| Many people have dreamed about working on a | | | | discount in the Boutique or Spa - sometimes in excess |
| Cruise Ship. But is it really better than their existing land | | | | of 40% or more! |
| job? Here's some practical insight for both sides of the | | | | You also get to meet a continuous stream of new |
| coin - and the answer will then lie in which one appeals | | | | people. Crew members are joining and disembarking |
| to you most. | | | | the ship, making room for new faces or old friends. |
| Part I: Working on a Cruise Ship: The Pros | | | | Where else can you work with so many people from |
| Make no mistake, working on a Cruise Ship can be | | | | such diverse locations all over the world? And for |
| exciting. You're not only seeing many exotic locations | | | | some, your interactions with the guests are equally as |
| and meeting interesting people but you're getting paid | | | | rewarding. Many guests on cruise ships love meeting |
| to do it. And in some cases your salary is better than | | | | the crew and getting to know them on a more |
| the same position on land. Imagine seeing the places | | | | personal level. You might even be invited to dinner or |
| you've only dreamed about: Rome, Paris, Sydney, the | | | | for a lunch in port if you're lucky. |
| French Polynesia, South America and Asia while also | | | | Crew activities can also be exciting. Many Cruise Lines |
| saving money too. Most Cruise Lines cover the costs | | | | provide nightly parties and events to keep the crew |
| of your food and accommodation, and some even | | | | entertained and happy while on board. Often there is |
| give you a weekly or monthly allowance for things | | | | free drink, special food or prizes like laptops and other |
| such as laundry and a bar tab, depending on your | | | | electronics, as well as free internet or phone cards. |
| position. The crew bar or crew store may offer many | | | | Most ships will have a weekly bingo night with some |
| common items like tooth paste, shampoo, and other | | | | winnings exceeding $1000 or more. There are also |
| hygiene products at a lower price than on land. And | | | | crew tours at a fraction of the passenger cost and |
| for those that enjoy their drink and cigarettes, prices | | | | Tour Escorting gives you the chance to take the |
| can be anywhere between $1.00 - $2.00 USD | | | | same tours the passengers do for free! |
| depending on the ship. Crew may even enjoy a | | | | |