Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

• What makes cruise ship employment so unique ?

Working on a ship means you live and work abroad. This also means it is a 7-day work week with 10+ combined hours per day.

• Is this a full time job ?

Employment on a cruise ship is DEFINITELY a full time position. However, due to the intensity of shipboard work & life, it is on an assignment basis.

• How long is the assignment ?

Assignments vary depending on the position and brand. It can be anywhere between 4 months to 6 months. 

• What about time off ?

That’s the best part. Although you work 7-days a week while on assignment, crew members get a BULK time off upon completion of the assignment period. It’s like banking your days off and taking it all at once. 

• Which ship do I work for ?

Crew members are assigned to a position, not necessarily a ship. Although our preference is to bring back returning assignments on the same vessel, there’s a chance that you’ll be moved to where the role is needed. 

• What if I have commitments during my assignment ?

When you’re interviewing, it’s important that you share any pending commitment information. We can look into an assignment that works for both our new hire and the department. 

• How do I get to the ship ?

For most assignments, Celebrity Cruises will provide full transportation from your home to the ship and back for the full assignment period. In some locations, we’ll even have someone meet you ! 

• Do I need travel documents ?

Valid passports are needed for all our new crew members. New hires that are not US citizens, US Permanent Residents or Canadian will need to obtain a C1/D visa. 

• What is a C1/D visa ?

It is a special visa for non-US & Canadian nationals to work onboard a cruise ship. This can be obtained at the US Embassy in your respective countries. 

• Where do I sleep and what will it look like ?

Living space can vary based on ship and the position. While the management level position will have a single room, non-management will be sharing with roommates. Although the room is small, you will have a comfy bed, a shared TV, personal closet space and full bathroom. You’ll have clean sheets and fresh towels! 

• Is there a place to relax ?

Yes. There is a common room where our employees can gather to play games, share experiences and even to watch a movie. In some ships, we even have an internet café just for our crew to check in with what’s going on back at home. 

• Can you drink alcohol onboard ?

Yes. When you’re not scheduled to work and off duty. Just remember that we have a zero tolerance policy for certain positions and alcohol limitations. And no matter what, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for being on time for your shift and SOBER I Reporting to work under the influence or hung over is cause for immediate termination. That’s definitely NOT what you want to happen ! 

• Can I bring a friend, family, maybe a pet ?

Space onboard is very limited. Any offer is for employee only. 

• What should I pack ?

We recommend that you pack for a 1-week trip and consider bringing items that are on the suggested packing list. We’ll set you with the proper uniforms so you need off-duty clothes. There are times you may be called on to participate in a formal event, so one dressy outfit is worth packing. There are shops onboard that our employees can shop from, at a discounted rate. And some of the best bargains can be found at some of the ports you’ll visit. 

• What about medical care ?

While you’re onboard, the medical doctor onboard will provide you medical care. 

• Can I use the guest pool and the gym ?

Guest facilities are for guests only. Employees are provided with employee only facilities. We have a well equipped gym onboard for you to keep in shape ! However, we just don’t have the space for an employee only pool. But, many itineraries offer a port of call with some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts that you can visit if you’re off duty and headed a shore. 

• What’s the chain of command ?

The ultimate final word is the Captain, Master of the vessel. There is a clear chain of command that should be followed in seeking advice, assistance, resolutions, etc. 

• Who Pays for the air ticket.?

For most positions the employee will have to pay for the ticket the first time to join the ship. The company will pay for your return trip on completion of your contract. 

• Who pays for the pre employment medical and visa’s expenses?

The employee will pay for the pre employment medical and visa expenses 

• What is the duration of the contract?

You will be working on board for 6months before leaving home for a well deserved vacation. 

• What happens at the end of my assignment ?

Each assignment concludes with a performance review. Based on the evaluation, you will be asked to return. In some cases, we can even provide a return assignment before you even leave the ship. 

• Is there a difference between brands/class of ship ?

Yes, Currently Celebrity Cruises Fleet is divided into four different brands  – Century Class, Millennium Class, Xpedition Class and Solstice Class. The Century class consists of 3 ships namely Celebrity-Century, Celebrity-Galaxy and Celebrity-Mercury. The Millennium class consists of 4 ships namely Celebrity-Constellation, Celebrity-Infinity, Celebrity-Millennium and Celebrity-Summit. The Xpedition Class consists of Celebrity-Xpedition. The Solstice Class consists of Celebrity-Equinox (debut in Aug’ 2009) and Celebrity-Solstice. 

• Future Ships ?

Celebrity Cruises has ordered five new ships with a projected capacity of 2850 each. They are Celebrity-Solstice (delivery in  August 2009), Celebrity-Equinox (Delivery in Summer 2009), Celebrity-Eclipse (Delivery in Summer 2010) and two still to be named ships (Delivery in Fall 2011 and 2012).   

• Year-round Sailings ?

Celebrity Cruises has become the only big ship cruise line to offer year round sailings. The company is planning to expand the concept to include cruises to Antartica, the Artic and Alaska thereby becoming an adventure cruise specialist. 

Life   Onboard

•  What’s my cabin like ?

It’s not a grand suite with a plasma TV ! Your crew cabin has 1, 2, 3 or 4 bunk beds, desk and chair, T.V and telephone. Space is very tight. Your bed sheets will be changed once a week and bath towels. We are so generous that the cabin is free to you. You are responsible for keeping your cabin clean. 

• Three’s Company ?

No, 4’s company ! Yes, you will have 2 or 3 other roommates. Most likely they will be of a different nationality. 

• Can I wear the Latest Fashions ?

No problem as long as they fit in a tiny corner in the closet or under your bed. Pack only the essential outfits. You can wear the latest fashions when you are off duty and not in a guest area.

• Who’s the Boss ?

Your boss could be the departmental head or a supervisor in your department. The top boss on the ship is the Hotel director. The Captain on the ship is the Master of all and the final decision maker. 

• How about food ?

We feed you 4 delicious meals a day at no cost to you. You have ½ hour for each mealtime. Meals are buffet style in the crew mess. We offer a variety of meals to savor your palate. You also have the option, while the ship is at the port, to play tourist and try different restaurants with your friends. 

• 7-day workweek ? Do I have free time ?

It’s not as bad as it sounds ! Yeah, you work 7 days a week on the ship. You work mote than 10-hour days. When you are off duty you can go to the crew gym, your cabin crew area and watch large screen T.V or if the ship is at port, you can get off and enjoy the sites. Where else can you get these perks ? 

• I Wanna Be Somebody ?

We offer career growth through internal promotions. You can apply for promotions on the ship as they become available. 

• Who entertains me ?

We take care of everything. We have a crew welfare member who plans activities for the crew such as crew bingo, barbeques, parties, etc. etc. We have a crew disco and lounge. 

• Ship Amenities ?

Ship amenities are for the guests. Some crewmembers will have access to the guest areas while others will not. However, if you want to use any amenity in the guest area, you must ask your manager for permission. 

• Do I get paid ?

Absolutely ! We offer competitive salaries in the industry. You are paid every two weeks in cash. Direct deposit is not available, however, you can do wire transfers of your salary for a fee. You can also take cash advances not to exceed 50 percent of your monthly salary. You basically have zero expenses on the ship, so if you are resourceful and stay away from the expensive stores when are in port, you can bring home good money. 

• Romance ?

Dating on the ship of crewmembers is allowed. Dating guests is forbidden, it will be automatic grounds for termination. 

• What languages do you speak ?

Our business language is English, however we also speak French, Spanish, German and a whole lot of different languages on the ship. If you have a good ear, you might pick up a language or two. 

• I can’t live without the internet !!!

Take it easy !! We got you connected ! We have internet access on many of our ships, for 10 cents a minute you can have access to the internet. We have a Crew Internet Café for you to receive and send emails as well as venture into the world of the web. 

• I’m always on the phone yakking away !

Ok. If you want to keep your cell phone, it will be most likely work at the different ports of call. We also sell phone cards on the ship. When at sea, your cell phone will also work through our satellite, but be careful – international roaming charges apply and can be expensive. 

• Mail, I must receive those important letters ?

The mail comes in a bottle. I’m only kidding. Mail arrives once a week to the ship. 

• How do I pay my bills ?

We recommend that you pay your bills via the internet as well as we have wire transfers for a fee. 

• I ran out of shaving cream !!!

We take care of that too ! We have a crew store on the ship for you to purchase toiletries, cigarettes, candy and those conveniences of everyday. 

• Laundry ?

We have washers and dryers on the ship for you to take care of your clothing. We also have an ironing area. 

• Uniforms ?

We provide you with uniforms free of charge. At the end of each assignment, you must return your uniforms before signing off. 

• Diversity ?

You will have an opportunity to work and make life long friendships with crew members from over 70 countries. 

• Last Call ?

Yes, you can drink when you are off duty and not scheduled to work. You must be over 21 years of age to be served a drink in the crew bar. Please remember that we have a very strict alcohol policy and we do conduct breathalyzers. You must be sober when on duty. Any crewmember abusing the alcohol policy will face termination. 

• Drug Policy ?

Zero tolerance is our middle name. We’ve seen everything and know the tricks – don’t try it ! We conduct random drug testing on the ship and searches. Drug distribution and use is cause for immediate termination.

• Harassment Policy ?

We have zero tolerance of every kind of harassment. Every crewmember and manager is responsible for creating a positive work environment free of harassment. If you are ever in a situation that violates our harassment policy please report it to your manager or an authority figure on the ship. 

• I’m married with children !

Employment contracts are for the crewmember only.