I've seriously been considering working on a cruise ship. Has anyone ever done this? If so, can you give me some input, i.e., where's the best place to apply, what cruiseline do you recommend, what type of work is the best to apply for, etc.? Anyone who can help me out would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Why? Or more specifically "why do you want to work here?"

I'm not trying to be a wise guy. You need to be able to answer that question, which is what I asked potential employees for years when I interviewed them for jobs at my nuclear plant. I would expect to be asked it by a cruise line if I applied.

a friend of mine worked as a musician (trumpet) and enjoyed it. He worked on several lines over the years.

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have links from their home page for people who are seeking positions.

I think it would be interesting to be on a ship for 6 months, I like adventure, love to travel and I love to meet new people. Am I hired? HA HA

quote:

I like adventure, love to travel and I love to meet new people.

That is the Miss America answer, but it doesn't tell me anything as an employer. What skills or special talents do you have to offer?

Carnival Job Info

RCI Job Info

I'd look at the above two links.

juggling?

quote:

That is the Miss America answer.

Man Dave, you're a tough interview. When I was a sales manager and had to hire for salespeople, they'd all come in saying the same thing, "I'm a people person". Never failed, don't know who wrote the dialog but everyone had the answer down pat. I'd often toss them the .29 cent bic pen I took notes with and say sell me that pen. Make it worth more than the .29 cents I paid for it and you're hired. Most would stare at the pen thinking of what they should say to make it worth something more and give up before even trying. Saying something like, it's just a pen or sit in total silence staring at me. The folks that got the job were the folks willing to try. Even if their sales pitch was silly or didn't add value. I liked people willing to put forth the effort. It would also be a big plus if after they tried they asked advice, something like what would the right answer have been? Or what would you have said to sell it? Effort and willingness to learn are more important in any interview I gave than a resume or a degree.

Cheers, Neil

Wow Dave you ARE tough! Okay, currently I am a legal assistant so I don't think that will help. But I DO have a medical background, not sure where it would apply as I am not a nurse or a doctor though. I used to work in retail, I danced for 25 years but have gained some weight so I wouldn't be eligible to dance for the cruiseline but could help coordinate shows, costumes, etc., and I AM an avid gambler so I could do SOMETHING in a casino I'm SURE! Whatcha think about that?

I'll critique the response as a potential employer. The avid gambler is getting written down on my pad as a potentil problem. The "I could's" are going down as unsure of skills. Sorry, I guess Dave's not the only tough interview. What do you want from staff members when you cruise? What would not be desirable in a crew member when you cruise? Play up the strengths and eliminate anything that might cause your interviewer to put a minus in your column. For me, as a passenger, I want a smiling face with enthusiasm. A hard worker that gets along well with others. Someone who obeys authority and does what they're asked without questioning it. The enthusiasm is probably the most important trait. I'd find a way to play on that. If you are energetic, enthusiastic, pleasant to speak with and willing to learn and work hard, how could they not want you onboard?

Cheers, Neil

All I can say is if you are serious, then apply. We get periodic posts asking about working on the ships, and it is usually someone with the wrong idea - thinking it is like Julie, Gopher, and the gang. As an experienced cruiser you know better, but still it is a hard job with long hours and little time off. Do you really want to work 6 months with maybe a day off a week (and I mean just the day - not the night too)? Have you asked the crew questions while on your past cruises? You may not like what you hear if you are used to the typical American work week.

Here is more details on being a Carnival casino worker, for example.

I'll throw my two cents in here too. I was talking with a Casino dealer on my last cruise. he had been working for several years and LOVED it. Yes, its 6 months at a time, and long hours, but after a while the cruise ship atmoshpere becomes "old hat" and working long hours just meant that he was doing something. Plus he listed the benefits- No rent or mortgage payment, not utility bills, no car payment... food and board included in the job, he got to meet many interesting people and made great friends in other crew members. He got enough time off between rotations to visit family etc... If you are unattached and have that mindset, it could be great for you. BUT if you are someone like Dave said- you think it will be like working on the love boat, then you might want to reconsider.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Beers:

quote:

I like adventure, love to travel and I love to meet new people.

That is the Miss America answer

Hey, it's better than the Miss Teen South Carolina answer:
I personally believe, that U.S. Americans,
are unable to do so,
because uh,
some, people out there, in our nation don’t have maps.
and uh…
I believe that our education like such as in South Africa,
and the Iraq,
everywhere like such as…
and, I believe they should uh,
our education over here,
in the U.S. should help the U.S.
or should help South Africa,
and should help the Iraq and Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future,
for us.”

OUCH DR, that was PAINFUL! Let me start off by stating that I grew up in CT and was educated in CT, I moved to SC a few years ago.

Dave, you have many good points there, I have never thought to ask a staff member about their job, but I do recall, however, a casino dealer telling me about his job, and he seemed to like it. But as you stated, he is NOT American so he is not used to the American-way of working. I LOVE to meet new people and experience new things that's why I am interested in doing a job like this, I am not attached, not married, no kids (well 2 cats), so I'm a free woman, so to speak. Is it bad to say that I may only do it for the 6 month duratation and quit? Just for the experience of it?

Alas, I know it was painful. Regretably, it was verbatim the answer that she actually gave in a nationally televised pageant. Poor girl...

What????

See it yourself

oops dave beat me to it. I couldn't make something up that bizarre.

The question is, did she win the pageant??

Sandy

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