You might be in the first steps of just attempting to email back and forth with NCL in Miami or you might be getting ready to head to Piney Point for training. In this guide I will try and give you as much information I wish I had before joining to make the first contract as easy as possible and know what I was getting into. Please take my advice as much as you can on how to handle certain issues if you have them. Working in Hawaii on a cruise ship is amazing but you will also see the challenges ahead. This job is not for everyone but I will do my best to help you succeed on the Pride of America. If you're a guest just wondering how some of this all works, welcome!
I was lucky to make some great friends during my time on the Pride of America. Trent stands out above the rest. A guest favorite winning many Vacation Hero Cards weekly getting praise from guests on how he would help them along during the week. I have included many videos from Trent across the site for a reason. He will give you an honest point of view of the highs and lows of cruise life with tons of great information.
A lot of people will tell you before you get to the ship that the ones that survive are the ones who have a goal they are going for or a reason for being there. Yes working on a cruise ship can be amazing at times but it can also really push people and make them miss things that are not available to them anymore. Here are some of the pros and cons that we could come up with that you should consider
PROS
Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking ocean views and picturesque landscapes as you travel to different destinations in Hawaii.
Travel Opportunities: Visit various Hawaiian islands and explore the diverse cultures and landscapes of the region.
Cultural Exposure: Interact with people from different cultures, both among the crew and passengers, fostering a multicultural work environment.
Networking: Build a professional network with individuals from around the world, opening up future career opportunities.
Team Building: Develop strong teamwork and collaboration skills while working closely with a diverse group of colleagues.
Adventure: Experience the thrill of sailing on the open sea and being part of a dynamic maritime environment.
Training and Development: Gain valuable training in hospitality, customer service, and other skills that can be transferable to various industries.
Career Advancement: Many cruise ship employees find opportunities for career advancement within the cruise industry or related fields.
Culinary Experience: Work in a diverse culinary environment, preparing and serving a variety of international cuisines.
Customer Interaction: Interact with passengers and provide them with exceptional service, honing your customer service skills.
Language Skills: Improve language skills by communicating with people from different countries and backgrounds.
Crew Facilities: Access to onboard amenities and facilities that contribute to a comfortable living environment for employees.
Entertainment: Enjoy access to onboard entertainment and events during your downtime.
Discounts and Perks: Take advantage of discounts on cruise travel, excursions, and other perks available to cruise ship employees.
Camaraderie: Build strong friendships with fellow crew members through shared experiences and challenges.
Personal Growth: Develop resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills as you navigate the challenges of working in a maritime environment.
Financial Benefits: Save money by living on the ship without the usual living expenses associated with shore-based living.
Travel on your vacations: Get your passport in Hawaii from the post office and have it mailed to your house. Save money and then travel during the weeks you have off for your vacation.
Disconnect for normal life: The internet is really bad for crew and I would advise you not to waste your money on it. It does help you disconnect from people or problems that you may have wanted to get away from and make a life change working on the cruise ship.
CONS
Isolation: Crew members may experience feelings of isolation due to being away from family and friends for extended periods.
Long Hours: Cruise ship jobs often involve long working hours with limited breaks, especially during peak travel seasons. You will not have days off.
Limited Personal Space: Living quarters are typically compact, and personal space may be limited, contributing to a lack of privacy. It is luck of the draw if you have good roommates
Sea Sickness: Some employees may struggle with seasickness, especially if they are new to a maritime environment.
Cabin Sharing: Many employees have to share cabins with colleagues, which can lead to challenges in terms of privacy and compatibility. Small cabins with 2-4 people in them.
Cultural Adjustment: Dealing with a diverse crew and passengers can be challenging, requiring adaptability to different cultures and languages.
Contractual Commitment: Employment contracts often involve a fixed duration, and leaving before the contract ends may have consequences. You will have to pay for your own ticket if you get fired and left at a port.
Limited Personal Time: Due to the demands of the job, employees may have limited time for personal activities or relaxation.
Customer Complaints: Dealing with demanding passengers and addressing customer complaints can be stressful.
Work-Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging given the nature of cruise ship schedules.
Security Concerns: Working in an enclosed environment raises security concerns, and crew members need to adhere to strict safety protocols. Drinking is the quickest way to get fired.
Repetitive Tasks: Some roles may involve repetitive tasks, leading to monotony and boredom. Each week it all starts over!
Limited Career Advancement: Advancement opportunities may be limited, especially in specialized roles, which could impact long-term career growth. Some managers will try to lock you down in an area if you're really good at what you do.
Limited Internet Access: Access to the internet may be restricted or slow, making it difficult to stay connected with loved ones. The crew internet is super expensive and slow.
Medical Facilities: Medical facilities on board may be limited, and obtaining medical care during an emergency could be challenging. If you get injured or really sick there is a high chance you get medically debarked.
Cabin Noise: Living in close quarters may result in noise disturbances, affecting the quality of sleep and overall well-being. Some cabins you will need ear plugs if you sleep lightly.
Limited Shore Leave: Opportunities for exploring destinations during port visits may be restricted due to work commitments. Some working areas of the ship it is very hard for them to ever explore the islands due to schedules.
Strain on Relationships: Extended periods away from home can strain personal relationships, leading to challenges in maintaining connections.
Cruise Ship Turnover: High turnover rates on cruise ships can disrupt social connections and require constant adaptation to new team members. You will have 30-50 new and returning crew most weeks.
Relationships on-board: It happens a lot and so does the drama from it. Be picky with who you spend your time with.
Bad Management: Some managers you will come across are lacking people skills and job skills for the position they are in. This is because some people get promoted just because they have survived on the ship for a long time. Just let if roll off you and focus on your work or move to a new area.
If you're looking for a great experience in Hawaii working your butt off then start here by applying.
Just be ready to work everyday with no days off for around 5 months or more depending on if you extend your contract. You can save a ton of money since all food is covered and living accommodations. The only thing most crew members lose money on is spending too much money on the poor quality internet or getting drinks and snacks from the crew bar.
You will be sent for drug screening and a physical to make sure you can handle ship life. I would not be too worried about the physical unless you have major issues you're trying to hide. I have seen a lot of new crew members make it on-board that you can't figure out how they climb into a top bunk at night to sleep. The drug testing is the first major hold up for people. This is mainly because the company that does them is horrible at sending the information to NCL and NCL is horrible about asking for it. This was the first company that I have ever worked for that was telling potential new employees to contact the drug testing agency to see why they haven't sent the results. Be ready if it has been a few weeks after your drug test and you haven't heard anything to start making calls to them. Currently it is Anderson - Kelly but that could change. You will have their information before you go to take the test. Get your training start date and pay attention to that packing list! Below is Cruise Along With Trent and his video series breaking down the day to day of what to expect at Piney Point.
Pride of America NCL - Drug Test and Physical
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