If you are a new sign-on about to join the vessel for the very first time, read this article carefully. About a week ago, I was re-hired to work on a cruis eship. Even I kind of knew what to expect; the bitter reality of the seaman life never fails to disappoint you.

The Arrival in Miami

Crew members live on cruise ships while working onboard, and they have an entire crew area of the ship just for them. In some cases, crew areas are a lot like guest areas. Some staff and officers have guest privileges, but not the crew members, so cruise lines dedicate certain parts of the ship just for crew. The space reserved for crew members will vary depending on the ship's size and age. Some of the newer vessels have upgraded facilities.

Before purchasing a particular item on the cruise ship, do a little research about it. Crew members on board the vessel are even entitled to further discounts in some ports of call. Of course, if you are a crew member on board the cruise ship, you are entitled to some jewelry at discounted prices.

Never say this is my last contract... I was one of those people who always used to say: I am done with cruise ships... This lifestyle is not for me... Yet...

The right attitude can open many doors in your life. It also applies in the cruise ship industry, where I have witnessed that people with a great, positive attitude can progress their careers in a much shorter period. 

Among many other qualities that crew members can have, listening is one of the most important. We all have things to say. We all tend to complain, talk, and explain how and why things should be done, but only a few can actively listen. Everyone knows how to talk, but only a few people know how to listen actively. When I say listen, I mean actively listening.

This will help you prepare for your interview for the desired role on cruise ship. Some specific behaviors cruise ship recruiters will look for in their candidates, regardless of the position sought.

At some point during our contract at sea, we all encountered cranky, bitter colleagues and subordinates onboard ships. More often than not, it is “unpleasant and discomforting” each time you deal with such difficult people. But the fact remains that we time and again, have to face them for our remaining days onboard. Sometimes, the reason is not clear enough if someone decides to dislike you, whereas at other times, despite knowing the reason, you feel there is nothing much you can do about it.

Positive thinking on the cruise ship doesn't mean ignoring life's less pleasant situations, your abusive manager, hectic working schedule, etc. Positive thinking means approaching unpleasantness more positively and productively. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.