Like most establishments, cruise lines expect their employees to be respectable and professional while at their place of work. We have the answers. One cruise ship employee said that there were a lot of positive aspects to working on the ship. For example, Royal Caribbean's Deluxe drink package that comes with alcohol can run up to $70 a day. Between crummy meals, having to put up with irritable guests, and knowing all of the dangers that lie on board, here are ten secrets that cruise ship workers don't want you to know. So, if you’re after a job on a cruise line and you’re a bubbly, vibrant personality who has top-notch people skills, you’ll be rolling in it. Between crummy meals, having to put up with irritable guests, and the dangers at sea, these are secrets cruise ship workers don't want you to know. Living and working in multinational, close quarters is bound to create a whole new life, culture and dictionary! NEXT: 10 Best Cruises To Fill Your Calendar That Depart From Boston, I travel and I do things Most experienced cruise passengers are aware of the strict timelines that must be adhered to once the ship reaches a port of call. Thanks to employees who were kind enough to share their secrets, we have 5 cruise ship secrets that you will find amusing, interesting, or maybe just plain weird! Cruise ship member shares employee secrets – including how to get freebies. CRUISES REVEALED: Cruise secrets you'll NEVER believe are true Cruise employees have taken to Reddit to reveal some of the hilarious and raunchy secrets of … Serving up the hottest food trends and the inside scoop on restaurants worldwide. Do crew members even care if you're having a good time? Tourist Meets Travellers has shared a series of secret confessions, taken from a group of anonymous cruise ship employees. And whales have also caused some disturbances for cruise navigators. Maybe it’s knowing just what your cabin steward is able to bring you or what the off-the-menu items are at the bar or dining room. There’s also internet access onboard, either for a fee or for the lucky ones, for free, with crew internet cafes on Norwegian Cruise Line ships. The crew parties that take place twice a month onboard Carnival ships are a great chance for all of the workers to let their hair down- and what does go on below deck in the dedicated crew bar tends to stay well below the radar. So what happens if you're late? Crew like to mess with passengers According to one cruise crew member speaking to Mental_Floss, they would regularly allude to parts of the ship which don’t exist, sending guests on wild goose chase around the boat! There’s a secret bar. Many Brits complain at the end of a 40-hour week, but imagine how a crewmember must feel with so many more hours on top of this every single week! Comment cards and emailed reviews that specifically mention a crew member's name can drastically alter their paycheck. Plus, being a cruise ship worker means knowing everything that could go wrong on any one of these getaways. Christine Younan Lifestyle and Travel Reporter. In recent years, cruise holidays have grown in popularity for offering more to passengers. 9 Secrets Only The Cruise Lines Can Tell You It’s about time they shared every tip, trick and piece of behind-the-scenes knowledge they have built up in the past with you so you can be sure in the knowledge…, 16 Of The Weirdest Things Ever Asked Of Our Consultants Whatever you want to know, they’ve either done it themselves, worked with someone who has or had a client that did it and told them all about it. To keep themselves entertained, the cruise ship employees would tell silly white lies to get the passengers all riled up. 18 Secrets Disney Cruise Line Employees Won’t Tell You Anne L. Fritz Updated: Sep. 12, 2020 Keeping the Disney magic going while at sea takes more than a few tricks. Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Linkedin StumbleUpon. As well as their own terms for guests and other workers, there are also plenty of slang terms floating around for various parts of the ship, activities and more. Crew members don’t typically expect a fluffy bathrobe and slippers. Leave us your comments! One cruise ship employee said that there were a lot of positive aspects to working on the ship. This means that workers are being watched on the clock, in between shifts, and even while they are having a fun night out off the clock. Cruise ship life can be a little mysterious. However, despite the chemistry you may have with your server or bartender, employees aren't allowed to party with the cruise ship passengers. AineMoira, one of our loyal Facebook followers, agrees: “At the end of the day we got to travel the world and see amazing places and not to mention meet amazing people….the cabins were the least of my worries x”. Romance between crew members and passengers however is strictly forbidden, and even the highest officers on the ship are not allowed in passenger cabins unless there is an official reason. Pirates, believe it or not, are still a problem in contemporary sea-sailing culture. Several cruise ship employees have taken to Reddit over time to spill the beans on what life […] By Cara Harrington On May 26, 2016. Employees get to travel the world! Everyone gets it on all over the ship. This means that even the crew members that don’t receive too many tips in the course of their work won’t go without. Despite the fact that people are more eager to write scathing reviews when an experience upsets them, companies use these them to take oversights into consideration. Celebrate Dry January With The Best Mocktails At Sea! One cruise ship employee said that there were a lot of positive aspects to working on the ship. How To Get The Best Nights Sleep On Your Next Cruise, Flexible Booking Terms By Cruise Line: Everything You Need To Know. And just how much sex is happening on board the boat? Cruise employees apparently have their own special "crew bar" where the libations are much more affordable. Take a look at the…, Editor and Creative Copywriter of Cruise.co.uk's bulletin blog, bringing you cruise news, tips and guides daily! According to data collected from Thrillist, "records from 2008 to 2018 from the Brevard (Florida) County Medical Examiner’s Office, home to Port Canaveral, the country's second-busiest, counted 129 naturally occurring deaths on cruises.". And while they may be able to bide some time for last-minute stragglers, their policy is to simply leave without the remaining passengers. Having sexual relations with a guest is one of the fastest ways for a crew member to get fired. A lot goes on behind closed cabin doors on cruise ships. There are some major benefits (and downsides) to working on a cruise ship. Staff and officers have more freedom around the ship, being able to mingle in public areas, watch a show (when they’re not working) and often even dine at the buffet! Sure, there are some benefits here and there, like the luxury of traveling to exotic locations. On Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, all crew members are being given a tablet to enable them to stay better connected with home…we know which cruise line we’d like to work for! It’s pretty obvious that inter-crew romances are going to happen…. They also have water cannons that they can blast at the intruders, which are sure to keep any pirate at bay. Not to mention that there are security cameras running at all times throughout the ship. 1. One example of the on-ship hierarchy at work is that crew members will typically live on the ‘B-deck’, which can be found just below the waterline. You think you have it bad when you have to work five or six days a week? Twitter @cosplayncoffee We’ve heard Carnival treats its staff and crew particularly well, providing them with accommodation facilities, food, drink, healthcare and the best bit, crew parties! Bearing these numbers in mind, it stands to reason that cruise ships should have morgues on board. One of the main reasons for this just may be the crew bar, which serves drinks for a fraction of the price that passengers are charged. Do crew members even care if you’re having a good time? RELATED: 10 Cruise Secrets Guests Didn’t Know. "Best parts: cheap drinks, great parties, decent pay, easy way … dailystar. Website for moms seeking advice, community, and entertainment. Generally, you only have a few core hours to spend ashore before you are required to rebound the ship. While a Bud Light might cost a guest $9 on deck, crew members are paying less than $2 a bottle. However, most cruise ships do have a filtration system that works to eliminate the bacteria in the greywater and bathroom waste. And the truth can be a little terrifying. … You might wonder how crew members stay in touch with loved ones back home, but cruise ships get a mail service just like every where else. It is supposedly ‘banana’, for someone that’s a particularly bad tipper so you won’t want to hear that one…. Most staff will have their own room which means a lot more privacy! “Everyone with darker skin is treated differently by passengers on cruise ships. Posted on : 01/25/2020. Not your food exactly but if something doesn’t leave the galley, for whatever reason, the crewmembers may be allowed to eat it at the end of the shift or whilst on a break and a Marco Pierre White masterpiece will never not go down a treat! Cruise ships are basically huge floating cities, so they have to be prepared for anything. Cruise employees are also trained to tell guests to get away from decks and windows if these attacks begin to play out. What else would you like to know? Whilst you may only come to know a few by name, the Megaships can have over a thousand crew and staff members on board, but what goes on behind the closed doors of the crew quarters? We get absolutely plastered below deck. And for those who opt not to indulge in unlimited cocktails can expect to pay anywhere between $12 and $20 for their long island refreshments. But living where you work is bound to take its toll, especially when you are expected to be on your best behavior twenty-four seven. On most cruise liners, there’s a mandatory gratuity too which is divided up amongst all the employees! Article by Cruise Radio. Working on a cruise line may seem like all fun and games, but the reality is that cruise ship workers have it pretty tough. We spoke to a few cruise ship employees about what it’s like to live and work on a floating hotel. This ‘special sauce’ is intended to help the ship’s plumbing along throughout the journey. In fact, cruise workers typically tend to drink just as much, if not more, than passengers. Everyone is treated fairly but where you are on-board, and where you’re allowed to go will depend on what rung of the ladder you are on…. Naps are the secret! Consider how many regular land employees meet their partners at work then add to the mix the close quarters and 24/7 nature of working on a cruise ship. Whether they are on or off the clock, a cruise ship worker is essentially being monitored at all times. However, if a crewmember was to order something for themselves or they were to smuggle a profiterole from the dessert trolley they’d need to make sure they’re weren’t caught because some cruise lines look upon this is theft and a dismissible offence! To see the confessions, scroll down. Seeing the various destinations that the ship docks in will depend on your job role and your hours on that particular day, but it does happen! 09.02.2020 - 14 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of Cruise Ship Workers Cruise ship secrets (All photos: iStock) From an outsider’s perspective, working on a cruise ship might seem like a dream job. They tend to stick to a cafeteria-style meal plan which is a far cry from the white table cloth service that guests are used to. 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Cruise Ship Employees Tell All. The salary that you get paid if you’re in a tipping position isn’t as impressive as the tips themselves can be. A light fog once caused a cruise ship to collide with a shipping container one late night in March of 2012. A recent Reddit chat took on this very question, asking cruise ship workers to spill their secrets. Most cruise liners have a social/entertainment programme for employees to avoid the cabin fever we all go on cruises to avoid! https://www.thetravel.com/secrets-cruise-staff-dont-want-know If you’re in charge of breakfast, lunch or dinner, chances of you being able to hop off the ship to explore the ports for a full day are slim, but you may be able to grab a couple of hours sightseeing between shifts. Cruise ship members are very TodayHeadline Cruise ship member shares employee secrets – including how to … From secret relationships to pay discrepancies and cringe-worthy tidbits of their cabins, scroll through above to see what we learned about what it's like to live on a cruise ship. Not even Sunday is a day of rest and that’s on a contract that will typically be nine months long. If you’re planning on taking a cruise, one man is dishing about secrets of the sea. RELATED: 10 Things Everyone Forgets To Pack On Vacation. - Contact: bulletineditor@cruise.co.uk. 264. The hours might be long but crew members and staff do get good benefits to compensate. Cruise ship life can be a little mysterious. I have worked as a photographer on a cruise ship for three years and the safety protocol is … Continue reading "Confessions of a Cruise Ship Employee" CRUISE ships are well known for the impressive array of entertainment they lay on guests spending their holidays on board - but what do the cruise crew get up to? Feb 06, 2016. Exclusive interview with M... A New Chapter For Cunard Ship After £34 Million Makeove... 9 Secrets Only The Cruise Lines Can Tell You, 16 Of The Weirdest Things Ever Asked Of Our Consultants, How Well Do You Know Carnival Cruises? Email This BlogThis! 8 Secrets From Cruise Ship Employees POPSUGAR A lot goes on behind closed cabin doors on cruise ships. Cruise ship employees have their very own language that enables them to talk amongst themselves without denting their ever-present professionalism…. For those who have the opportunity to earn them, tips and gratuities are what will make up the bulk of the wage on most cruises! Love could be blossoming on the ocean waves, especially with solo cruisers…. This means that expenses are minimal so, whilst they don’t make a fortune, the wages and tips that staff and crew make can be saved (or sent back home if they have family to care for). Space is always tight, so messy crew members are going to be unpopular! Definitive Guide To Norovirus: How To Avoid It & What To Do If It Hits Your Cruise, Click here to see our latest Covid-19 updates, An Introduction to: Royal Caribbean Cruises. You may be in heaven from the unlimited supply of food that cruise ships provide, but the crew isn't so lucky. Ex cruise ship employee here. All companies take their online reviews to heart. Everyone who has ever taken a cruise finds themselves wondering, at one point or another, what it must be like to work on board the ship. The crew expertly handled the situation by emanating a Long Range Acoustic Device, which gives off a screeching (and painful) noise. The Men behind the Machines! How Families Can Have An Amazing Trip, The Ultimate Cheese Board Hacks For An Insta-Worthy And Delicious Centerpiece, Stay On The Hunt For These Holiday Items At Aldi, Because They're All On Our List. How do people feel about cruise ships sailing again? Often, there will be outdoor space as well and on some liners nowadays, employees’ own swimming pool and sunbathing areas. Your choices aren't always spelled out in black and white. On top of that, these reviews actually dictate how much the crew gets paid. 15:56, 13 JAN 2020; Updated 15:59, 13 JAN 2020; Travel. Crew, and staff work hard but they can play even harder. Some days require more work than others and each schedule varies depending on the position. This list varies from relatively small tips to make your cruise a little more comfortable all the way to big secrets that the cruise lines don’t like to talk about. Whether it’s your first sailing or your 50th, there are always new cruise tips to learn for when you take your trip. Ever wonder how the staff members that you see during the morning and the evening are never like walking zombies? Some former cruise members will be treated to the leftovers from the buffets from time to time, but these meals tend to run out fast. He, being an officer, stopped the elevator midway. Cruise ship holidays have always been very popular among us Brits, so have you ever wondered what workers are thinking about guests? Yep, there’s a difference, and get it wrong at your peril! You won’t believe what goes on behind the scenes! Cruise ship members are very professional when they’re on shift and are always there to help guests to have the best experience. As soon as their first shift ends, most workers will nip off for a quick power nap before their second shift starts. Share to Twitter Share … 8-Cash to Splash Because accommodation and food comes as part of the remuneration package for cruise employees, money is only needed onboard for things like treats, internet access, laundry, phone cards and anything bought whilst off the ship. Because accommodation and food comes as part of the remuneration package for cruise employees, money is only needed onboard for things like treats, internet access, laundry, phone cards and anything bought whilst off the ship. RELATED: 10 Secrets Hotel Staff Don't Want You To Know. I thought we had won with the bow of the ship in the middle of the night. Crew members like waiters, barmen and cleaners are different to staff members like entertainers, managers, shop workers and officers. Instagram @cosplay_and_coffee Drinks don't come cheap when you're on a cruise. Tips: tiffanidanielcc@gmail.com. Still, not everything is great. While it's unlikely that pirates will try to take on a giant cruise ship, it has happened. Most cruise lines allow these romances but bed hopping will be frowned upon- especially by your cabin mates if you’re in a four bunk room! Although it seems not all cabins are created as equal…, Lisa commented on our Facebook page to say: “Celebrity was the best cabins I had. Staff members and officers will live on ‘A-deck’, which is just above the waterline. Nope. As long as they are ship-shape for work the following day, it’s a case of ‘worse things happen at sea’. It’s not all work and no play however, as staff and crew tend to work every day on a rotational basis. So bear in mind that the ship can and will leave you behind if you don't plan your on-shore excursions practically. According to one employee, “We don’t want you to know that we actually have more fun than the guests. The shocking and juicy confessions of a cruise ship employee. In 2005, the Seabourn Spirit luxury cruise liner came under attack of pirates just off the shore of Africa. On top of their salary, crew members can receive bonuses for any special work or praise that is mentioned in these reviews. And just how much sex is happening on board the boat? Crew members are bound to make connections with their guests. It’s typically only once a week but it still means that they don’t need to rely on sending messages in a bottle! Which ones shocked you the most? That’s why we’ve rounded up a staggering 107 of the best cruise tips, secrets and freebies for you to enjoy.. One cruise ship employee said that there were a lot of positive aspects to working on the ship. The ship may have gone unharmed, but the whale was found in poor condition on the New York Harbor. The employee claims that the cooks add extra fat to the food which tends to have a laxative effect and cause stool to soften. Captains directing modern-day cruise ships may be well-prepared for any looming icebergs, but sometimes weather conditions can be hard to maneuver. Former and current cruise line employees spill the secrets you need to know to make the most of your cruise ship vacation. It’s an intrinsic part of cruise ship survival and stops them from being dead on their feet come dinner time. So, instead of a full day off, workers get time to themselves every day when they’re not on shift. How Well Do You Really Know Cunard Cruises? Cruise liners who cater to older crowds are actually used to people dying during their cruise and the morgue acts as a safe place to store the bodies until they can get to the next port of call. One cruise ship worker revealed that the ship’s food has a secret ingredient. This Quiz Will Tell You…. Is your accommodation actually clean? It’s common knowledge that behind the glamour and excitement of every cruise is a hardworking crew, making sure that every voyage is smooth sailing. Saga Cruises customers must be vaccinated to travel! It is more expected that the cabins have between one and four bunk beds, a desk and chair, a small space for clothes and maybe a regular TV and telephone. One former worker, Joshua Kinder opened up about life onboard a cruise after more than five years of employment. "Best parts: cheap drinks, great parties, decent pay, easy way to save, wake up in a new city/country almost everyday, great way to network, become a more confident person, etc." © 2015-2021 Copyright www.CRUISE.co.uk Ltd. The schedule of a cruise ship employee is another area that requires some adjusting. Except cruise employees are always at their place of work. 1. My girlfriend at the time and I had a competition with an officer and his lady for the riskiest place to have sex. Because you live at your place of work and because of the nature of the work, most employees are required to perform some work responsibilities each day. Passengers may be charged just shy of $20 for a drink that an employee could pay less than $2 for! That’s where the private pool and crew bar comes in…. It bought them enough time to get away. If we’re lucky, we’ll… Best Cruise Cruise Port Cruise Tips Cruise Travel Cruise Vacation Disney Cruise Cruise Packing Honeymoon Cruise Cruise Excursions. Did you know any already? Cruise ship employees have revealed their own “life saving” kits to deal with the pressures and demands of staff life. Jonathan added:“Some of the best years of my life. This is mainly to protect the cruise line from reputation-damaging accusations of abuse. Starts at 60 Writers . Royal Caribbean cabins were okay too only 2 maximum to a cabin!”, It’s on A deck where you’ll usually find all of the crew and staff facilities, like the crew store and the ever-popular crew bar (strictly no passengers allowed.). Take Our Quick Quiz To Find Out…. The bow of the fastest ways for a drink that an employee could pay than! 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