ARE CRUISE SHIPS WORTH IT?!?! // Cruise Ship Musician Q&A

[@DavidColaDrums]

QUESTION TIME STAMPS: 00:42 - Do you ever get seasick? 1:32 - What was it like sharing a room? 2:15 - Are you allowed to hang around in public areas when you’re not working? 3:06 - Was it hard to leave your life behind ? 4:15 - How’d you go about breaking drum heads while aboard? 5:06 - Did you have any shows that you had to prepare for a lot? 6:15 - Other than WiFi, what else did you have to pay for? 7:30 - How long will you continue to play on cruise ships? 7:49 - How did you come to drumming on a cruise ship? 9:10 - How much time do you get to practice before a show? 10:40 - Do you have much choice of drum gear while on the ship? 12:05 - How do you feel about playing with Pop/Rock legends? 12:45 - Do you ever get to jam with other musicians on the ship? 13:24 - What did you practice on tour? 14:50 - My biggest take away from Cruise Ships. 17:30 - Are Cruise Ships worth it!? Pros and Cons!

[@nonameswereopen9395]

DavidColaDrums you are an inspiration to me though I haven’t been watching you for long you e encouraged me to improve and practice more

[@flarfatron2190]

Yooooo only 10 months late

[@TheLifeOfNurse]

Most Important Question : HOW MUCH DOES IT PAY How did no one ask this?

[@rayperri326]

Great.

[@RockessentialTim]

I just retired after a 40+ year career making music for a living. What you realize after a few years is a gig is a gig and some are better than others but as long as you are playing and getting paid you are ahead of 99% of the others guys. Good luck to you. Love your videos!

[@All_you_need_is_love2018]

@@TRUTH4U2NO You’re hateful

[@brassholio]

​@@TRUTH4U2NOI've been able to live off my income as a musician for 15 years. Even bought a house and paid off my student debt. If you work hard you'll succeed.

[@h5mind373]

My son attends conservatory. Spends 40+ hours a week on music-related stuff. I see a cruise gig as something to do while young to really level up one's skill, maturity and professionalism. Rick Beato has a great story about one summer when he performed literally day and night in different venues and styles- it created a massive foundation from which he was able to springboard into bigger and better things.

[@garytilkin]

David, very interesting. I was, key word “WAS”, a drummer also. I studied with several drum teachers in Huntington, NY from the time I was 5. My issue? I had no rhythm. Still the happiest time of my life. That is saying something because I am 62 now, stopped playing at 21. I was so impressed with your ability to hit the ship, practice ones with the band, and go to the gig. So impressive. Just want to say thanks for the memories.

[@lyubomirgeorgiev1465]

I follow channels with millions of subscribers and yet this one is the only channel i sit through every video, smile, and always hit the like button. Awesome energy, great videos. Favourite channel BY FAR

[@wedgeski]

"The only time you felt the ship rock, was when I was on stage, n'am sayin'?" :D

[@tiffanyedavenport863]

It has been so interesting to hear about the life of the musicians behind the scenes. I am a cruiser and love the live music on the ships. So, thanks! Even though I never sailed with your line :-)

[@NoisyLittleCampers]

Quality of your playing, editing and personality is awesome. Thank you.

[@jts400hp]

Nice job on those gigs! This is called "paying your dues" and I look forward to seeing you touring with national acts and seeing your name on major recordings.

[@DJSHaKa]

Paying your dues, yes true... but more - gaining crazy experience that you will not get anywhere else and clearly go out of your comfort zone many times throughout your contract

[@donuttalktome4816]

I started learning to play the drums in december, don’t play very well yet. But your videos really inspire me to do better! Thank you so much David.

[@DanielFacite]

You are really good, great drummer and very professional musician Congrats

[@drummaman1]

The spare heads on the ship, I bought them! All the Celebrity ships I worked on, I made sure the theater kits had two spares for each drum. Best of luck in LA! Don’t go back to ships if you don’t have to! Cheers!

[@mattiemclean9882]

Nobody asked how much money is paid for this gig! Do you know?

[@jaaayghgh2274]

im a guitar player for over 20+ years but I cannot sight read which completely puts me out of the running but I would this job so much, Love the Q&A awesome videos man ,

[@210caulfield]

Hi David. As a cruise ship drummer from 1973-78 (mostly in the Caribbean from Miami) I really enjoyed your videos. Wow! So many things have changed over time. I did 2 (9 month contracts (from London) to start with and then 6 month contracts afterwards. Although the ships back then were a bit smaller (209,000 tons LESS!!) we had bigger cabins than the one you spoke about and we had two portholes!! We lived on the corridor opposite the engine room along with the hairdressers and shop girls. At parties I think I counted 13 people in one photo!! With RCCL, the Norwegian officers liked to enforce the rules and so a few musicians ended up disembarking early!! Then I worked for Commodore Cruises with German officers and it was one big party as it was on Carnival back then (according to friends who played on the Mardi Gras). Good luck on your musical journey although it looks like you are well on your way to success.

[@Newzchspy]

Great review and QA David..........fair winds and following seas!

[@howdyyuvraj]

Hi David, your videos are totally worth it!! Thanks for giving back. Could you talk more about the band members you came across, the director, band leader, and samples of music sheets (and possibly, sources of more such sheets) that were used on board. And maybe if you could give a shout out to some other musicians (so I could follow them on social media) . Hope I am not asking for a lot. But any help is great help! I have been following your content for a while and you always had more value each time. Thanks a lot again!! Yuvraj

[@Rhythmicons]

When I started playing bass in 1994 I took lessons from the guy who was the head of the local musician's union. He told me that if I learned to read music he could give me a job working on a blues fest on a cruise ship. I thought that was the ultimate gig. Unfortunately I never learned to read music.

[@brandong6922]

the first month was the hardest for me..once I got the hang of it I had so much fun..I worked for holland America

[@PabloOliverMusic]

one more awesome video!! thankyou David, hugs from Brazil

[@richardstewart8716]

This series has been great, I always wondered how it would be, thank you.

[@icecreamjones3715]

WELCOME to L.A., Brother David !!!

[@jamesbarton3155]

Ship life is wacky! At times, it's like being in the Big Brother house. I went on as a drummer and also as a bassist without any previous bass experience! I did enjoy it but each time I couldn't wait to get off, such was the way of life on there. But did visit some wonderful places. Never in my life did I ever think I'd visit Russia! Crazy. Cool video.

[@lukeharvey5345]

Hey David, the next time you play on a cruise ship (if there is one) can you just leave the camera rolling and post that? I would love to see what a full show is like and to be able to jam along to it. :)

[@juanemmanuelsalinas2001]

Can you do a drum tour a and a room tour of your new studio

[@TracyKMainwaring]

I've only cruised Royal and Celebrity and the musicians blow me away. I love how those lines use live musicians for the stage shows! I really wanted to watch a rehearsal. Did you get to play along with the Whitney Houston "impersonator" (she said she didn't like that label, she says the show is inspired by Whitney but she's not "impersonating" her).

[@chasecarlon2730]

Great video and info! Very helpful to people coming out and looking for gigs. It was also wise of you to not disclose which cruise line ;) As a four-year drummer and MD on ships I think you undersold some aspects. This is a diverse job with many requirements. The experience of working with a click track is critical to anyone who wants to work in the studio, on Broadway or any higher-level production. Performing with the cast, which you referenced is good as well; a lot of people have never performed a show which uses lots of moving parts. Musicians also get to work in a variety of styles in all the venues around the ship. I can see you are stronger at rock styles; there is a lot of jazz, Latin and fusion in LA though so I would consider that for your move! You were spot on with the lifestyle, it can be redundant, but the free time is a great benefit for some people. Musicians are no longer needed to haul their gear around or pay for gas, food and rent; which are things I very much appreciate. No, you cannot practice drums 24/7 but you can instead work on the keyboard, arrangements, compositions, etc. It’s true that you don’t get to play what you want every day, but keep that in comparison to your office and delivery boy job. This is the gig y’all, not some lesser experience. I want to play with the big names too but nobody simply lands that by luck, it takes prior skill which you can rack up here.

[@toamataafa9463]

You’re an all around Musician Brudda..and you’re the best👍

[@anggietrisna1203]

Hi David another question hope you answer on your next video The story how you get first job in cruis ship

[@reshmanaik8376]

I really really like the way u've answered the questions

[@jbasedig]

You are really good musician. Enjoyed your playing. It is really easy to get burned out on ships , especially on long contracts. I played bass on many different ships between 1996 and 2008. Did a little relief MD time as well. Your videos are great. It's amazing how much HASN'T changed. Still doing click shows and fly-on acts and , thankfully STILL using live musicians. I'm glad to see that. BTW... What I really want to know is do you use and agent and how much is the pay per month? I wanna know how much it has improved. Also watch the drinking.... it's not a normal life... but it starts to be the norm... hanging out in the crew bar every night.

[@JoelAzia]

Hey David!!! Great content as usual!! What can you recommend to us to improve our sight reading skills. Tell me your experience please.

[@DanielFacite]

I've been around the world for years playing bass but since the croupier have better conditions and treatment on the ship I'll never come back 😢

[@boblatzer]

Great questions.Wise words David.

[@maevahanisi]

Awesome! You're blessed indeed! Much luv!

[@PastTime777]

Great video. I think a cruise ship gig would be best for someone just out of school like you did.

[@tubadylan]

Sounds like that ship prepared you for studio work in L.A.

[@neaituppi7306]

People may forget, or amazingly enough, not know that Phil Collins is an incredible drummer. Because he got so big doing hit pop songs. But check out Brand X and Early seventies Genesis.

[@BetoMoreno]

Thanks for sharing your experience!! I saw the full video! hahaha Yes, I'm that kind of friend hahaha

[@GaryBadger]

David, you're an inspiration! Thank you.

[@Kickbasser]

Great infos man. I like your positive attitude! Wish you best of luck in LA : )

[@edge5558]

Love the positive attitude, good video.

[@captaindansvlog8572]

Can you upload the show with when the head pulled?

[@codyengland165]

I'm glad to know your able to drink!!!! I watched one vid and the person said if crew musician drinks they are threw off

[@SuperCMusic]

Great Q&A!! And kick ass in L.A.

[@jeffisdrums]

per sponsorships requests and what you noted; you can bring your cymbals, pedal, snare, sticks, right? Also, what size luggage are you allowed to bring? Would you recommend one suits or two or does it vary? Thanks for your time in advance, and answer whenever you can, thanks man! --Jeff

[@tommybrwn318]

Greetings from Atlanta. Who's the artist and selection you're playing at the beginning of your video, thanks

[@munkeydrummer]

Cruising with carnival in May. Do you cruise with them?

[@afrotopia1546]

Hi You are you good musician and gives accurate information/advice. Which cruise liner did you signed up with? And what kind of salary are we looking at?

[@niall2353]

Did you ever have to play any pieces in odd time signatures?

[@zakkmarks6040]

Niall Yes

[@brianpetersen3429]

Excellent video!

[@philipbalistreri6849]

whats the pay like

[@rajatupadhyay4324]

Hey can you say something about sound engineer on ship Will be glad if you speak about it Thanks!

[@PeterVred]

Very interesting

[@UCVibes]

They should offer WiFi for free.

[@nicholas_scott]

UC Vibes the issue is bandwidth. Satellite wifi is limited, and the easiest way to keep people from hogging the system is charging for it. It’s like parking in a city

[@JimZim]

Some cruise lines do offer free WiFi to the crew. Viking Ocean Cruises, for example. They also pay better. They seem to understand the importance of allowing the crew to stay in touch with loved ones back home, and how much that improves morale among the crew. When I've been on Viking Ocean Cruises (as a passenger) it was easy to see that the crew was happier than on other cruise lines I had sailed with. In fact, on my first Viking cruise it was SO obvious and SO different from the behavior I had seen from the crew on other lines that I asked several crew members about why the crew all seemed so much happier than on other lines I had sailed with. All cited the free WiFi as a big reason, and a couple mentioned that they were simply treated better, with more respect, on Viking than when they had worked with another cruise line.

[@DJSHaKa]

Free Wifi does not make sense on a ship, then people stay in their rooms and watch KZbin all day, they need people enjoying the ships activities and make them also spend money in the restaurants and casinos.

[@ernestogarcia3193]

DJ SHaKa free wifi for the crew not the passengers

[@UCVibes]

@@ernestogarcia3193 Yes that is what I mean.

[@scubaclint]

Sounds like a good life experience. Onwards and Upwards!

[@gohomepalms1794]

Great vid! Learnt my first 16s today 😂 hopefully I'll be as good as u soon 😂😂

[@yazzer4963]

what are 16s

[@howdyyuvraj]

Quavers

[@yazzer4963]

@@howdyyuvraj still don't understand what 16s are

[@94mac]

vinbey99 a subdivision of beat, it’s math if you have a 4/4 time you count quarter notes 1,2,3,4 in a bar if it’s eighth notes 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4 16 notes is twice as many notes in a bar as 8th notes just look it up

[@yazzer4963]

@@94mac yeah but he's phrasing it like there's more than one 16s

[@tubadylan]

David cola. Way to go.

[@andyharpist2938]

I am a carpenter when someone puts a cup of tea on my work-piece I will flip! How can you put your hot coffee on your snare??

[@DavidColaDrums]

Andy harpist who said it was coffee 😘

[@andyharpist2938]

Well I looked again and maybe its not your drum kit...but you're still a bad boy for teasing Mr Drum!

[@danilogguitar]

The Best Drummer Yeah Brother

[@jacobfriedman4135]

Just wondering with expenses like WiFi and buying food at different places how did you save up and did cruise ship gigs pay enough. Thinking about it as a potential gig in the future

[@justaname1862]

I can tell you now...CRUISE SHIPS DONT PAY WELL...I make more money playing 2-3 gigs a week than 6 plus on a boat....they will work you to death with some doing 2-3 gigs per day! ...and on average about $700/week

[@_LOVEOFRHYTHM]

The dislike button shouldn't even exist for videos like this... Great stuff as always David!!

[@RoyalRelief]

Hey Dave, I have a good friend that's a very good jazz singer. Just graduated last year from Lynn University in Boca Raton. He's very interested in singing working on a cruise ship how would he go about seeking employment singing? Thanks

[@sicktricks8317]

What ships did you work on? Who did you play for?

[@cliffclone]

personally I love cruising. I think however asking if they are worth it? Lines are different. Ships are different. Peoples' expectations are so different, I think it's hard to answer.

[@amandalively1]

I'd be all up in that crew bar.

[@thiagomanobatera]

Roc n soc drum Trhone my favorite !!!

[@diegoperaltaruiz994]

Hey David, I play Sax and was wondering if people got mad if I were to shed in the cabin?

[@EdgarDeSola]

How much is the pay?

[@jeremiahbridgesdrummer]

Most start at 2000 a week but it varies with each ship

[@WrenFamilyVids]

@@jeremiahbridgesdrummer I think that's probably a month, not a week

[@jeremiahbridgesdrummer]

@@WrenFamilyVids you may be right

[@mattwood1562]

Rob Wren It depends on how active they are asking you to be, 2000 is for someone playing on say the Anthem, where they do shows such We Will Rock You

[@Jwk1706]

Usually around $2,500 a month on average

[@georgelake3467]

Do you have to use your own set?

[@TheNigeltwist]

Are you allowed to fraternize with the guests?

[@jerryjerri2936]

So uh what were the checks looking like my guy?

[@juanemmanuelsalinas2001]

Can you do drum covers of hillsong United and hillsong worship please

[@jordanmiles106]

Juan Salinas jr no Jesus music is laaaame

[@juanemmanuelsalinas2001]

@@jordanmiles106 dude I been Christian for 1 year is the best thing that happened to me jesus changed my life. You should give your life to jesus

[@juanjavierm]

@@jam8298 Wish Jesus was a superb bass player!!!

[@markstepro]

At any point in this 25 minute video about playing on cruise ships is he going to break down how much the job pays? Seems important.

[@solo2r]

Welcome to LA!

[@believenman]

Dude, I am going on a Cruz Friday. Are you on one now, if so which one? My friends are also performing alot on a ship as well. Edwardo (drummer), JC from Peru (keys and musical director) and Thomas guitar. I am going on my first Cruz this Fri. Jan 25th out of Ft. Lauderdale headed to Mexico stops cazumel etc. Also I have a cajon company, let me k ow if you need one for your performances? Great videos.

[@zackzack1136]

is there have piano tune major? master degree?

[@liamboreilly]

do you get supplied in ear monitors on ships?

[@rigorhead01]

I'd like to hear stories from your experience

[@JourneyofaProducer]

were you allowed to fraternize with other crew/cast members? date?

[@GearZenChannel]

Good luck stopping that!

[@bluenosemassmedia2996]

When I played cruises in the eighties, i got laid, a lot.

[@howellmusicofficial2568]

Hi, thanx for the great video. Are you able to go to the gym?

[@koolkat808hawaii]

What happens if you get sick?

[@brassholio]

Nothing happens, you're just sick.

[@mikkovaltonen3564]

What entertainment company did you audition for? Proship, Landau etc? I'm in music school rn and my friend recommended Proship.

[@turdferguson74]

Why don’t the acts bring their own musicians? Does the company supply all the other ppl in the band? Bass, rhythm and such..

[@guillaumelefebvre683]

Playing on cruise ships is something I would really like to try someday ! As a bassist who play upright and electric, could I bring both instruments on board ?

[@justaname1862]

You will get worked to death Bro...some days 2 + gigs...i make more playing 2-3 gigs a week than 10 a week on a boat...and forget thinking your going to see places...you dont get the time...i did One cruise ship....NEVER again!

[@les4767]

@@justaname1862 It's a bit better if you're a solo pianist/singer or the solo/guitarist. Those jobs only work at night so the days are yours(except for when they put you on "In Port Manning"(skeleton crew onboard to assist in passenger evacuation if the ship sinks in the harbor or something dangerous..I guess..) Not gonna lie. You're absolutely correct about getting worked to death. 7 nights a week is a grind...but your chops get really sharp.

[@trentdodd5953]

Love your videos! You should sell T-shirt’s

[@stevekulacz7235]

How much do you make?

[@DjSmoothNY]

I always wanted to dj on a ship. Any feedback on getting a contract? I hear it's not easy..

[@roysargadoofficial5481]

Hi david can i ask if you dont mind? How much is your monthly salary in playing in Cruis ship?

[@EnzoSimoneRocks]

GOOD STUFF!

[@gameractive7112]

how much did u get paid?

[@littlesquidward8117]

Hi David, I have a question. How important is being able to read music theory on a cruise ship job.

[@michaelledford4751]

You dont need to be able to sight read but you will need a basic understanding of reading music , you wont be playing any black page stuff like Mahavishnu Orchestra or Frank Zappa massive memorization but you will need a basic understanding of reading , sight reading is much less of a must have skill than being able to get an immediate feel for how you should approach playing what you can read .

[@juanjavierm]

It depends on the gig. What Michael Ledford says is correct. However, for a show band orchestra, absoulte and state of the art sight reading is a must.

[@souldeep808]

Tacky question.... How much does it Pay? What's your average contract amount?

[@feb41957]

Wuts it pay

[@conanthesmackercts1169]

What is the pay?

[@conanthesmackercts1169]

@@justaname1862 yikes then

[@Arbigale]

Pays the bills well in my country🇵🇭, USD to PHP

[@THEL0NEARRANGER]

You say it was worth it BUT how much were you PAID and what were your total EXPENSES. More important is how much MONEY did you SAVE after your 2 years of cruise work? As 3 hrs of work a day is nothing 21 hrs a week. I can play 8 hrs a week, have a full time Accounting job and practice my music any time PLUS play the music I love. So again, HOW MUCH were you able to Save up and walk away with after 2 years?

[@PeartDisicple481]

nice......

[@brentdavis3611]

Why not move to Nashville? Did you give it a thought?

[@juanjavierm]

In fact Nashville has got a greater recording-studio culture than L.A.

[@jpsmusicandmore5457]

Dude I would be a cruise ship singing beast...

[@semilivesixstringstrumist5595]

For Me