Cruise Ship Jobs - Networking

Also, I have another question I forgot to ask. I know that the hours are long on ships, and I also know that it's not uncommon to work 7 days a week. My question is about the work rotation.

I haven't been able to find a definite answer, but how does this work? If a contract is 6 months, do you work 6 months straight and then have time off, or is it like other types of work where you work something like 6 -8 weeks without days off and then have a week off?

Also, are you sort of "stationed" anywhere? (for example, Vancouver or Miami)

Unless you're working at the professional/officer level aboard a cruise ship you will need to be ready to work in excess of 12 hour days. When you get shore leave it varies from company to company and cruise to cruise. Some companies will give you shore leave between cruises, some will keep you aboard for anywhere between 3-8 weeks. Some companies will not guarantee you on-going work after shore leave. Some companies ask you to be based out of a city of their choice for their own convenience others will fly you home or to a place of your choice within their country of port. Many of these recruitment agencies are very slow to respond and require some basic maritime safety qualifications. They will let you know but be sure you know everything they expect of you before embarking on this venture. And don't forget, staff on cruise ships are expendable.

I work for Princess Cruise Lines in the youth entertainment dept and was hired thru Page Marine Crews.

There are no Canadian bar tenders or waiters working for Princess. They are all from The Phillipines, Mexico, Thailand, and Eastern Europe. I'm not sure about the other cruise lines, tho.

You would most likely be hired for a minimum of 6 months, meaning you will be away, onboard for 6 months. You could work up to 12 hours in one day but you prob won't work that every day. My guess is you would work 50-70 hours per week. It's a fun job, tho. Working on cruise ships is a great life, for the right person.