Welcome to “Crews Behind the Scenes”Welcome to “Crews Behind the Scenes”Through onboard experience and research, Overseas-Employment.ca and various Recruitment Specialists have interviewed and processed hundreds of candidates. Senior Recruiters tell us that employee turnover for several cruise lines is approximately 18 to 35% annually. What’s that mean to you, lots of jobs year round. The question is, why is there so much crew/staff turning over? Surprisingly, it is not due to employees unable to perform in their positions, rather the employee has difficulty adjusting and handling the shipboard lifestyle, cultural diversity and restrictions.
What exactly do you perceive life on board as a crewmember to be?
Are you prepared………is this the right job for you!
Get ready to see the inside scoop about Cruise Ships, behind the scenes? Find out what many crewmembers deal with on a day-to-day basis while working and living onboard a Luxury cruise Liner? There are a lot of misconceptions about what “ship life” is truly like. Overseas Employment.ca and associates have done the homework for you. Our goal with this e-book is to assist you in making an educated decision before completing an application and/or to prepare you before you leave on your experience of a lifetime, so you won’t have any major surprises. Ship life is not for every one, so consider the information in this e-book carefully before committing to a position and investment that may or may not be right for you.
What benefits do you have as a crewmember?
Crewmembers can obtain discounts in the various ports of call, discounts in the duty free shops onboard and also in the ships salon/spa.
Some cruise lines have a crew welfare committee that offer various activities and brainstorm ideas to enhance life onboard for crew. For example; Crew Bingo (don’t knock it, it is lots of fun, a great interaction and the pot $$ is usually quite high). Various cultures will celebrate their holiday seasons throughout the year and all interested crewmembers are usually invited. Barbeques are popular and are accompanied by free beverages, excellent snacks and music/dancing. One of the most interesting onboard activities is the
“Crew Talent Show”. This is when crew from different departments compete in a talent show that is performed and produced in the ships professional theatre reserved for an evening for crew/staff only. (For these special occasions the main show lounge is closed to passengers) The show is always lots of laughs and fun!!
The welfare committee will also organize private group trips just for crew/staff in some of the most beautiful ports of call in the world. Check out the photos!!! This is accomplished by the committee organizing very low $$ group rates with the shore excursion manager and the ships vendors. The sky is the limit when it comes to getting involved. Many crewmembers are part of soccer teams and other sports that sometimes compete with other cruise lines in certain ports of call. Basketball, water volleyball, golfing and even running marathons are just a part of some of the activities organized for crew. Some vessels even have bicycles on board which can be reserved for riding in various ports. (Only for crewmembers). Every year some crewmembers raise funds and organize Christmas parties in Haiti and other ports for underprivileged children. These types of activities are very rewarding.
Full medical and partial dental care is provided while you are under agreement with the company. Most crewmembers are not covered between contracts or in transit to and from their assignments, so it is recommended you obtain travel medical insurance until you officially sign on the vessel. Some cruise lines will offer extended medical care for crew during their vacation/transit at very reasonable rates. This information can be obtained for the crew purser onboard.
Meals are provided by the cruise line at no charge to the crewmember. The crew mess, staff mess and officer mess are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and sometimes snacks are available at later times. The crew and staff mess are buffet style. It is recommended that you tip the mess waiter when you get paid. A Normal tip is approximately $1.00 per day.
Cruising Privileges are available for employees and their immediate family members once the crewmember has completed his/her first contract. Discount cruises are available on a space available basis only. This a very big perk for a crewmember, as prices are seriously discounted by the Cruise Company and can save your family $1000’s of Dollars. Friendly staff/crew members will pay special attention your family members if told who will be sailing and introduced. Helpful and friendly perks amongst employees, can give your family an extra-ordinary vacation to remember.
Retirement and investment programs stock bonus’s and other financial plans are available on most cruise lines. You will be given details about these types of programs on board once you finish your probationary period.
Service Awards – each cruise line has their own extensive recognition program. Employees are recognized for their superior achievements.
Employee of the month on some cruise lines can give crewmembers cash awards for outstanding service.
Privileges onboard can be given and/or taken away, so they are never to be taken for granted. Each position has it own rank and level of privilege. Your department head has a standard set of rules for each employee under his/her supervision. We will do our best to outline the standard conditions that the various positions are regulated to live by whilst working onboard various different cruise lines. Please keep in mind, although ships have similar procedures, the details and position ranks change according to the cruise line. In a department, it may only take one person to break the rules and the Hotel Director can and may take all privileges away, for a period of time, for that entire department.
The difference between Crew and Staff. (divisions of crewmembers)
Staff consists of cruise directors staff, casino workers, gift shop attendants, photographers, Pursers/front desk, Hosts, shore excursions, Concessions, youth staff, entertainers, stage/technical personnel, and salon employees.
Crew are basically from housekeeping, food & beverage departments inclusive of deck hands and other manual labor staff.
The exceptions to crew privileged positions are Department Heads, Supervisors and Officers.
On most cruise lines staff are permitted in passenger areas when they are off duty but, Crew are not permitted in passenger areas unless they are working. Staff are required to display their name tags and dress appropriately when off duty in guest areas.
There are many designated areas onboard the vessel for Crew. Under no circumstances are staff/crew/officers permitted in guest cabins (unless to fulfill a guest assistance such as cabin stewardess & maintenance) and guests are never to be permitted in crew areas. If crew families are cruising, permission may be granted for a crewmember to enter a specific cabin only.
The Casino area, guest-swimming pools/whirlpools are areas NOT permitted to most every staff/crew member. With few exceptions, some staff members and officers are permitted in these areas depending upon their rank.
Another restriction is the use of the guest elevators. There are separate crew elevators to use, but they are usually very busy, therefore, you will find yourself getting swiftly into shape by utilizing the stairs. Some ships have up to 20 flights of stairs if not more……….(who needs a gym)
On the subject of gyms, most cruise lines offer a crew/staff gym onboard open 24 hours a day. Some lines also permit the staff to utilize the guest gyms at certain times as long as the gym is not too busy. The guests have paid for these services and the staff/crew are there to ensure they have the cruise of a lifetime!
Cruise line contracts will vary from one cruise line to another and one position to another. Below are some standard contracts.
• 10-month contract with 4 to 6 weeks vacation between contracts.
• 6-month contract with 4 to 6 weeks vacation between contracts.
• 15-week contracts with 4 weeks vacation between contracts.
• Seasonal contracts are mainly during the peak periods of the year and usually limited to Youth Staff.
• 4-month contracts with 8 weeks vacation between contracts. (These gems are usually only for department heads, managers and Officers.)
Vacation pay varies from one to cruise line to another. Usually only Dept. Heads and Officers receive full salary during vacation. Crew & Staff may or may not receive a form of vacation pay depending on the cruise line policy.
It is imperative that you realize that crewmembers work 7 days per week onboard. A crewmember will have hours off but no crewmember usually receives a day off. The hours are long but when a crewmember does receive time off it is quality time. If the vessel is docked in port and a crewmember is not on duty, they have the opportunity to visit the beautiful ports of call.
Standard Pay
• Paid in US dollars cash either bi-weekly or monthly. Crewmembers that are subject to receive tips, may receive the monies at the end of the cruise depending on the cruise line policy.
• There are several methods of securing your money onboard. Some cruise lines offer safety deposit boxes, bank wire transfers, or money orders at a minimal cost at the crew office.
Working for a cruise line gives you the opportunity to visit places you have always dreamed of. You will have time off in various ports of call depending on the ship itinerary and your work schedule. In the first few weeks onboard as a new crewmember, you will be very limited with time off in the ports of call in lieu of mandatory safety training/boat drills, possible position training, replacement staffing, etc. Once all your training is complete your schedule will ease up giving you more free time to explore or relax.
Depending on the position, you may have several hours off in a port of call or only very few. Staff members tend to have more port time as most of the guests debark in the ports of call leaving very few passengers to provide services for. For instance, the Casino is not legally allowed to be open in a port of call, therefore, unless casino staff are scheduled for a duty day or meeting, they are usually free in the ports of call but conversely they do work until 2,3 or 4 in the morning.
In contrast, free time for the dining room waiter is much more limited. Keep in mind that a cruise line has three meals a day with two seatings per meal and on some cruise lines, a regular midnight buffet as well. This does not leave a great deal of time for food and beverage employees to go ashore. Schedules do rotate and there will eventually be opportunities to visit the ports of call.
Are crewmembers permitted to partake in the shore excursions? Depending on the cruise line, supervisors may encourage all staff members to have more knowledge of the ports of call by experiencing the excursions/tours. Separate excursions/tours can also be organized for crewmembers only. This is explained in more detail in crew benefits/welfare committee. Please also keep in mind that there is a mandatory crew safety training drill weekly and Coast Guard drills in which all crewmembers must attend. It is imperative that ALL crew onboard are training in safety and emergency procedures.
Can I choose my vessel? Unfortunately, not likely!
If you are offered a position, it will be based on company demand/need. There are exceptions regarding this policy, long term and senior employees are the exception. Standard protocol requires a request is put in writing for an internal transfer, but even in exceptional cases, shore side schedulers cannot guarantee anyone a vessel unless there are matching positions open and available.
It is not unusual to be offered a position onboard especially for New Hires, and have your vessel assignment change before you even depart you’re your home. The sheer size of crew movement makes it a difficult for schedulers to take requests of any kind. You may get onboard a vessel, only to find you are transferred to another vessel even before you have a chance to get settled in.
Choosing your roommate is another issue that arises on a regular basis. It is not unusual to have your roommate change several times within a contract. By the way, new hires usually get the top bunk. If you are lucky, your roommate will change and you can snag the bottom bunk. More about your cabin is to come………
Most cruise lines have strict harassment policies. Zero tolerance for discrimination against or harassment on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, color, nationality, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or disability. This may be cause for termination.
Crew ID, and on board charge accounts, pay days and payment policy
Once you have been hired and assigned a vessel, you will either sign your employment agreement (contract) either prior to your departure or onboard the vessel when you sign on. You will be required to submit your passport for the length of your employment and will be issued a crew ID pass to disembark and embark the vessel. You may also be issued a crew card for any purchases you wish to make onboard the vessel at a discounted rate in the duty free shops and in some of the authorized lounges (staff/officers only).
Most cruise lines pay in US dollars. Officers may be paid in a different currency based on their agreement. Tipped employees either receive their tips at the end of each cruise or at the end of each month.
Crew are either paid bi-weekly or weekly depending on the cruise line policy. There are several methods of securing your money onboard.
You can wire money home directly from any bank.
You can obtain a safety deposit box onboard.
You can purchase an international money order onboard.
You can open a bank account off the ship in port.
Please keep in mind that most cruise lines pay the employees onboard in cash. The crewmember is responsible for any taxes due to their own country.
Drug and alcohol policy, random testing
The cruise lines have zero tolerance for drug and alcohol abuse and a random testing may occur onboard.,
Curfews, cultural/religious diversity
Each cruise line has a different set of policies regarding curfews but all cruise lines employee people from different backgrounds. You must expect to work in a multi-cultural environment and must RESPECT all nationalities.
Crew quarter hallways, and respect
The hallways in the various crew areas can some time get crowded and noisy. Parties can even be organized, and just develop as shifts change etc. It is a good idea to remember that staff members and crew work at different times, so keep in mind your colleagues may have to get up at 5:00am to begin his/her day. Be respectful in crew quarter hallways.
Promotions
Most cruise lines promote within. If you commence at an entry level, it is up to the employee to prove themselves onboard. This may be difficult at times as an employee may at times feel they are capable of offering their skills at a higher level but it is only fair to the present onboard employees that all new hires start at entry level unless the employee is of upper management and has shipboard experience.
Mail – Mail is normally received at the end of each cruise. Employees sending parcels or packages home must be cleared by customs before leaving the ship.
Internet – Most vessels have either internet cafes onboard or internet access at discounted rates. It is important to remember that the vessel operates via satellite and you will be charged by the minute. A lot of crewmembers tend to use the internet cafes in the various ports of call.
Phone calls – Onboard phone calls are very expense and once again, crewmembers tend to purchase phone cards and make their calls in the ports of call.
Your little shared cabin will be your home away from home while you are working onboard. Guests are not permitted in crew cabins at any time. Crewmembers are able to relax and enjoy their time off, whether is to go to the crew gym, hang out in your cabin and watch a movie, chat in the area hallways, or participate in activities. The ship is divided into quarters of cabins designated to the various departments. For example; pursers, cruise staff, cleaners, deckhands, gift shop staff, entertainers, etc. Officers usually reside on a higher deck closer to the bridge at the front (forward) of the ship.
A Standard crew cabin is approximately 125 sq ft. You may be assigned to a double berth cabin (2 per cabin) or a quad cabin (4 per cabin) depending on the cruise line. Space is limited. Some older vessels still have common washrooms but this is fairly rare. You will have a couple of draws, some closet space, and be able to sore some things in your suit case which you will have to places under the bottom bunk. The Captain or a Senior Officer inspects all cabins for crew/staff weekly. Random searches can/will take place on occasion. (Time to hide the coffee maker!!) Electrical appliances are not usually permitted in crew cabins.
Depending on your position, your cabin may be cleaned daily and sheets changed weekly by a cabin steward. If this is the case, it is recommended that you tip your cleaner accordingly every payday. Cleaners and some other crewmembers are paid poorly, so the tips they receive from staff are the biggest part of their wages. Please tip accordingly.
Linen, towels and blankets are provided. You are required to bring your own toiletries. Most cruise lines now have TV/VCR’s as well as a washroom/shower in each crew cabin and on newer vessels, in-cabin safety deposit boxes and direct internet access as well.
Once a week, a crew cabin inspection will be done by middle and senior management onboard. Each cruise company organizes this a little differently.Crew Cabin inspections are announced and serve two purposes. The one is to keep the living quarters tidy and clean, the other one is to check that there are no items which require repairs.How the cleaning is organized among you, the occupants, is basically up to you. If one cleans the bathroom, the other the living space, if one cleans the entire cabin – taking turns, or if you alone or together decide to pay another crew member to clean your cabin.
It is expected, that the garbage has been removed from your cabin, that no food is found in the cabin (code of conduct), that the beds are made, that the bathroom is cleaned.And yes at inspection time the toilet is checked, the drain in the shower, the floor, the mirror. Checks also include, if your life jackets are at the designated spot and not obstructed by other items.Things like an unclean cabin, perishable food in the cabin, glass-and tableware in your cabin, transformers, tampering with safety items or taking your garbage to the next "public garbage bin" instead to the garbage room can get you into quite some trouble including a warning or even dismissal for tampering with safety items.If items in your cabin are broken or don't work any longer, follow the ships reporting system as soon as you discover a problem.Your cabin will be your home for many months and up-keeping therefore is in your own interest.
The Crew bar is normally the center meeting place for all crew/staff. Staff members are permitted on some cruise lines to use designated passenger lounges they also can dance and have drinks in the guest disco when they are off duty. Crew must use the crew facilities at all times as they are not permitted in passenger areas unless they are working/on duty. Discounted cigarettes and beer/wine are available for crew but most cruise lines still have a zero tolerance for alcohol abuse and can randomly test crew. Remember, just because a beer is only a dollar, it does not mean you should have 30!!!
Theme parties are popular in the crew bar. If you never dressed up for Halloween before, you will be find that participation in the theme nights is huge! Examples of some theme nights for crew parties are; Hawaiian night (break out the grass skirt), country/western, 70’s disco, transvestite (dress as opposite sex) and loads of other crazy fun nights.
The Welfare committee or the Food & Beverage Manager may donate drinks, snacks and yummy junk food for a crew event.
Some nights the crew bar is quiet depending on whether the following day is a port day or sea day. This is what usually affects the attendance. The last day of the cruise is usually hopping in the crew bar as many crew/staff are signing off for vacation, etc.
On most vessels, the crew bar is accessible to the crew deck on the rear (aft) of the vessel.Some cruise lines still allow smoking in the crew bar but the norm is they are smoke free. Barbeques and food is usually prepared on the back crew deck. The back deck is used for crew/staff as a get away from the guests, for sunbathing, relaxing, enjoying the view and just to get a breath of fresh air. Staff are free to walk the guest accessible decks, but for crew, they must use only the designated crew only areas.
Crew areas are specifically labeled and guests are not allowed in these areas. However, guests do take liberties on occasion and will wonder around in unauthorized places. All crew/staff members are requested to kindly escort the guests back to their authorized areas.
Ships are getting bigger and it is surprising just how much area is elected for crew only, although most of the crew areas are in the lower parts of the ship. There is a main hallway, nick-named the ‘I 95’. It cuts directly through the middle of the ship and is quite wide. This area is active with crew at most time. Supplies are also moved through this hallway as well. Once you master and understand this ‘I 95’ thoroughfare, you will be able to find your way around the ship shortly there after. Other crew areas consist of at least one out side deck, a crew gym, computer/games room, crew bar/disco, the various dining rooms for crew only, department office areas, supply and department storage rooms, laundry/maintenance areas, and of course the crew cabins and their immediate areas.
The engine room and the bridge are out of bounds to most crew and staff members. The engine room is only authorized to those who work there, and for the most part that goes for the bridge as well. Captains have given tours of the bridge to the crew, there families and special guests on occasion, but it is not to be expected. However, the Engine room is usually not allowed under any circumstances, mostly because of company insurance reasons. It is not out fitted with various safety features that you will find in all other parts of the ship and proper work attire is required.
One of the most difficult experiences new crewmembers face onboard is the fall out from gossip and lack of support from fellow team members. Because of the steady flow of staff, it is not always easy to keep the same roommate or the same friends. Therefore, your support network is ever changing and can make you feel lonely even though you are surrounded by people at all times. You will have the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships with many different nationalities if so choosing, and may even meet your future spouse/soul mate. What you need to keep in mind at all times is that most vessels can staff up to 1300 crew with movement weekly due to transfers, new hires, vacations, dismissals, etc. Be aware that there is little or no privacy and your reputation will be developed in a very short time.
Most people sign on a vessel seeking friendship, good times and acceptance. At times you will feel as if you are back in high school dealing with the petty gossip and backstabbing that can occur onboard. Long-term crewmembers recommend that you keep strong values and work ethics as your reputation will follow you from one vessel to another.
You must also keep in mind that if you do end up in a serious relationship, it is not always possible to be placed in the same cabin or even on the same vessel in your next contract due to allocation of cabins. The main reason is males share cabins with males and females share with females. Joggling allocation of cabins is very difficult for your supervisor even with out any changes, requests or because couples are wanting to live together.
In order to be successful onboard a ship, a crewmember MUST be independent, flexible and very open-minded. Crewmembers work with over 70 different nationalities including individuals with various lifestyle choices. Respect for one another onboard is of great importance in order to establish a comfortable and positive working/living environment for all concerned.
There is usually some non-refundable costs involved once you have been offered a position with a cruise line. We will list the common costs associated with most cruise lines for new hires.
Pre-employment medicals – employment with a cruise line is contingent upon passing a pre-employment medical. Each cruise line has a different set of requirements regarding their medicals but it is important to remember that overall a new hire will most likely be medically tested on the following and must be found fit for duty BEFORE you depart from home.
The most common tests are: Chest x-ray, drug screen, serology, pap smear, urinalysis, hepatitis A, B & C as well as a full physical.It is highly recommended that if you are taking any medications or have a pre-existing condition that you discuss it with the cruise line medical department prior to obtaining the medical.The medical cost may or may not be covered/refunded by the cruise line depending on the company policy.
Initial Airline Tickets – You may be responsible to purchase your initial one-way airline ticket to join your assigned vessel. You also may be requested to bring a deposit with you to cover any costs to return you to your home in the event that you resign early or are terminated within your contract. Most cruise lines will provide your airline ticket home once you have successfully completed your contract. We recommend that you discuss this with the hiring cruise line or agent.
Uniforms – Usually items of clothing that have the cruise line logo on them are provided by the company. Depending on your position, you may be required to bring with you additional items. For example, cruise staff may be asked to bring theme wear/costumes for activities onboard. Male Staff members are required to bring a dark suit or tuxedo for formal nights onboard and female Staff are required to bring a cocktail/formal dress. The cruise line provides officer uniforms. White dress pants and black/white closed toed shoes are usually a requirement to bring along as well.
Hotel and travel costs - Most cruise lines provide one night hotel accommodation for crewmembers in transit when joining an assigned vessel. You may be requested to initially pay the hotel and be reimbursed once you sign on the ship. Verify this information with the hiring cruise line/agent regarding their payment policy.
It is required by all cruise lines that a crewmember have in their possession the following documents upon embarking on their assigned vessel.
• Valid passport (must be valid for a minimum of one (1) year).
• Valid C1/D visa for non US and non Canadian passport holders. The C1/D visa can only be obtained from the US Consulate by appointment.
• An official letter of employment from the cruise line.
• Valid medical documentation stating that the crewmember is Fit for Duty. Verify with the hiring cruise line on this documentation.
• The cruise line may require Background/criminal record clearance.
Standard cruise ship structure.
Master/Captain
Staff Captain/Chief Engineer
Hotel Director
All non-marine department heads report to Hotel Director
Food & Beverage Manager
Chief Purser
Chief Housekeeper
Cruise Director
Casino Manager
Dive Manager
Retail Manager
Spa & Salon Manager
Photo Manager
Port Lecturer
Art Auctioneer
Supervisors
1st Assistant Cruise director
Production Manager
Assistant Casino Manager
Assistant Chief house keeper
Crew purser
Training Manager
Assistant Retail Manager
Assistant Chief Purser
Dining Room Manager
EMAIL: Please put the position you would like to apply for in
‘Word’ format.
Please include a cover letter. Include any information you think a recruiter or employer would need to know about you.
If you are applying for an entertainment type position like cruise staff, a photo is some times helpful.
Include scans of at least 2 reference letters, any degree’s or certifications relative to your application.
Try to be specific when applying your resume to a position. Please place the position you are qualified for, at the top of your resume in the ‘OBJECTIVE’ heading.
Place a follow up phone call in 2 to 3 weeks after submitting your resume package if you have not heard something by then.
ALL FIRST POSITIONS ARE ENTRY LEVEL AS MOST CRUISE LINES PROMOTE FROM WITHIN BASED ON PERFORMANCE.
Living Arrangements: Your cabin is provided by the company and most crew cabins and areas are located on decks below the guest areas and share their accommodations with one or more crew members of the same rank. The cabin is generally no larger than 125 square feet, has a small wardrobe storage area and a cupboard for toiletry items to be shared with your cabin mates. The beds are usually bunk-style.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided by the company at designated hours and in designated crew areas. A dress code to observe may apply.
Banking: Shipboard employees are paid twice a month in US dollars on board and are provided with several options for securing their money.
Mail: Addresses are provided and mail is sent to these addresses for distribution on a regular basis. Outgoing mail may be posted in any port.
Phone calls: It is very expensive to place or receive calls from the ship. Phone calls can be made in the ports at calling stations or with phone cards. Emergency numbers are provided to employees in order to be reached on board the vessel.
Internet: Several vessels now have Internet Cafes available for crewmembers and passengers right onboard the vessel.
Uniforms: Staff and crew may be required to purchase a uniform. Uniform codes exist for day and night in guest areas. Crew members who are off duty can wear their own clothes in crew areas.
Airline ticket policy: All new employees are responsible for providing the initial airline ticket to join their assigned vessel. Upon successful completion of the contract, the company will provide an airline ticket to origin of hire. A round-trip airline ticket will be provided if contract is renewable.
Pre-employment physical: Employment is conditional upon passing a pre-employment physical by a company approved physician prior to joining a vessel.
Medical: Medical insurance and partial dental is provided while signed on a vessel.
Safety Training/Drills: Compulsory safety training and crew drills are conducted weekly on board and attendance is mandatory. All employees must comply with company Safety and Quality Management Policies.
Passport and Visas: Shipboard crew members must be in possession of a passport valid for a minimum of twelve (12) months. All Non U.S. and Non Canadian Citizens are required to be in possession of a C-1/D visa valid for a minimum of six months before entering the United States..
Probation Period: The first 90 days of employment are probationary.
Master Rules and Regulations: All employees are subject to the Masters Rules and Regulations.
Safety Training/Drills: Compulsory safety training and crew drills are conducted weekly on board and attendance is mandatory. All employees must comply with company Safety and Quality Management Policies.