Frequently Asked Questions
Do I live on board?
Do I live on board?
Yes, a cabin is provided to every employee and you live on the ship for the duration of your contract.
Yes, a cabin is provided to every employee and you live on the ship for the duration of your contract.
Do I have to do any other job other than to perform?
Do I have to do any other job other than to perform?
There is only one other requirement of musicians onboard in addition to performing: safety training and drills. Safety at sea is incredibly important and complicated, therefore every employee must participate in these exercises. This is your only other obligation.
There is only one other requirement of musicians onboard in addition to performing: safety training and drills. Safety at sea is incredibly important and complicated, therefore every employee must participate in these exercises. This is your only other obligation.
Once the ship has docked, am I allowed to get off and see the sights?
Once the ship has docked, am I allowed to get off and see the sights?
Of course! That may be the very best part of this gig! You’re not only allowed, you’re encouraged to disembark on whatever port the passengers do and explore, explore, explore! The world is your oyster! You can plan on having boatloads of fun all day long (you’ll probably be gigging at night) and filling your cup with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and memories.
Of course! That may be the very best part of this gig! You’re not only allowed, you’re encouraged to disembark on whatever port the passengers do and explore, explore, explore! The world is your oyster! You can plan on having boatloads of fun all day long (you’ll probably be gigging at night) and filling your cup with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and memories.
Do I need to bring an amp, p.a. equipment, mics, and music stands?
Do I need to bring an amp, p.a. equipment, mics, and music stands?
No. All p.a. equipment and backline instruments are provided for onboard every ship.
No. All p.a. equipment and backline instruments are provided for onboard every ship.
What documents do I need?
What documents do I need?
All cruise lines require a valid passport and a medical exam from every employee. There may be other requirements based on the cruise line and its itinerary, but we will inform you of these details once you have been placed on a ship, and we will help you take care of all the paperwork.
All cruise lines require a valid passport and a medical exam from every employee. There may be other requirements based on the cruise line and its itinerary, but we will inform you of these details once you have been placed on a ship, and we will help you take care of all the paperwork.
How long will my contract be?
How long will my contract be?
Most contracts last for 4 to 6 months. You shouldn’t expect any amount of time less than four months, but contract length varies based on your position and the particular cruise line. It is important to note that a contract is one continuous length of time, without any sort of vacation or work break in the middle. It is often possible to extend your contract, should you wish to work for longer than your assigned finish date, but you can decide that for yourself once you’ve spent some time on board.
Most contracts last for 4 to 6 months. You shouldn’t expect any amount of time less than four months, but contract length varies based on your position and the particular cruise line. It is important to note that a contract is one continuous length of time, without any sort of vacation or work break in the middle. It is often possible to extend your contract, should you wish to work for longer than your assigned finish date, but you can decide that for yourself once you’ve spent some time on board.
Will I have to pay for my transportation & accommodation expenses when I travel to the ship or when
Will I have to pay for my transportation & accommodation expenses when I travel to the ship or when
No. The cruise line will provide transportation and cover those expenses, and if it is necessary for you to stay in a hotel as part of your transit to the ship, the cruise line will pay for that, as well. Likewise, travel from the cruise ship to your home city at the end of your contract will be arranged and paid for.
No. The cruise line will provide transportation and cover those expenses, and if it is necessary for you to stay in a hotel as part of your transit to the ship, the cruise line will pay for that, as well. Likewise, travel from the cruise ship to your home city at the end of your contract will be arranged and paid for.
How many hours per day will I work while on board?
How many hours per day will I work while on board?
Usually between 3 and 5. This depends on many things, from the run of the ship and the clientele of the ship to your boss, his boss and the cruise line itself. The maximum number of working hours should be 5, including small breaks in between sets, but often the number is considerably less. Since the Showband may perform in multiple lounges over the course of a single night, their hours of actual playing are often reduced relative to other performers. As well, all groups usually get one day off per week.
Usually between 3 and 5. This depends on many things, from the run of the ship and the clientele of the ship to your boss, his boss and the cruise line itself. The maximum number of working hours should be 5, including small breaks in between sets, but often the number is considerably less. Since the Showband may perform in multiple lounges over the course of a single night, their hours of actual playing are often reduced relative to other performers. As well, all groups usually get one day off per week.
Can I sell my own CDs on board?
Can I sell my own CDs on board?
Yes. However, your CD must be approved by the specific cruise line’s head office before you’re allowed to do so (just to ensure that it is of professional or similar-grade quality), and the CD will then be sold in the gift shop; you will not be allowed to sell it during or after your sets around the ship.
Yes. However, your CD must be approved by the specific cruise line’s head office before you’re allowed to do so (just to ensure that it is of professional or similar-grade quality), and the CD will then be sold in the gift shop; you will not be allowed to sell it during or after your sets around the ship.
Is there internet on board the ship?
Is there internet on board the ship?
Yes. You will have access to Wi-Fi which you can use in most areas of the ship. However, the internet on board is not free; you’ll need to purchase an internet card (providing you with a pin to log onto the ship’s Wi-Fi), which costs roughly $20 for about 3 hours. In addition to purchasing internet cards on board the ship, many crew members frequent restaurants and cafes in port with Wi-Fi, where Wi-Fi access is free with the purchase of food or drink and the connection is often faster than on the ship.
Yes. You will have access to Wi-Fi which you can use in most areas of the ship. However, the internet on board is not free; you’ll need to purchase an internet card (providing you with a pin to log onto the ship’s Wi-Fi), which costs roughly $20 for about 3 hours. In addition to purchasing internet cards on board the ship, many crew members frequent restaurants and cafes in port with Wi-Fi, where Wi-Fi access is free with the purchase of food or drink and the connection is often faster than on the ship.
Is it possible to make phone calls while on board?
Is it possible to make phone calls while on board?
Yes. You can make phone calls to landlines and cell phone numbers using the ship’s satellite system, but similar to the on-board internet, you’ll need to purchase a phone card. Phone cards cost roughly $10 and the per-minute cost of a call is dependent upon the country you’re calling; for example, a single phone card spent calling the U.S. will yield roughly an hour of talking time.
Yes. You can make phone calls to landlines and cell phone numbers using the ship’s satellite system, but similar to the on-board internet, you’ll need to purchase a phone card. Phone cards cost roughly $10 and the per-minute cost of a call is dependent upon the country you’re calling; for example, a single phone card spent calling the U.S. will yield roughly an hour of talking time.
What are the rules or policies on board that I should be aware of?
What are the rules or policies on board that I should be aware of?
Drunkenness, drugs, fighting, stealing, harassment and intimate relations with a guest are all grounds for immediate termination of one’s contract on board, and would result in your being sent home. There is a zero-tolerance policy for any drug use (enforced by random drugs tests), physically fighting with a guest or crew member, stealing from a guest or crew member, and harassment of a guest or crew member. Drinking alcohol is not allowed while working, and only a certain amount of alcohol can be consumed when off-duty.
Drunkenness, drugs, fighting, stealing, harassment and intimate relations with a guest are all grounds for immediate termination of one’s contract on board, and would result in your being sent home. There is a zero-tolerance policy for any drug use (enforced by random drugs tests), physically fighting with a guest or crew member, stealing from a guest or crew member, and harassment of a guest or crew member. Drinking alcohol is not allowed while working, and only a certain amount of alcohol can be consumed when off-duty.