Drugs and Alcohol
You are subject to drug or alcohol testing at any point throughout your contract. A failed drug test calls for immediate termination. Refusals to take drug or alcohol tests imply guilt, and will jeopardize your job as well. Drugs are not tolerated, and cabins may be inspected and searched by local authorities while the ship is in port. If you are caught with drugs, you are immediately removed from the ship, prosecuted and sentenced in whichever country you happen to be in, NOT the U.S. This is a nightmarish scenario, that still happens occasionally. For more on this, watch Alan Parker’s “The Midnight Express”.
Although the alcohol limit is not always strictly enforced, act intelligently. If you feel youÕve had too much to drink, walk quietly to your cabin and call it a night. Drunken behavior can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the ship.
Restricted areas
Never go into unauthorized areas. Stay out of the casino. Do not sit on bar stools. Avoid passenger areas if you aren't following the proper dress code and NEVER go in passenger cabins--this is also subject to immediate dismissal from the ship.
You also have access to a crew workout facility, and sometimes the passenger gym as well. Be prepared to give paying passengers priority while using the workout facilities, especially if they are particularly crowded.
Harassment
Like any workplace, harassment--sexual or otherwise--is not tolerated. Anything that can be construed as an unwanted sexual advance, gender-based discrimination, or any kind of offensive behavior toward another crew member or passenger whatsoever can be grounds for termination.
Punctuality
Timeliness is of utmost importance aboard ships. Fail to arrive on time for a rehearsal or show and you will be given a formal warning (three of which usually constitute termination).
If you are late boarding the ship when it scheduled to leave port, you will either be formally warned or fired immediately. If you miss the ship altogether, you will usually be required to fly to the next port of call to meet the ship (at your own expense), at which point it will be determined whether or not you are to be terminated.
Boat Drill
You are required to participate in passenger and crew boat drills. You will be instructed of your duties throughout the first two weeks in great detail. Pay close attention, as you will be quizzed and tested. It is by law that you participate in these drills and if you miss one, or show up late the matter will not be taken lightly.
Additional Benefits
As a crewmember, you may also be eligible for additional “benefits”. These may include free or discounted family and friend cruise rates, in port passenger tours, or inexpensive health insurance premiums while between ships. These benefits vary between cruise lines and may take several months to come into effect. Learn more here.
