What It's REALLY like to be a Cruise Ship Musician

[@gibfen1235]

If younger, I'm 72, I would kill to play and sing on a cruise ship. I love people and playing with others I guess I waited too long. To others reading my comment, GO FOR IT!!!.

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Yes!! I full-heartedly agree. The opportunity almost passed us by. In fact we both missed the train earlier in life to work on ships, but luckily, the opportunity came back around in our mid 30s and we grabbed on with everything we had and went for it!

[@ilovepalta]

ohhh! I was thinking about working as a musician, but I have 2 children below 5 and one on the way. This is my dream. It would be amazing to be able to bring your children on board. I really regret not continuing working when I was 24 years old as a children entertainer, but I remember I said : " If I ever get onboard again, I will work as a musician",

[@TOYAJAVONNE]

I am looking for unique ways of sharing my musical gift with people. This looks like exactly what I wanna do😃

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

It’s an incredible opportunity! If you find yourself in a position to take it, then do it! Here’s the video where I started documenting our time as musicians on the Carnival Elation! kzbin.info/www/bejne/on7KcpWpmNN0pZI Feel free to watch as much of this journey as you’d like!

[@cjbrewermusic]

I was super curious about what this kind of life would be like. I recently got into a position where I could go for a cruise job and have been weighing my options. You broke things down so well, and I really appreciated these insights. Thank you, David!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Hey CJ! Thanks for checking out this video! There is SO much about the ship life that is great! There are also many things about it that are challenging. What are your biggest concerns?

[@cjbrewermusic]

@@DavidPaigeMusic Oh, man! How much time do you have? One of my biggest concerns is staying happy and entertained outside of performing, mainly because WiFi is so expensive. But I thought about a workaround: books and bringing a reading list along to stay grounded and to balance out the other elements of ship life! Also, I also have some general anxiety about being able to deliver consistent performances. I'm a teacher by trade and am new to doing music consistently. I know how to put on a show and have a decent setlist, but I worry about the quality of my voice and playing potentially diminishing over time. I'm not sure if you could speak to these things, but I appreciate any insights.

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

@@cjbrewermusic I can talk about this all day. Shoot me a message on instagram - @davidpaigemusic

[@captainnemo6723]

Kool thanks for letting us know!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thanks for watching!!

[@barbrex1535]

Thanxs so much for these videos! I'm learning about this matter because i want to work in ships with my husband and your videos are helping us a lot to get valuable infirmation about it!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thanks for watching!! I’m glad I can be helpful! If you and your husband have any specific questions let me know.

[@agaagowska5113]

Thank you for this video, its very helpful!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Hey Aga! Thank you for watching!! I’m glad it was helpful! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I’ll do my best to help!

[@VirtusLenon]

Thanks for sharing this! I'm planning to go solo and now preparing my demo vids, this video really helps to give me ideas, thanks thanks!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

That’s awesome!! Thanks for watching! Let me know if you have any questions! It’s a great gig!!

[@jclgts10]

Thanks for all the info your channel brings.

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thanks for watching!!

[@MarceloLaraM]

So well spoken. Thank you for sharing such valuable information in a great format. I’m looking forward to hear your own compositions, cheers from Peru 🇵🇪

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thank you so much! That means a lot! My original works are on this channel as well! They should be pretty easy to find on my channel page - www.KZbin.com/davidpaigemusic I really appreciate that!

[@randybeidelschies]

Excellent coverage on this subject David !! I worked on cruise ships from 1999 to 2007 for RCCL. I worked in the dance band ( I think they call them the 'Party Band' on Carnival ) with a couple of different bands. I was the keyboardist and singer, we normally played on Deck 7 and didn't have to perform other venues, except on turnaround days in the main theater for one song to introduce us to the new passengers. Our duties were pretty much the same that you guys had, as was the privileges of dining almost anywhere we wanted. Many, many memories and friends from that period. I miss it, and also considered returning to ship life as a solo, now that my boys just graduated college. I've really enjoyed following your journey on the cruise ship, and look forward to more content from your channel. Cheers !!!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

That sounds like a super fun gig!!! Come on back as a soloist! I’ve seen some of your guitar playing! It would be so cool to see a solo guitarist singing and playing keys on some parts!!

[@randybeidelschies]

@@DavidPaigeMusic Thank you so much David !! It would be really great to be on the same cruise ship as you guys - you and your wife are great musicians and positive people. Cheers !

[@markquiroz3460]

🎷🎸I’m an available experienced Saxophonist/Guitarist reliable worker, looking for full time musician positions On Cruise Boats….I would love to join a Cruise Ship Band! Does anyone have any recommendations or leads for contacts? 😊❤

[@winkles-moose2022]

I must say, your site is quite impressive. I came across your page while browsing videos of the Bravo show on the Sapphire Princess, which was absolutely fantastic! The opera singer they brought in was truly remarkable. My wife and I also had a great time with the entire Princess Team and the various entertainers, particularly the pianist in the Crooner's Lounge. Your page provides valuable information on how all these talented individuals end up on the ship. Thanks!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thank you so much!!

[@nataliaaabx]

I’ve been invited to an audition with carnival as a rock band singer in a weeks time so this was super helpful :)

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Good luck with your audition!!

[@InCaveEntertainment]

Nassau? Ya didn’t miss much!

[@coconutkoalas]

This was really interesting. Thank you! I worked on a cruise as well & related to what you said. Saying goodbye to friends is so sad & port manning is a drag & Groundhog Day is no bueno. Still, as y’all know there’s such a surreal magic to that world.

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thank you for watching!! It’s absolutely an “if you know, you know” type of magic!

[@coconutkoalas]

@@DavidPaigeMusic 😹haha agreed!

[@bardenaviation]

Very thorough video! Thanks for taking us along with you on the adventure, sounds like a lot of fun! Question from a Guest about tips - do guests tip you directly during performances, or is that bad taste? What's the best way for a Guest to show appreciation onboard? Great videos - love the cruise based but also really enjoying the music!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thank you so much for watching!! I really appreciate that! Some guests tipped us directly. When we were in the atrium, sometimes people would pass a cup around. When we were in the casino bar, people would approach the stage. Either way was very much appreciated! We don’t mind a few seconds to chat between songs if someone has a nice compliment, a song request, or a tip. The timing has to be super quick in these moments as there is still a whole room of guests to entertain. However, some artists may be working with backing tracks (we do). If a track has started, they may not be able to just stretch part of the song to talk to you, so just gauge your timing on that. If approaching like that felt uncomfortable for the guest, another good time would be on a set break. Some artists will have CDs for sale as well. We didn’t know we needed to get approval from the cruise line prior to boarding the ship, so we missed that opportunity. Giving appreciation in any form would never be in bad taste for us. We will keep the videos coming!

[@bardenaviation]

@@DavidPaigeMusic Appreciate the advice! Looking forward to more!

[@harrymichaelmusic]

Hey David, love the videos, i’m flying out to miami this coming Wednesday for my first cruise contract as a Drummer aboard the Carnival Breeze and absolutely buzzing for it! Watching loads of cruise ship musician videos to build the excitement but also to hear what i can expect! 😁 Who knows, we may be on the same ship someday!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Hey Harry!!! Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it! I remember that excitement very well!! Have a GREAT time! I hope we end up on a ship together, that would be awesome! What ports will you be going to? I’m trying to remember if there are any of our friends on the Breeze right now. I’ll get back to you on that one

[@harrymichaelmusic]

@@DavidPaigeMusic I know we're going via Mexico and the Caribbean but otherwise I don't actually know any specifics haha and yes that'd be awesome for sure! Fingers crossed 🤞

[@Berbs73]

How did it go?

[@harrymichaelmusic]

@@Berbs73 Hey Berbs, its gone really well, i‘ve actually made a bunch of videos on the breeze on my channel incase you‘re interested in seeing what life aboard the breeze looks like :)) Thanks for asking!

[@ercomusic2299]

Watching this video while onboard 😅

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

That’s awesome! Are you on the Elation or the Viva?

[@kellyvines4434]

Hi David! I've been invited to audition as a band vocalist with Carnival and this video was really helpful :)

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Good luck Kelly!

[@donnadonna7024]

At the end of this video I think you mentioned that you play four five times per day so thank you

[@jessicanatale2015]

Hi! I love watching your videos and working on a cruise ship has always sounded like such a dream for all of the reasons you shared! My question is about how did you guys get paid? (And other crew members in different roles as well…) Perhaps this may be too personal, but wondering if you could share any insight on if you thought most people were paid well or not…and how you could afford to keep an apartment back on land, etc. (These are all thoughts I’ve had whenever I think about applying to work on a ship…like what would I do with all my things, would I be able to afford rent while gone, is the amount of hours worked worth it, etc)

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Shoot me a message on instagram and I can talk more about it. @davidpaigemusic

[@webjammer1]

Our bass player did several contracts and he says a solo or duet gig on a cruise ship is the best gig to have. You don't have to share a room and the pay is better. The only thing better is being a guest artist. If I were a young musician I would jump at the chance to have that level of saturation being a cruise musician. There is nothing that builds chops like playing 4+ hours everyday weeks on end, that and being able to play with better musicians.

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

From what I’ve seen, the singers in the production cast, and any soloists get their own cabin (guitar, piano, and steel drum on our last contract). Duo acts usually end up sharing cabins or possibly getting a single shared cabin which is essentially two closer sized cabins with a single bed that share a bathroom. Luckily enough, since Stephanie and I are a married couple, we don’t mind sharing a cabin! ❤️❤️❤️

[@marinadauria767]

Love your videos! I am hoping to work as a solo singer/guitarist on a cruise so the videos are helpful. 1 question, what agency did you go through to get the gig?

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Our agent is a one-woman operation. She has a VERY small roster of artists that she represents. She keeps it that way so that the cruise lines know she means it when she endorses an artist. I’d prefer to keep this particular card closer to the chest. Our deal with her is non-exclusive and we got offers from other agents as well including some from Lime Entertainment, Landau Entertainment, and Suman Entertainment. I’d recommend googling cruise ship entertainment agencies and just reaching out to all of them that you are interested in. The more lines in the water, the better your chances of landing the gig you want!

[@PianoWithGuido]

Thanks for the information David! I am a pianist from Argentina who is going to join Carnival Valor in a month. I hope we met somewhere in the future! Take care, Guido

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

That’s awesome!! Congrats on the gig! Are you joining as part of a band or as the piano bar entertainer?

[@PianoWithGuido]

​@@DavidPaigeMusic Thanks! I will join as part of the rock band, as a fill in for 5 months. I can't wait to live the experience of the first contract! More than 200 songs to learn on my own haha but it'll be fine I guess. Thanks again for the videos! Very informative and cool. Guido

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

@@PianoWithGuido you’ll have a great time!! While you’re on Valor, there will be a cruise where a music festival kinda takes over. Say hi to Frank from the Alma’s for me!

[@jonsjamroom1221]

Thanks David for putting out this information- great video. I do have a question for you… when you finished the loop of destinations and you were back at home port, did you have time to visit your son or were you shipping back out instantly?

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Hey Jon, thanks for watching! On turnaround day (the day that the guests all get off the ship and new guests arrive), there is maybe an hour without guests onboard. Almost every department is all-hands on deck to provide the services needed for the outgoing guests and the new incoming guests. For our first contract, the home port was in Jacksonville, Florida. My son lives in Chicago. So we didn’t see him between the time we were needed onboard. On our second and third contracts here on the Norwegian Viva, the home port keeps moving, making it even more difficult to coordinate something like that. However, we have brought him onto each ship we have been on and will continue to do that. We also FaceTime with him almost daily! It’s hard to be away but modern technology helps ease some of that.

[@nanulimon]

Hello! Your video is very interesting and useful. I would like to know in general terms what the selection process is usually like to audition as a duo since I am part of one where we compose our own songs and I would like to know what needs to be taken into account to adapt my duo to audition. For example, if it is necessary to prepare a repertoire of covers with a particular genre or if when auditioning you are already given the repertoire of songs that you must play during the trip, and also if you have to share a cabin with your duet partner or if There is the possibility of having a room to yourself. Thank you very much for your video, very detailed information.

[@lynyrdskynyrdtributeband]

I really like your video and thanks for helping fellow musicians. I play in a a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band "Almost Skynard" . I am having a hard time finding a Booking Agent. We are located in the state of Alabama and have a Carnival Cruise Terminal in Mobile. Is it possible to book directly with the cruise line ? and also let me know if there are any booking agencies you recommend. Thanks

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thanks so much! I'm glad these videos have been helpful! I bet your band does AWESOME down in Alabama! I know that there are a lot of music festival cruises or rock cruises or other specialty cruises that charter these ships for a week or two a year. I honestly have NO idea who to contact, but here are a few websites that I found using Google where you can find information about those cruises: monstersofrockcruise.com/ rocklegendscruise.com/rlc11/ www.shiprocked.com/ There are TONS more. As for working directly with the cruise lines, I would be willing to bet that they're going to want their contracted entertainment to have a huge repertoire. For guest artists, they would likely be interested in having you come on and do a show or two throughout a given sailing, but then you'd likely have to be off to find the next gig. I'd highly recommend finding an agent who can keep booking your future gigs while you're physically busy traveling and performing. Again, I'd start with Google to find your agent. Look up "cruise ship guest entertainer agents" or any kind of modifications to that you'd like and start down the list.

[@ScottStar2023]

So for me I’m single that we’ll not bother me a bit , keep them in your contacts in your social media so if someone leaves which happens you have them on your social media platforms . Even if you social is inactive . Keep all your connections that way , I stepped out just recently from one of my social media but I can come back l I’m doing other things so what I do build connections with other platforms as in social media . Get my name out there . Learn from my experiences from various people and study my craft I’m pursuing. 👍

[@JS_bass]

Great video...what about body or hands fatigue for the high number of gigs?

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

I occasionally get some hand fatigue, but for the most part, I’ve gotten used to the gig frequency. This ship has us performing on tile floors which is taking a toll on my wife who performs in high heels. The tile has been brutal on her. Our voices get more tired than my hands ever do though. Sometimes we are counting down the days until our next day off!

[@kedge1]

I'd really love to do this job as a musician, I've been gigging for 20 years now, I have a big repertoire of music I can play,but I read that if you want to work on cruises in the bands, you have to read music to a pretty high level and I don't, it's the only thing stopping me from trying.😕

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

If you’re a guitar soloist or piano soloist or if you go out for one of the rock bands, you do not need to read anything more than the charts you write for yourself. If you’re auditioning for the orchestra band, then you will need to read quite well.

[@slimfit767]

Na u don't need to be able to read whatsoever.

[@ObamaoZedong]

Great video. Got a couple questions. This might not apply as much to you as a guitarist but can you practice in your quarters? Especially with a loud instrument like trumpet? Also, are they accomodating of people with dietary restrictions or is it pretty much just whatever they have at the buffet is what you get?

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Hey! Thanks for watching! I’ve heard the violinists practicing in their cabins before. That being said, you can hear everything through the walls. Laughter, sex, music, etc. Being respectful of other people’s space and possibly differing schedules will go a long way. If it were me, I’d find another spot. Possibly backstage or even in the theater when it’s not in use. Different ships use their spaces differently, so you may have to be creative with when and where you shed. As far as food goes, if your needs are really strict, you may find it difficult to get your needs met. If it’s a HUGE concern of yours, it may not necessarily be the most conducive environment to taking care of your dietary needs. If you speak with the galley staff about dietary restrictions, they may be able to whip something up for you. There’s almost always a vegetarian option readily available, but you may have to just ask for what you need if what you need is not there. Remember that it may be an extra task that you’re asking of the kitchen staff, so try to be super gracious, even when you’re frustrated or hangry, so they only see you as a team member who is in need and not as a frustration or a problem for them.

[@ObamaoZedong]

@@DavidPaigeMusic Awesome thank you for the super detailed answers!

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

@@ObamaoZedong happy to answer as much as I can!!!

[@brassholio]

Buy a shhhmute for practice in your cabin. What I would do would just go to one of the venues when the guests were in port. I used the piano bar a far bit, and could even plug my phone into the speaker there and use it for backing tracks.

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

@@brassholio which ship(s) did/do you work on?

[@BG-kq6cn]

Brilliant contents you've got 🎉 Thanks a lot for sharing 🎶 I am an operatic soloist and recitalist 🎭 considering working on a brand new cruise ship 💫 I have never performed with background soundtracks 😅 apparently I won't be that lucky to have an accompanist with me onboard ... Any suggestion/advice is gratefully appreciated 🍀

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Thanks for watching!! As an operatic soloist, you may have more success in putting on the show you are wanting to put on as a guest performer. Guest performers typically come on to do one or two performances in a sailing and are usually sold to the ship as a packaged situation. On most ships, the singers either perform in the cast with tracks or a band, in the bands, or with an instrument to accompany themselves. As a guest performer, you have your show that you pitch to the ships (or have an agent do that for you)

[@BG-kq6cn]

@@DavidPaigeMusic I am so glad to hearing from you 🍸 Thanks for the insight information 🤝 The agent told me that I would act as a residential artist on the ship - 6 sets per day, 10 - 15 minutes per set ( 6 days 5 nights cycle up to 11 months). It seems to me it's pretty light and I will have more free time on paper (although I have not seen the actual contact yet). The main reason of me accepting or even considering the position is able to perform on daily basis 💫 just like you mentioned in your video(s) - performing is important for us artists 🗝️ Looking forward to seeing more contents from y'all 🍀 All the best!!

[@donnadonna7024]

How many times per day did you have to perform at different venues and how long was each performance?

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

The schedule varies depending on other events around the ship, like production shows, comedians, guest entertainers, game shows, illnesses among the department, etc. We USUALLY played three 45 minute sets in a single venue on a given day. When things were varied, we may perform in multiple venues, and we may perform between two and five sets on a given day. Also, occasionally, our sets were extended to an hour instead of 45 minutes

[@markquiroz3460]

🎷🎸I’m an available experienced Saxophonist/Guitarist reliable worker, looking for full time musician positions On Cruise Boats….I would love to join a Cruise Ship Band! Does anyone have any recommendations or leads for contacts? 😊❤🎼

[@marahgannaway1382]

Do they ever hire just vocalists that don’t play an instrument that joins other musicians? Is it is already established bands that audition for the jobs?

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Yes they do. There are plenty of jobs within the entertainment department to audition for. Honestly, first step is going to be research. Figure out which types of jobs would fit for you, tailor your resume and your song list to those kinds of jobs, and make a performance reel. Then you’ll should google the contact information for as many agencies as possible. Go get your job!

[@andrums93]

Hi David. I am Andrew. I been trying to find or get a cruise ship gig as a drummer. Please let me know how can this be possible for me ? And how I can start working on sight reading as well. Thank You !

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

@@andrums93 hi Andrew, what have you done so far to find a gig? You’ll need to have an exciting performance reel, a resume, and an extensive song list. You’ll need to know the types of gigs out there for drummers, and you’ll need to look into which agencies help place drummers. All of the information you need is available on the internet. I play the gig. Unfortunately, I don’t hire for the gig, and I’m not an agent. As much as I would love to help, I can only point you in the right direction; I can’t do it for you. I’ll be cheering you on, though! Best of luck! 🤞🏻

[@safiatousouare4917]

How did you get a contract with your wife? My fiancé and I are both auditioning for cruise lines and want to figure out how to do this.

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

We are a duo and auditioned for our agent as an act. If you’re looking to do that, it’s very easy to make sure you’re working together. If you’re auditioning for jobs in the production or theater shows, it can be just a little more challenging. I know of married couples working on different ships because one ship needed a singer and another needed a dancer or that both voice types aren’t needed on a particular ship at a certain time. Sometimes they get to work together and sometimes they don’t. What kind of jobs are you looking for?

[@ronellesilva4381]

Is the port manning requirement done on all cruise lines?

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Yes, but from my understanding there are different ways it’s handled. Soooooooo much of what a crew does as far as safety training and drills is mandated by international law.

[@ronellesilva4381]

@@DavidPaigeMusic thanks.

[@asgoodasold1439]

How long do you have to play for in each presentation?

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

On the Elation, most sets were 45 minutes with one or two 60 minute sets per sailing. We would play 3 or 4 sets per night. On a few outlier occasions, we would have to play more than that.

[@asgoodasold1439]

@@DavidPaigeMusic Thank you

[@georgemartinez4355]

Buuuuuut how do I apply? I wanna do it.

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

I’d recommend looking up cruise ship agencies on google. There are a ton of options that will work great for you! Having an agent that the talent buyer knows is helpful to get your name to the top of the list. You’ll need a performance reel, a song list, and a resume

[@JimmyA78]

Twice??? That’s it?? What a giant baby haha I can’t believe that’s the 1st thing you didn’t like about your contract

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Not a great way to start off to make friends. I’ll forgive how rude this comes across though. I had to do it twice because this was only a 3 month contract. It was my first contract with Carnival, so several of the cruises at the beginning of the contract included training. By the time I was cleared for safety duties and added to the rotation, my letter only came up twice. I’m including this first because this was something I didn’t know about before starting to work on ships and I felt it was important for anyone considering this line of work to know about it. Additionally, as you’ll see, most of the things I didn’t like aren’t that big of a deal. Please take a beat before calling people names. You don’t know me. That was uncool.

[@donnadonna7024]

Hi David. Thank you for responding to my previous comment. I tried sending you back a reply but I realized it got kicked back it's not being able to be delivered. Is there an email address where I can send you a thank you email?

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

[e-mail]

[@RudyCanFail1]

do musicians, according to the contract, have to do something else besides playing?

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

We do have safety duties, but we are contracted to be musicians, we do not have another job onboard. I talk a bit about that in this video: Additional Responsibilities of a Cruise Ship Musician on the Carnival Elation kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXjdaXZ5gKiIbMk

[@RudyCanFail1]

Tnx for answer. Please can you tell how much is salary for 2nd trumpet player...

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

@@RudyCanFail1 my pleasure! I can’t really tell you trumpet salary because I don’t play trumpet and I don’t perform in the show band or a jazz band. Musicians in different positions are all paid differently and the salaries can sometimes be negotiated a bit. What I can say is that entertainers generally are some of the better paid crew members.

[@YedidiaVoice-hd5kl]

is there wifi?????

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

It’s not cheap, but yes

[@tannerhall8410]

So you and your wife are both on cruise ship contracts and you leave your son at home? WTF dude?

[@DavidPaigeMusic]

Considering you don’t have all the information, this comment is insanely ignorant. You can ask questions, but keep your judgements to yourself.