He workings of the crew behind the scenes and on cruise ships
Have you ever wondered how it feels to work onboard a cruise ship? Below the deck the whole tourist world that we do not know at all 'Here we give you the chance to find out what really happened there ...
Laura Fletcher, 26, has just returned from his position as a staff shore excursion with Norwegian Cruise Lines. He has worked in the Norwegian Star, Spirit and Pearl on a trip around Alaska and the Caribbean. In our interview, she said that the good, the bad and the ugly time onboard.
How do you manage to get a job on a cruise ship?
With great difficulty! I originally applied directly to the cruise line, but received very little response. I then did a little more research and decided that NCL is the company I want to work, I then applied agents in Southampton who dealt with the placement of a cruise ship, and they quickly found a suitable position for me.
What is your position onboard ,?
I worked as part of a team of coastal tourism, so I'm responsible for organizing and selling tours as well as ensuring a smooth and of course deal with any problems that may arise, they usually do! My first contract was for 5 months in Alaska, followed by a 2-month break, and then I flew out and joined the Norwegian Spirit in the Caribbean. My final contract on the Norwegian Pearl beautiful in Mexico.
What is your first impression of life onboard ,?
Climb aboard for the first time was very scary, I remember our coach arrived at the Port of Seattle, and see Norwegian Star. It was the first cruise ship I've ever seen, and initially I was just thinking about my little bagaimanabetapa 14 deck before the ship!
After the plane, it's all very unusual. There is so much to take and learning, safety procedures ship, tourist destinations and schedules offered all must be studied inside out.
Before I left the UK, even though everyone says it is hard work, I have to admit, I thought my experience would be about seeing the world, the people I will meet and some of the work, in that order.
At this point, reality kicked job! I thought I had underestimated how much I would do and the responsibility I have taken on.
Upon arriving passengers, and tour began, I began to see all the places that I have learned about each trip onboard and experience first-hand shore. After a few weeks I have been on every tour and explore every part of the destination by land, air and sea!
What is your accommodation like?
During my first contract, I was lucky and share my cabin with only one other crew members. The cabin was quite large, en suite with my own drawers and closet space. When I started my second contract, the Norwegian Spirit, I ended up on the top bunk in a cabin that is much smaller.
What accommodation varies depending on the job role?
Yes, while all cabins en suite, they vary in size and amount of share each cabin. For example, the house keeping staff can share a cabin with 4-6 others, while the cruise staff get a slightly better deal and will usually end up sharing with only 4-2 other people. All are comfortable and the cabin is viewed solely to sleep in.
What happens at mealtimes?
Food is available to the crew on the set 3 times a day, with snacks available in between. The food was not bad, although not as guests were served! We will always make the most of local food when we are at rest and at the harbor, local delicacies and fresh fish beat the food the crew every time!
How many days off did you get each week?
Nothing! The crew worked pretty much every day of the week with a couple of hours off here and there. During the little free time I am going straight from the ship and to the port, or, if it is a place I've explored I will use the time to wash clothes or just relax. There is also a gym, swimming pool, game room and bar for the crew to spend their spare time in. We made the most of a free night with the crew and other fun events organized by the welfare of the crew, this is when we will often get a passenger poking their heads around the door to see where all the fun it really happened!
What is the hardest part of your job ...?
Without a doubt, many hours. It was hard work, but the work itself is beautiful, I have good days, when customers thank me for recommending a great tour, and the days are bad, which makes being away from home, friends and family much more difficult. Each cabin has a telephone and we have a calling card, so there are many opportunities to call home when things are not going so well.
Must remain polite when passengers were rude also very challenging for me!
... And the best part?
Where you can see! There is no other job allows you to go kayaking in the Dominican one day, then bask in the next Mexico. Working and living with a large group of people means you build close relationships with people from all over the world.
Is there never any crew - passenger romance?
Never! Every staff caught having relations with passengers will be fired. Funnily enough, it seems to be a passenger to try their luck with the crew after a few too many cocktails in the 70 or 80s party night!
How does the crew get paid?
Wages are resolved through financing and paid directly into my bank account back home. For shopping onboard, we have a crew card associated with your account.
Depending on your position, you are paid different wages. Those who are in direct contact with the passenger will be paid in cash tips sets them apart from wages. The crew were not directly involved, such as laundry staff, does not get a share of tips, and at much lower wages. This tends crew who could not speak English fairly high standard. This may seem harsh, but when you consider all the food, accommodation and living expenses are taken care of by the cruise line, the money they receive is all of them to keep
What skills do you think someone would need to do the job?
For my particular role, you definitely have to be people -people to be able to interact with all kinds of different people. You must be extroverted, friendly and know how to have fun! It is also very important to be responsible; looking after a group of people who are in a strange country far from home is a big job, so you have to have good leadership skills as well.
So next time you go sailing, spare a thought for the "other world" onboard and an excellent job they are doing that makes you experience what it is.
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