1:36 AM
JWritesiT - j.writesit@yahoo.com
I have always romanticized notions of working on a cruise line, traveling to exotic locations, meeting many new people sampling the cuisine of a tiny village in the south pacific. Going to sleep under the stars, far away from it all the gentle rocking of the ship on calm waters.
But what is it really like to work and live on a cruise line? Is it as romantic as my thoughts lead me to believe?
The following is an Interview with Michelle, Junior Waiter for Norwegian Cruise Line
JWritesiT: Thank you Michelle for allowing me to profile you!
Michelle: No problem I'm excited!
JWritesiT: Ok, What do you do for a living?
Michelle: I'm a junior waiter on a cruise ship named the "The Pride of America(POA)." It's based out of Hawaii and is the only American flagged ship in the U.S.
JWritesiT: How did you get a job with Norwegian Cruise Line?
Michelle: NCL had a job fair
JWritesiT: Where are some of the places you've traveled to?
Michelle: I've only worked in Hawaii
JWritesiT: Do you get to enjoy it? Or is it all work and no play?
Michelle: I work 7 days a week, but I do have down time.
JWritesiT: What is the Best and Worst aspect of your job?
Michelle: Best: I would have to say that the best part of working here is the people I have met. This includes guest but most importantly my co-workers. I have gained beautiful friendships.
Worst: I stay in a small little cabin with no widows & twin sized beds. I have to share a room with 2 to 3 other females. I can carry on all day about just the roommate issues. LOL!! The crew cafeteria prepares meals for us(breakfast, lunch, dinner & late night that's 1130-1am). Sometimes the food can be things I may not want or like and that's when I begin to miss home.JWritesiT: How can someone who is interested in working for a cruise line get started?
Michelle: Apply online ncl.com
JWritesiT: On average (by no means do you need to provide actual dollars) what is the salary? How are the Benefits?
Michelle: Well, I'm a junior waiter so I'm paid bi-weekly + tips. The ship takes care of the employees room & board, as well as our meals. If you don't have any responsibilities back home, you can save a lot of money. Crew also get discounts on cruises. The company takes care of my flight travel returning & leaving for vacation.
JWritesiT: How often do you set sail a year?
Michelle: My rotation is 5 months on and 5 weeks off for vacation. We do have the option of extending our rotations longer.
JWritesiT: Besides some of the obvious perks - like travel, are there any other perks to working a cruise we may not have guessed.
Michelle: We have what the ship calls "public access" list. Employees are allowed to enjoy the amenities same as the guest. For example, eating in the many restaurants, attend shows & go on the excursions.
JWritesiT: Is there anything else you can tell us about working for a cruise line?
Michelle: **** Misconceptions about working on a cruise sips: A lot of new hires come on board thinking they're gonna party & do this & that. People who work on a cruise ship typically work long hours and don't usually have a lot of free time except maybe a day in a port every few weeks. You also have to obey very strict ship rules.
***Accomplishment: I had to undergo coast guard certified training. I have earned my STCW, TWIC and Merchant Mariner's Credential. I also won a NCL S.T.Y.L.E. Award for "Handing Hands." I was nominated by the officers that I use to serve when I worked in the Officer's Mess Hall.
JWritesiT: I appreciate you Michelle, thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Michelle is undergoing the kind of opportunity most of us only fantasize about, she is balancing her hard work with downtime in between! I'm sure that this interview has sparked the interest of someone out there who would like to take the journey and work on a cruise line to create their own adventure.
Michelle has been very helpful by providing her first hand experience and accomplishments, if YOU have further questions on what it takes to work on a major cruise line please contact j.writesit@yahoo.com.
I hope you enjoyed this profile! Come back again!
