How long do you typically work on a cruise ship?
Cruise ship contracts typically last around six months. After that, crew members usually get a break of about 6-8 weeks before potentially returning for another contract. Full-time staff are generally expected to work multiple contracts. Seasonal contracts may be a better option if you only want to work on a cruise ship once.
Cruise ship jobs: How long are typical cruise ship work contracts?
Okay, so cruise ship jobs, right? I’ve looked into this a bit, because a friend was totally obsessed with working on one. Six-month contracts are the standard for full-time gigs, apparently.
Then, you get a break – a pretty decent one, 6 to 8 weeks off. Sounds dreamy, actually.
Most companies want you to sign on for multiple contracts. One-off trips? Seasonal contracts are the way to go. My friend almost did a six-month one last year. She was aiming for the Caribbean, but the opportunity vanished quickly.
She was aiming to start in April; a spot opened but was gone in a flash. Really frustrating for her. Think about that if you are looking at working on a cruise ship.
How many hours do you work in a cruise ship?
Seventy hours a week… maybe more. It blurs, honestly.
Days run into each other, yeah. No real days off.
It’s just… work, work, work. Months. Months on end.
- Why so long? It’s about keeping the ship running. Guests expect constant service.
- What does it feel like? Exhausting. Alienating. I miss my dog, Buster. I think he still remembers me.
- Is it worth it? I don’t know anymore. The money’s good, I guess.
- What’s the worst part? Seeing land, so close, but unreachable. Knowing everyone else is vacationing.
- My Role? I’m a Photographer. You think I get to see the shows? Nah.
- Contract? Signed up for six months this time. Wish I hadn’t.
- Burnout? Oh, yeah. It’s real. Thinking of quitting, maybe. Buster needs walks.
It’s lonely out here. The waves are nice, though. Nice and quiet.
How many months do you have to work on a cruise ship?
Contracts? Eh, 4 to 10 months. Company dictates, always.
Entry-level, long haul. Seniority? Shorter stint, naturally. Two months off after. What else is there?
- Positions: Vary.
- Company policy reigns.
- Vacation: Two months. More, if you’re lucky, or unlucky.
My brother did 8. Lost his mind. Not recommended. Think carefully, consider everything. No, wait, don’t. Just go.
How long is a cruise ship job?
Contracts: Four to ten months. That’s it.
Breaks: Two months off. Standard.
My Cousin, Liam, did six months last year on the Oceania Riviera. He hated it. Said the food was repetitive.
The sea. A vast, indifferent expanse. Mirrors the soul, some say. Bullshit.
- Short-term commitment.
- Long breaks.
- Exhausting.
Think carefully. Freedom isn’t free. This isn’t a vacation.
Consider this: Twenty-twenty-three saw a surge in cruise demand. This impacted contract lengths minimally. But, fewer shore leave days. The industry’s cutthroat. Expect that.
Liam’s girlfriend left him. Coincidence? Possibly. Probably not. He’s a mess. A predictable mess. That’s life.
How many days off on a cruise ship?
Okay, cruise ship days off… hmm.
Four to ten months work? That’s a long time. My friend Sara did that once, or was it her sister? Ugh, whatever.
- Contracts seem super long
- Four to ten months… brutal
Sixty days off after? About two months vacation! Nice. I wonder if they get to actually travel during that time.
60 days. Seems kinda short.
- Two months off?
- After all that work?!
- Hmm.
What do they even do on those days off? Sleep, probably. Need serious rest after serving all those tourists. I bet they’re exhausted.
- Exhaustion is real
- I’d be dead
- Seriously.
Sixty days. I’d go crazy! I mean, only 60? I need way more time to recharge after that. I bet Sara… or her sister… said the same thing.
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