 | The Crew |
 |
|
|
MEET THE CREW
By visiting the crew onboard Princess Cruises, you can read more about the positions and requirements of the various departments, as well as view the crew in their respective uniforms. However, although we use Princess as an example, you will find that most cruise lines operate in the same way. Job descriptions, uniforms and departments may vary slightly, but for the most part are pretty standard.
Meet the crew @ Princess Cruises
Take an inside look at jobs, departments & crew onboard Princess' ships.
|
|
|
|
|
CAPTAIN
(gold stripe on black with rising sun)
The Captain is undoubtedly the master of the vessel, and is responsible for the well-being and safety of hundreds of passengers and crew onboard. Once in international waters, maritime law becomes effective with the Captain in charge. Department heads reporting directly to the Captain include the Chief Engineer, Staff Captain, Chief Purser, Cruise Director and the Senior Doctor.
|
|
ENGINEERING STAFF
(gold stripe on maroon)
ELECTRO-TECHNICAL STAFF
(gold stripe on green)
DECK STAFF
(gold stripe on black)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the technical officers are responsible for mechanical side of the ships operating systems. Their jobs include the overseeing of the ship's propulsion system, climate control and power generation.
Electrical engineers, also accountable to the Chief Engineer, manage and maintain the ship's electrical systems, radio, satellite & telecommunications (overseen by radio officer) and the operating of onboard TV and movie programming.
The navigation, cleanliness, safety and security of the ship are the responsibility of the deck officers, who are in turn headed by the Staff Captain. Bridge officers, navigators, safety and security officers are all part of the deck department.
|
|
|
|
pursers
|
|
The pursers desk handles all the font operation and reception of the hotel department. Behind the scenes the Chief Purser oversees more than three quarters of the ships personnel, from housekeeping, to dining rooms and galley, to administration.
All administrative, accommodation and food & beverage issues are handled by this department. The front office is also responsible for monetary exchange, customs and immigration, embarkation & debarkation, to mention a few. Night managers, casino cashiers and shore excursion staff, all fall under the pursers department. This however, is unique to Princess as most other lines don't use pursers to fill these positions.
|
|
|
Shipboard hospitals now days cater to not only to minor ailments and seasickness, but are also equipped to facilitate more serious medical problems. The hospitals are state-of-the-art with a fully qualified medical staff on call. Generally each ship will have two doctors on staff and anywhere from three to five nurses. This is one of the few places where doctors still make house calls.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Talent, looks, warmth and boundless energy is all it takes to handle the 24-hour-a-day task of being the Cruise Director or one of the members of his or her staff. Performing on stage in addition to hosting the round of shipboard games and activities, are just a few of the responsibilities overseen by this department.
Cruise and social staff, youth counselors, activities directors, entertainers and musicians all fall under the supervision of the Cruise Director
|
|
|
Youth counselors are responsible for the onboard kids programs and come from a variety of backgrounds, all dealing with child counseling and child care. Applicants are required to have some experience as a pre-school teacher, nanny or nurse, or a related childcare education.
The job entails providing supervision and caring for children of all ages, while keeping them entertained and out of trouble. A love for children is a must!
|
|
|
|
|
|
The casino staff, headed by the Casino Manager, run all onboard gaming including table games, slot machines and bingo. Dealers are required to deal a minimum of two games; black jack and roulette. Any additional games are a plus especially in the case of dice dealers. As they are few and far between, good dice dealers are consistently sought after by onboard casinos. Previous dealing experience and knowledge of casino operations is required.
Onboard Princess ships the casino cage (cash desk) is operated by the pursers department and not the casino staff. Slot technicians are recruited to maintain the slot machines and all technical or electrical issues in the casino. Depending on the size of the casino, you'll find 2-3 techs onboard. This part of the casino operations is headed by the Head Slot Technician, who in turn answers to the Casino Manager.
|
|
|
Under the supervision of the Shop Manager, the gift shop or boutique staff ('shoppies') run the onboard duty free shops and are responsible for all merchandising and sales. Fashion shows featuring clothes from the boutique are a regular event, as are the side walk sales and markets held onboard.
The shopping experience is generally divided into four sections; boutique, jewelry, cosmetics and souvenirs & general items. A background in retail or merchandising in any of the above categories is helpful, although not required. The gift shop is one of the departments offering entry level positions.
|
|
|
The beauty salon & spa is operated by a staff of professional beauty and health care experts. Spa therapy's offered include massage, facials, wraps etc. while stylists in the salon tend to all hair styling, manicure and pedicure needs.
All staff employed in this department are required to have the relevant certifications and previous experience in their field of expertise. A limited number of specialists, like Yoga instructors, Tai Chi Instructors, Reiki Healers and Hot Stone Therapy Specialists are also employed to work in spas offering extended services. Beauty salon staff are generally hired through a concessionaire company who handle all the onboard salon & spa operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Horizon Court staff are part of the food & beverage department and consist of waiters, bar waiters and restaurant staff. They run the restaurant operations of the 24-hour dining court found on all Princess ships.
Staff are allocated a restaurant to work once they start their contract and will remain there for a few months before being rotated to another dining facility. There are several choices of restaurants onboard ship, each with their own staff and way of doing things.
|
|
|
The staff in this department are predominantly European and consist of the Restaurant Manager/Maitre d', head waiters, waiters, busing staff and bar staff. They run the operations of the main dining room and any specialty dining facilities offered onboard. Each restaurant is headed by a Maitre d' specifically assigned to oversee that particular dining room.
As with most cruise lines, Princess like to promote from within offering their crew the opportunity to further their careers and work their way up through the ranks. This is an ideal department for entry-level and experienced applicants.
|
|
|
The galley staff are responsible for creating the fine dining offered onboard. They are also predominantly European and are experienced in all types of food preparation and cuisine. The buffets, ice sculptures and food displays are a large part of the onboard experience, as is the quality of the food and dishes they serve.
The variety of chefs found in the galley, headed by the Executive Chef consist of Sous Chefs, Chef du party, pastry chefs and specialty chefs, to mention a few. Relative training and experience in first class hotels or restaurants is required for these positions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Staterooms are ministered around the clock, as the stewards / stewardess' turn down beds at night, clean and make up rooms and tend to other daytime accommodations duties. Night stewards or bell men provide the 24hr room service and night services.
Suites are serviced by a personal butler, who provides additional services such as bar and tea service, in room snacks and personal cocktail parties.
|
|
|
Bar service is available throughout the ship in all lounges, showrooms, dining rooms and out on deck. Bartenders are required to know international drink mixes, garnishes and serving instructions. Bar waiters provide bar service at all the above locations and are also required to have some knowledge of drinks and garnishes.
Wine steward are also hired to serve and suggest wines to accompany various meals. Stewards are required to have a thorough knowledge of international wines and serving instructions, as well as relevant experience and training.
|
 |
It's not coincidence that cruise ship employees seem to be smiling all the time, they are trained to do it. Not like a dog does tricks, but through a program called "Share a Smile" at Carnival for example, everyone is involved. This program renews thier commitment to great customer service and reminds them how much difference a smile can make. This was really obvious to me from the time I entered the terminal in Miami to board the Victory. Everyone was always nice, but now they just seemed more genuine and really into it all. And its just so true, a smile surely can make all the difference in the world.
|
|
Would you like to work on a cruise ship?
| |
|
|
|
