What is the best place to work?

[Indiana_Judy]

Hello,
I am in the process of applying for a job with the various cruise lines and was wondering what your opinion was of the best jobs on board. I understand that some of the larger ships have book and dvd libraries on them. In my opinion, monitoring those areas would be the best job. What do you think?
Judy

[Dave]

My experience has been that ship's libraries are not staffed on a full-time basis. It is often a duty covered by the internet staff (which is often one person).

Obviously since I am "into" computers, I'd prefer to be the internet manager on a ship. The cruise director's staff is the place to be since you often will have better quarters and duty schedules. But bear in mind that collateral duties also come with any job on a ship. Examples are being assigned as a muster station leader, or to the crew of a lifeboat. Or you may have to assist in getting tours organized and sent off on time. For instance, on the Freedom Of The Seas the cruise director (Ken Rush) told us he was qualified to command a lifeboat and that was his emergency station.

[Jim C.]

I'm not sure you'll get much of a choice. Unless you are in the entertainment industry where you can be a DJ or a pianist or something, or have a specific skill - daycare, beautician, bartender, you may have to take what you are given.

But, if you are young and enjoy working with people, I think it would be a great experience.