ABOUT WORKING & LIVING CONDITIONS AND BENEFITS:

REMEMBER! You are looking for job, not for destinations, so 

BE READY:

1. – to work  from 6 to 8 months contract. 7 days a week, 10 to 14 hours a day with scheduled time off (rota system) in ports of call.

2. – to leave in crew area, sharing cabin with another crewmember, but good standard – A/C, TV, VCR, communal ore private bathroom…

But YOU CAN EXPECT:

3. – free food serving in crew mess, good standard and variety

(even for vegetarians). Free basic drinks (tea, coffee, milk). Alcohol & sodas in crew bar for advantageous price

4. – free time activities in crew area – gym, table tennis, swimming pool, cinema,.…

5. – full medical & injury coverage from first to last day of contract

6. – uniforms & laundering provided by company. Personal items in crew laundry, or for low cost

7. – transportation  & accommodation before and after contract (1 night stay in company hotel)

8. – all contracts are renewable when both side satisfaction

9. – vacation usually from 6 to 8 weeks between contracts. For repeaters possibilities for “work break” – up to 3 weeks off during contract (necessary B2 visa) new medical exam before joining ship after vacation.

10. – first time travel on crewmember expenses. Repeaters up to company standard (often paid).

11. – usually no couples are working on same ship (some companies do).

12. – salary depend on position. Usually service personnel issuing very low salary (50 USD/month) BUT ! plus gratuities (tipping) – most cruise lines suggest to passengers  to tip specific amount (2-4 USD per guest per day of cruise). Management, Admin., Youth Staff, Utilities positions – fixed salary. The best part of this job  - you can save almost all your earned money. No taxes if country law does not make a difference.

13. –reemployment training program provided by hiring agency or company in  training center in Bratislava. On the ship before starting to work (2-4 weeks) usually paid by employer, including safety.

14. – even hard – satisfaction of most of successful applicants guaranteed…

There are three basic rules. Following them your life on board will be easier.

SAFETY FIRST!

BE PROFESSIONAL ALL THE TIME!

COOPERATION/ TEAMWORK!