The first day of the cruise is full of unloading luggage from the previous cruise and loading luggage for the new one.  People who have signed off are leaving, and the new folks working are coming on board.  It's a busy day.  Cleaners are especially busy, and everyone is preparing for the cruise ahead.  Passenger boat drill will be held an hour before the ship leaves the port, and you have to be in uniform and perform this duty seriously for about twenty minutes.  After the drill, you are more than likely back to work!

 

Shifts at night vary.  Depending on your department, you may have a first-out-system, where you alternate who gets off early.  After 2am, most of the ship is closed down.  Between midnight and 2am some departments are retiring for the night, but the casino can go strong if the cruise is a busy one.  I've heard of record late nights til 6am!

 

Should the ship be at sea the whole day, it's called a "sea day".  You can expect to be up bright and early, performing your duties for a split shift, or a full shift, depending on your department.  A day at port is different.  Many facilities are closed while at port such as the casino, the shops, and restaurants.  Spa employees and cruise staff must always work during the port days.  Entertainment staff can expect to be in rehearsal while at port.

 

Once you've put your hours in, you do get meal breaks or a long break before the night shift.  If the ship's meal times are two hours at 8am, 12pm, and 6pm, you will find that your supervisor must give you at least a half an hour to feed yourself.  You should never be in a position to miss a meal, and however you spend that half an hour or more is up to you.  If you decide to use it for Internet time, then you can't complain that you didn't get that time in to eat.  Budget your time!

 

No matter where you go on the ship, you must be in uniform, and look presentable.  You will be called on it if you are not!  Ships are strict.  Play it safe and wear your uniform, tucked in the appropriate areas, and have your hair combed neatly.  Looking this way, will grant you access just about anywhere on board, without question.  You are free to tour your own ship.  How else can you explain to a guest where anything is!

 

At night, when you are off, you are free to be in your own clothes in crew areas such as the crew bars, mess, crew deck and gym.  Crew gets amazing deals on booze in the crew bar.  Watch your alcohol intake!  It adds up on your tab, and on yourself physically.  It's all but too easy to party on the ship on your down time.  Your cabin should have a TV and VCR, and video rentals are available at designated times from your TAC office or Crew Pursors desk.  Most ships rentals are free, but some charge a dollar.