Working on a Cruise ship?
Discussion
coogy said:
Just wondered if anyone has any experience working onboard a cruise ship? I'm currently looking at doing IT support onboard, but if anyone is willing to share any experience that'd be fantastic.
A mate of mine did it and he loved it. Reasonable money, tax free IIRC, lots of fun.Main downside is a long time away from home, pretty much living out of a suitcase, albeit with long paid breaks inbetween and they paid for all flights. Also he was paid in dollars.
I guess it depends who you will be working for, what company, and where you will join and leave the ship (eg Miami, Southampton)
also there were three 'grades' of crew
officers - had to wear uniform at all times, but could access public areas while off duty
staff - mid-range jobs, eg. counter staff, hospitality, still allowed on public areas when not working
crew - never allowed in public areas unless working (cleaners, etc)
Would you be officer or staff grade?
Edited by essayer on Tuesday 3rd January 12:24
essayer said:
A mate of mine did it and he loved it. Reasonable money, tax free IIRC, lots of fun.
To be eligible for Seafarers Earnings Deduction you must be out of the UK for 184 days out of every 365; this is a rolling period and nothing to do with the tax year. If eligible you pay no income tax or get to claim it back; it depends on where your company's payroll is administered. Mine is done in the Channel Islands so I have to claim it back.essayer said:
coogy said:
Just wondered if anyone has any experience working onboard a cruise ship? I'm currently looking at doing IT support onboard, but if anyone is willing to share any experience that'd be fantastic.
A mate of mine did it and he loved it. Reasonable money, tax free IIRC, lots of fun.Main downside is a long time away from home, pretty much living out of a suitcase, albeit with long paid breaks inbetween and they paid for all flights. Also he was paid in dollars.
I guess it depends who you will be working for, what company, and where you will join and leave the ship (eg Miami, Southampton)
also there were three 'grades' of crew
officers - had to wear uniform at all times, but could access public areas while off duty
staff - mid-range jobs, eg. counter staff, hospitality, still allowed on public areas when not working
crew - never allowed in public areas unless working (cleaners, etc)
Would you be officer or staff grade?
Edited by essayer on Tuesday 3rd January 12:24
As far as a I know the role would probably be "2 stripe" as an officer or junior officer. I have a mate who worked onboard "Oasis of the Seas" as a sports instructor. He tells me IT is fairly mid to high in the hierachy - which is nice.
With regards to being away from home. I'm 26, recently single and got bugger all keeping me here really. Its very appealing, if a little scary.
A friend of mine has been on 3 so far.
He is away for around 6 months, tax free and earns £18k per annum IIRC.
He said he spends very little as well (but isn't really into drinking). So always comes back with a fairly large amount of money in his bank account which is handy.
He absolutely loves it, meets a lot of new people, makes some friends and gets to see a lot of places. It obviously isn't for everyone though and I'd imagine some of the staff on them are using it to escape the real world/problems.
He is away for around 6 months, tax free and earns £18k per annum IIRC.
He said he spends very little as well (but isn't really into drinking). So always comes back with a fairly large amount of money in his bank account which is handy.
He absolutely loves it, meets a lot of new people, makes some friends and gets to see a lot of places. It obviously isn't for everyone though and I'd imagine some of the staff on them are using it to escape the real world/problems.
coogy said:
I've sent off my CV to the main recruitments agencies for the big cruise lines. I have 5 years experience doing IT support at London Gatwick, so I'm hoping this will be somewhat desirable to employers.
As far as a I know the role would probably be "2 stripe" as an officer or junior officer. I have a mate who worked onboard "Oasis of the Seas" as a sports instructor. He tells me IT is fairly mid to high in the hierachy - which is nice.
With regards to being away from home. I'm 26, recently single and got bugger all keeping me here really. Its very appealing, if a little scary.
Yes, I think it would be officer grade. I was in your same situation not long ago and was also looking at IT roles shipboard, probably with the same company. I ended up getting a job locally, but do have a twinge of regret I didn't pursue it. Good luck !As far as a I know the role would probably be "2 stripe" as an officer or junior officer. I have a mate who worked onboard "Oasis of the Seas" as a sports instructor. He tells me IT is fairly mid to high in the hierachy - which is nice.
With regards to being away from home. I'm 26, recently single and got bugger all keeping me here really. Its very appealing, if a little scary.
coogy said:
I've sent off my CV to the main recruitments agencies for the big cruise lines. I have 5 years experience doing IT support at London Gatwick, so I'm hoping this will be somewhat desirable to employers.
As far as a I know the role would probably be "2 stripe" as an officer or junior officer. I have a mate who worked onboard "Oasis of the Seas" as a sports instructor. He tells me IT is fairly mid to high in the hierachy - which is nice.
With regards to being away from home. I'm 26, recently single and got bugger all keeping me here really. Its very appealing, if a little scary.
Get it done! You know what the future holds? I do. You'll be dead, and you can't do it then.As far as a I know the role would probably be "2 stripe" as an officer or junior officer. I have a mate who worked onboard "Oasis of the Seas" as a sports instructor. He tells me IT is fairly mid to high in the hierachy - which is nice.
With regards to being away from home. I'm 26, recently single and got bugger all keeping me here really. Its very appealing, if a little scary.
After seeing this thread I've decided to seriously think about working on a Cruise ship. I'd like to work in engernering, but I don't have any experiance. I have mechnical knolege but I'm not sure if it's important, as the engines are alot bigger on cruise ships than engines in a car.
There are a few things I'd like to sort out if I decide I do want to work on a Cruise ship, such as full motorbike and driving licences, have a sort out of my stuff so only things I want will go to my parents places as currently I rent a room.
There are a few things I'd like to sort out if I decide I do want to work on a Cruise ship, such as full motorbike and driving licences, have a sort out of my stuff so only things I want will go to my parents places as currently I rent a room.
paulrussell said:
After seeing this thread I've decided to seriously think about working on a Cruise ship. I'd like to work in engernering, but I don't have any experiance. I have mechnical knolege but I'm not sure if it's important, as the engines are alot bigger on cruise ships than engines in a car.
There are a few things I'd like to sort out if I decide I do want to work on a Cruise ship, such as full motorbike and driving licences, have a sort out of my stuff so only things I want will go to my parents places as currently I rent a room.
Depending on what results you left school with you could get yourself on a cadet scheme; 3 years college and work experience gets you qualified as a engineer watchkeeper. On cruise ships you would start at about £22k, box boats maybe £25k and tankers maybe a little more. Go here to find out about sponsor companies and other stuff. Go here for more informal stuff from people on cadet schemes now.There are a few things I'd like to sort out if I decide I do want to work on a Cruise ship, such as full motorbike and driving licences, have a sort out of my stuff so only things I want will go to my parents places as currently I rent a room.
hidetheelephants said:
Depending on what results you left school with you could get yourself on a cadet scheme; 3 years college and work experience gets you qualified as a engineer watchkeeper. On cruise ships you would start at about £22k, box boats maybe £25k and tankers maybe a little more. Go here to find out about sponsor companies and other stuff. Go here for more informal stuff from people on cadet schemes now.
I wouldn't go on the cadet scheme as my GCSE results proberly aren't good enough. Also I'm 25 and I don't fancy going to college for 3 years at my age, plus I can't afford to have no job. I have looked at job roles on cruise ships, and it appears I don't need any experiance or quilifications for bottom end roles.You are only at college for about 15-18 months, the rest is at sea on ships or 'resting' waiting for a ship. Cadet schemes all have a tax-free training allowance which these days is around £150-200 per week which is paid throughout the 3 years. Some schemes pay extra on top of that for accommodation at college.
There are non-officer jobs in the engine room as wipers and motormen but these days most of them are from India, the Philipines and eastern europe/ex-sovbloc states as the wages are low(£15-18k) and the contracts long(6-18 months). You can qualify for a engineer watchkeeper ticket with seatime obtained this way, but it takes a lot longer and you have to pay for it yourself. There are very few UK motormen/wiper roles left, the only vessels that still have a use for them are smaller north sea standby ships, tugs and maybe trawlers. The last time the MCA revised the training system they seem to have taken a dislike to the type.
There are non-officer jobs in the engine room as wipers and motormen but these days most of them are from India, the Philipines and eastern europe/ex-sovbloc states as the wages are low(£15-18k) and the contracts long(6-18 months). You can qualify for a engineer watchkeeper ticket with seatime obtained this way, but it takes a lot longer and you have to pay for it yourself. There are very few UK motormen/wiper roles left, the only vessels that still have a use for them are smaller north sea standby ships, tugs and maybe trawlers. The last time the MCA revised the training system they seem to have taken a dislike to the type.
Edited by hidetheelephants on Sunday 8th January 00:22
If you do decide to go to college, I strongly recommend to get the HND in Marine Engineering. It's going to help you a lot if you want to progress your career, (cuts down on the exams you have to do to get further tickets).
25 may be considered old, but there was something I read about a couple of years ago of a 40 YO cadet, so not impossible.
25 may be considered old, but there was something I read about a couple of years ago of a 40 YO cadet, so not impossible.
Gaspowered said:
25 may be considered old, but there was something I read about a couple of years ago of a 40 YO cadet, so not impossible.
It isn't old; I was 29 when I signed up for a engineer cadetship(and was not the oldest), albeit a graduate conversion course which was only 18 months. There are some sponsors who are sniffy about older recruits, but most are more interested in your qualifications and life experience; school leavers are the traditional target for cadet schemes but they have high drop out rates.Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff