Cruise line

Hello! I'm new to the forum but have been in the business (table games) for about 11 years now. I've been considering trying to get a cruise contract and I'm wondering if anyone could offer any insight to any aspect of ship life. How long does the hiring process take? What does it entail? What life is like for a dealer on board? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

With my limited banter with the dealers on a Princess cruise I went on last year, I found out that they generally can go on shore leave since the casino is closed at port. When the ship is underway they are busy, and are expected to put in long hours of 12-14 hours. I've seen regular crew quarters (also a Princess ship) for waiters and it's 2 bunk beds, 2 desks, 4 lockable closets about 2-2.5 feet wide in a room about 100-120 feet with 1 bathroom. They're scheduled so that the roommates work different shifts so there's only 2 people in the room at a time. I don't know if the casino crew get nicer quarters or not and didn't think of asking at the time. The ship I went on had a casino crew that was about half Filipino and half eastern European (Hungary/Estonia something like that I forgot exactly).

I was told that those countries are used to living in small quarters which is one reason they get away with it. I was also told they keep Americans with Americans so there isn't a culture clash.

Quote: Mxxix

Hello! I'm new to the forum but have been in the business (table games) for about 11 years now. I've been considering trying to get a cruise contract and I'm wondering if anyone could offer any insight to any aspect of ship life. How long does the hiring process take? What does it entail? What life is like for a dealer on board? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

On Holland America (part of Carnival along with 5 other lines) they tend to hire Eastern Europeans/British dealers and Norwegian Cruise Lines likes to hire Asians and Eastern Europeans. Doesn't mean North Americans can't get a job; just where they look for the hires they want. Carnival has a vendor, NCL the people are employees. Contracts are for 8-9 months, usually 6 - 10 hr days/week, you usually don't work when the ship is in port because local laws don't let the casino operate. Most casinos also close for several hours during the night. You're part of the crew for some chores and lifeboat drills/assignments.

Living quarters are cramped; you'll have a minimum of 1 roommate, probably 3. A bunk, a small closet, probably a tv/dvd player, not much else. You will probably get meals in the crew galley or buffet, have a limited internet access (possibly you get charged for it, possibly a benefit). Pay is pretty low, but living expenses are paid, so many crew save a lot of money, and a lot of them send it home because they're supporting a family or two there.

The only Americans (if you are, your writing seems colloquial American, but I'm not an expert though I am American) the ships tend to hire are entertainment/cruise directors/excursion leaders. Americans expect more living room and freedom of movement and opinion than most ships allow, better hours and more pay, AND they complain a lot if they don't get all that, but they're very good with the guests, and they don't have to make money for the boat (they're a cruise expense) so that's the department ships tend to use them in. (Americans also base their expectations on what it's like from having been a customer; it's VERY different to work for them than to party with them.)

Casinos are only quasi-entertainment, because they're one of the 3 BIG revenue points on the boat. Usually only the bar makes more. The 3rd is the ship's cut of the shops, FWIW. And Americans do get hired to work in the shops, but their vendor (the ships generally rent space to the shops, not own them) negotiates the living quarters, hours, etc. of their employees, who don't usually have ship's duties and restrictions.

There are at least 10 really good books from people who've worked the ships, some as crew, some as entertainers, a couple memoirs from long-time captains. I suggest you look on Amazon or Barnes&Noble for some non-fiction accounts. My info comes from those, a brother who worked as a deck hand for 6 months, and a couple years dating a crew member, plus some serious inquiry when I thought I'd like to do exactly what you're talking about. (Still not out of the question, but I have some mainland obligations right now.) GL!

if youre looking for good money that ship has sailed......if youre looking for the lifestyle, travelling for free, seeing various countries etc it is easy to get hired if you have bj roulette and dice.

Thanks for the help. This is the most information I've been able to find.