I used to work on NCL's Pride of America and the most senior bartenders got first priority of being crew bartender. It was a super coveted role because they got consistent amazing tips and actually made more than most guest-facing bartenders (at least on our ship), they got to wear a more casual uniform, the hours were the same every day, and it was a little more laid back.
Hi how are you, Im going to be working on Pride Of America soon this is my first time ever working on a cruise ship im only 21 years old and I wanted to ask you what is it like what should I expect is it really worth it? Can you really save your money while working? Is there career growth opportunities?
@@nayabrownie4774 Working on a ship is one of the coolest experiences that I've had! It's very hard work, you will likely work every day of your contract without any days off. Most contracts are 20 weeks, so it can be very physically and emotionally exhausting. Because you are working and living in such close quarters, you will get very deep friendships with your co-workers. You have to be able to communicate your needs to your peers and resolve conflicts. There are many career growth opportunities on this ship in particular. I started as a crew messman (working in the crew cafeteria) and ended up as Finance Officer by the time I left (in the span of 3.5 years). You just have to follow the strict ship rules, know your current role expectations and perform well in order to be eligible to move up. You can absolutely save a significant amount of money. I would advise you to make a budget of all your current expenses (phone bill, loans, car payment, etc). Then go to a website that can calculate your paycheck income after taxes - ADP has a good one (I would average 8 hours a day, 7 days a week on the low end, so about 56 hours a week). If your contract is 20 weeks, you'll get 10 paychecks since they pay biweekly. Multiply the per pay period income by 10 and you'll have your total income for the contract. Subtract your expenses and you'll have a rough idea of how much you could potentially save. I would set up your paycheck to automatically put a % of every check into savings so that you don't even see it in your checking account. And if you have a savings goal, it's easier to know when to stop working on the ship (if your main goal is to save money). I would 100% go back in time and work on the ship again, it was a unique life experience that can benefit you in so many ways, just don't expect a tropical vacation because that is NOT at all what it is ;)
I chuckled when you dealt with "hookup culture" 😉 I watch @cruisingascrew and Lucy has covered this subject along with all the logistics of "crew relationships." This includes how intense they can be in close quarters seeing each other everyday followed by the inevitable "breakups" at the ends of contracts. She says it's likely you may never see each other again. She also discusses the logistics of intimacy when you have roommates. She handles these things with British aplomb but she doesn't hold back the truth. She has been on Virgin Valiant Lady in the Med. It's a much different vibe than when she worked on Royal Caribbean and MSC Virgin treats it's crew pretty well from the quality of the crew mess to their crew bar.
It must be such an interesting atmosphere at Back Deck and so many conversations going on in different languages! I think it would be a cool experience for a guest to see...kinda like Jack sneaking Rose into the crew area in the movie Titanic!
This is so interesting! I actually wondered about the hours of the bars etc, especially for crew members who are working strange/unsociable hours. I always think the atmosphere 'downstairs' must be excellent!
Can you talk about the difference in being an entertainer and being a cook or server in regard to hours worked, freedom to travel the ship, ability to take shore leave?
I would love to see the spa and hair salon. You should go and pamper yourself and have a chat to the beauty therapist and hair stylist about there time on the ship. Love you Jordan. XX⛸❄️🛳
Jordan, you brought up a fun memory for me mentioning 'slop chest' in the crew bar. I worked on 2 sister ships years ago in the gift shops. My favorite part of the job was going up to the Deck/Engine slop chest to work for 2-3 hours on Sunday afternoons. Got to meet folks I normally did not get to see as often. More importantly though is that this was the only day of the week we opened for them to purchase sundries, etc. Otherwise, they would have to run off the ship for a quick trip which with their schedules was not in line with their schedules most of the time. Eight years onboard...best of times!!! Love your videos!!
i watched an officer on a ships video one day and he talked about how the serviers in officers mess are newer and move to guest resturants after they get some experience i bet that might be similar with bar tenders
After seeing ppl bringing you peanut butter and other goodies… I have the idea that I want to bring our cabin attendant a goodie bag the first day of our cruises. Good idea? If so maybe you and your watchers will have ideas of what’s it should contain. Microwave popcorn, jelly beans, jerky…ideas please Thanks!
I just came from Vision - theres an outside crew bar area (the only one that was open for my contract) and my favorite place to be for a morning coffee and then the inside on outside the mess that stood as the coffee bar for the latter part of ny contract.
I can speak to Crew Bar in QN Class - there are to two Crew Bar areas. One in the Crew Housing Area in deck 0 - Sorta a club style area and then theres a pub style area (the second bar). The Smoking Area is a inside/outside style and is seperate from the crew bar.
Hey Jordan I've been trying my hardest to work on a cruise ship. I wanted to know for like a new person for no experience but 12 years in cleaning. I was wondering what be the best route I do have valid passport and stuff all but stcw if that's needed from Canada. I'd love to work on royal Caribbean as a house keeper. Where's the best way to apply. Thanks.
I'm not sure anyone on Oasis class is calling the crew bar back deck. It isn't "back" of anything. All of the crew offerings on Oasis class are forward.
We always just said "going to 6" / "meet you on 6" or something along those lines since the smoking bar was dk 6. The actual name is Helibar though if I remember right
Hi Jordan, My name is Darwin Pérez and I am new in your channel. I will be on Voyager of the Seas on November 27, 2022 and I would love to meet you.😁😁😁😁 Have a nice day.
Finish watching GREAT vlog. 👍 Great did you have a place to socialize other than work time! Sorry that the crew area is outside exposed. Caribbean weather will make it nicer! So HAPPY for the crew and also the passengers could see the beautiful crew faces now that masks" muzzles☺️" are not required 😊!
