This is a very fair question, posed by Steve. He asks about age limits for cruise ship staff.
Have any questions, comments or funny cruise ship job stories? .
From: Steve S
Subject: Question
Date: July 7, 2012
Hey Mike, great reading.
I am interviewing this Tuesday with Ocean Images in Ft Lauderdale for a photography position. I have googled a lot of research and have found both good and bad reviews with regard to working on cruise ships. I am single and in great shape, still like to party and can make friends with anyone but I'm concerned that I may be to old. I am 45. Do you ever see any photographers in that age range? I have worked as a Photographer for Seaworlds Discovery Cove as well as Kennedy Space Center so I feel confident about the hard work. No problem there. I just feel as though I will be an outsider. Can you give me your thoughts? Be honest, I an take it.
Thanks, in advance.
Hi Steve, Thanks for reading.
Yes, you will be fine. I have worked with a few people on ships who were older and in their 40's and 50's. Some came out and drank a lot, others did not. Some lasted awhile, others did not. You will find them working in all sorts of positions like Band leader, cruise director, cruise staff, engineering, art sales, gift shop, entertainers, etc. A lot of them are in management, but some are not.
A couple things...
Interview tip: They will likely talk about 2 main things. Can you handle the lifestyle onboard? That means being away for months at a time and working everyday. The job is very much about the lifestyle. You may also have a roommate much younger than you who hasn't spent much time away from home. IE: messy, smelly, obnoxious, etc. This can be difficult, but I personally, have had more good roommates than bad ones.
Secondly, they will ask about your being able to handle the work. Photogs work hard, but that never kept them out of the crew bar. You may work 7 days a week, 6-12 hours a day. I was not a photog but I knew them and hung out with a few and we worked together at times. The people who enjoy the lifestyle and have mediocre skills will outlast the people who have better skills and hate the lifestyle. If you have both, you're great.
One job I remember the photogs hating was dressing up as a stupid pirate or eagle or something and walking around the dining room taking photos of passengers while they are eating. It wasn't glamorous, but they got on with it and, if I remember correctly, they made alright money. A lot of the wages come from shared commission based on how much they sell each week. If you like the job and you're good at it, there is no reason you can't get onto the shortlist to become a photog ship manager. That means no cabin roommate, more wages and more responsibility.
That said, your direct manager in the photo dept might be a bit funny about having an older guy under him, especially if you have more experience. Like you're trying to take his job or something. You get that anywhere though. Not saying it will happen, just that it can. When you get onboard make sure this person likes you as they essentially have the power to send you home.
I met a great guy who worked in the video dept with me. We became good friends and when I left ships he offered me some professional references on land and really got me settled. If any of your future co-workers have half a brain, they will ask you about your past jobs and learn anything they can from you. Some will. Some won't.
So yes, if you're social and enjoy the lifestyle, you'll be fine. As you can see, many things that happen on land also can also happen on ships. The big difference is the lifestyle onboard.
OK, hope that helps. If you have a moment free, feel free to send my website to anyone you know who might find it useful via FB or whatever. As well, I would love to hear how things work out for you. Please get back to me when you know more about your ship. If you have any other questions or concerns, let me know.
Good luck.
Best Regards,
Mike
Editor/Author
From: Steve S
Subject: Re: Question
Date: July 12, 2012
Hey again Mike, you were right! That's what he asked and I got the job.
Steve
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