Crew Life & Benefits

Meals / Food

All meals are served in the Crew/Officers Mess. Meals on board are provided to all crew members at designated crew dining area. The meal hours are posted on board. Smoking is not permitted in any of the messes. Food for crew members is fresh prepared daily by designated team of cooks on board. Meal timings are breakfast, lunch, dinner, and night snack. Food is displayed in self service / buffet style where crew members have choice of wide variety of international and ethnic dishes and desserts catering to your every taste. There are also special buffet nights for the crew.

Accommodation – Living Quarters

Depending on position, department and ship assignment you will have a shared cabin with a fellow crew members from your sex/gender, usually from the same department, but not necessary from your nationality. Senior officers and managers usually have their own cabin. All cabins has its own toilet and shower facility, beds, closet, desk/ chair, mirror, shelves, safe, TV/DVD set, mini- refrigerator, telephone and wifi connection in cabins on some ships etc. All crew members are expected to maintain a neat and professional appearance. Keeping your cabin clean, orderly and in good condition is everyone’s responsibility.

Uniforms / Linen

You will receive your uniform after signing the ship. Based on position and department you might have 2 – 3 sets of uniforms that you will have to wear on different occasions depending on your duty. Shoes are not provided and you will be required to bring with you pair of shoes appropriate for your department and position. Shoes could also be purchased at wholesale price from the crew store on board. In addition linen, towels and toiletries are available for all crew free of charge. Crewmembers are able to change and collect their clean linen at the ship’s laundry facility at the designated opening hours. Also depending on your position a cabin steward will be assigned to service the cabin on a daily basis.

Laundry

There are several self-service washing and drying machines for the use of the crew free of charge. Laundering and dry cleaning of uniforms are usually done by the company.

Medical Care

Medical Care on board is free of charge to all crew members providing that there are no pre-existing health or disease conditions. However, medical coverage is not provided while the employee is on vacation.

Salaries / Wages

Salaries are paid bi-weekly or at the end of every month depending on the cruise line and in US cash or by specific cruise line debit cards for e.g the OceanPay Visa debit card as pay will be via direct deposit ( free of charge) to the card account. This is TAX free unless you are a US citizen, you can check with your local tax office.*You will be able to use you card internationally even when you are on vacation or even transfer money to any bank account worldwide, make purchases or pay bills, so you can leave your money on your debit card. On most ship there are ATM machines for crew where you will have instant access to funds on pay day. Crew being paid via the debit card can also check their balance online after setting up online banking. Crew members employed at tipping positions receive their tips bi- weekly or to the end of the month along with their salary.

Welfare

The life on board is also about having fun and good quality of life. On every ship there is a designated welfare team organizing a variety of social, sporting and entertainment events for crew members. Also at appointed hours you will be able to shop in the ship’s Gift Shop at take advantage of special crew prices and discounts.

Crew Entertainment

The Crew Officer in cooperation with an elected Welfare Committee will be arranging crew entertainment like crew parties, films – crew movie night, games, soccer games, table tennis, bingo events, karaoke, crew talent shows, B-B-Q events and other enjoyable activities. Crew members are allowed to go ashore, enjoy shopping at the malls and outlets in ports. You can explore and enjoy the wonderful beaches and breathtaking scenic view in the various ports of call. Every month posted will be a new Crew Activity Calendar which lists all the upcoming events for the cruise. You have the opportunity to make new friends, mingle and socialize.

Crew Facilities

The areas available for leisure time activities include a fitness room, swimming pool (some ships), jacuzzi, designated deck for sunbathing a Crew Bar and Internet café, Library etc.

igning Off / Vacation

Sailing periods are between four and eight months depending on your contract and this is followed by approximately 6-8 weeks vacation for most cruise lines. Thereafter the company will pay repatriation expenses to the nearest commercial airport of your residence when going on vacation in accordance with the established vacation plan. On signing off the vessel you are provided with a ticket to return after vacation.

Grooming Standards

Basic personal hygiene must be strictly observed and you have to shower at least once a day.
Men must be shaved at all times and if you have a moustache you can keep it but must be trimmed neat and short. You cannot start growing moustache once you are on board.
Female personnel should keep their hair of natural colors, and hair passing the shoulders must be pulled into a bun.
No visible tattoos and piercing are accepted. If you already have tattoo you can discuss the issue with our Representative at the time of your preliminary interview.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

It is the policy of the cruise lines to operate safely and with maximum concern for the environment. All Cruise Lines have strict rules on drugs and alcohol abuse.
Using, dealing or doing drugs by crew members is strictly forbidden. If you violate this rule your employment on board will be terminated and you will be surrendered to local police authorities and subjected to legal action.
Drinking alcohol on board is limited and is permitted at designated crew areas only.
You cannot be drunk / intoxicated, and if on duty hours you are suspected to be under influence of alcohol you will be sent for alcohol test. If the test is above the accepted limit on board your employment on board will be terminated and you will be sent home at your own cost. All crew members are subject to random drug & alcohol testing.

Safety Onboard

When joining a vessel, it is mandatory that you attend a Safety Meeting for new, returning and newly promoted crewmembers.

As a crewmember onboard, you will be given a job description for your normal duties. In addition to this, all crew members have a duty to perform in event of an emergency.
In order to prepare for a hazardous situation, all crew must attend various emergency drills and special training.