be deducted from your
salary.
Do I have to have a medical before I get on
board?
Yes, you have to complete a medical prior to leaving for the ship. The medical
is a thorough exam that involves taking blood tests, urinalysis, blood pressure,
eye, hearing and lung function tests, as well as a chest x-ray. They are testing
that you are physically fit to work on board. Please note that a drug test will
also be conducted. Failure of the medical or drug test will result in the
termination of your contract.
In most cases, it is your responsibility to
pay for your medical exam, however there are some cruise lines that will pay for
it, or reimburse you the expense.
Can I get off the ship while in port?
Of course you can! When you have free time
during the day you can get off the ship and do what you please, providing that
you are not scheduled to work and that you are back n board by the required
time.
Can we socialize with the passengers?
Depending on your position, it may be an
integral part of your job, although it is important to note that fraternization
with passengers is cause for immediate dismissal.
Can we drink in the lounges/nightclub?
Some positions have "deck
privileges" and some may not. If you don’t you are not permitted to be in
passenger areas when you are off duty.
Positions that usually have deck
privileges, such as cruise staff, youth staff, merchandise, pursers,
entertainers, casino… are able to to socialize with passengers in the lounges
until your set curfew which will be given to you when you get onboard. Some
ships do not allow staff to drink alcohol in passenger areas. Should you be
found drunk while on duty or too drunk to perform emergency procedures, this
will result in automatic dismissal.
Can we smoke in passenger areas?
As a rule you cannot smoke whilst in any passenger areas. Your general manager
will define this rule in more detail when you arrive on the ship.
Is there a crew bar onboard?
Yes, the crew bar serves drinks until their particular set time, which may vary,
from ship to ship. It is where you can relax and socialize out of sight of the
passengers.
Can we use the gym?
Yes, as a rule you can use the gym, as long
as you are not depriving any passengers of the facilities.
Can we use the swimming pool?
As a rule aboard most ships you are not
permitted to use the pool. Anytime that you would have to use the pool, you will
probably also be able to get off the ship and sightsee, go to the beach or shop
in port!!
Where can the crew sunbathe?
There will be designated areas for the crew
to sunbathe.
Can my family or friends come to visit?
Of course they can! Every cruise line has
their own policies about visitors. There are discounts and it is usually based
on availability.
Will I enjoy working for the cruise
industry?
If you are a committed, hard working
fun-loving team player, then you will have the time of your life!
There is no other job that can give you so
much experience and knowledge of the travel industry. The things you’ll see,
do and learn along with the many new friends you’ll meet will stay with you
forever. It is truly an unforgettable experience.
Your confidence as a crewmember can only
increase as each week goes by, and we at CRUISE JOB AGENCY constantly encourage
our crew to develop their existing skills and learn new ones whilst onboard. You
will need approximately one month to settle in and feel comfortable in your new
surroundings. All we can say is "hang in there" it’s worth it!!!
Good
luck and have fun!