Cruise Ship Crew Q&EH Part 2 (On having tattoos/beards, becoming an activities host, etc)

[@toddstraveltips7801]

Great information! The background music is so distracting though... anyway I have an interview in Calgary later this month. I'm an RMT with tattoos on my arms... guess we'll see if it's a go or not.

[@drewb52]

I just watched a bunch of your videos, and I've enjoyed them :) Thanks for doing them. You're an entertaining person.

[@tracynurin92x63]

I will go for the cruise crew interview on January. Hopefully my tattoos won't be a problem cause it's not visible and still can be covered in a long sleeve. Thanks for the info, girl! :)

[@richardnone5644]

i have been on 16 cruises already and never had any idea what crew life is like except the work long hours and do many jobs on the ship richard in the tropics

[@marrizzllee1]

Wow !! THIS VIDEOOOO IS SPEAKING TO ME!! I totally want to do this! I deff see myself being an activites host as I recently worked as an event promoter for a radio station in town & always present people and greet/introduce games to people and fans at events and was literally the most funnest job meeting people and having a great time! I am 21 years old and in a bit of a crossroad for which career path I should chose, no degree or anything and Im from Florida and undecided on what to do. I want to travel more than anything while I'm young and just want to gain as much experience as I can to eventually own a business in the future. So it's between going in the medical field in the military or getting a job doing this? Or maybe both? You are truly an inspiration Michelle!!

[@MichelleTimrox]

Go do it!! See the world! Seems right up your alley! There's always something else if you find it winds up being not for you

[@pardiedanser]

Thanks for your videos Michelle, nice to get an inside look :) Do you possibly have any info on IT positions from your experience, types of jobs/hours/cabins. Keep making your great vids!

[@MichelleTimrox]

Hey there! theres the IT manager position- nice and cushy officer status, lots of hours bUT better pay then most and your own room ;)

[@pardiedanser]

Thanks so much! I think I might actually survive if I could manage my own cabin ;p Definitely going to try my luck :)

[@Getalifeatsea]

Great question - yes - IT officers do have their own cabin as do Passenger Internet Cafe Managers :) Check out my channel for more info or my site www.getalifeatsea.com

[@happyliltraveler]

Talk about romance and relationships on the cruise ships! There's bound to be some juicy drama???

[@MichelleTimrox]

Absolutely! This one is coming out in October- Ive OF COURSE got to film it with my fiancee... Who I met when we were both working on a ship (sometimes it WORKS)

[@selenunal3553]

Michelle Tim my parents also both met while working on the ship now I'm here! Hoping to also work on the ship when I'm old enough!!!!

[@blord9841]

Interesting map. Austrailia is crowded with SE Asia, is that a plate tectonic progression ?

[@JOEYHIPHOP2008]

I hope you are doing well Michelle . And you would be so much fun to talk to . Dinner with you would be a honor . ⚓

[@MikeSteinSeaTac]

I'm actually surprised that a popular question wasn't What's it like to mentally deal with a "groundhogs day" lifestyle? Every week is exactly the same except for the guests. Is that difficult ? I have to tell you that my admiration for the staff on cruise ships is overwhelming and I thank you and your colleagues from the bottom of my heart

[@kellykel4854]

Mike Stein It's probably safe to say it's exactly like any normal job. But with plenty of onBoard party's to break up the monotony.😊

[@sandrakleinman7215]

Hi! I love your videos. One question I have is where do you exchange currency? For example if you're from the United States and your Cruise travels through the Caribbean, where would you exchange your dollars for the country's currency?

[@MichelleTimrox]

Onboard :) Same as the guests :)

[@matthewbuchalter]

do bartenders and stateroom attendants get paid less thank youth staff etc because they get tips?

[@hermeyioneginger9760]

hello Ms. Michelle. I got a job onboard as crew enrichment program officer. I wanna know what to bring onboard. My problem is... i just started being a minimalist last month. And i am considering the activities and all. I can't bring just black and whites. Correct?😅 Help me out on some essentials. Thanks much!!

[@MichelleTimrox]

I think this was called crew admin on my line... they wore the officer uniform with the stripes- you'll be in uniform about 75% of your contract- only in your own clothes after work/in port... there are definitely theme party days for the crew but people will find things in ports/ make things/ share things as there is enough advanced notice usually to go shop :) Remember you can buy things- you don't have to haul everything there :) Maybe try and get the email for the current crew admin onboard and send them a message :) (they should have an email).

[@drreddog321]

How many work hours in a typical day. I have always heard long, but never a number.

[@MichelleTimrox]

depends on the position and the day (sea day, port day, lots of guests expected on or off, early arrival/late arrival...)- thats why there isn't really a number. I'd work between 5 and 10. A good range.

[@rafaelbordeosjr]

hi Michelle! Is it possible to change departments on a cruise ship? let's say from housekeeping to front office? like cross training?

[@MichelleTimrox]

Showtime absolutely, happens all the time. you just have to have a chat with the onboard hr- some positions require interviews with them- and if you check off all the boxes, you can start cross training and switch over if it's working out/ there's a space on the ship you're currently on. if there isn't space they will try and place you on another ship in that department

[@rafaelbordeosjr]

Sounds awesome. I'll should definitely start working now and get my dream job on the cruise ship. thanks for the info Michelle and keep those videos coming. have a nice day onboard :)

[@envirex]

Hey Michelle I'm going to be applying to work on a cruise ship in a few months possibly as part of the stage staff but i'm not sure yet. Any job and cruise line recommendations? I'm trying to do my own research but I just keep seeing the same old stories from 3 or 4 years ago regardless of what I search. I should mention I'm also from Canada born and raised.

[@Getalifeatsea]

Hey there! Check out my channel for application info Get a Life at Sea :) I'm Canadian too and worked onboard for 10 years before moving into Cruise Ship Recruitment for another 6 years after that - now I operate my own biz www.getalifeatsea.com :) I have worked for Princess, RCCL, Cunard and also P&O Australia :)

[@johnnydeveaux]

Hi, Michelle! I just discovered your channel and I am in love with it! You do a great job giving us that tons of informations. Congratulations for that great job! So, I have a question and would love to know. I am a man with a long curly hair and I was invited to a interview with Norwegian Company. Have you seen mans with long hair working on board? Yes? How much long are them hair? Do I have to keep it laced or I will definitely have to cut? I appreciate your attention :) My best regard!

[@callieowen5631]

can you do a day in the life plz give this comment a like if you think she should do one please do one thank you for all the funny video ok now bye

[@MichelleTimrox]

Yes :) I'll get back into the groove soon!

[@alescia_naomi]

Your videos are so informative! Did you have to get permission from the cruise line to publish life onboard for the general public?

[@MichelleTimrox]

I never did- that's why I never say who I work for :)

[@Ellebee217]

What is your favorite gift you have received from a guest? I know you don't have much space to keep things so I was thinking of giving my cabin steward a box of chocolates as a hello :)

[@MichelleTimrox]

+Liz Talley chocolate is always awesome- but instead of just bringing it, maybe do a little digging and find out what they really like ( you never know, maybe you wind up with that one steward that doesn't eat it)?though everything and anything is an amazing gesture, the best gifts I've gotten have been from guests that paid attention to my likes- then got me something. Sometimes it was on the cruise (they'd buy me something from the ship or port- where there can be loads of candy depending on which ship/which itinerary), sometimes it was when they returned for a second time and brought me something from their home and sometimes we'd exchange emails/addresses and they'd lovingly ship me my favourite chocolates on holidays. If you are from somewhere that's 'known' for something good, that's always cool to receive and try as well. Let's us know you back :)

[@adamsingleton7771]

Thank you for your videos they've been very informative in researching if I want to pursue work on a ship. I have a question. Are there requirements for all staff to know how to swim? I've never learned even as an adult.

[@MichelleTimrox]

Adam Singleton not at all :) if all goes well, the hope is actually that you'll never HAVE to swim ;) I know many who cant

[@lisachanter474]

What about when your not working in your own time do you still need to cover your tattoo

[@eastgrad2706]

Hi Michelle , does experience and years of service open doors to more jobs on the ship that pay more? and do you get pay raises for years of service ?

[@MichelleTimrox]

Yes- my fiancee started as Associate Hotel Director owing to his outside experience and education. And you CAN get raises/ promotions etc. Some jobs even get bonuses. If you stick around long enough you get a payout for years of service too.

[@allejandrajoyferrara]

God willing, I should be starting with Norwegian Cruise Line in the next couple of months. What is it like for the new crew members on ship? What cruise line do/have you worked with?

[@oscarchavez9232]

what ship will you be working on? lol

[@MichelleTimrox]

I'll be doing a video on what the first week is like soon. essentially it's confusing and a bit of getting lost- kinda like going to a big university for the first time. but itll grow on you and you'll learn the ways of the ship (and where things are) as time goes on

[@lorilemons8801]

How hard is it to get on a ship such as "Below Deck"? Or just a smaller boat?

[@MichelleTimrox]

Not sure what this is? But getting a job on a ship is as easy or as hard as getting a job anywhere else, just depends if you have the qualifications for the particular position you are looking at and if you have the right personality/outlook on life and work!

[@kellykel4854]

Below Deck is Yaughting. 😊

[@ChelsyRenee]

Do you have a recruiter or certain cruise line that hires...I can't seem to find one?

[@MichelleTimrox]

Every country has a hiring partner (or more than one!)- it depends where you are from . Try the drop down to the right here: www.celebritycareersatsea.com/pages/about_hiring_partners

[@DaviWally]

And another thing... What about that map behind you? It's not a today-era world map. Spin and Portugal are toughing the north of Africa and Australia seems to be hand to hand with a giant version of Indonesia... also, there's no Japan.

[@MichelleTimrox]

Davi Curcio it's a scratch map where you scratch off where you've been. indonesia only looks big because even the surrounding water-south China Sea, coral sea etc- is in the scratch coating (like a scratch card) lol. I haven't been there :)

[@ajwriter5699]

Why does she remind me of Marylin Monroe in the beginning of this video? Maybe it's the hair.

[@melindawilson7127]

AJ Writer iiii

[@analya24]

Yeah, she does. For me she also looks like Mandy Moore. So it's Mandy Monroe. 🤣

[@jaller6981]

Hi michelle.. i have tattoos that is visible especially on my neck.. it is still possible for me to work in a cruise line as a kitchen staff? tnx

[@MichelleTimrox]

If the uniform covers it :) Check with a recruiter!

[@lillysteele1406]

What do you do if you are sick do you still have to go to work is the doctor free for the crew do u get to lounge by the pool or eat at the passenger buffet do u have to eat the passenger leftovers and if there is a coffee shop that passengers have to pay do crew have to pay?

[@kellykel4854]

Lilly steele she answers 90% of your questions in her 3 videos

[@keonmaximus5953]

What cruise ship are you on?

[@toddstrong6902]

I just came across your video today and I see it was posted almost 2 years ago... anyway have a question, maybe you can help me. I'm also from Calgary and I'm a massage therapist in Calgary. Thinking of going to sea but I have two full-sleeve tattoos. I can cover them at times but I use my forearms during the massage so obviously they wouldn't be covered at times. Wondering if I should apply or just look for non-sea jobs. Thanks!

[@MichelleTimrox]

Some lines like Marella don't mind if you have tattoos.. so def look into which ones will allow it :)

[@Beat.Saber.alekcake]

What about facial piercings?

[@Timmyeatspizza]

does the security on your ship carry a firearm and handcuffs and what is the age range of the people in security? I work in a resort/casino doing security now and I'm thinking of applying

[@RabbitLionRetreat]

research each company. very unlikely youll be using the same equipment. im certified for everything and yet wanting to scale down to a "mall cop" figure to work on a ship.

[@MindsetMastery75]

What about if i have a criminal history? Would i still be able to get a job on a cruise ship with a prior arrest record?

[@JJ472000]

Are you allowed to have dreads?

[@charitywabwile2785]

I need this answered

[@burningblue1254]

Tattoos and red hair. One word "don't". I am with passenger services on a cruise line and these are generally no nos. There is a lot of competition for cruise line positions and these could rule you out quickly.

[@courtneyzimmer2323]

I am 18 years old and so interested in a job as a server or bartender on board. I'm curious if there is an age requirement to work in this department? :)

[@RRTV5689]

Hey do u know if its ok for a kitchen crew to have a long hair? I mean like an undercut, manbun on top but clean on sides..

[@MichelleTimrox]

Yep, where I was it was okay. just needed to be up and under the chef hat- exact same for the ladies

[@kimash7424]

I have been waiting to get a job on a cruise ship... I was honest and marked that I have visible tattoos, however they are small and I can cover them... Will they even look at my application?

[@MichelleTimrox]

If you can cover them it's perfect. Some lines like Marella don't even care if you have them to begin with- you can walk around freely there apparently

[@arjunnamboothiri2224]

what about the back end people and i have a tattoo on my forearm so is that cool?

[@kellykel4854]

Arjun Namboothiri She said tattoos must be covered. Must be covered by uniform, than ur cool.

[@sailor786]

I am joining a cruise liner. Got a trimmed beard. Is it allowed?

[@rahult1d]

Tattoos are allowed in ships /Cruise jobs ??? Or if I remove my tattoo then I’ll be qualify !

[@meganalicea7561]

I am going to be 18 and am thinking of working on a cruise ship. I am from Minnesota and here, we offer something called a Pseo program (post secondary enrollment option) which means that for your junior and senior year, you can take college classes and get college credit. Like I said I am 18 and I now have a general associates degree. Will that help me to get a better chance of working on board even though I am still only 18? Thanks :)

[@jeremyconrad9183]

how often do you sign a contract? meaning if you sign a 6 month contract can you sign another contract for the next 6 months... or are you required to go through the hiring process before every contract?

[@MichelleTimrox]

Jeremy Conrad nope. once you are hired you are in. At some point during yout contract (near the end) they give you the details of your next contract- which starts about 2 months after the end of your last. theyll give you which ship, date, etc. you'd only need to interview again if you want to change jobs ( which can be done onboard) or if you want to switch cruise lines.

[@jeremyconrad9183]

thank you i just learned roulette and plan on applying for a cruise job in about 6 months... ive been dealing for 2 years but i want to make sure im comfortable on all my games

[@therealmarklewis]

Do the workers have parties on the ship ?

[@MichelleTimrox]

+mark lewis all the time.

[@therealmarklewis]

@@MichelleTimrox thank u for the reply miss michelle tim thank u 😊 an i love the music in the background good choice 👍🏽

[@shanaikrizman4645]

Are they really strict about tattoos? If I had a tiny outlined heart on my finger would they still hire me?

[@MichelleTimrox]

That's one for the recruiter. They are really strict, yes. If it could be covered by something like a ring though...there could be a way around it.

[@missunderstood9321]

I love your videos! Very informing

[@kereemmoore9922]

Hey i am joining celebrity equinox in november and specical tips

[@MichelleTimrox]

None outside of the vids really. Just have fun with it- ive been on that ship, it's a great one ;)

[@sarahxmeagher]

what would happen if you were to become pregnant during your contract? also if you know you’re going to start a contract on a cruise ship, do you get all medications you need BEFORE you head on board or is there something like a pharmacy on board?

[@MichelleTimrox]

To my knowledge, which may or may not be correct- depending on how long you had left you'd still work (or quit, personal choice)- I mean, you wouldn't show for a while, who needs to know? but you wouldn't be able to return pregnant. You can't go on to work with a bun in the oven so to speak.

[@JohnSmith-wr7lg]

So, are we allowed to hook up with guest or coworkers? I know that might seem like an in appropriate question but I can't go 6 months without sex.

[@MichelleTimrox]

John Smith coworkers yes (If they want to obviously)- guests absolutely not.

[@JohnSmith-wr7lg]

Michelle Tim Lol I wasn't implying rape. I'm 21 and really want to travel the world! Your videos have really helped. Thx!

[@mariobelenfante205]

I have a question. What type of experience do you suggest that would look good on your resume? I also would like to be a activities host and want to know what type of experience or would be good.

[@MichelleTimrox]

If you've emceed an event (or multiple events), that would be great on a resume for activities host! Something where you're talking/presenting in front of large crowds, mic work, or even a job where you lead people through activities on land!

[@mariobelenfante205]

Michelle Tim thank you so much! I have one more question. Working at amusement parks would that be good?

[@MichelleTimrox]

again, if you're presenting a lot- it's a lot of mic time, hosting game shows etc

[@DaviWally]

Hey Michelle, were u hired by RCCL? If so, in which ship have u worked? I'm about to board the Vision of the Seas in 20 days.

[@MichelleTimrox]

Davi Curcio sort of! a sub brand of RCCL. all training/procedures etc are the same.

[@Taylormarie12321]

Could you please let me know how much you get paid? I know that it's kind of a personal question but we're all wanting to know

[@gconnolly2]

How dose the key card work dose the money they put on come out of your wages or do u just get it

[@MichelleTimrox]

You get paid onto a proper banking debit card supplied by the ship. You can keep the money you make on there and have that be your bank or send it to your existing bank account and clear it out. Your ship card is different. You have to put money on it yourself and it acts like a prepaid card for buying things around the ship/in the crew bar. When the funds run out you have to top it up or you have no money. It's different from the guests. The guests use it more like a credit card and pay their bills at the end. Reverse.

[@montsebelaunzaran4646]

Wou love your videos! How did you get to work on a cruise?

[@Getalifeatsea]

Check out my channel for cruise ship application deets :) Get a Life at Sea :)

[@cutiekitty3597]

Do you have to have a high school diploma, and if so can you use a GED?

[@arsyilzone6585]

hi michelle. well i still love your smile. thanks for keep uploading video that very useful for me. i have a one question. is there any "halal food" on board? i think it was a big problem as a moslem for me. my parent still not allowed me to go "on board" if no halal food on it. thanks.

[@MichelleTimrox]

I never saw halal for guests or crew, only kosher. there was no demand for it. if there was, maybe it would change... not sure if this is true for all lines though- that's something to be brought up when youre going through the process :)

[@arsyilzone6585]

hmmmm so i think i should pack up some ration? hahaha ok maybe i will ask my manager.

[@MichelleTimrox]

Totally ask. I'm sure they can help you out/find alternatives.

[@freyabarry4733]

What’s the rules on piercing ? Xx

[@hartzstudios11]

Is it required to have a hiring partner? Is it possible to work directly with RCL?

[@MichelleTimrox]

Royal rarely does direct hiring. They use hiring partners to do the initial work of finding the talent. So basically you interview with a partner first- if they like you THEN you interview with the cruise line. They're like gatekeepers

[@hartzstudios11]

Thank you-I just accepted my offer with Princess Cruise Lines! Your videos have really helped answer some good questions.

[@TimeisReel]

What happens if you get sick, do you get sick days...???

[@MichelleTimrox]

If the doctor signs you off, you're off

[@bowiefernandes92]

Hi Michelle can u tell me how do u get payed on ship is it paid in cash or do they open a bank account n how does it works

[@MichelleTimrox]

In the beginning, way back when I worked from 2010-2011 I was paid in cash. These days (and I'm not sure if its the same for all lines/ all countries) I had an account set up and the funds were direct deposited in. It is an account set up by the company, you can't just use your own existing account- but I COULD set it to forward to my own home account for a small fee, keeping a small percentage on my ship card for some in-port fun... my allowance so to speak.

[@yourmomzgynaecologistdr.d1068]

your videos are very informative.

[@Tutu-ow7tu]

Looking forward to see a new video.

[@Fumblinfae]

what cruislines have you worked at?

[@MichelleTimrox]

Hey Ivy! Even though I only say positive things-because I only have positive things to say about my experience, I never say my line as i'm not sure if them finding my videos would be bad news for me. A simple google/linkedin search will tell you where I come from tho ;)

[@gabrielacordova-valdivia2271]

what about facial piercings? thanks

[@MichelleTimrox]

Some cruise lines are progressive and allow it. Others are old school and don't.

[@robbiemessineo1069]

what ship are you on

[@l.romitaleima8193]

Is there any height requirement for ship.hostess

[@yobrock1617]

I find these videos oddly satisfying...in a non creepy way of course. Lol Why did you stop making videos? Not working on cruise ships anymore?

[@McRocket]

Very interesting.

[@2002drkrish]

Nice video. BGM is a bit loud.

[@NicholasJohnson-nb8vc]

How to wear a life jacket.

[@coisalinda2424]

Nice 👍🏽

[@rabignall]

Good information, hot girl!

[@glittergloss73]

I was really enjoying your videos until the snobby comments on other cruise lines. Disney and RCCL are full of screaming kids and Carnival is full of drunks (with full eye roll)? Have you ever been on these cruise lines? I have, and I haven't experienced either of these. Generalize much?

[@MichelleTimrox]

Hi Karen! Thanks for the comment, totally understand your side. I have been on those lines as a guest and experienced a couple domestics- so just my view (all my vids are my views). I understand not ALL people will have had the same experience. Things can happen anywhere depending on the guest mix and circumstances. But generally Disney does have the most amount of kids (I've heard an average of 1000 per cruise, where as mine would average 30-50. 400 if it was high season-aka christmas or march break) and carnival tends to be a younger, party crowd as it's more economical than one of the luxury brands. :)

[@anonymousmc7727]

Thumbs down all videos until they bring the count😂

[@FourDollaRacing]

Natural hair color? Pshaw.... Black roots! BLECH!

[@crazykev6491]

FourDollaRacing Yeap. It’s safe to say the drapes DONT match the carpet, but it’d be fun finding out.

[@caulen]

How do the cooks party when they work so much? I also heard they also can’t have a BAC above .04? How true are these things