Working on a Cruise?

Question

So I applied to work for a cruise line. Is it worth the money to be stuck on a ship?

Answer 1

It really depends on the cruise line. I don't believe there are any cruise lines that have ships registered in the US. This means that the cruise line doesn't have to follow US employment regulations. From what I've heard, unless you're in a high level job (nurse/medical staff, bridge staff, etc.) it's a really crappy job.

I have an aquaintance who worked on a cruise ship. When she was hired she was told that she'd be working 8 hour days and would have all her meals and room paid for. She ended up working 16-18 hours a day and her meals were very poor. She only worked for them for about 3 weeks before she was able to get off the ship and come home. She said it was the worst expierence she ever had and the money was horrible. Luckly she was able to get her serving job at a local resturant back. She earns more there then she ever would working on the cruise ship.

If it's something you really want to do, you need to research the company you'll be working for and talk with some employees that are doing the job you've applied for. You may discover that it's not something you want to do.

Answer 2

From what I hear, it doesn't pay as well as a similar position on land. But because you have almost no living expenses, it's easy to save. Plus the ablity to travel is a great bonus.