Best thing you can do is arrive and get into the habit of crew gym..... work hard and enjoy some sun and get off the boat 5 or 6 months later feeling and looking great with 80% of your money saved ;))
You have no idea how helpful these videos are 🥰 I'm about to start my job on a river cruise ship and I'm soooo nervous but I find comfort in your videos 🥹 Thank you!!
Your videos have inspired me to start my travelling journey and have now applied for the top cruise ships you've recommended. I'm 35 manager in the financial services industry, after my ex left me for someone else last year ive decided its time to make a change, so it's never too late! Thank you, Lucy! I'll come say hi if our paths cross 😊❤
I love your honesty . I am a well cruised as a passenger with over 70 cruises behind me taken over the last 15 years . I often wondered what it’s like to work in the industry . I retired earlier this year , however I made my money in a career I never really enjoyed. Material wealth is wonderful but hey enjoying your life is far more important. Please don’t look back with any regrets …life is for living and enjoying. I think you have got the balance right 👍🏻
Nice to see you again, looking happy, and sharing important advice, etc.! (and, the new backdrop looks super!) If we hear you correctly, "listening between the lines" a bit of assumption #7, if you are wishing to "move up" the ladder, then perhaps the shore excursions department would be a way to move higher (and still enjoy life's adventure)? And, with the good will / good reputation you built on Virgin, maybe looking in that direction there, would be a good option? Just saying, there might not be much prospect for higher gains in the shopping ambassador role, that will keep you out enjoying travel/adventure and making money? But, hey I could be wrong, ha ha...so take this for what it's worth....free advice is...free! Enjoy life and Fair winds!!
I still contend that a cruise line could put you in HR or personnel or whatever they call it training new people. I bet that you could get most new hires up to speed in half the time. Of course I say that because I am betting that with most jobs on a cruise ship the actual job skills are maybe one third of what an employee needs to be successful and two thirds is adapting to ship life and people skills.
Hi there. Trust you enjoyed the festivities of the holidays. I am new to your channel. I must say your videos are so insightfull and really helpfull. It sheds alot of light on the uncertainty of cruise life. It has always been a dream of mine to join and work on a cruise ship. Thank you kindly for making these videos. Much appreciated🙏😊
Lucy, you can still move up the ladder. On lines that are either new or continuing to add new ships, there are always openings....and there is always room at the top. We used to cruise a lot of DCL. We have favorite crew members who have moved amazingly.......one started as an assistant server and is now head of dining. Another started as a YAC and I don't even know what his title is now, but he's in a suit with lots of stripes...he also offered my daughter a job on board before he knew how young she was after he watched her interact with a crying child.. And a person who started out in entertainment as a stage performer and the last I knew was shoreside directing entertainment for the whole line. OK, these may be a little unusual, but we've seen lots go from assistant server to Palo or Remy servers, etc. On VV, we are starting to meet people who were hired in one position and have moved up one or two notches...not bad for a line that hasn't been sailing for three years yet...and you'd know better than I, but people on VV who said they are earning three times as much there as they were on previous lines.
Lucy now you know why we've been kicking your ass about your career and you were like "la la la, don't care about a career or promotions, i'm just having fun". The Harding retail situation did you a real favour.
What would be the lowest ranking position on a cruise ship that would entitle you to a solo cabin, and is there any consideration for people starting cruising mid life, already in their fifties? Do you know of any cruise lines that have pastoral teams, specifically for meeting crew needs, as opposed to licensed medical counsellors? Is it possible (for the cruise lines you have worked on) for anyone to meet the Captain of the Ship? Who do you think has been the most engaged with their crew of the Captains you have served under?
What's your opinion on River criuses? Can you see your self working on one? And what are the major differences between an ocean cruise and a river cruise?
Ocean is way much better. River is boring mostly are the same ports for whole contract and sometimes other contract. Crew life is awful. On river management can be really bad even corporate management can be really bad. Definitely Ocean.
Right ... "working on cruise ships is just a paid holiday." Boy ... THOSE people have never been on a cruise ship before!!! The crew works CRAZY hard, long hours!!! People are so very fascinated by the life of people who work on ships ---- it's a job, just like any other job, but with some great perks and unusual benefits. And yes, cruise directors earn good money, and they also have VERY nice accommodations. But if that's not your jam, then why worry about it?
I've been on cruises where some of the employee's look home sick. It's difficult working on a cruise if you've got family/friends etc at home. And a lot of the cruises require you to work long shifts. No thanx.
Hi! Quick question, are guitars allowed for crew members? Say that you're an officer with your own cabin and you play through headphones. I can see why it wouldn''t be allowed for someone that is sharing a cabin.
For general manager you have to work much longer for the same company and you need to go through some nasty departments and even there's no guarantee you'll ever get the position of HD / GD ....nasty as hard like Food and beverage or Guest relations 😅 aka complain department...
What most people don't know is that if you work in any department you can always say go to guest services😅.. It's an adrenaline sport when you have people queuing up for hours 😅...
Everyone spends their time off (vacation) differently. Many take 6 - 12 weeks off (at home, or traveling) and then back to work on another contract....some take less time off, and some take more time. A small percentage simply take on another contract right away, sometimes with only days between. Of course, there also needs to be a position opening at about the time you wish to start, and that is the variable that you should look into before leaving your existing contract. Hope this helps?
@@captainjohn49 Thank you captainjohan. Oh, yes, indeed. I'm scheduled to join the Princess Diamond in Japan, and my contract is for 6 months with 2 months off afterward. Which, by the way, seems like a long time, so I thought I could make it shorter. But I see that it's a case-by-case situation. By the way any specification on what are the duties of an assistant purser ?
I wish there were cruise ships when I was 20. I am 69 and I would love to work on a cruise ship....but I have a family including a husband. I guess I'll just pay for my cruises. my husband keeps asking if something happened to him would I live on a cruise ship? Maybe, but not full time. great video.
Humm... Well technically, you hvae a life jacket and even if you cannot swim, it is suppose to keep you floating... Soooooo, am not too worry! See you around Lucy...
Lifejacket ofcourse cause you being taught how to tie it,and how to swim and turn around,how to place your head ,how to cross place your hands on it steady🫂
Lucy did a couple videos showing what she made (and spent) when working in the shops, and it was more than that. Have a look. Also you can find sites where you'll find quite a bit of info on this, and it looks like sales assoc and store keepers are getting from 900 - 1200 per month. I hope this helps?
@@smileandwave8090 You're welcome. Btw, the site quotes in US dollars, not pounds....so, in pounds sterling, it looks like the range reported is £750 - £1000 pounds. Yes, a fairly paltry sum in any currency! :( And, I did try to post a link here, but that reply gets blocked. :(
Her current cruise line won't let her say. I'm guessing she is the port advisor on Disney....but that's just my guess based on a few things she has said. She is carefully adhering to their "no tell" rules.
With your cruising experience, which line would you suggest for a professional trombone player? Would love some advice on where to get started. Thank you.
@@HariSeldon913 Port advisor would be quite a change from shop clerk....but I'm standing by my guess. She did say that she thought she'd be going to Royal, but they didn't have an opening in her positio for several months....and Royal is just as kid oriented as DCL.
I feel like it would suck working for disney.. I mean straight up crew life wouldn't be for me anyways but like Disney just seems like it would give me the ick even if you worked at the parks. Just based on the rules peiple talk about as cast members in parks after leaving. Also seems kind of weird disney wouldn't want positive promotion like lucy could give...they are doing a ton wrong pr wise... The remake controversies, banning proposals at the park, removing half of their content from dianey+ for "tax reasons" idk just seems kinda stupid if she's in disney they wouldny want the positive promotion
I wonder why none of the assumptions were related to "working too much/not having proper time to rest"! That's my main concern 👀👀👀 What do you think about that, Lucy? 🤔
Yea, I heard you have to work 12 hour days. Not much time to yourself. You need a work/life balance whether it's working on a cruise or not, for your mental health.
@@JoeyToronto Well, in addition to the cruise lines being big corporations, the ships are in effect medium-sized cities. They run 24/7/365, for years...they generate their own electricity, create (and purify) their own fresh water, handle/treat/dispose of their own sewage, as well as all garbage/trash, and handle all recycling, process/cook/bake all their own meals, mix all the drinks, etc., clean the entire ship (not just the cabins) daily, do all the laundry, etc. etc. As well as provide all the entertainment, activities, shopping, shore experiences, etc., and serve all the guests/passengers, etc. As well as navigate and propel the ship, manage all port activities, immigration processes for all guests (and crew), handle finances / money / payment, etc. for both guests and crew, etc. etc....and dozens and dozens of other things, 24/7/365....this is actually more than small city gov't does, you'd need to include dozens of private sector businesses into the mix to get close. :) So, yeah the "work/life" balance on-board is not what most are used to on-shore. And, it is this time off, back on-shore ("vacation") for weeks and months at a time (most crew take 6 - 15 weeks off between contracts), that make up the "balance" for those that chose to work on-board. As for working long hours....yes, but... Most cruise ship crew will work 10 - 14 hours/day, seven days a week, for the entire length of their contract....and will usually have two normal breaks (for meals, etc.) during their normal work day, that are not counted as "off-time" / "rest". The exact details will be detailed in their contract. Under international maritime law, crew are limited to a maximum of 14 hours of work / on-duty, in any 24 hour period. (and a maximum of 72 hours in any seven day period) And, must be given at least 10 hours of rest / off-duty in any 24 hour period (this is exclusive of meal breaks during their on-duty time)...and a minimum of 77 hours in any seven day period. Daily rest periods can be divided into two periods, so long as one is at least 6 hours long. So, if you wish to "see the world", get to know many new people and learn about other people/cultures, and enjoy weeks/months long vacations, then working on-board may be a great choice...and, it will not only prepare you for whatever stressful job/career you'd have on-shore, you'll be better at that than those trained on-shore. I hope this helps clarify a bit....working on-board isn't one big party (that's what the paying passengers experience), it's a job/career.
@@captainjohn49A great and detailed response Cpt. John. Just wanted to connect here because I served under a Captain John in the 1980s onboard a private yacht “The Welsh Princess”. A 147ft ship that I was told was built for Henry Ford in the 1920s. Great Days… mostly.
Do not lie to people there are expenses on a ship as an employee….you have to tip your room steward, you have to pay to have your laundry done, like you said you have to buy your Wi-Fi, if you drink specialty coffee, sodas and yes alcohol, you have to purchase it. If you need your hair done you pay for it, if you need toiletries you pay for them. Do I need to go on? Yes you can save money but you have to want to do do and be disciplined enough to do it.
Best thing you can do is arrive and get into the habit of crew gym..... work hard and enjoy some sun and get off the boat 5 or 6 months later feeling and looking great with 80% of your money saved ;))
EXACTLY!!!!!❤
The roommate situation sounds more like University dorms than an apartment.
I think the shared cabins are even smaller than a dorm room!
You have no idea how helpful these videos are 🥰 I'm about to start my job on a river cruise ship and I'm soooo nervous but I find comfort in your videos 🥹
Thank you!!
Your videos have inspired me to start my travelling journey and have now applied for the top cruise ships you've recommended. I'm 35 manager in the financial services industry, after my ex left me for someone else last year ive decided its time to make a change, so it's never too late! Thank you, Lucy! I'll come say hi if our paths cross 😊❤
This is awesome! I've whole heartedly said that it is never too late to make a change and try something new! Best of luck with it!
Congrats and Good Luck.
Enjoying an adventurous life is always better than safe, bland, and boring....so go for it!
Thanks both! So excited for my new adventure to start 😍
Started at 38, I am a broadcast technician, best decision ever. Thank you for your content!
I love your honesty . I am a well cruised as a passenger with over 70 cruises behind me taken over the last 15 years . I often wondered what it’s like to work in the industry . I retired earlier this year , however I made my money in a career I never really enjoyed. Material wealth is wonderful but hey enjoying your life is far more important. Please don’t look back with any regrets …life is for living and enjoying. I think you have got the balance right 👍🏻
Nice backdrop!
Nice to see you again, looking happy, and sharing important advice, etc.! (and, the new backdrop looks super!) If we hear you correctly, "listening between the lines" a bit of assumption #7, if you are wishing to "move up" the ladder, then perhaps the shore excursions department would be a way to move higher (and still enjoy life's adventure)? And, with the good will / good reputation you built on Virgin, maybe looking in that direction there, would be a good option?
Just saying, there might not be much prospect for higher gains in the shopping ambassador role, that will keep you out enjoying travel/adventure and making money? But, hey I could be wrong, ha ha...so take this for what it's worth....free advice is...free!
Enjoy life and Fair winds!!
I still contend that a cruise line could put you in HR or personnel or whatever they call it training new people. I bet that you could get most new hires up to speed in half the time. Of course I say that because I am betting that with most jobs on a cruise ship the actual job skills are maybe one third of what an employee needs to be successful and two thirds is adapting to ship life and people skills.
Hi Lucy! Love your stories! Waiting for more unusual topics, e.g. ecology, tourism, politics, etc.))
Some of those assumptions were very interesting. I never would have thought about them. Thank you for sharing and clearing things up.
This is fascinating hearing about your experiences and life onboard!
Great Video, and thanks for clearing the air on what life is like as a crew member on a cruise.
Hi there. Trust you enjoyed the festivities of the holidays. I am new to your channel. I must say your videos are so insightfull and really helpfull. It sheds alot of light on the uncertainty of cruise life. It has always been a dream of mine to join and work on a cruise ship. Thank you kindly for making these videos. Much appreciated🙏😊
Another great job. I wish you would work for Princess.
Thanks for all what you doing for us lucy i follow you from tunisia
Very helpful video!
Thanks, Lucy! Safe travels ❤
Can you do an interview with a ship doctor? I would love to hear what that's like. Thank you for the great videos
This would be really interesting to hear!
In the chance that she can not get an interview with a ship physician there is a TH-cam channel called "Deck 4 Forward" that may be of interest.
Roommates can be awful when you have a roommate who snores. It is not easy to share a cabin with someone for 6 months or more.
New fear unlocked 💀
After being onboard the RCCL Voyager for 4 months it's definitely been an adjustment. I may look at Virgin for my next contract
Hey! I am going on board on voyager in November, any tips? Advice? Concerns I should know?
@@Luadelmar as crew or guest?
@@glennmoyers4956 crew! Working for Starboard as sales associate! Do you know how the commissions work?
I like such kinds of videos, keep them coming.
Lucy, you can still move up the ladder. On lines that are either new or continuing to add new ships, there are always openings....and there is always room at the top. We used to cruise a lot of DCL. We have favorite crew members who have moved amazingly.......one started as an assistant server and is now head of dining. Another started as a YAC and I don't even know what his title is now, but he's in a suit with lots of stripes...he also offered my daughter a job on board before he knew how young she was after he watched her interact with a crying child.. And a person who started out in entertainment as a stage performer and the last I knew was shoreside directing entertainment for the whole line. OK, these may be a little unusual, but we've seen lots go from assistant server to Palo or Remy servers, etc.
On VV, we are starting to meet people who were hired in one position and have moved up one or two notches...not bad for a line that hasn't been sailing for three years yet...and you'd know better than I, but people on VV who said they are earning three times as much there as they were on previous lines.
Hi gal loving all the info yr giving us on cruise jobs. Do they hv caregiver jobs, security.can they employ someone who's 55 years maybe for this jobs
Lucy now you know why we've been kicking your ass about your career and you were like "la la la, don't care about a career or promotions, i'm just having fun". The Harding retail situation did you a real favour.
What would be the lowest ranking position on a cruise ship that would entitle you to a solo cabin, and is there any consideration for people starting cruising mid life, already in their fifties? Do you know of any cruise lines that have pastoral teams, specifically for meeting crew needs, as opposed to licensed medical counsellors? Is it possible (for the cruise lines you have worked on) for anyone to meet the Captain of the Ship? Who do you think has been the most engaged with their crew of the Captains you have served under?
What's your opinion on River criuses? Can you see your self working on one? And what are the major differences between an ocean cruise and a river cruise?
Ocean is way much better.
River is boring mostly are the same ports for whole contract and sometimes other contract. Crew life is awful. On river management can be really bad even corporate management can be really bad. Definitely Ocean.
Right ... "working on cruise ships is just a paid holiday." Boy ... THOSE people have never been on a cruise ship before!!! The crew works CRAZY hard, long hours!!!
People are so very fascinated by the life of people who work on ships ---- it's a job, just like any other job, but with some great perks and unusual benefits.
And yes, cruise directors earn good money, and they also have VERY nice accommodations. But if that's not your jam, then why worry about it?
With regard to point #2, I'll bet that working the long hours on a cruise ship is a good way to lose weight!
Wouldn't be so sure since it sounds like most of the meals will be buffet.
Hey Lucy, survival skills in January, yeah that should awful.
I've been on cruises where some of the employee's look home sick. It's difficult working on a cruise if you've got family/friends etc at home. And a lot of the cruises require you to work long shifts. No thanx.
Yep, I'd be the one hopping from bed to bed sowing my demon seed.
Hi! Quick question, are guitars allowed for crew members?
Say that you're an officer with your own cabin and you play through headphones. I can see why it wouldn''t be allowed for someone that is sharing a cabin.
How long is a contract for? 6months? 1year?
Can you purchase anything on ship with Cash?
For general manager you have to work much longer for the same company and you need to go through some nasty departments and even there's no guarantee you'll ever get the position of HD / GD ....nasty as hard like Food and beverage or Guest relations 😅 aka complain department...
What most people don't know is that if you work in any department you can always say go to guest services😅.. It's an adrenaline sport when you have people queuing up for hours 😅...
Am joining cruise ship soon , my medical is good but I can’t live without inhaler , am I allowed to carry several of them ? Thanks
thanks. by the way, what happens between contracts ??
Everyone spends their time off (vacation) differently. Many take 6 - 12 weeks off (at home, or traveling) and then back to work on another contract....some take less time off, and some take more time. A small percentage simply take on another contract right away, sometimes with only days between.
Of course, there also needs to be a position opening at about the time you wish to start, and that is the variable that you should look into before leaving your existing contract.
Hope this helps?
@@captainjohn49 Thank you captainjohan. Oh, yes, indeed. I'm scheduled to join the Princess Diamond in Japan, and my contract is for 6 months with 2 months off afterward. Which, by the way, seems like a long time, so I thought I could make it shorter. But I see that it's a case-by-case situation. By the way any specification on what are the duties of an assistant purser ?
Hi Lucy, i wanted to ask if Oceania is a good company to work for?
I wonder how many flights of stairs one has to walk.
Did you pay for Wifi on Virgin? Don’t you think that should be a given benefit for cruise ships that hires crew who live worldwide?
I am 77. Can you find me a job aboard?
I wish there were cruise ships when I was 20. I am 69 and I would love to work on a cruise ship....but I have a family including a husband. I guess I'll just pay for my cruises. my husband keeps asking if something happened to him would I live on a cruise ship? Maybe, but not full time. great video.
Humm... Well technically, you hvae a life jacket and even if you cannot swim, it is suppose to keep you floating... Soooooo, am not too worry! See you around Lucy...
When you do swimming during STCW training do you swim with a life jacket or not?
Lifejacket ofcourse cause you being taught how to tie it,and how to swim and turn around,how to place your head ,how to cross place your hands on it steady🫂
@@ading9710 oookay that's not bad because the life jacket will keep you afloat. I thought its swimming without a life jacket
Mam i am color blind? You think i can work in cruise? Im in housekeeping department
Reality!
The 10th is the best 😂😂😂😂
Regarding Harding, do they still pay their associates £700
Lucy did a couple videos showing what she made (and spent) when working in the shops, and it was more than that. Have a look. Also you can find sites where you'll find quite a bit of info on this, and it looks like sales assoc and store keepers are getting from 900 - 1200 per month. I hope this helps?
@captainjohn49 thanks, will snoop around a bit
@@smileandwave8090 You're welcome. Btw, the site quotes in US dollars, not pounds....so, in pounds sterling, it looks like the range reported is £750 - £1000 pounds. Yes, a fairly paltry sum in any currency! :( And, I did try to post a link here, but that reply gets blocked. :(
what shipper you going to be working on
Hi lucy . Where are you working nowadays. I haven't seen any of your videos for a while.
Her current cruise line won't let her say. I'm guessing she is the port advisor on Disney....but that's just my guess based on a few things she has said. She is carefully adhering to their "no tell" rules.
@@kathryncashner3294 Disney would be quite the change from the no kids policy of Virgin (which I believe she said she enjoyed).
With your cruising experience, which line would you suggest for a professional trombone player? Would love some advice on where to get started. Thank you.
@@HariSeldon913 Port advisor would be quite a change from shop clerk....but I'm standing by my guess. She did say that she thought she'd be going to Royal, but they didn't have an opening in her positio for several months....and Royal is just as kid oriented as DCL.
I feel like it would suck working for disney.. I mean straight up crew life wouldn't be for me anyways but like Disney just seems like it would give me the ick even if you worked at the parks. Just based on the rules peiple talk about as cast members in parks after leaving. Also seems kind of weird disney wouldn't want positive promotion like lucy could give...they are doing a ton wrong pr wise... The remake controversies, banning proposals at the park, removing half of their content from dianey+ for "tax reasons" idk just seems kinda stupid if she's in disney they wouldny want the positive promotion
I wonder why none of the assumptions were related to "working too much/not having proper time to rest"! That's my main concern 👀👀👀 What do you think about that, Lucy? 🤔
Yea, I heard you have to work 12 hour days. Not much time to yourself. You need a work/life balance whether it's working on a cruise or not, for your mental health.
@@JoeyToronto agreed! I guess cruise lines don't care too much about that balance... 😕
@@JoeyToronto Well, in addition to the cruise lines being big corporations, the ships are in effect medium-sized cities. They run 24/7/365, for years...they generate their own electricity, create (and purify) their own fresh water, handle/treat/dispose of their own sewage, as well as all garbage/trash, and handle all recycling, process/cook/bake all their own meals, mix all the drinks, etc., clean the entire ship (not just the cabins) daily, do all the laundry, etc. etc. As well as provide all the entertainment, activities, shopping, shore experiences, etc., and serve all the guests/passengers, etc. As well as navigate and propel the ship, manage all port activities, immigration processes for all guests (and crew), handle finances / money / payment, etc. for both guests and crew, etc. etc....and dozens and dozens of other things, 24/7/365....this is actually more than small city gov't does, you'd need to include dozens of private sector businesses into the mix to get close. :)
So, yeah the "work/life" balance on-board is not what most are used to on-shore.
And, it is this time off, back on-shore ("vacation") for weeks and months at a time (most crew take 6 - 15 weeks off between contracts), that make up the "balance" for those that chose to work on-board.
As for working long hours....yes, but...
Most cruise ship crew will work 10 - 14 hours/day, seven days a week, for the entire length of their contract....and will usually have two normal breaks (for meals, etc.) during their normal work day, that are not counted as "off-time" / "rest". The exact details will be detailed in their contract.
Under international maritime law, crew are limited to a maximum of 14 hours of work / on-duty, in any 24 hour period. (and a maximum of 72 hours in any seven day period)
And, must be given at least 10 hours of rest / off-duty in any 24 hour period (this is exclusive of meal breaks during their on-duty time)...and a minimum of 77 hours in any seven day period. Daily rest periods can be divided into two periods, so long as one is at least 6 hours long.
So, if you wish to "see the world", get to know many new people and learn about other people/cultures, and enjoy weeks/months long vacations, then working on-board may be a great choice...and, it will not only prepare you for whatever stressful job/career you'd have on-shore, you'll be better at that than those trained on-shore.
I hope this helps clarify a bit....working on-board isn't one big party (that's what the paying passengers experience), it's a job/career.
@@captainjohn49A great and detailed response Cpt. John. Just wanted to connect here because I served under a Captain John in the 1980s onboard a private yacht “The Welsh Princess”. A 147ft ship that I was told was built for Henry Ford in the 1920s. Great Days… mostly.
Do not lie to people there are expenses on a ship as an employee….you have to tip your room steward, you have to pay to have your laundry done, like you said you have to buy your Wi-Fi, if you drink specialty coffee, sodas and yes alcohol, you have to purchase it. If you need your hair done you pay for it, if you need toiletries you pay for them. Do I need to go on? Yes you can save money but you have to want to do do and be disciplined enough to do it.