Your passport will not be stamped by each country's customs agent.  It is kept at all times with the Crew Pursor's Office.  That is the equivalent to Human Resources at sea.  The only time it may be stamped is at the airport customs coming in to your home port, for example, Los Angeles at San Pedro.

 

I loved traveling, and will never forget the friendships.  I was actually an introvert on the ship among all the party-goers.  I did meet some people who understood I was there to make money and not waste it away through drinking, but I did spend a little bit on land tours, and other excursions.  The best part of the excursions is knowing how to get around touring at cost, if not for free!  Explaining to certain tours' operators that you work on the ship and inquire about discounts is perfectly okay and does not interfere with ethics.  In fact, some tours prefer the crew get out and experience the tour for themselves so they can (hopefully) sell them on the guests, and if nothing else, relay their experiences with them so they know what they are about.

 

I've been golfing, whale watching, bear-hiking, on private city tours, and many others at low rates, and some for free.  Sometimes, the most expensive part of the trip was getting film developed (which is a service available on board for crew as well as guests).

 

You'll meet other crewmembers from all over the world.  You just never know when you'll be travelling to their country, and to get together with them again will be a wonderful reunion! 

 

I have work experience that is second to none in the hospitality and customer service industry.  The cruise ships make you work hard--so hard that when you come home, you'll be critical of how customer service is handled in your home country.  It will make you a better worker over all, and the long contracts with keep your good work-habits a part of your professional life.

 

I've learned how much I love Canada, and being Canadian.  Never before did I wear Canada pins or advertise myself as a Canadian.  Now I am very proud, and love to admit it.  Before leaving on my first contract, I was miserable living in Canada, with our high taxes and bad weather.  I now see that we get what we pay for in taxes, and that is a clean, well-structured nation, where we also invest in bringing up our children to be the most friendly, polite people in the world.  As for the weather, we experience all four seasons, where most countries have only one or two.  Believe me when I say, it's easy to get tired of hot weather.