All cruise ship employees get free food onboard cruise ships. Maritime law states that there needs to be adequate and nutritious food provided for the crew at no extra cost.
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In short, yes, cruise ship crew don't have to pay for their food while on board. The ship covers 100% of the cost of the food and will do its best to have a variety of different foods based on the nationalities of the crew members.
Employee CommentsThe cruise ship, itself, would give us free snacks and drinks for the day. At some location variety of healthy snacks for employees to enjoy at no cost. Cafeteria has healthy menus and cost is subsidized. Although free, they staff mess and crew mess are often inedible.
As mentioned, there are additional benefits that workers receive over their salary. Free room and board, meals, and medical care allow individuals to save money while working. Additionally, they work longer hours, which means more income if your wage is hourly.
On ships, you live where you work. Unlike life on land, there is no rent to be paid or monthly utility bills that need to be taken care of. All basic living expenses are covered at sea for crew members: accommodation, water, electricity, and food.
To complete their responsibilities, cruise ships require their employees to live on the boat. Most cruise lines offer their staff free room and board throughout the duration of their contracts. They often cover the costs of basic living expenses, such as water and electricity bills.
Most cruise lines offer their staff free room and board throughout the duration of their contracts. They often cover the costs of basic living expenses, such as water and electricity bills. This allows employees to travel wherever the ship goes, frequently visiting new countries during their free time.
Can I bring a family member or friend onboard? Crew members who meet specific length-of-service criteria have the option of requesting relatives travel, a benefit that allows family members to sail onboard for a limited period of time. Some restrictions may apply.
FAQ on Cruise Staff SalaryA cruise ship crew member for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian Cruise Line can earn an annual average between $16,000 to $20,000. For leadership staff onboard cruise ships, the annual salary can be much higher from $30,000 to $100,000.
Staff members often expect to work around 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Some employees may work early in the morning, like those who prepare food, while others work late into the night, like bartenders and entertainers. Your work schedule might depend on the specific cruise line and your position.
The ships are tolerant to innocent hanging out, as crew/passenger interaction is encouraged to ensure passengers have a great time at sea. But anything more than friendly conversation is strictly forbidden. It's unprofessional and can lead to some pretty serious legal trouble for the ship.
Typical extra tips may be $15-20 per passenger for a seven-day cruise paid to the cabin steward for exceptional work, or an extra $10-20 per passenger to a waiter who offered spectacular dining service. Similarly, it is often acceptable to tip $1-3 when room service is delivered depending on the size of the order.
In addition, crew members also have access to 'crew only' areas, such as private dining halls and lounges. There are also fun activities organized such as excursions, movie nights, live shows and bingo games! I don't think a better way exists to travel and see so much of the world, than by working on a cruise ship.
The bar is open until the early morning and is a good way to spend time with friends or even partners which are common within the ship's crew. Also in crew areas are fitness rooms where they can work out and release all their work stress. You'll usually see the same people there every single day!
Crew Off Hours Onboard a Cruise ShipAdditionally, special events are routinely scheduled for crew to enjoy their time onboard. There are crew parties, BBQs, bingos, talent shows, and movie nights. Officers can enjoy additional facilities of the ship such as the pool deck, spa, gym, restaurants and bars.
Generally, the highest-paying jobs on cruise ships are held by officers, department heads, and those working on commission. However, many other variables affect earning potential, such as cruise line, ship size, clientele, tips awarded, and prior job experience. Contracts are another factor.
As crew members, we are only allowed to drink the equivalent of a small bottle of beer, depending on the size of the person who is drinking it. You must not have more than 5% alcohol intake in your system. If you exceed this then you run the risk of being fired.
The terms of their contracts specify break and meal times, so even the busiest crew members will always have set rest breaks when they have time for a snack or main meal.
The most common age range of American Cruise Lines employees is 20-30 years. 56% of American Cruise Lines employees are between the ages of 20-30 years.
How long will I be onboard? Contract lengths vary by position but range between four and ten months. After each contract you will receive approximately 60 days of vacation before your next assignment.
In general, cruise ship employees make between $50-$150 in tips per day, with higher-end cruises typically paying more than lower-end ones. Some cruise staff report that they make up to $500 per day in gratuities. Do cruise ship employees get free rooms and board? Define “free.”