Modern slavery on the cruise liners?

Question

Read about crew being "not well treated" on the cruise liners (they work extra hours, they don't get pay, the officers are acting discretionarry. Anybody else heard about?
Any cruisers? This is sad.

Answer 1

I'm more worried about nasty germs and viruses that really seem to be making alot of people sick

Answer 2

I haven't heard that. In fact, a few friends of mine worked for Carnival for several years and said it was great! They do work long shifts, usually 12 hours on, then 12 hours off and a day or two totally off during the length of a cruise, depending on how long the trip is. They have virtually no expenses whatsoever, so all the money they make gets saved up pretty fast. And they got to travel the world... and get paid to do it! What better job is there?

Answer 3

I know that cruiseline employee's are worked to the tilt. You literally are on call/duty 24/7. You get a day or so off while in home port, but what I've heard from thos who work on the ships is that those days are merely for picking up mail, running around to get things they need and then they are back on the ship.
They live in the cabins (interior) like passengers do, but there are two to a room.
I wouldn't call it slavery b/c you get told the conditions before you get hired and you can quit if you want to...but I think it's a tough job and not all most people think that it is cracked up to be.

Answer 4

I've not heard this. However, I do know that the employees on cruise ships work really, really hard to make sure that every guest is 100% satisfied. Long shifts and hard work is a common thing I have seen in all my travels on cruises. As far as pay, I'm not really sure on that matter.

I have always been amazed at how happy all the employees seem on a cruise ship. Even though they work as hard as they do, as much as they do, they always seem to be in really good spirits. And, if you talk to them, they love their job. Hopefully what is have read isn't the case, but they definitely work really hard.

Answer 5

How True! They were 7 days a week, 16 hours a day, for 9 months. If they scew up onew time, they are shipped home at the next port. It's worse than slavery, slave were given Suday off to turn them into Christians

Answer 6

I know the folks that were responsible for our well being( room attendant, head waiter, waiter, asst. waiter) ALL were paid well in gratuities. It's mandatory on Royal Caribbean and they suggest a minimum. I believe bartenders and other staff are well paid that way as well. The only ones that I am not sure about are the laundry crew people. Our room attendant mentioned that that wasn't the best position. They also get free room & board while on ship.

Answer 7

The conditions can be bad, but the workers choose to work for them. No one is brought in Shackles and Beaten to remain on the boat.

If you don't want to contribute to the conditions, don't take cruise lines that are registered outside of the US.

Answer 8

i've never heard of it.. but some jobs on a cruise ship is much easier than others- you can eat from the buffet, sleep, go offshore, and do other stuff. working on a cruise ship is like vacation if you ask me

Answer 9

They are free to quit any time if they don't like the working conditions.

The same complaints you describe could be applied to the US military or a number of other occupations. Unfortunately, there are unpleasant employers everywhere.

Answer 10

dateline, 20/20, 48 hours had reported something like this