How long are cruise ship contracts for performers?
Most contracts last for 4 to 6 months, but it varies based on your position, the particular cruise line, and other factors. It is important to note that a contract is one continuous length of time, without any sort of vacation or work break in the middle.
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Living QuartersEach performer is provided lodging for the duration of their contractual commitment. A performer will most likely have at least one roommate. The headlining acts and solo performers will have single cabins, while smaller ensemble members and dancers will be in double cabins.
Your working hours will vary each day according to scheduling and itinerary needs. Typically musicians will perform up to 5 hours each night with the possibility of additional hours relating to trainings and/or drills. We typically require 35 hours of performance time per a 7 day week.
Among many difficult jobs on cruise ships, handpicking the toughest one is tricky. Still, one job will stand out in terms of horrific working conditions and cruel working hours-the galley steward.
There are no holiday entitlements, but crew members can choose when they take the six- to eight-week break that automatically comes with longer contracts.
Many cruise lines will contact specific entertainers they want, reaching out to them directly or through a service like GigSalad. However, you can also take the initiative and chase down the gig yourself. You can apply directly to the cruise ship lines or work with an agency to guarantee a place on a ship.
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.
For the most part couples working onboard together is encouraged by the cruise line. This is because happy crew members will likely be more loyal to a cruise line and stay with them longer.
Many have complained about inadequate pay and long hours with little chance for change. Contracts can require workers to put in more than 70 hours a week and go without any days off for six to eight months. Due to the nature of cruise ships, workers are often exploited and unfairly compensated without much recourse.
Some Cruise Ship Crew Can Bring Their Children OnboardCruise lines will often let officers bring spouses and children onboard. However, some cruise lines will let any crew member that has a position that is guaranteed their own cabin (meaning they will never have a roommate).
Cruise ship workers are not supposed to hook up with passengers, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It is rare though – most crew follow the rules because they know they'll lose their job if they're caught. You won't be surprised to hear that cruise lines ban crew from having sex with passengers.
Homesickness is a major problem for those working on a cruise ship, especially if they are new to the job. Since most cruise lines will only hire people with an extended contract (four to six months), this job is not recommended for people who are married, nor have children.
At the top of the hierarchy are officers: managers and those responsible for navigation. In the middle are staff members, which include workers in entertainment, retail, and guest services. At the bottom are crew members, who are generally responsible for serving guests.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $102,500 and as low as $14,500, the majority of Cruise Ship Worker salaries currently range between $30,000 (25th percentile) to $58,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $90,000 annually across the United States.
Cruise job contracts can be as short as 1 month long, but only in cases when seasonal staff are needed, for example, when school kids are on vacation, meaning a larger than normal amount of children will be onboard for a few sailings and children's facilities will need extra people.