Crew questions...

[amanda6913]

Is it just me or does it seem like the crew works like slaves?? I am very intriguied by the behind-the-scenes aspect of the working people... how much do they get paid? do they get any time off?

I do know my head server said on the 7/6 western they have 6 months on the boat and then they are able to get off...

Can you imagine doing the same thing...week after week...month after month???

Any comments??

 

[paulmc80]

Personally .... I am quite curious what the crew members think of their jobs. On the surface of it the work would appear to be routine day in and day out, but with the right attitudes and motivations it could be quite interesting also I imagine. If management just tells you to get out there and work and work and work, that's boring. But, when management provides someone with the proper motivation and teaching it can be an entirely different thing and even enjoyable.

I sure would love to get the insiders view of the whole crew experience myself.

 

[atigeg]

One of the most enjoyable parts of our many Disney cruises is getting the opportunity to chat with crew members from around the world. We have gotten to know some of them quite well over time...they are such interesting and hard-working people, and they always have such cheerful attitudes. They generally work six to eight month contracts with two months off, and their hours are LONG by American standards, with partial days rather than full days off. But many have told us that Disney is particularly good to work for...they were the first to have a Human Resources person on board, and they have fun activities like special showings of the movies/shows. The crew also has their own beach and swimming pool (the one all the way at the front of the ship). When you cruise, be sure to spend some time chatting with your servers, stateroom host, etc. They have many interesting stories.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[paulmc80]

Thanks Barb! That's great to know. I sure appreciate hearing about that. I'm kinda the nosey type of person in that way ... I love to talk to people about what they do, how they like it and that sort of thing. Just an impulsive thing on my part ... or possibly compulsive ... lol ...

One of the things I do look forward to is getting to know the people that work on the cruise!

 

[mmouse37]

We also chat with the cruise crew as much as we can when we sail on DCL. Many of them have worked for other cruise lines and like DCL much better. Some of them this is their first cruise line experience. I am sure there are some out there that care for other cruise lines for various reasons. The majority seem to prefer Disney because of DCL's "forward thinking".

I also read somewhere that DCL is the only cruise line that encourages/allows crew to date each other. I know that is forbidden on other lines. They still are not supposed to "date" guests, but I guess DCL feels if the crew can openly date each other it can make it a more "normal" life/work experience.

On our cruise last summer our asst server got married on St. Thomas during the cruise and the Head Waiter arranged for them to spend their "honeymoon" night in one of the veranda rooms instead of the regular crew room. They were so excited about it!!!

MJ

 

[BethA]

I didn't know they were allowed to date, but why not--that gives them a little more of a real life. They get off a few hours on some of the days in port and can disembark, but they still work ALL day!We have talked to the CM a lot also and the ones that have worked for another cruise line say that DCL is better because they have a lot of special activities for them and reward them for good comments on their service. They also have the option to stay with Disney, but go to a different part of the company. It has to be difficult to be away from home. Navneet told us he was saving to buy a house in India and then go to graduate school. I've heard that without tips, servers and hosts get $35- 50 a week, but I don't know if that is true.Getting to know them is a great part of the cruise and we always miss them afterwards.

 

[ducklite]

I have met two crew members who are engaged. They met on the ship. They are both in entertainment, and one is a very "visable" person who is not allowed to say exactly what they do. They both "live" in the same area that I do, and I met them while they were on break.

Anne

 

[Mjasp]

I didn't know they were allowed to date either. Thats good they can date, like previously said, its more a normal life without sneaking around. Funny, On our cruise, while playing Bingo. Ray asked Maryann on a date, she said O.K. But I thought it was a joke, as they are both quite entertaining. So maybe it wasn't.

 

[taswira]

Most likely the reason other cruise lines don't let crew members date each other is because of all the ups and downs of relationships. Dating usually means stress, anxiety and distraction along with the good, doesn't it? It could affect job performance and attitude if two cast members had a falling out and were "stuck" on a ship. There could also be a lot of jealousy - especially from the ones who have a spouse back home. But for those who manage to make it work, I'm sure they're VERY happy that DCL allows them to date. And hey - This is DISNEY!

 

[atigeg]

On our last trip, I met a crew member who was just completing her last contract and marrying a fellow crew member. The ship seems to be like it's own little world...seems romantic to meet your future spouse there!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[doombuggy]

When I went on teh QE2 again in 1986, my friends and I "went out" with a few members of the crew. They have their own bar/lounge area where they can unwind. It was neat to see - we went to a few other areas on the ship that were off limits to passengers But since I was there on a trip with some of the Phila. Flyers, I didn't spend that much time with the crew. On all trips that I have taken, I have met nice crew members. It's usually a great opportunity to travel for them.

 

[stormkrow]

Our family just got back from the July 6th cruise where we had Sasha as our server. He is married and his wife also works on the Disney Magic. Usually, they work together, but for some reason they were scheduled at different restaurants this cruise.

By the way, Sasha is a great server. He had my DS and DD anxiously waiting for dinner to see him and our assistant server, Oka. The four of them were constantly joking. Sasha even got my kids to try new foods. He would just bring out an extra plate of food and set it on the table for everyone to try. It seemed we were always the last to leave each night.

My DS (age 13) told us afterwards that Sasha and Oka were the highlight of the cruise for him! Very interesting coming from a teenager.

 

[BethA]

Has anyone here sent a gift to their server or host afterwards? We would like to send something to a few people from the cruise. what do you think would be most appreciated and where would you send it? thanks Beth

 

[atigeg]

We have sent gift baskets via Shirley from the Perfect Gift. We have sent a variety of items in different baskets, such as wine, lottery tickets, or stuff like that, and Shirley told us she had another client send a fruit basket.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club atL www.castawayclub.com