What is it like to work on a cruise ship?

What's it like to work aboard a cruise ship?

• I am currently a waiter in a restaurant and would be interested in working aboard a cruise ship and would like to know what it involves.What are the conditions and pay like? How long ...show more

• Answer:

  (I don't work on a cruise ship. All this information is what I have been told by my waiters on previous cruises.) As a waiter on a cruise ship, expect to work 7 days a week with no (or few) days off. The hours are long, as a lot of the wait staff have to work breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You'll probably be sharing a small room with another crew member. As for pay, you'll be making very little. As I'm sure you're aware, waiters usually rely on tips for the majority of their income. It's no different on a cruise ship. You'll get paid very little from the cruise line. The tips will be the majority of your income. On the positive side, you'll get to see many different places. If you have a chance, you might get to get off the ship. That's not guaranteed though. Also, room and board, as well as food, is provided for you. Don't expect to eat the "cruise ship food" that guests eat though. Basic meals for the crew. I've also been told you get some free (or very cheap) phone and/or Internet time. Contracts are usually for 6 months. Once you complete your contract, you can go home for a couple months. Then you come back and do it all again. From what I've been told, you start out in a training program. Once you complete that, you begin working on the buffet and non-dining room food areas. If you do well, you're promoted to assistant waiter in the dining room. After you successfully complete that part of your job, you'll be promoted to waiter. Then head waiter, and if you're lucky, assistant maitre'd and maitre'd. The amount of time at each level depends on how well you do and if there are openings. I'd imagine you'd have to spend at least several contract periods at each stage. Good luck on your endeavors!