Cruise Lines You Should Stay Far, Far Away From

[@HariSeldon913]

While I'm unlikely to work on a cruise line, I'd say how the cruise line treats the crew does have an influence on the experience the passengers get from that crew.

[@eggbenedict-gt7mw]

Forget passenger it's the company that bangs the crew, that's y they have crew medical in Mexico and not Florida

[@wild399]

I sailed on the Oceanic when it was owned by Home Lines. Back then we had assigned tables for dinner. There was a woman at the next table that was constantly complaining to the waiter. On day 3 she went to the Maitre'd and said she wanted a new table that she "didn't like the waiter." His reply... "Fine, he doesn't like you either." Lol!

[@wild399]

One more thing... this was an Italian cruise ship sailing out of NYC. I was about 13 at the time. On almost every elevator ride passengers would engage in small talk. Often a passenger with a heavy Italian accent would say to my father "That's a fine looking boy you got there, what's he want to do when he grows up?" My father would reply "He wants to be a hit man." Things would usually get quiet after that. Lol!

[@dawhike]

I sailed on that same 39K metric ton ship, from NYC to Bermuda and ran into a hurricane that changed course. It was very scary! 50' waves lapping over the guard rails. Actually bent them! 😢

[@diane9247]

I love that! It's the kind of thing that should be said more often.😂

[@learntolove3327]

😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@asadb1990]

That sounds like code for "im a racist woman, but don't want to make it obvious." But its shocking to come to a cruise ship expecting white table service lol.

[@marilynmcphail9221]

My parents went on an MSC cruise and saw one of the officers yelling and lambasting one of the crew. It made them really uncomfortable. They felt the person should have been pulled aside and given a talk if needed, not in front of everyone. It left an impression and they never cruised on MSC again.

[@WTFuc4]

Royal Caribbean does the same. I’ve been on 4 companies and RCI was the worst talking about the way crew are treated. I resigned to never come back. Some nationalities are used to this kind of treatment, like India and Philippines, so they never complain.

[@HBCruising14]

I'm one of those wacky outliers that's not crew and doesn't want to be crew. This video was still helpful and informative for me. Thank you for taking the time to share. 👍

[@andreagriffiths3512]

I’m one too, you’re not alone

[@GG17250]

Ditto

[@christinagipperich2780]

Once again, you speak your truth tactfully and bravely. The sociology of cruise ships would be so fascinating to me.

[@centurione4829]

are you really thinking that? Meaning, she didn't work for the companies she said, so how can you trust her 100%?

[@UN-Rambling]

Hi Lucy, thank you so much for this review. You have said it all. The content is absolutely true! Unfortunately, I’m from MSC and resigning from this company.

[@KRISPYJUMPY]

money you earn as shop seller on MSC allow you to close eyes on all the flaws. I had pretty good time here. And regarding mafia and benefits I felt it big time when I was working on Hardings with British. So please guys everywhere is same shit. Eventually we are all here for money, the rest depends on you and your perception.

[@jannatjana9481]

Plz can u explain me whts the story of this mafia wht they can do to u??

[@soukainaelmadani.professional]

Up

[@tijaanajohnson3969]

​@@jannatjana9481 Google it hun

[@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp]

Every single politician will full heartedly agree with you. It's all about money - and that includes wars. No war - no money into the pockets of those who vote for it.

[@loribarber4526]

#TeamReplay…not a crew member and over 60 doubtfully will not be looking for a cruise job…I absolutely love your information and love the info you provide ❤

[@rpmnh]

Ditto…

[@jvandermoer1076]

I have worked on ships for 14 years and never once heard a good thing about working on MSC.

[@Buglife.352]

Wow

[@sweetiecat1255]

I am Italian, I agree with you. Mostly of the time, when we speak English it’s seems like a different language because of accents and above all Italians speak English like if they are talking in Italian (they translate word for word from Italian hence that’s the reason we are incomprehensible). Anyway, Italians are kinda racists this could be one of the reason that they stay together. (I am not trying to justify them) As an Italian myself I apologize for anybody who had a difficult time with us. In a few weeks, I am going to work with NCL, I will join as a Guest Service Associate and I will be on a cabin with 3 different people.. I hope it won’t be a problem for me .. Sorry for the repetitions

[@gingerjani]

Sharing a cabin with 3 more people? wow... poverello... good luck!!

[@abril438]

I don´t know about your accent, but your english is pretty good. Good luck in your new job !!

[@anoukdonnini8357]

Ciao a bordo delle navi ci sono veramente tantissime etnie e forse te ne renderai conto con la tua esperienza personale; posso dirti che dove lavoro io su msc non è come dice lei, anzi di italiani siamo ben pochi (100 su 1700) e poi tutte le persone che vengono dallo stesso paese fanno amicizia, cosa che penso sia normalissima e poi ci sono anche diverse amicizie o conoscenze con persone di altri paesi. Con il tuo commento prima di tutto ti sei scusato, ma per cosa? E poi hai detto che siamo un po’ razzisti, ma io dico, già tutto il mondo ci caga in testa perché siamo un popolo soprattutto con un governo di schifo inoltre ci definiamo tali agli occhi degli altri paesi; boh così veramente finiamo per essere presi per dei cretini e derisi da tutti.

[@sweetiecat1255]

@@anoukdonnini8357 Ciao, ho già fatto il mio terzo contratto con NCL e posso dirti che la situazione è abbastanza diversa. Nella nave in cui lavoro io, non ci sono italiani (siamo in 4 praticamente su 1700). Ad ogni modo, che l’italiano un po’ tende ad avere dei pregiudizi e credo che sia una cosa abbastanza risaputa, ovvio che non tutti siamo così.. Il mio commento era riferito a quelli che tendono ad esserlo per questo mi sono “scusata”.

[@sweetiecat1255]

@@gingerjani in the cruise ship I have been, we have single cabins and we share bathroom.. So it went slightly better and different then what I expected

[@djosigamer7204]

I actually work for msc for the moment and i think of signing off Because it much worse than that the salaries are low im already 4 months on board and i got only 6 hours off in total and they always make extend without paying you or giving you your time back and the schedules are very bad and people here are very disrespectful even the supervisors they always do their hest to put stress on you for bo reason

[@Buglife.352]

Dude that sounds illegal. Get a labor attorney

[@FlyTheGuppy15]

So just wanted to throw in my observations on MSC having been on 6 times, 8 by the end of this year. I really think that Philippines, Indonesia, Latin/South American, and India are by far the largest groups we’ve seen on board. We travel in the YC and being Italian-American, of course this line attracted us from the beginning, however Ive always been a little surprised there aren’t more Italian crew on board. OFC the Bridge Officers, the Engineering Officers are mostly Italian. The Cruise Directors have been US, as a matter of fact the very best of them recently passed away and was only my age. Anyway, I’d have to disagree and say that in North American market, Italians aren’t the dominant crew population, from a passenger’s point of view. Maybe in Europe it is. Nothing but respect to Lucy as always but wanted to share my perspective as well. 😊

[@Juancarlo4342]

I agree not many Italians on board in North America.

[@josephjackson7269]

If sailing in Europe it’s totally different than US market. US market isn’t representative of cruising anywhere else especially if just cruising In Caribbean

[@patricec.2957]

MSC has no more Italians on board in Europe than in the USA; the only Italians are the officers, the rest of the crew are from the Third World, as in all cruise lines.

[@cp111777]

I cruise msc before in US. Most Crew are from places like Mexico, Nepal, S. Africa, Kenya

[@thats.so.not.watermelon]

Even with the South African cruise, the dominant nationality is Philippines, China, Latin/South American. Like you said the Italians are usually the officers. There are South African crew but a really low percentage.

[@tonchie23]

For few years I worked in a recruitment agency partnered with few cruise lines and I was designated person for MSC cruises. The horror stories I've heard from crew members I sent onboard, were crazy. However, those that survived 1-2 contracts or more I did recommend to other cruise lines and they thrived over there.

[@kuchonato4310]

@tonchie23 do MSC accept tattoos on guest services agent?

[@НашеВСЁ-ш8г]

What exactly "the horror stories"?

[@abdullahidangoggo]

Thank for your sincere insight

[@Buglife.352]

​@@kuchonato4310only neckline ones

[@ichwilleinboot3921]

Yes, you are right. Queen Mary 2 is crazy. I was there. Not anymore. Scary Mary and we were almost 8 days at sea. The rough see was not the problem, but all the guests really crazy . Never go off in NYC cuz of your contract. We said, 2 fullfilled contracts on queen Mary 2 bevor you can go out out. I quit my job after one month. Thank you Lucy.

[@Al-Xelrio]

Which cruise ship would you recommend to work on?

[@ichwilleinboot3921]

@@Al-Xelrio I would rather work on queen Victoria. I dont know the other cruise lines. 🙂

[@robrockz]

Just prepping to join my first contract in April. And have been very thankful to find your videos. I was originally offered Celestyal, glad that the timing for joining didn't work out for me, as i have heard some not great things since.

[@iansten]

Hey Robert! I've worked for Celestyal in the past as a bartender, that was pre-pandemic. I'm not sure if things have gotten worse, but those were some great contracts I had with some amazing ports and nice week long itineraries, and especially no sea days! In fact watching the shop staff on board has motivated me to switch careers to sales, and I have an interview lined up in a couple of days. Would love to know if you are already on board and how it has been for you so far. It would be very insightful given that I'm really looking forward to this job.

[@AcerDyan]

I’m a passenger not a crew member and as a passenger I also tend to stay away from MSC as they cancelled my cruise ON THE DAY OF EMBARKATION and didn’t offer us any future cruise credit, only a refund. To clarify further I was ringing MSC on the day of embarkation to find out if I was sailing, MSC DID NOT EMAIL ME TELLING ME I WAS NOT ALLOWED TO EMBARK, the reason they cancelled me was because they changed their terms and conditions the day before embarking

[@cruisecrazy7066]

They probably finalzed a charter at a higher rate.

[@karyndewit193]

😳

[@kenadams4968]

Great insight, Lucy. I'm not planning to change careers but it's good to know what things crew members are up against. That can help me make their lives a little better when I cruise.

[@orthodon2011]

So enjoyed this and thanks for your honesty. It was meant to be your winning gift on Clarkson show especially for your anniversary 😊

[@CruisingAsCrew]

Ha ha thank you so much!

[@boborman5537]

Well said , you are doing a great job. I will never be a cruise member , because i am old but i am a cruise customer and everything you say is accurate.

[@kathryncashner3294]

Cruise lines are aware that they make more money off first time cruisers and shorter itineraries. As sailors, we love the long cruises. But your are right--there isn't nearly the same per diem spending as on the short ones. We were quite disappointed at the merchandise on Valiant for the October crossing. There were a lot of things we would have purchased that they either didn't stock or were out of. For example, they didn't have the hammocks for sale! They kindly gave us a card with the company information and we were able to purchase it when we got home, but that didn't help the shop to meet a target. They had NO shirts or other merchandise specifically for the TA. They were selling Bimini merchandise, but our cruise didn't go to Bimini. Several of us made comments in the survey about things we would have purchased. I do realize that t-shirts from the logo shop are not the same as a purse or jewelry, but every bit counts...and the hammock was $190, so not a "nothing" sale.

[@robinsonjohnson1732]

What a time to know of it😄 m getting onboard my first cruise ship contract next week..hope it gives some exciting adventures. Thanks Lucy...

[@paullandon4897]

I had a suite on Oceana just before she was sold by P&O. I was making a coffee one day when the roof of my passenger suite partly collapsed. A wooden plank fell from the ceiling, hit me on the knee and injured me. Along with other disasters on that cruise we made a claim and got all of our cruise fare back.

[@carldefoe4673]

Sun Cruises, I can talk about them because they went bankrupt in 2004, which doesn't surprise me. One ship caught fire in Singapore, I got fired off the Sundream, which 6 months later was impounded, so I hear, for about half a ton of finest Jamaican heroin being found by customs underneath all the seats in the main lounge. The plumbing and electrics didnt work at all in the crew cabins - try getting ready for your duty without those basics - and was never going to, because passenger plumbing and electric gets repaired first obviously. Management couldnt organise a proverbial in a whatsit.

[@louiselanthier5135]

Hi Lucy! I am an aspiring passenger! I could have enjoyed working on a cruise ship when I was younger! I enjoy your topics of conversation!

[@angelle_lajefa]

I think all your opinions are very valid. Difference with me, as a minority African woman from one of the smallest countries out there, everywhere I go, its always very difficult either way. I have seen things. Even on cruise lines you would never suspect.

[@stylemadesimple2364]

Hi Angelle, could you please elaborate? I'm also an African lady and I'm interested in joining the industry.

[@morganbaldwin4828]

I work with NCL and plan on doing another contract. On that note I have met many people who came from ACL and said that living as well as working accommodations are horrible there. They told me they worked so much that they slept in their work clothes! Also wanted to add if you do any long voyages and plan on working in restaurants take into consideration you will literally be working all day, especially on embarkation day and work most of the day on port days.

[@sweetiecat1255]

In a few weeks, I am going to work with NCL, how do you rate it? Are they strict? And what can you tell me more about the working hours/days ?? Thank you, I look forward to your answers

[@bunnyoppress]

​@@sweetiecat1255 what ship?

[@sweetiecat1255]

@@bunnyoppress I still don’t know, but when I requested for C1D visa, it was Norwegian Bliss.. I don’t know if they send in the same ship or a different one actually

[@morganbaldwin4828]

@@sweetiecat1255 sure may I ask what ship you are working on? I have only worked on Pride of America so I can only truly speak from that experience however I do know many people who have worked on other NCL ships and given me insight on them

[@bunnyoppress]

@@morganbaldwin4828 how many roommates did you have on POA?

[@jackbrundell9186]

Hi Lucy and everyone - re QM2, what you said wasn’t 100% accurate - so just wanted to set things straight for anyone considering Cunard or who may have been offered Queen Mary 2. QM2 does indeed spend around 6 months of the year operating transatlantic crossings, Southampton to New York. During those 6 months she also does cruises to Norway, Germany, the Med, Canada and other parts of the US such as Boston. During November and December she operates cruises to the Caribbean from New York. Then, from January to mid April, she does the world voyage from Southampton, all the way to Australia calling at places such as Oman, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bali, Mauritius, South Africa etc. and it’s a fantastic world voyage (I’ve done it). Please don’t be scared off by QM2 - she’s a fantastic ship, has a great crew and social life (thanks to the sea days) and first contract crew can indeed get off in New York and the US - just maybe not the very first time you call there. Some nationalities may be restricted (but this can be the case in many places around the world sadly). Hope this helps and clears things up!

[@sailorspills3025]

I mentioned that too! :) and we were allowed off in new york as first contractors.. it depends on what country you are from. I would even say queen mary is one of the best ships.. my friends on the QE and QV would say they wanted to be transferred back there.

[@westhavengwr4613]

We have had fantastic trips on QM2.

[@madreamer]

I talked to quite a few Pilipino that was working on Royal and they all came from MSC and were much more happier working for Royal.

[@oliviamae3024]

Just thought I’d leave this message about Queen Mary 2 you can get off in New York on a first contract as most nationalities. I went on in 2022 first contract and most of us got off UK, Polish, Indian, Philipino etc.

[@MsFitz134]

The last cruise I went on (NCL) the captain was Italian. He was a fantastic captain but the Italian accent was very thick. Thankfully he knew that he had a really thick accent and would joke about it himself. Many of the passengers on this cruise were Chinese and could hardly understand English, let alone someone speaking quickly with a thick Italian accent. It must have been insanely frustrating for them. After almost every announcement the cruise director (British) would come on and clarify what the Italian captain said.

[@michaelboyle7281]

I was on the carnival fantasy back in 2008 when I was around 10 years old and some kid either pooped or threw up in the pool and they needed to close it, forget what ethnicity the crew was, but I could tell the other kids were having a hard time understanding what they were saying, so I started walking over to the kids that were confused going "Someone pooped in the pool, we all need to get out the pool!" and I could tell the crew was kinda appreciative since I could help speed the process up lol

[@karyndewit193]

@@michaelboyle7281the Fantasy was such a cute ship!

[@jen_205]

I love Cunard! ❤ But now I want to try the modern Virgin Voyages

[@herpiggy4857]

This is off subject for this video but can you elaborate on salaries of the cruise ship officers? Especially, what about the Captain….how much does he make? How are the working relationships between the upper echelon Officers and the crew members? I’m guessing there is a aloofness but that is only a guess.

[@dougb3699]

For any service industry, If you are happy at your job, you can't keep it a secret in the view of your customers.

[@DYoung-vt8pq]

Aww, Lucy, I'm glad U could have a lovely vacation! Thanks ❤

[@jeanniewightman8176]

Definitely. It would help to focus and get work done faster so on to free time.

[@mynameisjosh83]

I saw you are back on board! Can’t wait to come visit you soon!

[@AS-on1fz]

Gosh, ty so much for this video, i'm going to ncl sky line in a few weeks and the itinerary is 1 seaday 1 port so it's amazing, i'm going as a shoppie on Dufry.

[@noeinroad7294]

I work in the service industry. You get better service if the employees are treated well.

[@anteshageachy]

I cannot agree more. I dont think cruise lines understand the danger when they hire from predominantly one nationality. Cliques and 'mafias' are so dangerous and they make life onboard so much more difficult than it needs to be.

[@НашеВСЁ-ш8г]

1:33 At the Сarnival CL it was called "Paisano business".

[@alexanderlapp5048]

Honestly, I plan to stay away from all of them. There's way to many people for me. I would rather just have my canoe. But I do enjoy the videos.

[@zzzabcd13]

how can you bash cruise line that you have never woked for?

[@nipunthapa1710]

Your experiences are very useful for us, thanks once again Lucy to share this thing with us otherwise we wouldn’t have been knowing this ever. These are all informative specially for me as a new hire. A big Thanks 🙏

[@davidlockwood9192]

Queen Mary 2, yes during the summer it is on the Atlantic Run as the worlds last liner (but yes in the USA seafarers are treated like criminals), however during the Northern Winter season she does the World Cruise which is pretty epic. Horses for Courses. :)

[@SunshineJeff]

According to my understanding, the maker of this video hasn't worked for the MSC Cruises. I think she shouldn't talk like that about a cruise line she hasn't worked for. I would encourage everyone, especially people who are about to work for MSC Cruises or other cruise lines mentioned in this video she hasn't worked for, to approach these cruise lines with an open mind and positive attitude. Don't let anyone to poison your mind before your contract has even started. No offense Lucy! 🤗 Thank you for reading everyone! ☺️

[@valentinachavez7324]

I needed this. I am preparing all the documentation to join MSC as a cruise staff soon. It will be my first contract and job ever. I’ve heard divided info about the line, tons of bad things but also good things and I’ll try to stick to that. I will join open minded and do all for the experience. Also I need to start somewhere and MSC is the only cruise line that accepted me. After I finish my first contract I will use the experience in my CV to join other cruise lines like Virgin Voyages or Norweigan

[@abril438]

@@valentinachavez7324 Good luck to you !!

[@dawhike]

I LOVE your accent! 😊 Most Americans don't realize that we speak Anerican, not English. Found that out, first trip to Europe.

[@Latte-girly90]

American-English. Just like there is Canadian-English and Australian-English 😂 it’s called having a dialect. No one in modern day speaks “old” English, not even in the UK

[@wannabefolkie]

Oops, I messaged on IG. But not with a question. Just said I just discovered your channel or something like that. Not likely to join a cruise crew (but you never know, life can change up at any time) but I’m still enjoying your videos. It’s easy to be oblivious to crew experiences when on a cruise vacation so it’s nice to know what I can do that won’t annoy crew and maybe be of help. (Haha, we’ve only cruised once and it was just a couple of weeks ago.) Great channel!

[@liamsmith247]

In regards to Fred Olsen the things you are saying aren't true as of now. I worked on board one of 3 of their ships as a dancer onboard for 7 months in 2022. There is no communal shower situation on any of their ships and for certain crew there still remains cabins of up to 4 people but they do include a bathroom privately in each cabin. 85% of the crew on board are of filipino nationality with the rest being from India or Thailand and there are a fair few UK nationals working on board. As part of the show team I only had to share with one other person which was fine enough. In terms of so-called 'Mafias' on board, I felt rather involved with all the nationalities on board and they treated me like an equal. Quite often I was invited to cabin gatherings and was offered special food from their respective countries and they always made me welcome into their groups. Personally it was a good experience and the itineraries are also a highlight with a few overnights included along the way which is always a plus.

[@figgypudding6996]

Your experience as a dancer is far different from the majority of the crew’s experience. Entertainment staff often have the easiest lifestyles on board, the ship politics are much worse in the hotel and restaurant departments.

[@BarbaraAnnLittle]

Lucy, LOVE your content, so helpful. I'm looking at a possible contract as a musician. Do most lines have a family discount for family members to visit during the cruise? How does that work. My contract will most likely be with Royal Caribbean. Thanks for any insights!!

[@randellsamuel4097]

Thanks for this eye-opening video.

[@rchappell77]

my trip to Italy was less than enjoyable. Only the French were ruder than Italians, and that says something. We were going to do MSC because the price was nice, but research showed that to be a bad idea. We booked Carnival. I have enjoyed NCL and Carnival both.

[@FranciscoCamino]

Oh please, enough nationality bashing. It’s slightly xenophobic. There are not rude of polite nacionalities just different ideosincrasy. And rude and polite individuals everywhere in the planet.

[@abril438]

@@FranciscoCamino The ppint is every cliche has a part of true, I agree about french people, I´ve worked in a french company for years.

[@-sensibleChris]

It's funny how easy it is to listen to a youtuber that looks like a supermodel. Great advice also. 😁👍

[@vivianachuairevasquez4662]

OMG I'm just about to go on a MSC dancer contract as my first cruise contract ever 💀

[@ywueeee]

each ship and route have different distribution of nationalities, you'll most likely be fine, if not please reply here when it happens would be interesting to read

[@chendakitao7524]

@viviana, so far how's your experience with MSC?

[@koyuki_mitsuki]

Are you still there yet?😅

[@Sailor92]

totally agree with MSC opinion.... they are the worst... had few friends worked in shops 5+ years ago, if you are not Romanian or Italian, you are screwed... but really really screwed

[@aikovidal6736]

Hi Lucy! Thanks for this great insight as always. I do have a request that you might have a knowledge or idea about, can you share anything about working on a luxury yatch such as the ritz-carlton yatch collections. I am interested and intrigued in working with them as I have seen hiring posters from them however theres none to just a little information I could find online about how is it like working on luxury yatchs compared to working on a cruise ship 😅. Thank you!

[@emmanuelmuia7172]

I have a job offer on carnival ... engine department..I have postponed my embarking day from Jan 20th to April 11th 2023.. I am currently working for the United States Department of State.. Iraq embassy..as a Mechanic technician.. the pay was fair..but PEPSI CO. Sent me a waaaaayyyyy better offer😂😂😂...

[@JustSapoetra]

I'm still 15 years old. My brother will be working on a cruise ship in like 3 months. I am having interests to also work in a cruise ship. I would say my english is decent and it would be good enough to do daily conversations (English is not my first language). But i do have my concerns so if any crews or former crews are here, your help would mean a lot. So first, what are the medical checkups to work in a cruise ship? I personally have some concerns. I have some crooked teeth and also have keratosis Pilaris (Both of which are fixable but won't be easy haha). Second, I am worried about one major thing, and that is my social life. As a teen who spent a huge portion of my life in my home with very little social life because of Covid. I stutter quite a lot when saying repetitive words. I always say those words too fast so it almost becomes hard to know what I'm saying Third, i am an introvert. Even though I'm not badly introverted, sometimes during a conversation i don't know what to say or what to choose the topics of the talks are Fourth, How is the daily expenses on cruise ships? I know the food and cabins are free, but how is the other stuffs like Wifi, and etc? Especially that I'm looking to work as a food service which have a low pay compared to others Lastly, what is the work time? What is the time you spend at work daily? I've heard that sometimes it's around 8-16 hours a day and 7 days a week which is quite a lot but still manageable So yeah, that's about it, if anyone's reading this please give some advice haha

[@simonbayford9681]

Can’t agree about MSC we have been on 3 of their cruises and found main country crew were from was Indonesia.

[@floridaman2214]

You need to rise into the executive level at a cruise line. You'd be good at it.

[@allyoucanexperience]

I had Mexican Mafia in my team and my experience was AWFUL 😢 Not only for me, but for everyone who’s not Mexican. You’re absolutely right, about everything you said in regards the Mafia onboard. I would add DCL on this list. They have too many strict rules and you can live, literally

[@AriBezzina]

Looking at doing a DCL contract, you don't recommend?

[@allyoucanexperience]

@@AriBezzina ABSOLUTELY NOT! Working for Disney it’s a nightmare. It isn’t the happiest place on Earth or at sea, not for crew members.

[@AriBezzina]

​@allyoucanexperience9203 Appreciate the advice, could you provide any more details? I'm due out soon working in front of house

[@allyoucanexperience]

@@AriBezzina I’ve worked at the Guest Services desk last summer. They brainwash you the first two weeks, and they make you believe it will all be fun and magical. Then the throw you front of house and they control everything you, even your free time. I am sorry to say but especially GS team was, and is to this day, awful. They stab each other’s backs, and they make your life a living hell! Go elsewhere, even if the pay is lower

[@karyndewit193]

@@allyoucanexperiencewhat’s a nightmare about it?

[@SEABORNE1971]

you have english accent too 🤣🤣, you are so funny, Im laughing with your comments

[@nosvamosconfernando7701]

I serve a few year with a company, and I just red a blog relationship onboard, it call my attention that's why I came to pay you a visit

[@MR3DDev]

I don't think you can fault the cruise line for having a dominant nationality. If the line comes from Italy then they are going to favor their country labor wise. You'd like UK companies to favor UK workforce wouldn't you?

[@guisas123]

That makes no sense. It's a private company not a government affair. It's not supposed to favor any parties.

[@MR3DDev]

@@guisas123 Companies usually favor parties where they are from. It helps the country when people are employed, governments do not create employment, private industry does. Is probably easier on their taxes if they do some times.

[@nazi_ya]

Hi! I have been working for MSC since 2018 and I want to disagree a bit. Maybe before majority of high positions were taken by Italians, but now it’s not like this anymore. There are many different nationalities. Also I was promoted as well and I am Russian! And don’t want to mention that MSC is one of few companies that still hiring Russians. Yes, it’s not perfect company for sure, the spirit of Italian mafia is still there, but things are definitely changing.

[@kuchonato4310]

Does msc accept tattoos people on guest service agent position?

[@tinaconesa]

​@@kuchonato4310yes

[@goku..7]

You said it you are Russian. That’s why it’s good to you

[@TatiAna-vg9fi]

INTERESTING INFO! Even if I finally decided crew life wasnt for me and rejected Harding offer, I really like to listen to you and learn about this trade. Plus, I love your British accent. I am an english into Spanish Argentinian translator. Keep it up Lucy, both as an influencer and as crusing crew. ❤ tati

[@markhunter1]

and i like your spanish accent !

[@markhunter1]

and argentitnan mate drink , i am pretty sure your english is better than lucy{s one

[@ichwilleinboot3921]

Queen Mary 2 is doing carabbien and world voyage as well and Hamburg-new your, Norway and Canada.

[@CypriotaPodcast]

royal carribean is the best cruise not onyl fro passengers but for crew members too.

[@CETravelGames]

I think the info on QM2 may be outdated sightly because it does a lot of world cruises and stuff in Norway I wouldn't mind the transatlantics anyway And I like QM2 a lot too-

[@TopherL]

This video was very helpful. I'm a nurse and thinking of applying to Cunard but there aren't vacancies right now. Queen Mary 2 would have been my first choice but what you've said has made me think twice. Would I likely be able to get off in new York after a few months in the job? Or is the turn around so fast it would be pointless?

[@ashleymatthews683]

If you aren't a US citizen- NY is a very hard port. The ship may let you off but customs may not let you on land. And most ships have a very short shore leave for NY (like less than 5 hours) bc so many people historically jump ship in NY.

[@thewetchef3749]

Cunnard does a lot of other cruises, the trans Atlantic one is the one they are famous for.

[@richBcatering]

The scary Mary it is but it does not just do back and forth it does 3 / 4 month world cruise Christmas cruises etc Germany

[@KevKevAllen]

Video request: interview with ship photographer

[@fritzjadotte6426]

I did not like MSC Europa, as a person of color, I was often stared at and felt uncomfortable.

[@angelle_lajefa]

Please tell me more.

[@Jowi-d7s]

Oslo hasn’t that small port. Even Queen Mary 2 moored there, when I was working at a VERY smaller Scandinavian ferry! Most of the Scandinavian ferries seems to have quite good conditions and wages for crew. Is it better a for example at P & O Ferries? I’m longing back to ships life!

[@itzatripp]

Hello out there. I’m 50 yo and seriously thinking about getting started on a cruise ship. It’s the end of 2023 so please help me. Signed, Tired of being bored, broke and desperate for change. 13:12

[@jaybruminator]

Msc shuffles crew around. On my msc cruise to norway and then after being there 2 weeks he was transferred to carribbean

[@emman6941]

Hi Lucy. 2 of the "newer' Fred olsen ships are ex Holland America ships. Might not be as bad as the other 2 ships

[@gr8fled]

I’ve sailed on chartered MSC cruises a few times. The mafias exist and I witnessed tons of higher placed Italians yelling Italian obscenities at their brethren, and treat all other workers accordingly to their ‘caste’ or position while treating us guests like gold. We all joked about it and I plan on going on next year’s charter. Thanks 🙏

[@-sensibleChris]

Well, I guess as long as the guests are treated like gold 🙄

[@DylanRomanov]

Wtf

[@juliatarrel1674]

Your work is amazing. I'm not able to sustain the effort you put in to work on the ship. But your work helps me learn how to be fair to cruise staff. And I love learning about what they do.

[@TUMARK2]

so like the italian mafia on MTS Oceanos that left the ship to sink and only the band was left to call for help rescuing the passengers?, or the Concordia where the Captain was one of the first into the lifeboats ( claims he fell into the lifeboat),

[@ironpandaloco]

Carnival is top tier the best cruise

[@liamcarlyon9424]

Hi Lucy! I have a quick question! I'm about to work on a Marella cruise ship and I'm worried about my phone! How do you go about your mobile and stuff? Heard some horror stories about roaming charges haha! Thanks!

[@Bess9779]

If you click on the Cruising as Crew title shown above & get to Lucy's home page, she has an entire video on the subject that can answer the questions you have. Good luck on your cruise contract!!!

[@liamcarlyon9424]

@Bess9779 never even thought of that haha! Thank you so much!! 😀

[@Nancy-nx9cf]

Is it true that some cruise ship employees do not get off for almost a full contract?

[@kathy-annmillette-roach2013]

Hi since the shop's or hardin no longer were on the ship are you going to work now are you going back to the spa? And when are you going back on board

[@claudiocarlucci7815]

Instead of calling Italian mafia maybe u could say Italian group or something like that…mafia is more like a criminal organisation , doesn’t mean a group of Italian people

[@katzp5812]

well, not really, because in ship lingo it's called mafia. it doesn't need to be italian, can be any other nationality or group based on some other common trait but it will still be a mafia. doesn't matter what cruise line a crew member works for, everyone understands what the word mafia in connection with ship life means.

[@NaturallyWanderlust]

Hi there! thank you so much! It all was utterly helpful. I am thinking of appyling perhaps next year for youth counsellor with 10 years of au pair and nanny experience mostly from uk, Im fluent in english, I also have a strong beginner german, I picking up languages very easily and I understand all accents 90% of the time. Currently I am studying for class assistant for kids, and I will do a camp animator course and have some experience next summer as a kids camp animator in hungary. Do you think I stand a chance without a bachelors degree in childcare to get on a cruise ship like carnival and royal Caribbean or princess?

[@izabellagubaa6928]

Hi Lucy! Could you tell me if some cruise lines have shorter contracts than others? What is the shortest and the longest contract?

[@JohnDoe-mx2ec]

That is so damn right!: I worked in MSC, and the management team is awful. They yell at you, teamwork is somewhere from zero to inexistent. Schedules are only a copy + paste. Even there was 1 month on which they literally removed a bonus from the payslip out of the blue and it was never given back. Now I will start with Virgin Voyages on June 09th, 2024; I’m super excited that I finally got it. Lucy is right guys: stay away from MSC!!! Money is okay, but no human being should tolerate to be mistreated just because they are paying you, that is precisely the definition of slavory. If you are already on MSC, my best advice would be to run away from there as fast as possible: finish your contract and get to other company, trust me: you will feel the difference.

[@minooty]

Hi, Lucy I have a C1D visa can you explain how to change this type of visa, please? thanks

[@cruiseadmiral]

The title of this video is misleading because the content has nothing to do with cruising passengers experience on cruise ships. There may be valid points here from the crew member prospective, but not from a passenger prospective. I assume Italian crew members may predominate on the MSC ships in Europe. However here in America you will see Italians among the senior crew members and technicians - not stewards and waiters.

[@stephanie-jaynegrindley692]

Curious to know exactly which Fred Olsen ships you’re referring to here. If we’re talking Borealis and Bolette, can the same be said for Marella as their fleet is of similar age?! TIA x

[@natoftw]

How true is this for officer staff? I'm 1st engineer on a bulk carrier and I'm getting offers from cruise companies, so I'm considering it. Most of my friends are not on cruise ships.

[@josephjackson7269]

If passenger avoid these cruises lines. #1. Cunard ( except if your already deceased ). #2. Costa. Except if your Russian , German or Italian. #3

[@FranciscoCamino]

British cruise lines because its full of brits

[@louiselanthier5135]

What is happening with your situation (Harding no longer on Virgin)?

[@andrinissac]

Watch her previous videos!

[@louiselanthier5135]

@@andrinissac I was waiting for the notification!

[@missbritt288]

Who else is looking to see if there company is up there😂

[@michaelkennedy8031]

Hello Lucy, would you choose Oceana for a special occasion? I’m looking for an upgraded experience. What would you recommend? I don’t think Virgin is for me. Thanks So much

[@gratefultube]

Any chance that Gary and you will host a video together?

[@pamelanevin7037]

Hey Lucy, love your videos. No plans to work on a ship, just a passenger but still enjoy watching. Whats your tictok page called?

[@abdullahidangoggo]

Am beginning to worry about the annual overboard number on board cruise ship

[@vvc1356]

Hello! I was wondering I quit a contract mid way with NCL because of family emergency but I want to go back into the industry, what should I say or do to get employment again

[@lilu2830]

By Revenue department do u mean you get commissions? So what happens to your paycheck if you don’t sell your target amount of sales? Do you get paid hourly + commission?