What Is My Officer Job Working On A Cruise Ship? |

Many people have asked, "So... what do you do while working onboard a cruise ship?" This video answers that and more whilst sailing onboard #SkyPrincess with #PrincessCruises.
I explain my day-to-day duties, ship hierarchy, guest services, where I eat, and much more for my encompassing role as an 'Assistant Purser', AKA 'Cruise Ship Officer', AKA 'Guest Services Supervisor', AKA "GSS Dan Speaking".
Feel free to ask me anything. There's lots more to come!
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EMAIL: [e-mail]
TWITTER: @TheDanOverboard / thedanoverboard
INSTAGRAM: @DanOverboardVlogs / danoverboardvlogs
0:00 Intro
0:22 I'm Dan
0:40 What is my role?
2:22 Day-to-Day
3:25 Ship Hierarchy
5:58 Safety First!
6:50 The hours I keep
12:09 What isn't on the Job Description?
13:49 Benefits and Perks?
15:49 Crew Advice
17:29 Wi-Fi?
18:21 Other Crew Positions?
18:42 What they don't tell you?
18:58 Outro and Socials
Equipment (affiliated):
- GoPro Hero 10 Black = amzn.to/4e7mVno (JP) amzn.to/4ecEAKv (US) amzn.to/4bNvpyg (CA)
- GoPro Media Mod
- Hollyland Lark M1 Wireless Lavalier = amzn.to/3RcmYEB (JP) amzn.to/3KwxLWA (US) amzn.to/3x3a30R (CA)
- Rode Video Mic Go ii = amzn.to/4eapULS (JP) amzn.to/4bNvmCA (US) amzn.to/3Vsr9OY (CA)
- Smatree Q3S Telescoping Selfie Stick with Tripod
- Ulanzi GP-4 4 in 1 Magnetic Mount Adapter
- Ulanzi GP 17 = amzn.to/4aIYVUE (JP) amzn.to/3RdGdxn (US) amzn.to/459cqvK (CA) (new version)
Music credits:
- LOFIHIPHOP - Done With Work ( / lofihiphop-509784270 )

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

I am not currently on Sky Princess anymore (as the video states). My contract since completed, and I will be on other Princess ships. My upcoming videos will majority still be whilst working aboard Sky (until my next ship sails!) Come say "Hi" either way!

[@karenmbbaxter]

I think your job is to be eye candy so we paying female guests can have a free perv.

[@falguni47]

Hi

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

@falguni47 Hello

[@HARSHVAGHASIYA-jr8ew]

Hii

[@HARSHVAGHASIYA-jr8ew]

How to apply for job

[@thomasbenjamin6314]

I was a one striper (Purser) 56 years ago. The company (Grace Line) sold it's shipping line in 72. I stayed with Grace til it went under (last US flagged passenger ship). I worked a 40 hour week and was paid overtime. My pay back then as a 2 and a half 1st Assistant Purser was unbelievable. My college friends were making 8K I was making 35K. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Good luck with your new channel.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

That is very interesting, Thomas. Times were different back then, I am sure. With all the technology we have now, I cannot imagine how ship life was back them. Thank you for sharing this.

[@Cassandra_Loveday]

Your channel should be called Dazzling Dan! So honest and down to earth. 12hr per day, 7 days a week for 6 months. That’s a lot. I hope the remuneration is reflective of the hours. Hats off to you! 💜

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

I guess it's one of those things that you get used to, and learn to love. Some departments and crew work much longer and harder than I, so kudos to them! Still, I thank you for the acknowledgment and will continue to make it all worth while :)

[@dennymagdule4372]

Had the privilege to sail on the Sky Princess, January 2020, pre pandemic. We had a fantastic time.

[@stephencarter1635]

Dan, I understand your job 100%. I was a Purser, at American Airlines, for twenty-one of my thirty-seven years at AA. I also was a recruiter and instructor, teaching primarily new hire classes. The Purser position was the most challenging for a few years. My stakeholders were usually 280 passengers, four or six pilots, and between sixteen to nineteen cabin crew. Not to mention being greeted at every landing by airline agents, customs, and border patrol, I was required to hand off the manifests I had completed. One each for the flight crew, the freight, the passengers, and yes, the aircraft itself. Also, government agents at foreign destinations are waiting to come onbard to take possession of the Federal Air Marshal's guns and other weapons each one carries. I will just say that there were at least four to six on every flight. One pre-duty was to secretly inform the pilots and cabin crew of the seats they occupied. Passenger customer service issues, which were endless. After a while, you can make them melt in your hand like butter. They will not even know it. I never used the word "NO" or any word that immediately put up a wall between you and the passenger. Invest in a thesaurus, and you will discover that synonyms will become best friends. This is too long, but one thing I learned from my father: Never embarrass anyone. Also, tell the passenger, "I appreciate you allowing me to assist. I had a co-worker as me how I could get passengers to "eat out your hand?" The simple answer, be honest and feed them the right thing.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Wow, Stephen, this is incredible insight. It looks like your role encompassed two or three positions here on the ship. Our Administration Officer (also an AP) would handle more with government and local regulations in the ports we visit (customs, border patrol, manifests). I agree with your life advice as well, 100% Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Wow, Stephen, this is incredible insight. It looks like your role encompassed two or three positions here on the ship. Our Administration Officer (also an AP)

[@sophialee3211]

Glad to see you on KZbin. I am glad you are doing awesome. Stay safe and healthy 😊

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Thank you, Ms. Lee. I am happy to hear your kind message. I hope you are healthy and safe as well!

[@007nait]

Best of luck with your new job and keep on posting!

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Thank you. And I definitely will!

[@Kimadian1]

Neat to learn more about your day to day Dan!

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Kim :)

[@juanitafurtado8805]

This video is one of the best about working on a cruise ship. Very interesting and useful information, and will be very helpful on future cruises. Thanks for explaining the officer structure and chain of command. it is so good to know we can take any concerns to a 1 bar officer! I always make sure to comment to management on good service from crew, by name of course. It is a small thing to do to say thank you to crew & officers who work long hours so we can have a great experience.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Wow! Thank you so much, Juanita. I'm glad I could provide further insight into the work us officers do onboard. And we appreciate your kindness and recognition.

[@celestevalliere462]

Thanks for providing more background on your position and life onboard

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

You're very welcome. And thank you for watching.

[@JaniceCrowell]

Thanks for the great video.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

You're welcome!

[@davidcalveto]

the best video I saw so far. I am going to Princess in august as a Asst Purser (like you I guess) it was very helpfull. Quiet intimidating I must say ... but inspiring. Thank you

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

I made this video for people, among others, like you, David. Congratulations on your role! Which ship will you sail? Let us know.

[@davidcalveto]

@@DANOVERBOARDvlogs I will be in the Princess Diamond wich sails only in Japan. (I live in Japan and have my permament residency here). Now that you have been so kind to answer me, can I ask you a question ? But I would like it to be by mail as it's a private and personal matter.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

@@davidcalveto The Diamond! I'll be there in July. Seems we have more than a few things in common. You may email me anytime: [e-mail]

[@TheeMcMas]

Excellnt Video Dan you will go far in the Hospitality Industry, my background for the past 40 years has been in Hospitality Management, I know talent when I see it. great job

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Wow! Very kind of you. Thank you! Ship life is taxing and not like the guest service roles on land I was used to. However, there are many areas of opportunity and growth. We'll see where the open ocean takes me.

[@DeoxM3]

Great job 🎉 i am currently scheduled 16 SEP i hope you be there and we meet.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Hey there. I'm not currently on Sky. Maybe we will meet when our ship's cross paths. What will be your role?

[@shawnalscott6177]

Thanks for all your videos Dan! Following along as a 🇨🇦 RN joining Holland America Group shortly!

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Thank you, Shawna. Have a great time with HA Group!

[@shawnalscott6177]

@@DANOVERBOARDvlogs out of curiosity, what did you do for a cell phone plan?

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

That's a great question. Before leaving Canada I told my provider that I would be overseas working onboard. There were a few options offered, and I ended up lowering my plan to the lowest rate per month to keep it active. I removed my SIM card during my contract (for the most part) to avoid any data or roaming fees and simply only used Wi-Fi networks.

[@ianjohnfrancis]

Sailed on Sky last June to Norway. Booked to Scandinavia 27th May - great ship

[@TamaraLR]

Love your crew, cruise videos, I’ve often wondered what it’s like for the crew..we pay the gratuities up front and the day before our cruise ends we always give our room steward extra money and a heart felt thank you..🤗👍🏻

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Our Stateroom Stewards always get the biggest praise. It's actually surprising how loved they are - guests often want to take them home!

[@TamaraLR]

@@DANOVERBOARDvlogs I think it might be, cause we think it’s not the most fun job and we want them to know we appreciate them for a job well done.👍🏻

[@kevinasaurus]

Was just on the Sky in Nov. '22, was a fantastic ship!

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Glad to have you aboard!

[@Quick045]

Would love to hear some stories about Deck Cadet's onboard, since i'm joining my first ship as a cadet this august :) love the video's

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

I unfortunately don't have much information on this department from my side. I would certainly like to have someone on the channel to give us more info about that area.

[@Quick045]

@@DANOVERBOARDvlogs that's a bummer, hopefully in the future!! :)

[@JaniceCrowell]

I would really love to hear about the kids clubs. What kind of training needed? Background checks? Security measures? Etc.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Good questions, however much outside of my knowledge base. I'm sorry, I do not have any feedback in this area.

[@Sailor92]

First contract and already one stripe, nice….. lots of long working crew still have no chance to step up or get promoted…. Especially after Co..na time

[@SusanSmith-ft5zr]

Thank you Dan. I will be sailing on board Sky Princess at the end of October 23. This is very helpful. 😊

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Glad to hear, Susan. Have a great time! Wish I could be there to greet you - the team then will be fantastic all the same, I am sure.

[@thomasbenjamin6314]

We went down to Florida to check out NCL. The pay was terrible and the uniforms were ulgy.

[@alisoncross3933]

We did Sky Princess on 17th June for 2 weeks in Norway, absolutely loved it 😊, were you still onboard ?

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

In mid-June 2022 and mid-June 2023, I was actually not onboard Sky. For June 2023, I was on Majestic. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jasonpayneuk]

Hi Dan, thanks for posting - out of interest, do APs also deal with the financial aspects of ship life (ie guest billing, forex, etc), please?

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Yes, we do. All Guest Service Officers handle guest charges if and when a transaction takes place. Although, it is mostly GSOs and not APs handling guests' credit card payments, cash transactions and exchanges, and account charges and changes.

[@beccacarrillo]

If you were working seven days a week...how would you have been able to enjoy any of the countries visited by the ship?

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Each day I get, sometimes, three hour breaks during the day. I mention in the video (at 6:50) that I typically work 09:00 to about 15:00. Then, I have a break until 18:00, and work until about 22:00. That three hour break affords me the opportunity and time to go out.

[@benjiedeguzman6048]

Good day Sir Dan, Can I ask how's the Duties and Responsibilities of Ship Security Officer in Princess Cruise. Thank You

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

I wouldn't be very familiar with the Security department as I worked Guest Services. I only know they man our gangways on port days, patrol and monitor all goings-on of the ship, do rounds at all hours, and help direct guests.

[@benjiedeguzman6048]

Thank You Sir Dan for this little information about the duties and resp. of Ship Security, appreciated. It will help me for my incoming principals interview for security position on board in Princess Cruise line and P&O Cruise. This is my first time. Thank You so much Sir Dan. God Bless You always Sir.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

@@benjiedeguzman6048 Good luck!

[@mgtravel1]

What qualified you to START your employment as 1stripe officer (GSS) vs GSO? Is GSS ever Entry level? TIA

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Given my education (I have a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management) and my experience in the industry and supervisor/manager roles, I was hired as an AP. GSO would be entry-level for Guest Services.

[@TrashedPandaProductions]

What is your next ship. I have another cruise in the fall.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

I'll begin in Australia soon, and sail places like New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, and more. Can you guess which ship it is?

[@traindrivercarl4908]

Do you work with the cash people bring to the desk?

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

I personally do not take payments or process transactions, my Guest Services Officer's do.

[@stevemero5118]

What is eligibility to be a purser on a cruse ship ? Please can you make a video which covers this topic.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Usually, it can be the following: - Degree in Hospitality or Business Management - Two years experience on a ship or hotel in a supervisory or managerial role - At least two contracts' worth of experience as a Guest Services Officer onboard - Fluent in English communication (speaking, reading, writing) I may have a video out in the future covering this topic.

[@stevemero5118]

Thank you so much!!!

[@TrashedPandaProductions]

Just spotted a spelling error on the chart you showed. First Purser is spelled wrong lol.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Ha! Good catch, Daniel. I didn't make this one, I found it online and didn't catch that typo!

[@candicesb]

Hi Dan, Can you explain the role of Junior Assistant Purser?

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

A Junior Assistant Purser, or 'JAP', is the title for crew such as a Guest Services Officer, or 'GSO'. It is a half-stripe role and JAPs are the team of officers at the Guest Services Desk.

[@candicesb]

@@DANOVERBOARDvlogs I'm starting a role in the next few weeks

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

That's great, Candice! As a JAP? Which line/ship?

[@candicesb]

@@DANOVERBOARDvlogs Caribbean Princess

[@alekmmedeiros.2098]

hey Dan. I'm getting hired as AP Junior. Its the same position? Can u tell me a little bit about how is the life there in case its a different position? thanks :D

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

00:50 "JAP" is a half-stripe role on Princess. Are you part of the Guest Services (GSO) team or Shorex?

[@alekmmedeiros.2098]

@@DANOVERBOARDvlogs GSO... they are checking if I can start as Assistant Purser already. So. JAP also get single cabins or just AP?

[@caloyjuanillo952]

Hi Dan, may I ask what are the qualifications to be a Purser? I am currently working in financial technology prior to that, I am a wire transfer supervisor at Citibank. Thank you!

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

It's all customer service at the end of the day. Definitely experience in the hospitality industry such as hotels, airlines, casinos. Managerial and supervisory experience. I have a Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Management as well. Of course, it's how you deal with people, able to resolve issues, work with a team, and have a positive attitude and willingness to help others.

[@caloyjuanillo952]

@@DANOVERBOARDvlogs Great! We have the same undergrad course. Maybe I'll try my luck. Thanks, Dan!

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

[@mikihironogawa9962]

Hi there how are you doing?

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

I'm great, mate! How are you?

[@falguni47]

Please Dan let me know there is a Person whose name is johnny poulson is working as hiring manager on princesses cruise

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

I am not familiar with that name. I had a look on LinkedIn and did not find that person.

[@falguni47]

@@DANOVERBOARDvlogs yes its a very true Dan thank you so much .. since July he demand money for making payment about registration for job on cruise. ..and he doesn't give E me proper detail and say transfer Western uni money ? Should I give or not what you say ? Video call prohibited in company ?

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

@@falguni47 Princess recruiters would never ask for money for placement. Also, hiring managers / recruiters do not work on board, they are shoreside. They would also have a LinkedIn profile and legit contact information. Seems like an agency is trying to collect money from you. This is not a procedure for Princess.

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Nope! That's a scam. Princess nor an agency should not ask for payment from you for placement.

[@saurabhmohite6615]

I sir iam form India My question is 2year experience in finance department and which select post in cruise ship ?

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

There aren't really any "finance" positions onboard, except for maybe two. One is as a GSO, as the Guest Services Officers handle guest folios and payments, but not finance matters beyond this. Second is the Hotel Controller. This is a 3-stripe officer role and requires years of experience and fleet knowledge to manage the finances of the ship. Else would be done portside in the corporate offices.

[@saurabhmohite6615]

​@@DANOVERBOARDvlogs join to purser to qualification complete

[@C-flims]

Hii Sir It's really informative video If you don't mind Can you Share you salary ? Also we want A purser all details video !!

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Great question. One that has come up often - and I have been meaning to make a video about it. During this contract my salary was paid monthly at $2,400 USD. I plan to make a much more in depth look on wages and benefits.

[@C-flims]

​@@DANOVERBOARDvlogsGreat thank you so much for your response !

[@lorrainej4555]

Are you still on Sky?

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

I am not, unfortunately. I know in the video I invite you to visit and come say "hi" to me, however I have since disembarked. It still applies on other ships!

[@asimasim-uk9mv]

KAPOOO i love you come to mee😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰💋💋💋💋

[@DANOVERBOARDvlogs]

Wow. So much love going around.