Anyone ever worked on a cruise ship?

[TNDemo]

We just got back from taking our first cruise. One thing I found surprising was how few Americans worked on it. The crew represented 54 countries, which pretty much tells me they are probably not paying American style wages. They are on the ship for nine months at a time. Our waiter was from South America and only sees his kids 2-3 months a year. I was saying it must be hard for him and he said "I need the job." I am confused as to how I feel about this. Are they being exploited or are they instead being offered an opportunity they might not have otherwise and it is a good thing?

BTW - I have been out of touch for the last week. Anything important happen while I was gone? Anything on Valerie Plame?

[nini]

1. No.. but I know alot of people that do.

by our standards these people are being exploited. But for most of them they can make much more money onboard the ships than they would at home.

I'm a frequent cruiser and I know how you feel, but after becoming friends with many of these folks, many of them have a much higher standard of living than if they tried to work at home. Many of them have saved enough money to quit in a few years and practically retire.

It's definitely a hard life but worth it too many.

[TrogL]

2. Apparently it's absolutely brutal

Below decks living conditions are hell. You get a tiny cubicle to sleep in. You eat crap food instead of what's served upstairs. There's no privacy.

[nini]

3. that may depend on the ship.. though I've heard horror stories

some of the old ships were downright gross... 5-6 people to cabin, communal bathrooms etc.

The newer ships provide the privacy though there are 2 to a cabin, with TV, radio, phones etc..

I'm not telling you how I know what those rooms look like either :-)

[Bronco69]

5. Aw Come on!

Dish! :-)

[nini]

6. let me just say that the early 80s were FUN FUN FUN..

.. on those ships! I'm older now so it's not as wild, but still fun


they dont' call it the love boat for nuttin honey!

[greatauntoftriplets]

11. the one I was in (ahem -- no questions answered)

was sorta like The Waltons with 24 in a room, stacked in bunks 3 high. Those were the days.

[nini]

12. LOL...

I wonder if we were on the same cruise line.. hmmmm

was it Sitmar? :evilgrin:

[oneighty]

4. Gee!

That sounds like my "Deployment" to the Mediterranean aboard a minesweeper. That "Deployment" is often referred to as being "A Med Cruise".

In spite of being a miserable cruise I had a lot of fun.

180

[trof]

8. Hiya bub.

Long time no see.
:hi:

[Lostmessage]

7. I lasted two hours

Right before they pulled out I got off and went home. I had never been away from home and I was 18 and I missed my Mom at the time.

[trof]

9. Friend was ship's surgeon.

2-3 week free "vacation" from his regular job as ER physician.
Nice cabin and his wife came for free.
She never saw him.
Lots of us geezers who needed attention.
He was amazed at the people with serious medical problems who came on cruises.
Several med evacs by helicopter.
He doesn't do it any more.

[trof]

10. Oh yeah,

most of crew was Indonesian.
Their living conditions were not that great.
But...better pay than they could get at home.

[Nikia]

13. College aquaintance was briefly a musician

He said it was great. He said that he got a bunch of luxerious perks and got paid alright for little work.
The musicians might be treated better than the waiters though. You got to keep the talent happy.

[CanuckAmok]

14. A friend of ours is a cruise broker...he suggests this book:

http://www.booksmatter.com/b0865714622.htm

...If you're interested in working conditions aboard ship.