More FAQ!

Do you have to do your own laundry?

We have a free laundry service we can use- although apparently most people don’t use it! I’m not sure what the reason is- maybe it’s just the time it takes to get it returned to you…its just easier to do it yourself! We do have our own washing machines though which are free and a lot more convenient!

How’s the food?

In my first week of training we only ate at the passenger buffet which was delicious! I indulged in lots of desserts and not-so-healthy foods, but I am now trying to get back on track! For employees there are 2 places we can eat- the Crew Mess and the Officer’s Mess. The Crew Mess is where most people eat and is like a cafeteria. The Officer’s Mess is a big step up- there is a daily menu, waiters, linen napkins and tablecloths…fancy! For some reason Cruise Staff is considered “Officer Status” so that’s where we get to eat! I am trying to avoid desserts and the bread and butter on the table at every meal…lots of temptation though!

Can you use the gym?

Although we usually don’t have much time, YES we can use the gym! There is a Crew Gym but according to my roommate its not the nicest. But luckily because of our “Officer Status” we can use the Passenger Gym! Yesterday was my first chance to get up there for a workout and its really nice. During dry dock they got all brand new machines, new carpet, and it has big windows that look out the back of the ship! I must admit, it’s a little weird running on the treadmill on a moving ship- you have to make sure you don’t lose your balance!

Do you get days off?

We never get a full day off work, but we do sometimes get the chance to go ashore on port days. Since most passengers get off the ship on those days, there are not many activities going on therefore not many staff are needed. The only other thing stopping us from going ashore is In Port Manning (or IPM for short). Two people from the Cruise Staff are put on IPM every port day which means they have to stay on the ship in case there is an emergency. Since there are a bunch of us on the Cruise Staff we only have to do it every 1 in 3 or 4 ports- so still lots of chances to go ashore and enjoy a few hours!

xoxo D