Ezekiel Satchell asked:
I am currently a waiter in a restaurant and would be interested in working aboard a cruise ship and would like to know what it involves.What are the conditions and pay like? How long would I be away for (for instance would I need to give up my flat)?
I would especially love to hear about anybody’s experiences, both positive and negative.
I am currently a waiter in a restaurant and would be interested in working aboard a cruise ship and would like to know what it involves.What are the conditions and pay like? How long would I be away for (for instance would I need to give up my flat)?
I would especially love to hear about anybody’s experiences, both positive and negative.
it would be just like yer job just now…but ye would be rockin
My brother says he loves it. He’s been all over the world and has never had a bad trip. The conditions are excellent and the pay is very good. He does own a house but spends a lot of his time at sea. He’s a Captain btw.
i like your name
(I don’t work on a cruise ship. All this information is what I have been told by my waiters on previous cruises.)
As a waiter on a cruise ship, expect to work 7 days a week with no (or few) days off. The hours are long, as a lot of the wait staff have to work breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll probably be sharing a small room with another crew member. As for pay, you’ll be making very little. As I’m sure you’re aware, waiters usually rely on tips for the majority of their income. It’s no different on a cruise ship. You’ll get paid very little from the cruise line. The tips will be the majority of your income.
On the positive side, you’ll get to see many different places. If you have a chance, you might get to get off the ship. That’s not guaranteed though. Also, room and board, as well as food, is provided for you. Don’t expect to eat the cruise ship food that guests eat though. Basic meals for the crew. I’ve also been told you get some free (or very cheap) phone and/or Internet time.
Contracts are usually for 6 months. Once you complete your contract, you can go home for a couple months. Then you come back and do it all again. From what I’ve been told, you start out in a training program. Once you complete that, you begin working on the buffet and non-dining room food areas. If you do well, you’re promoted to assistant waiter in the dining room. After you successfully complete that part of your job, you’ll be promoted to waiter. Then head waiter, and if you’re lucky, assistant maitre’d and maitre’d. The amount of time at each level depends on how well you do and if there are openings. I’d imagine you’d have to spend at least several contract periods at each stage.
Good luck on your endeavors!
Cruise Line Job is a great job, especially for a young, single person who wants to see the world. You learn responsibility, getting along with others, and hard work. And if you don’t go crazy buying souvenirs you can even save some money. For third-world people, earning a few hundred dollars every week in tips makes them wealthy in their homelands.
Just ask any crew member to tell you honestly how he likes his job. They will almost all say they love it and would not quit. In most cases, they would not even change much about it. Do they miss their families? Of course, but that is the life. It’s not for everyone, but it’s better than most people expect.
The most important thing will be to determine what climate your ship operates in normally.It is important to realize these points:
* You will likely be sharing a cabin with up to 4 other crew members. Space is extremely tight – so don’t bring large suitcases. There’s nowhere to put them.
* You will be wearing a company-provided uniform every day of the week. Your own clothing will be used only for your time off.
* They have complimentary washers and dryers on the ship for you!
* Many crew members wear the same casual wear a lot (the same t-shirts, jeans, shorts etc.) Don’t feel like you have to be a fashion king/queen and wear a different outfit each day of the month.
So, with these tips in mind, you should consider 10-12 pair of underwear and socks, 3-4 t-shirts, 2 pair of shorts, 1 pair of jeans (unless working in a cold climate), 1 -2 dressy outfits for going out on the town or special occasions onboard, 1 pair of tennis shoes and 1 pair of dress shoes.
As far as extras, bring with you one full bottle of each of the sundries you normally use (shaving cream, gels, sprays, deodorant, etc.) – which will buy you some time to find where to get these items during your ship’s itinerary. You should also buy a BATTERY OPERATED alarm clock, flashlight, a padlock for your locker, I reccommend a DVD player (most crew cabins don’t have one installed in them) and as far as what to pack all of this in — a collapsible piece of luggage like an oversized duffel bag.
Do not bring: Liquor, clothing irons, drugs without prescriptions, handcuffs, candles (or anything with a steady open flame), any electronics that turn energy into heat – except a curling iron, knives, pepperspray/mace or weapons of any kind.
If you need further information, you can post it on then people can help you.
-Michael
the pay is low,,,i,e, about $800 a month with some cruise companies but I know someone working on cruises who also has his own property and he makes around £1000 to £1500 a month with tips added. The tips are incorporated in the charge on ship for booze, it’s 12% added to the price of a drink He saves most as there is nothing to spend it on so that he has enough to pay his mortgage when home for two months. he has been all over the world, literally, and he is still only 26. he loves it, every minute and although it is hard work, he does spend afternoons sometimes on exotic beaches and in bars, so there must be some available time to do that. Go for it, even if you only did six months to test the waters…so to speak, it’s worth a try