How Old Is Too Old, To Work On Cruise Ships?

[@heidibreckenridge9131]

I was 47 when I got hired and I felt and was super fit. I left it after 4 contracts, put up my own business and even got married again. Loved working for ships. I would go back anytime.

[@cornixtenebarum]

60?!?!?! I completed STCW Basic Training at 60, and had a blast!

[@Beanbag109]

I’m 60, and just had my first interview, with excellent results!

[@captainjohn49]

Congrats! Good luck and Fair winds!

[@carlagat1075]

Good luck!!

[@felixpolo6348]

Congratulations! Would you share in what position, please? 10:51

[@koyuki_mitsuki]

Wow, that's awesome 👌

[@sandrarussell7293]

Me too x😊

[@simonallen4550]

Hi Lucy, I joined my first ship in my mid forties as a nurse. The medical team tends to be in their twenties upwards because you need a lot of experience as the job is so isolated. As a nurse I did have my own cabin with portholes which made the transition from shore to ship much easier. I surprised myself that I could still party like I had in my teens. I did miss my grown up children and worried at times about my elderly parents. I left after 5 years because as a critical care specialist I felt in danger of becoming deskilled, but I don't regret my time at sea and have many friends around the world and fantastic memories.

[@rumblemoto420]

If you dont mind pls answer me somthing. I am an RN and i am looking to work on a cruise ship. What hours did you work, how often were you on call, and how much time did you have where you were allowed (if allowed at all) to leave the boat. Thanks in advance! Be as detailed as you can pls!

[@didiermcginnis]

Mid forties is still young 😅 Nice to see you enjoyed your time

[@simonallen4550]

@@rumblemoto420 I can only speak for the company I worked for which was princess. The size of the nursing team depends on the size of the ship the most I worked with was 4 the least 2. There are two walk in clinics a day for passengers and crew and the whole medical team will attend these. One nurse will be on call for the day 08.00-20.00hrs and then hand over to another nurse to cover the night. If you are not on call the rest of the day you can do what you that includes going ashore if you are in port. You will usually have several hours ashore and will not need to be back on board until the evening clinic or the crew all aboard time if it is sooner. So a typical rota would be off off day night, among a four nurse team. If you are on call during the day and there are no patients admitted there are often admin tasks to complete around the medical centre, If there are no inpatients at night you do not have to stay awake. Since I left companies have started to use paramedics in the first responder role but I am not sure how this effects the nursing team. Good luck with your application, Deck Four Forward is a channel run buy a senior cruise ship Dr and will give you an insight into the cases you may see. Hope this helps

[@sarah1490]

This is my dream when my children leave home. I wish I'd have known it was a possibility when I was in my 20s.

[@nickwhitehead3873]

In terms of energy, I was in my late 40’s when I got my first contract in the shops, and I had more energy and enthusiasm than most of the young ones, who only really came alive when they were going into port!

[@Cyndi.Montreal]

That’s good to know. I’m a teacher in my 40s looking for an entry level position. Would you have any tips?

[@glennmoyers4956]

I'm testimony that you can't be too old. I'm 58 and just signed onto voyager as cruise staff. Although I'm a pretty fit and tall male, age is not an issue as long as you have the personality for it

[@felixpolo6348]

Thank you? At 46 years young I guess I just have to realize my dream at an entry level position then! 9:32

[@koyuki_mitsuki]

Really?! Thank you! So good to know that. A 49 Asian female here. Now I know I don't need to give up on this dream anymore.🤩

[@sandym4875]

I'm 60 and I definitely couldn't work for 4-6 months straight without a day off. I appreciate the staff on my cruises so much more after watching your videos. Thanks Lucy!❤

[@bexlocks]

Oh heck! I’m 52, divorced so my kids are now 19 and 17 and will stay with their dad when I’m away. I’m a supply teacher so I’m the summer holidays I won’t get paid. I’m assuming most people will be in their 20’s. I’m going to be working only for 3 weeks. Not sure if any more of the details. I’ll be in the kids club. I’m fit, healthy, I run and cycle. I’m expecting it’ll be hard. I’m not afraid of hard work. I’m young at heart and I don’t want to impress anyone but I want an adventure!

[@tallflguy]

Sounds awesome. I hope you have a good adventure!

[@ladyrose1341]

Congratulations! ❤

[@grahamcooper6476]

I'm 73 years old, but I like to watch Lucy anyway!

[@daximil]

I'm about to turn 50, and I know that the thing which keeps me from applying is a combination of not having a day off, and the fact that I would have an assigned roommate. If it was one or the other, I think I could do it. I can work every day, as long as I have a room to myself, to decompress in. And I could handle having the roommate, if I had days off where I could just rest. But both together? That's a rough one.

[@paulwhite7107]

Iam 63 work on deck, and can work harder and longer than staff half my age, by the way I remember you when you worked on P&o

[@captainjohn49]

Paul, you're the man! I'm only a year younger, and not a merchant seaman (I sail my own boat offshore, etc.)....but, I also find myself out-lasting those half my age in mental concentration / precision, and certainly hold my own with them physically! But, I'm now buying the large bottles of ibuproen...ha ha. (Btw, my Mom turned 102 years old earlier this summer....so, I got a ways to go) Fair winds my friend!

[@crystalmak1437]

I'm 27 and I thought I missed my chance and that it was too late!

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Hi Lucy, I am 72 and am definitely too old to work on a cruise ship! I have no problems going as a guest though.

[@dancingmason]

I reallly hope your next job is crew welfare, learning & development manager or HR, because during my 8 years on ships you would be perfect in one of these roles! You have such an overarching view of the crew experience that many do not!

[@kathryncashner3294]

We've been cruising for over 25 years, and during much of that time had a favorite ship where several of the crew members became "friends." We've watched some go thru great promotions thru the year--one we met as an assistant server; the last time we saw him, he was head of dining! Others have been promoted to specialty restaurants, housekeeping supervisors, etc. Yes, they've gotten older, but they've also moved to positions that are less physically demanding. On the other hand, I've probably seen every one of them jump in to clear tables, inspect a cabin to find where an odd noise was coming from, etc. They get promoted because they know how to work as part of a team, And as a cruiser, it is GREAT to come back on board and see some crew who were on your previous cruise. Our most recent cruises have been on VV, and we had a shop person, an entertainer, and a few others from our previous cruise. It was great to have the entertainer greet us as we boarded with, "Hey, you guys were on a couple months ago!" Sorry that we were never on the same ship as you were on, Lucy. Great videos for crew and for sailors!

[@RyanK-100]

It can't be harder than the two years after having a baby - for either the father or mother. Relentless 24/7 with little sleep and no days off for 2 years. Then you can sleep for 6 hours a day with no days off. Only a singleton would phrase things this way! Excellent video.

[@Jetske]

I'd definitely consider a job on a cruise ship. I'm not that old yet but also not in my early 20's anymore. I'm not the type of person to have a fixed job, kids, house (I own a house but I rather see it as an investment than as a place to create a family). I guess I'd be somewhere in between the young person who wants to socialize and the old who enjoys quiet times. Agree about the fact that it's better to share a room with someone who shares years of experience rather than same age...

[@davidponseigo8811]

I totally agree on the comment of your only as old as you feel because at 49 I'm at my best health in years and mentally I still feel like I'm the 21 year old me working as a bouncer and owner of my own Pub and working as a personal security officer of celebrities and meeting interesting people.

[@tiaan_va]

Don't think I've ever seen someone try to boast so much about themselves in a single comment.. Damn

[@1mezion]

Have to admit you navigated this subject very diplomatically 😀

[@ratanrajsinghdeo]

Now a days guys of 30 don't have energy what I do at 55 in my Emergency Department. The reason is fast food and sedentary habits. In Japan and South east Asia people get older after 75 unlike USA and Europe. As an Anesthesiologist we have really habits of working 24*7 till we become 70.

[@davidponseigo8811]

I'm curious about security on cruise ships. I'm retired law enforcement and personal security protection. I have worked as personal security for many different celebrities and movie sets.

[@sailorspills3025]

There is “security” on the ship .. it depends where abouts in the world the ship is as to the laws

[@traceymarshall5886]

I think it depends on the type of cruise company/ship. I know of people in their 60s and 70s who are tour guides on German river cruises and it is also seasonal work usually within the summer months (when the rivers are not dried up). I could imagine older demographic cruise companies prob have older staff to match the age of the clients??? (Your video was great btw and my comment is not critical...just a add on thought to consider).

[@rogerdixon7178]

I’m 67 and know I’m to old. I wish 40 years ago I knew of the opportunities to work on a cruise ship. Thanks Lucy!

[@Goldy19611]

I worked on a ship with 82 year old waiter and people in there 60s,it's hard work that people 40 and up usually handle best because there not in crew bar e every night

[@neviestix]

Hats off to those who started at 50. It mental attitude and physical attitude foe fun and keeping others safe. Sadly, at 56 I like to wind down at half nine and would rather sleep in a bath than share à room. ❤

[@Trendleader863]

I'm 33 yr old man and I was worried that I'm too old to work on cruise ship lol But 60 wow, I'm ahead of the game

[@didiermcginnis]

I'll be 33 this year and I felt I was to old before but now I see I'm young still for cruise ships 😅

[@mehmoodali1728]

Don't go dear. It is a terrible career to choose. Working on the land is the best thing i ever miss

[@didiermcginnis]

@@mehmoodali1728 you're the first I've heard this from

[@mehmoodali1728]

@didiermcginnis because people wanted to run their channel for longer. I see here every one going through lot of stress and pressure due working every single day like robot

[@didiermcginnis]

@@mehmoodali1728 well everyone is different working everyday isn't an issue for me

[@MikeMiasuki-vy3xx]

I thought you were leaving cruise ships a while back and perhaps not be posting any more videos. Your videos are simply wonderful. The information is timely and very informative. Your presentation is very professional and your personality sells your topic in a way that no one else can. Thank you and please keep up the good work.

[@ronclark1115]

I'm 59 and my alt is 73 so there are some old buggers around.

[@SheilaStewart4354]

We were on a curise not so long ago and we watched a server i'd say roughly mid to late 50s. It was everything he could do to keep up. You could tell if he didnt he'd be gone. My heart broke for him. These guys work so hard.

[@rogerdixon7178]

Thanks!

[@gucci6925]

Can you do a video on recruitment- how to get a job on cruise line and what process is please

[@MR3DDev]

"Unlike your job on land your rank will dictate your living accommodation" I know you have not worked on land in a while but let me tell you is the same. Once I moved from working retail to being manager here at my office, my living accommodations changed from tiny apartment to 4 bedroom house 🤣

[@Buddy869-z9x]

Great point 👍 😂

[@Jetske]

And in the end, it doesn't matter! As long as you are satisfied with your life? I would rather be as minimalistic as can be and a job as cruise ship crew fits right in there!

[@jjdinanno4147]

Very well balanced commentary on the topic. And very interesting. I’ve often wondered about this topic even though I have no desire to do it.

[@bcy5414]

I've never been on a cruise (I don't think I can afford it) but I always enjoy watching your videos! #cruisingwithcrew

[@tommarsden661]

Definitely agree that the position you are going to be doing matters a lot as far as what age is too old. Especially when it comes to entry level positions. If you are in management or close to it and can realistically be in a management position within a few contracts it probably doesn't matter a whole lot.

[@kjbarr333]

I love this video Lucy! Thank you so much for the relevant information. I was worried about my age too. But if 60 is too old then I’m good to go 💪🏼 Btw: I’m in my 30’s 🤫 😂

[@Luffchild]

I would suggest that the age at the start of the first contract on a cruise ship is the most important factor. You at age 30 with 10 years experience is quite different to you at age 45 with no experience.

[@traceymarshall5886]

However i think people who are 45 could have street wise/people skills experience? I imagine with any job...alot of it is down to confidence and people skills which people usually improve with age?

[@Jetske]

@@traceymarshall5886 Exactly, I've learned so much more from life than from education/a study and I did several!

[@normarinker3909]

This was so helpful. I'm a bit of a "seasoned" massage therapist. I was wondering if the London Wellness Academy would frown on my age and deny me. Then again, I have 12 years experience as a massage therapist, and graduated from a Steiner School. I'm a young hearted and fairly young bodied 52. I know you are a massage therapist, so any insight or opinion you can offer for my age specific to massage life onboard would be appreciated. I have been binge watching your videos for 2 days!! Great channel, thanks for all the information :)

[@cathisantacruz9045]

Thank you, Lucy! I am a (54f) GSM on land and considering a GSM, AGM, or GM position when my husband retires in 4 years or so. I am hoping to be a GM by then on land. Those positions have their own cabin and can bring a spouse, yes? I love your channel because I feel an effective manager takes into consideration what the people they manage are dealing with.

[@chetfriday7636]

Well done, young lady!

[@klaudios00]

35 and in 2 months I will go as bartender for Rccl

[@christianpagba6274]

Is that your first time working on a cruise ship?

[@klaudios00]

@@christianpagba6274 no had 2 contracts 7 years ago

[@kenblock3596]

well explained lucy this is why i love yr channel u take time for yr followers

[@cruisecrazy7066]

I am 77. Do you think I have a chance? I could be Navigator, or Cruise Director, or First Mate.

[@frederikalinden2128]

When are you going to post about the update on your new job?

[@randellsamuel4097]

Love what you do here, thanks for the great advice.

[@jons9721]

Not sure you can treat a job as a 'new experience' etc past 30 as you simply need to earn a living and pay the bills

[@captainjohn49]

Lucy, thanks for another pleasant video! I had some friends whose neighbors worked on cruise ships, in the entertainment department. They were in their late 50's / early 60's, and seemed quite energetic for their age. They worked / contracted together, as they did dance instruction/demonstrations, as well as taught card-playing, games, etc. So, while 60 years might be a good cut-off age, some do fine well into their 60's. 😃 Fair winds!

[@petergold1758]

Only 70 for an engineer or Master? We had one that was 80 or a bit more.

[@SJGamer-n2l]

Which is the best cruise ship company ?

[@davidponseigo8811]

My son has been interviewing with Norwegian but he is 22, I'm 49 so I'm pretty sure I'm too old.

[@agussanz5227]

Any company where i dont need to share my cabin as a newbie?

[@roneypillay294]

Hey I have applied for bar waiter on carnival and currently it says application on hold on the dashboard

[@perroloco5664]

What's the oldest for a chef

[@ichwilleinboot3921]

I got my first job with 40.

[@AventureraDelSur]

what job?

[@ichwilleinboot3921]

@@AventureraDelSur receptionist on queen Mary 2

[@didiermcginnis]

I honestly think 60 is too much Well its depends on the department as you said

[@nageswararaokoppana4917]

Hi miss my name is Nani I am from India, I am 30years old, so pls tell me what is steps to get cruise job

[@imaginecreativity7421]

❤❤I really hope one day I can meet you on a Carnival Cruise line. I am starting work on 22nd september in the marine department 2:42

[@stevenchristensen7087]

I'm on 54-year-old single male and I want to be a gentleman host. Do they still hire those guys?

[@jeremiahlumpkin7601]

🙂

[@ivanz3222]

Lucy, I want to mention something about discrimination in sailing/cruise ship industry. I was about to get onboard, everything seems great and then I got this stupid question "are u vaccinated? Do u plan to take at least two dose of vaccine againt covid?" First of all, pandemic is officialy over, and second they still insist on that crime against humanity thing. Trying to think positive and not be dissapointed at all, but this is obviously a clear sign that I should stay in aviation world. They should be ashamed in general, even all the guests onboard are required to be vaccinated. So pathetic

[@itziaralonso5860]

Working on cruise ships is not for everyone.

[@evinchester7820]

Nice video. I've owned wholesale and retail. That is a seven day a week job from open to close. And opening a shop out of town, I worked three weeks straight without a day off until I got the right people hired and trained. A lot of people could never work in retail. Dealing with people can be very trying. And frustrating. And customers just love to take advantage of retail businesses. Sad. But true. But I made very good money at it. And there are those customers you just love. But again, it is seven days a week, open to close. And a whole lot of people can't handle that.

[@rwrae72]

Are married couples allowed to work on the same ship, share a cabin? If you leave during the trip ... do you just launch a lifeboat? lol

[@chanellemartina1588]

I’m in the process of getting hired by RCCL (at 51 as a bartender) and per what I’ve seen while researching everything - this cruise line allows married couples to room together.

[@rivervisual7802]

I am 51. I applied to many ,many lines. I have heard ZERO from ALL of them . ZERO. If you're over 35. Don't even bother unless you're a captain or such.

[@chanellemartina1588]

I’m 51 and in the process of getting hired as a bartender with RCCL.

[@rivervisual7802]

@@chanellemartina1588 except for bartending jobs,i see all of them hiring bartenders.I applied for working in the 'stores' below deck. crickets for everyone

[@melparrishjr]

@Cruising As Crew Lucy, is there a way to start a new contract as soon as you finish your contract or is there some sort of industry rule or law that mandates time off between gigs? I can't imagine living on a cruise ship for part of the year and then being homeless for another part of the year during break time. I'd rather work every day all day and not take a vaycation between jobs if it keeps me busy and under a roof.

[@philippecoraro_author]

😂😊👍🫡

[@tanyamassey9438]

65 for 2 more months. Too old.

[@stephaniefeiockrealtor]

In a nutshell, How old is too old ?

[@goldsilver545]

Lucy are you married or single?