There are many different types of people who find themselves longing for a bit of adventure, but don’t have the funds to just go out into the wild blue beyond. Some go backpacking, working on the trail picking fruit or doing bar jobs. Others choose to set sail on the different cruise operators around the world. I guess the main difference would be that you get paid to travel around the world instead of going from one place to another earning enough money to move on to the next destination.
The impression that most people have of working on a cruise ship is that for the duration of the contract (which is usually 6-8 months) they live a life full of adventure, fun and lots of alcohol and sex. For the most part I can tell you that it is true. Life on a cruise ship is full of those things every day.
Being part of a cruise ship crew is an adventure where you sleep, eat and breathe the life of being on the seas. The advantages of being part of the crew are, for the most part, that you get free trips and you can go to some of the most exotic places in the world and get paid for it, there is a lot of alcohol consumed and it is very cheap (at least like $1 a drink), and travels with a bunch of like-minded people who pretty much want the same thing, fun and good times. Not to mention, there’s plenty of sharing of rooms and overnight stays with crew and passengers alike.
Another advantage of working on a cruise ship is that you are paid in cash, and depending on what you are doing on the ship as part of your job, you may come home at the end of a contract with quite a bit of money in your pocket. . People who have been doing it for a number of years have often bought and paid for houses outright and if you choose to make a career out of it, which quite a few people do, well most cruise directors are often quite wealthy and live the rock and roll lifestyle.
It must be said that life at sea is not for everyone and there are cases where people have signed a contract and found themselves wanting to catch the next plane home. However, those who do and are more relaxed have the time of their lives. Not only do you have an adventure, but you also make friends with people from all over the world and come home with enough memories to write a book. The other thing to remember is that life on a cruise ship can often be intense, including fun. Cruise ships often work 7 days a week and therefore you may have time off rather than full days off, however most find their work on a cruise ship a totally enjoyable experience that isn’t a big deal. issue.
Another important thing to remember when looking for which cruise company to work for is that different cruise companies allow their workers different privileges or liberties when working on their ships. For example, Disney, being mostly a Christian family values type of company, can be quite restrictive in allowing their crew to do certain things on the ship. For example, I think you have to be a non-smoker to be a Disney employee and alcohol consumption by crew members can be very restrictive. As far as I know, the cruise that allows the most freedom and privileges, as well as the best pay rates for crew members, is Princess Cruises.
If you are considering working on cruises for an adventure or just for the money. It is not a decision that one should simply jump at. You should be aware that there are things like an initial expense to get on the cruise ship which may include a full medical exam, maritime safety training, and travel expenses to meet the cruise ship, all of which are usually paid thereafter. by the company. You must be committed to the lifestyle for the next 6-8 months and will be separated from your current friends and family and only able to communicate via email and letters or phone calls when in port. (Though most cruise companies offer very cheap deals for family members to visit.) If you decide to take up the challenge and embrace the culture, you will surely get the experience of a lifetime.