So do you want to
Work on a
Cruise ship?
Have you ever thought about traveling to the best beaches that the Caribbean has to offer?
What about going to popular destinations like Europe, South America and even Alaska?
Does it sound cool working in a place where your office (and home) is constantly on the move?
Working on a cruise ship for many seems like a dream. A place where you get to travel, make friends, save money and have fun.
The benefits of working on a cruise ship is that you get the following perks:
- See the world while getting paid.
- Sleep in one country and wake up in another.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are all included.
- Free laundry available.
- Medical assistance while onboard.
- Crew only activities and events.
- Fun crew only parties and cheap drinks!
- Among many other perks.
Imagine All The Cool Places You Will Get To See!
Since 2007 I had the pleasure to visit several countries while working on a cruise ship. Working on ships has allowed me to visit the beautiful beaches in Hawaii and the Caribbean, the greatest and history-rich cities in Europe, the ancient Pyramids of Egypt, the northernmost point in Europe, among many great other locations that would take an entire lifetime for most people to see.
You see, working on a cruise ship have taught me to appreciate the simplest things in life. Although you will have many great days seeing the world, you will also miss certain things in life that we take for granted. Having a quiet Saturday breakfast that I cooked when I wanted becomes a luxury. Waking up when I wanted and didn’t have to constantly think about time constraints, that you will only understand once you start working onboard. Your watch will be your best friend and your enemy!
Over the years, I learned how to manage my time better and most important, I realized that a good night’s sleep helps me get through the day. The days onboard on a cruise ship can go on forever. One day will feel like two, weeks feel like months and months like years. Time on ship runs slows and on a six month contract, you will feel like an entire year has passed by. How you decide to spend your time onboard will depend on your attitude!
Perks of Working on a Cruise Ship:
- Free travel
- Global friendships
- Eat around the world
- Save money
- Long vacations
- Escape the ordinary
- Medical Coverage
- Job Security
- No bills to pay
- Crew only events
- Cruise Discounts
- Cruise on your vacation!
- Career Advancement
- Learn a Second Language
- Free excursions
Working on a cruise ship must be very cool
but what is the catch?
Working on a cruise ship can be very fun and rewarding but nonetheless a challenging job. Not everything is a sea full of roses but with determination, you can make it one of the best jobs you will ever have.
You can find below some very important aspects that you should consider before deciding if a cruise ship job is a right fit for you:
Not a Single day Off!
That's right. Most positions onboard provide NO day off. You are expected to work everyday for the entire duration of your contract, always with a smile on.
Contracts are long!
Your contracts can vary between 4 to 8 months, depending on your position. Some can even go up to 9-10 months at a time.
Long Hours!
You are expected to work up to twelve hours a day, seven day a week. Working 60-70 hours a week is not unheard of.
Internet is limited!
Internet onboard is slow, expensive and limited. If you are the type of person that cannot go offline for long periods of time, this job might not be for you.
You will share a cabin!
You can expect to have one, two or even three other roommates, or none at all. Your position on board will dictate your berthing privileges.
The Crew Drills!
You will, every week for the duration of your contract, spend at least one hour going over the crew drill simulation. It's mandatory and you can't escape it. Ah, and usually it's on a port you want to explore.
Almost no time off!
You will have time to explore some ports of call but time will be limited. You will have to learn to manage time and make the most of it. Remember you are there to work first.
You have to eat ship food!
The closest comparison to ship food is cafeteria food back in high school. the food can be decent at times but mostly it's mediocre. You will get tired of it but at least you don't have to cook it.
