My Experience

I worked for Royal Caribbean International & Celebrity Cruiselines one year less nine days between 2003-2004. My boyfriend had a dream of working on board before he met me, and assuming the money was going to be fantastic, I agreed to go along with him so we could double our money and buy a home. We had serious plans for our cash, and applied for these jobs with serious determination. I originally didn't want to leave home as I had a cat to take care of, that I couldn't leave with anyone else, and I had obligations at home with family that I had a hard time leaving for the duration of even a six month contract. In the end, I worked one six month contract, and four months of a six month contract.

First, we applied with a Royal Caribbean's Hiring Partner "Just Cruis'n". They were in Vancouver, and saved us a lot of travel by coming to the city we lived in at the time to scout out new recruits. We had to email our resumes, and expect little contact afterward. After three months, we received a phone call that they would be in our area performing interviews, and if we would like to meet. We were extremely excited and said, "Yes!" We were interviewed on 20th February, 2004. Six days after our interview, we were informed by email that we were hired, and to wait to be assigned a vessel. We were told it could take anywhere between three to ten months. After bi-monthly emails to remind Just Cruis'n we were touching base, on July 30th we were assigned our first ship. It was Celebrity's The Summit. I was to begin work 15th August *yikes!*, and my other half was to start 29th August. We had VERY little time to prepare to move our things in to storage, give our employers notice, get our medicals done, and arrange for travel to our ship. This is typical, from what I learned, and to expect nothing more. On the 14th I arrived at my hotel, and the "fun" began...

That's right, girls--NO BATHTUB.

Can you fit in here?

This is the same bathroom that I've seen on three different ships and in almost all the cabins. The toilet flushes with a pump and only the P's can go down (pee, poop, puke, paper), or else your toilet will simply plug, and be out of commission for up to 18 hours! Do not throw ANYthing down the toilet, including sanitary products, as it will stop the system from working not only in your cabin, but the ones in your end of the corridor. If you're wondering where the shower is, it's a standup directly to the right of the toilet.