What is it like to be a server on a cruise ship?

What is it like to be a server on a cruise ship? This job often requires working long hours for extended periods, so physical and mental stamina are essential to your success. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a cruise server requires communication skills, swimming skills, and the ability to perform moderate physical activity for hours at a time.

What is the best end to be on a cruise ship?

Midship staterooms on the lowest passenger deck are the most excellent spot to be on a cruise ship in this instance because you don't feel the vessel sway as much. The front and back of the ship are a no-no.

Is it fun to be on a cruise ship?

Cruises are great for families, couples and solo travelers. For those who like to be active on vacation, cruises offer many fun activities. Of course, everyone's idea of fun is different. However, some cruise ships have amazing waterslides, zip-lines, and the Carnival Mardi Gras even has a roller coaster at sea!

What are the easiest jobs on a cruise ship?

Is being a cruise ship worker hard?

It's a common misconception that life on a cruise ship is just one big holiday for staff. Regardless of the role employees take, they can expect to work hard throughout their contract. Crew members work every day of their contract, taking time off in hours rather than in full days.

How many hours do cruise ship waiters work?

Staff members often expect to work around 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Some employees may work early in the morning, like those who prepare food, while others work late into the night, like bartenders and entertainers. Your work schedule might depend on the specific cruise line and your position.

What is the best position to work on a cruise ship?

Retail and Guest Services Jobs Retail and guest services offer some of the best jobs on cruise ships without experience. This is because you get to interact with guests every day, helping them with their needs and solving problems.

What happens if a cruise ship employee quits?

What will happen is the cruise line will fly you home, but will deduct from your wages what you owe, Jim Walker, a Miami-based maritime lawyer who represents cruise workers and passengers, told Insider. So it's a very punitive type of step if you try to quit and go home.

Where do you sleep if you work on a cruise ship?

Staffers typically live with a roommate in tiny cabins that have bunk beds and small closets. We usually eat at our own buffet and hang out after work at the crew bar.

How much money should I bring for tips on a cruise?

The average suggestions for cruise tips amount to between $12 and $16 per passenger, per day—which for a standard seven-night cruise comes to between $84 and $112 extra per person, or $336 to $448 extra for a family of four.

Do cruise ship employees party?

the crew parties will run to the early hours of the morning and the dance floor is always packed with drunk crew members enjoying themselves. The parties are held every month but if there's a special festival then the ship will hold a party for them.

Is working on a cruise ship good money?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $102,500 and as low as $14,500, the majority of Cruise Ship Worker salaries currently range between $30,000 (25th percentile) to $58,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $90,000 annually across the United States.

Which cruise line pays the best?

Virgin Voyages, one of Carnival Cruise Line's top competitors, pays its employees an average salary of $112,803 per year or $54.23 per hour. This is about $68,635 more than Carnival Cruise Line's average salary, and $33.00 more per hour than Carnival Cruise Line's average hourly pay.

Can you bring your family if you work on a cruise ship?

Can I bring a family member or friend onboard? Crew members who meet specific length-of-service criteria have the option of requesting relatives travel, a benefit that allows family members to sail onboard for a limited period of time. Some restrictions may apply.

Can you refuse to pay gratuities on a cruise?

(1). You have the right to refuse this automatic gratuity charge and may compensate cruise staff on your own terms. However, you will need to notify the front desk of this desire. Otherwise it will appear on your bill when your cruise ends and it will be charged to your credit card on file.

How much do you tip waiter on a 7 day cruise?

In general, plan on giving $16–$23 in gratuities per day for each passenger. Note that the amount should be tabulated for each individual in your party—don't try to tip once per couple or group. So if you're planning to go on a 7-day cruise, expect to give a total of between $112 and $161 per person in gratuities.

Do cruise ship employees get free food?

A majority of cruise ship lines offer their employees free food throughout the duration of their contracts. There's typically a special kitchen on the boat that prepares food for staff members. Employees may eat in separate dining areas, depending on their classifications.

Do cruise ship workers get days off?

There are no holiday entitlements, but crew members can choose when they take the six- to eight-week break that automatically comes with longer contracts.