Friday, May 2, 2025

working on a cruise ship research: Princess Cruises/ Silversea Cruises

Dec. 11, 2024: I did some research on working on a cruise:


Byron: This was back in 2014, I was in the Office Assistant program at MacEwan.  Byron did a presentation about working as a performer on the cruise.

A lot of students had questions after his presentation.

He did say that the Wi- Fi wasn't really good.


Adrian: My old boss said he worked at Princess Cruises for years.


Princess Cruises:



Onboard Employment FAQ

What are the requirements for onboard employment?

While specific position requirements depend on the job you are interested in, there are 

some essential requirements that all crew must meet to work onboard:

  • Be 21 years of age or older
  • Be able to pass a criminal background check
  • Hold a valid passport
  • Have a US C1/D visa (if you are not a Canadian or US citizen/resident)
  • Have a Princess-specific pre-employment medical exam certificate
  • Meet the English fluency requirements relevant to your position

What is a C1/D visa?

Also known as a seaman's visa, some nationalities need this to work onboard a ship and 

travel to certain countries. This visa normally lasts between two and five years. You will be 

required to make an appointment at your nearest US Embassy to gain this visa; all 

paperwork for the appointment will be supplied by your manning agency.

How do I get a medical certificate?

This extensive examination is at the employee's expense and can be conducted through 

one of Princess's recommended medical facilities—you'll be advised which one is closest to

you. Once this is completed and approved by our corporate Medical department, you are 

cleared to travel and work onboard.

Which ship will I be assigned to?

Shipboard employees are scheduled to vessels based on operational need. This means you

could be assigned to any one of our vessels in the fleet depending on where a position is 

open at the time you are travel-ready. After your first assignment, we will be able to provide 

details about the next assignment after your leave period.

How do I get to and from the ship I am assigned to?

At the beginning of each contract Princess Cruises will provide flights from your designated

airport to your assigned ship. 


At the completion of your contract, Princess will arrange for your travel back home as well. 


It is your responsibility to get to the airport from your home, 


but from there we will provide any necessary accommodations and/or transportation to and 

from the ship.

Do I need travel insurance?

While you are covered medically in Los Angeles and onboard the vessel, we suggest you 

purchase basic travel insurance to cover the cost of lost luggage or injuries that 

could result from shoreside activities.

How long will I be onboard?

Contract lengths vary by position but range between four and ten months. After each 

contract you will receive approximately 60 days of vacation before your next 

assignment. Your daily work schedule while onboard will depend on your particular 

position, but you can expect 


to work seven days a week and anywhere between 10-13 hours per day.

Can I get off and go home during the contract?

Time off during the contract is not permitted. In case of family emergencies, Princess 

Cruises does understand that additional time at home may be needed and does 

accommodate these requests on a case-by-case basis.

Will I have my own room?

Accommodations vary depending on the ship and position. Those in non-management

positions generally share a cabin with one to three other roommates whereas those in 

most management positions are entitled to a single cabin. 

Cabins include a storage space, TV, and DVD player.

What is the power voltage in my cabin?

All vessels have 120v US power and some vessels also have 220v European power.

Can I drink alcohol onboard?

Yes, alcohol is available for purchase during time off. However, Princess Cruises has a 

strict alcohol limit and at no time can a crew member be intoxicated.

Is there a drug policy?

Princess has a zero-tolerance drug policy. All crew are subject to random and reasonable

-suspicion drug testing. Violation of these policies will result in termination.

Is there a curfew?

There is no set curfew. However, crew who are out late should be respectful of other crew 

members and guests nearby.

Can I bring a family member or friend onboard?

Crew members who meet specific length-of-service criteria have the option of requesting 

"relatives travel," a benefit that allows family members to sail onboard for a limited 

period of time. Some restrictions may apply.

Will I have access to guest areas and amenities during my time off?

While some officer-level positions do allow restricted access to guest areas, most facilities 

are for guests only. However, we have a variety of crew-only facilities, such as a 


crew pool,

 

whirlpool, 


gym, 


bar, 


and Crew Club, 


which is a communal room where you can gather 


to watch movies, 


play games, 


sing karaoke, 


and much more!

Once onboard, how do I stay in touch with my friends and family back home?

Postal mail services are available while onboard. 


You will also have access to computers in the crew training areas. 


Wi-fi Internet is also available in the crew areas if you choose to bring your own laptop or 

tablet. 


Princess offers discounted rates for phone and Internet cards so you can stay in touch with

those at home. 


But remember that satellite capabilities are sometimes limited while the ship

is at sea.

Can I have mail delivered to the ship?

You will be provided with mailing addresses for ports where mail can best be delivered.

Is there an ATM onboard to use?

There is an ATM in the guest areas; an ATM charge will apply. You can also cash checks 

in the Crew Office onboard to get cash.

Will I have to pay taxes?

US citizens will have federal taxes automatically deducted and may be required to pay 

state taxes, if applicable. All other nationalities are responsible for filing their own tax forms

upon returning to their home countries (as they are self-employed).

Can I send money home from onboard?

You can wire money via the Crew Purser's office. Details are available onboard and rates 

may vary.

How do I pay for items onboard?

You will be provided with a bar account number, which is your personal number for the 

duration of your contract onboard each ship. 


As the entire vessel is cashless, even for guests, you will provide your account number 

at the bars, salon, and shops in guest areas. In the Crew Bar you can purchase a CrewCard

and add money onto it for purchases. 


At the end of every month you will be required to settle your account.

How do I do laundry?

There are crew laundry facilities where the washers and dryers are free of charge—you just 

provide the soap. You can also use the dry cleaning onboard, but there is a nominal cost.

What if I miss the ship in port?

Crew members who miss the ship should contact the ship's Agent who will be at the port 

(the address and phone number are always in the Princess Patter, a daily newsletter for our

guests). 


The Port Agent will arrange transportation to the ship's next port of call. However, it

is the responsibility of crew to pay these transportation costs. 


Crew may be disciplined for the offense and could be terminated. Depending on the port all

crew members are required to be back onboard half an hour to an hour prior to 

sailing time.

What happens if I get sick while working onboard?

While onboard, all crew are medically covered and can visit the Medical Clinic for 

health concerns. If you need to be medically disembarked during your contract, Princess 

will provide transportation to a land-based medical facility and repatriate you back home.

Can I visit the ports while working onboard?

If you are not scheduled to work during the time the ship is in port, you can 

disembark the ship with your supervisor’s approval. 

Occasionally, there are crew-specific activities or tours to participate in.

Safety requirements dictate that a certain number of crew members be present on each

vessel at all times. As such, there may occasionally be times when, although not 

scheduled to work, you will be required to remain onboard while the ship is in port.

How do I apply to work onboard?

Princess Cruises recruits globally through authorized hiring partners. 

Find a hiring partner located near you.

Once you contact the authorized hiring partner, you can get answers to questions regarding

the application process and which positions are currently open in your region.


https://www.princess.com/en-us/careers/shipboard-cruise-jobs/faq#visa




Silversea Cruises:


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply online for a job?

Vacancies inviting online applications will include an ‘apply’ button on the Silversea Job 

Opportunities page. Clicking on that button will take you to our web recruitment log in page. 

Here you must register (if you have not done so before) and then log in to access the 

application form. Any fields requiring completion are marked with an asterisk (*). 

Please note that you will not be able to change your application once you have submitted it.

What information will I need to complete my application?

You will need details of your qualifications and training, including awarding bodies and results.

 You will also need details of your employment history and your referees’ names and contact 

details. Reference requests are normally sent electronically at the required point in the process

 to referees for whom you have supplied an email address and indicated in the application form 

that they can be contacted at that time.

What types of file can I attach to my application?

You will be required to upload documents (such as a Resume and covering letter). The web 

recruitment system supports the following preferred files :

  • Microsoft Word
  • Powerpoint
  • Plain text
  • Rich text format
  • PDF

How will my information be stored?

Your information will be held in our Company database for two years. You will be contacted if a 

role that is suitable for you becomes available.

How and when will references be taken up?

The timing of reference requests will depend on the type of vacancy and what you have told 

us about when we can contact your referees.

Do you accept applications by email?

Unfortunately, we no longer accept resumes by email, all applications must go through our 

website application process.

What are the requirements to work onboard Silversea ships?

  • Crew members must hold a passport valid for at least 18 more months.
  • We prefer that all crew members are in possession of a valid U.S C1D seaman’s visa. (If you
  •  are a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien or Canadian citizen, this visa is not required).
  • All crew members must have an original and valid Silversea medical certificate as well as 
  • laboratory results and yellow fever vaccination.
  • Security Awareness Certification and any other STCW/Safety certificates.
  • Evidence of required qualifications.
  • First time employees will need to complete a criminal background check.

How long will I spend on board?

Our contracts range anywhere from 3 to 8 months depending on the position.

What languages are required to work onboard?

Excellent fluent verbal and written English skills are essential for every position. English is the 

working and safety language onboard Silversea vessels. This also includes the ability to give 

and receive instructions in verbal and written forms and to effectively and efficiently engage 

with guests and crew members. Additional languages are considered beneficial, roles requiring

specific additional language skills will state this in the job description.

Do Silversea hire couples?

Silversea Cruises welcome couples onboard, however, each applicant will be assessed 

individually based on his/her qualifications/experience. Whilst every effort is made to 

accommodate couples the operational needs of the Company will always take priority.

Will I need to share a cabin?

The majority of our crew share a cabin, this is dependent on your position and can be 

confirmed during the interview process.

How much time will I get off?

Our crew are contracted to work a minimum of 10 hours per day, 7 days per week for the 

duration of their contract. However, there is always flexibility with regards to breaks and 

time off depending on our onboard operational needs. 

Time for rest, visiting the ports and taking part in crew events is encouraged.

What ship would I go to?

Once you have been offered a position with Silversea Cruises you will be assigned a ship. 

Ship assignments are allocated based on the needs of the business.

How do I know if my application has been successful?

Due to the highly competitive job market we currently operate in we will only contact you if your

 application has been successful. If you are not successful at first, please know that we keep all

 applications on file and you may be contacted if a suitable opportunity arises in the future.

https://crewcareer.silversea.com/faq


Dec. 20, 2024 Carnival forecasts strong bookings for 2025: This was on BNN Bloomberg.

I don't usually watch the news videos, but it was about Carnival Cruises and the cruise ship

industry, so of course I had to watch this:



https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/video/shows/trading-day/2024/12/20/carnival-forecasts-strong-bookings-for-2025/

Cons:

1. I have to work 7 days a week for 10- 13 hrs.

I know there are breaks, but that is a lot.  I don't see any work- life balance


The other 2 blog posts of the week:

"Glimmers of hope as deadlines near for Hudson’s Bay"/ 

"Canadian Tire is bidding on Hudson's Bay assets, according to sources"

https://badcb.blogspot.com/2025/05/glimmers-of-hope-as-deadlines-near-for.html


"Trade war starting to show up in higher prices on some grocery items"/ 

"New brands, recipes and habits: How grocery shoppers are standing up to the U.S."

https://badcb.blogspot.com/2025/05/trade-war-starting-to-show-up-in-higher.html



My week:


Mon. Apr. 28, 2025 Leo poll:

Valerie L, Campbellton, New-Brunswick, would like to know:

What do you think is the most important factor to consider when deciding how to vote in federal elections?

The party’s political position    45.25% (2068)

The party leader    20.98% (959)

The party (political party)    17.37% (794)

The local candidate in my area    8.40% (384)

Other    7.99% (365)





My opinion: The party’s political position.

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