An Eye Opener

[Sauer-kraut]

An interesting article about crew working conditions. It is interesting to read some of the comments posted by former cruise line employees.

 

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/07/15/concordia-aftermath-what-to-know-before-boarding-a-cruise-ship.html

[yoyocruiser]

Very disturbing. I think about the crew a lot. And i think about the people who complain about everything. Its a confusing world sometimes for sure. Thanks for posting the very thought provoking article.

[family cruisers]

Thanks for posting this. We always appreciate the crew and how hard they work day in and day out. I hope the people that don't, read this and take it to heart. How blessed we truly are.

[capp]

An interesting article about crew working conditions. It is interesting to read some of the comments posted by former cruise line employees.

 

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/07/15/concordia-aftermath-what-to-know-before-boarding-a-cruise-ship.html

 

Wow.

[Kaye from Chicagoland]

We always look out for the staff and we tip well recognizing the hardships the crew faces in terms of long hours, family and money. This article is almost scary though. They mention NCL twice or more in this article and although I've only cruised Princess as a platinum member before it's just hard to believe - as all staff we came in contact with seemed very happy working for NCL. Maybe I'm just naive.

 

Our room steward was leaving for the Jade after our February cruise on the Dawn and seemed excited and asked us to book our next cruise out of Barcelona. Every crew member we interacted was so very friendly and seemed happy - much more so than on Princess. We have no other cruise lines to compare to other Eastern cruiselines (I think it was called Eastern steamship), many years ago and is no longer sailing. Other than that this was a trial with NCL and we've decided to try again - we like the freestyle. W're tentatively booked on the Breakaway for the Jan. 19, 2014 So. Caribbean - and probably something before that.

[Hikini]

Thanks for posting. I enjoy getting to know some of the crew members during each cruise, and usually reward a few of them with extra tips.

[cruzsnooze]

Of course a lawter who represents staff would exaggerate. I know all the crew I've met loves renewing their contracts and keep coming back, which was mentioned in the article. Unhappy people wouldn't do that, so take this articel with a little grain of salt. We Americans wouldn't work 7 days a week but maybe we would if the price was right.

[purrfect007]

Appearances are not always what they seem. All that friendliness may be based on fear. Actually, I don't mean maybe. Obviously, it is. I'm not saying it can't be genuine in some interactions. But it's out of desperation and fear that you could ruin it for them if you provide any kind of negative feedback.:eek:

 

Ugh. I think most of us already know there is truth in this article, but just don't want to see it.

 

People most certainly would renew contracts if they need the money. Being "happy" in your job is a luxury we experience as Americans, if we don't achieve this, we can leave and seek a different job or train for a new one. Most people are desperate for money to support family they love.

 

It makes me think twice about a cruise. I mean, the excessiveness of it is even more upsetting against the backdrop of such depravity experienced by the overly accommodating crew. :(

[SuiteCruiser]

Appearances are not always what they seem. All that friendliness may be based on fear. Actually, I don't mean maybe. Obviously, it is. I'm not saying it can't be genuine in some interactions. But it's out of desperation and fear that you could ruin it for them if you provide any kind of negative feedback.:eek:

 

Ugh. I think most of us already know there is truth in this article, but just don't want to see it.

 

People most certainly would renew contracts if they need the money. Being "happy" in your job is a luxury we experience as Americans, if we don't achieve this, we can leave and seek a different job or train for a new one. Most people are desperate for money to support family they love.

 

It makes me think twice about a cruise. I mean, the excessiveness of it is even more upsetting against the backdrop of such depravity experienced by the overly accommodating crew. :(

 

I've seen that fear before, but not on NCL. You'd have to be a really good actor to fake it. I've found the crew that I have interacted with to be genuine and spontaneous, it's not calculated.

 

That's not to say that these things don't happen. They work long and hard hours, with no where to get a break from it. On the Epic, the majority of the crew get their own room. They share a bathroom, but they actually have space to themselves. They're the happiest crew I've come across so far.

 

In the thousands of crew members, there are bound to be bad situations for some of them, sadly, but I don't think it's horrible for everyone, not by a long shot.

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Of course a lawter who represents staff would exaggerate. I know all the crew I've met loves renewing their contracts and keep coming back, which was mentioned in the article. Unhappy people wouldn't do that, so take this articel with a little grain of salt. We Americans wouldn't work 7 days a week but maybe we would if the price was right.

 

It all depends what your attitude is. I will say, not making any comments about my five years of working with Norwegian, that crew members wouldn't tell you what they were really thinking behind the scenes because if they did, they would be terminated. A lot of them do renew because their family is back home depending on that paycheck.

[HImom]

Couldn't view your blog as the link said "MobileMe is closed."

 

I guess the question becomes, if everyone stops cruising or boycotts cruise ships, they will have to do something if they want to survive:

1. Reduce staffing so that the staff remaining is every MORE overworked, and/or;

2. Cut expenses including possibly wages to lure people back on the ships with unbeatable bargains; and/or

3. Cut quality of what they offer on ships to go with reduced fares so they can still make a profit anyway.

 

Don't see how any of these things would help the plight of workers who are trying to support their families at very, very low wages (by US standards). Someone please enlighten as to how people refusing to book or sail cruise ships would help underpaid workers who are counting on the income to support their families.

 

Thanks.

[david_sobe]

Thanks for posting and sharing.

I wish everyone can read this the next time they want to remove the gratuity because the crew did not smile at them or they did not get the towels they wanted. There are many youtube videos of crew members sharing their stories. Working on a cruise ship is very hard work. I think that is why I get defensive when I read the posts of people complaining about their butler for some trivial issue

[CPT Trips]

Of course a lawter who represents staff would exaggerate. I know all the crew I've met loves renewing their contracts and keep coming back, which was mentioned in the article. Unhappy people wouldn't do that, so take this articel with a little grain of salt. We Americans wouldn't work 7 days a week but maybe we would if the price was right.

 

Seems like an awful lot of people are available to work for their employer, bosses and clients 24/7. The idea of a lot of us being willing to "labor" for the hours that ship's crew do is something else.

[Cubechick]

Seems like an awful lot of people are available to work for their employer, bosses and clients 24/7. The idea of a lot of us being willing to "labor" for the hours that ship's crew do is something else.

 

Very true. How many people do you know who are glued to their Blackberries, checking in with work on weekends and vacations? All too many Americans are willing to work 24/7...just not in the same manner.

 

I can't say I found anything in this article to be surprising or shocking...sad, yes, but not shocking. I've sailed too many cruises and talked to too many crew members to think their life is anything different from what's been stated here.

[dutchess43]

Thanks for posting and sharing.

I wish everyone can read this the next time they want to remove the gratuity because the crew did not smile at them or they did not get the towels they wanted. There are many youtube videos of crew members sharing their stories. Working on a cruise ship is very hard work. I think that is why I get defensive when I read the posts of people complaining about their butler for some trivial issue

 

Ditto for me I 100% agree with you!

[Laszlo]

I saw it 1st hand on the behind the scenes tour on the Gem last night. The laundry guys had it the worst. Jane the tour guide said they sign on for a ten month contract, work 12 hours a day 7 days a week. They have one day off every four weeks. :(

[ohioNCLcruiser]

I saw it 1st hand on the behind the scenes tour on the Gem last night. The laundry guys had it the worst. Jane the tour guide said they sign on for a ten month contract, work 12 hours a day 7 days a week. They have one day off every four weeks. :(

 

At least they don't have to diet since they sweat off the pounds in those horrible temps all day. :D

[jp2001]

I don't know if you read the comments after the article itself but the raped girl story DID shock me. I can't believe no one could help her with a rape kit and to investigate so the BAD guy could be sent to jail (or at least to court)... she had to work with him again or go home. UNBELIEVABLE!!! NO HUMAN BEING SHOULD EVER BE TREATED LIKE THIS. I am sure she knew what she signed up for (long hours, cheap pay) but I am also sure she didn't intend to be treated like this if a crime happened.

 

I work for a shipping line (mostly cargo ships but we have one cargo|passenger ship as well - most ships are Canadian Flag, most of the year anyway). Even when under international flag, the company takes it very seriously when there is any incident onboard and we will do all we can to support crew members if I crime happened.

[4774Papa]

An interesting article about crew working conditions. It is interesting to read some of the comments posted by former cruise line employees.

 

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/07/15/concordia-aftermath-what-to-know-before-boarding-a-cruise-ship.html

The article is clearly slanted toward the Union and Trial Lawyers approach.

I am sure that there may be some abuse of workers on cruise lines, but I believe most are very happy to have the jobs they have.

 

I always try to get to know some of those that service us. Some are saving to go back to their home countries to start a business. Others working to move up the ladder. Some have moved up the ladder.

[jakesnana]

I don't doubt a single word that was stated in that article. My DGS (19 years old) was hired by NCLA for the Pride of America with a very broad job description of Kitchen Utility. He had trained for Culinary, so he was very excited by this. When he got to the ship, we was assigned as a dishwasher. Although disappointed, he figured he would survive.

 

However, he worked 12 hour shifts, from 6 PM to 6 AM. When his shift was over, he was required to attend safety drills, Captains meeting, training, etc., all which took place during the day. Because of all the interruptions to his "sleeping time", he was late for work 3 times in a 2 month period.

 

The result of this was being put off the ship in Kauai, with no notice. He met with the Captain, was fired, escorted to his cabin by security to pack his belongings and escorted off the ship. By the time it happened, it was too late to get a flight home for less than $1,000.00 that day, so he needed to spend the night in Kauai. Unfortunately, he could not book a hotel in there because he was less than 21 years old. I finally got a hotel to allow him to book a room, if I guaranteed said room with my credit card, however, he could have ended up on the streets for the night, as the Kauai airport is so small it closes up at 10 PM every night.

 

If this could happen on a U.S. flagged ship, that is protected by U.S. labor laws and has a union for it's staff, I can't even imagine what happens on foreign flagged ships :(

[Babygirl08]

I don't doubt a single word that was stated in that article. My DGS (19 years old) was hired by NCLA for the Pride of America with a very broad job description of Kitchen Utility. He had trained for Culinary, so he was very excited by this. When he got to the ship, we was assigned as a dishwasher. Although disappointed, he figured he would survive.

 

However, he worked 12 hour shifts, from 6 PM to 6 AM. When his shift was over, he was required to attend safety drills, Captains meeting, training, etc., all which took place during the day. Because of all the interruptions to his "sleeping time", he was late for work 3 times in a 2 month period.

 

The result of this was being put off the ship in Kauai, with no notice. He met with the Captain, was fired, escorted to his cabin by security to pack his belongings and escorted off the ship. By the time it happened, it was too late to get a flight home for less than $1,000.00 that day, so he needed to spend the night in Kauai. Unfortunately, he could not book a hotel in there because he was less than 21 years old. I finally got a hotel to allow him to book a room, if I guaranteed said room with my credit card, however, he could have ended up on the streets for the night, as the Kauai airport is so small it closes up at 10 PM every night.

 

If this could happen on a U.S. flagged ship, that is protected by U.S. labor laws and has a union for it's staff, I can't even imagine what happens on foreign flagged ships :(

 

Allow me to ask a question of the group: With a handful of posters here, who among them have 30+ cruises in their signatures, all feeling discomfort for the cruise staff, why are you still cruising? If you find the industry so vile, I would imagine you would not support it? Or is this simply the internet/Facebook age where posting about it is enough so please pass the strawberry daiquiri?

[ohioNCLcruiser]

I don't doubt a single word that was stated in that article. My DGS (19 years old) was hired by NCLA for the Pride of America with a very broad job description of Kitchen Utility. He had trained for Culinary, so he was very excited by this. When he got to the ship, we was assigned as a dishwasher. Although disappointed, he figured he would survive.

 

However, he worked 12 hour shifts, from 6 PM to 6 AM. When his shift was over, he was required to attend safety drills, Captains meeting, training, etc., all which took place during the day. Because of all the interruptions to his "sleeping time", he was late for work 3 times in a 2 month period.

 

The result of this was being put off the ship in Kauai, with no notice. He met with the Captain, was fired, escorted to his cabin by security to pack his belongings and escorted off the ship. By the time it happened, it was too late to get a flight home for less than $1,000.00 that day, so he needed to spend the night in Kauai. Unfortunately, he could not book a hotel in there because he was less than 21 years old. I finally got a hotel to allow him to book a room, if I guaranteed said room with my credit card, however, he could have ended up on the streets for the night, as the Kauai airport is so small it closes up at 10 PM every night.

 

If this could happen on a U.S. flagged ship, that is protected by U.S. labor laws and has a union for it's staff, I can't even imagine what happens on foreign flagged ships :(

 

I spent five years onboard the ships (I left in Aug) and this happened pretty often. It's actually better to be fired on the international fleet since they have to fly the crew member home.

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Allow me to ask a question of the group: With a handful of posters here, who among them have 30+ cruises in their signatures, all feeling discomfort for the cruise staff, why are you still cruising? If you find the industry so vile, I would imagine you would not support it? Or is this simply the internet/Facebook age where posting about it is enough so please pass the strawberry daiquiri?

 

The real horror stories are not that frequent and the other disadvantages of the job don't trump the benefits they get of sending their pay home vs what they would make at home. Carnival corp brands, especially Cunard, has one of the worst reputations for how they treat their crew. NCL got pretty bad towards the end with my situation, but I'm not saying anything as long as I have future cruises planned!

[rvsullivan]

We are pretty quick to look at these situations through OUR eyes. It appears that those that are actually involved feel quite differently? There are waiting lists for crew to get these jobs. Compared to what we have, their home lives are quite different. I notice that millions of tourists a year got to Asia and many Eastern European countries that have similar situations. Why not go there and ask their governments to change things? One of the staff on our last cruise had been at it for about ten years, he has worked his way up. Now he has set his family and his parents up in homes that are reserved for the wealthy at home. Another year or so and he opens his own business and plans to be semi retired and hire workers to run his business. He is considered wealthy in his home area. He claims it has been worth every hour of it so that by about age 40 he is "home free"!! I will continue to sail and make my contribution.

[meggie711]

My favorite quote from the article? "As someone who has worked and cruised on many vessels, there's always more opportunity for accidents when the population is increased." You DON'T say.... :rolleyes: