Working for DCL

[CM_Mom]

- Counselors are assigned to an age group, right? When is this decided, and by whom? Do I get any say in the decision?

That depends on what positions are open and what they need when you've actually offered the contract. They do consider your preferences but don't guarantee them.

- Which age group is the best? Which is the worst?

Hard to say. DD has worked with 3-4s and 5-7s and enjoyed them both. Before she changed to Admin, she was thinking of moving to the older groups for the experience. I think it's more a matter of preference. Some folks love the little ones and some folks really relate better to older kids.

- Are the teens generally angsty/sullen/highschool-y? Or do they get into the Disney mood?

No specific experience or knowledge but I've seen many posts about the fun the kids have on board. But they ARE teenagers.

- How much of the job is supervising kids "suckling at the glass teat?" (I mean watching TV/movies/playing videogames...)

Best bet is to check out the Navigators at www.dcltribute.com/navigators Choose a trip and then click on Kids and Teens Navigators. Gives you a great idea of the activities. Mainly quiet time movies for the younger ones in the early afternoon (nap time) and late evening ( after 9:00) Lots of structured age appropriate activities.

- How is the food for CMs?

Food is good and plentiful but it's not the same as the guests are served. The counselors can go to the local restaurants when they have time off in port.

- Do regular CMs ever see the shows in the theaters?

Can't speak for the other CMs but the counselors are able to watch the show if they're not on duty. DD had seen all the shows before the end of her first contract.

Have fun.

 

[Kanga]

Hi araminty - greetings from a fellow Aussie.

We've just come home from a month in Florida/Disney Magic cruise, and the all CM's on the Magic that we met were all wonderful and very friendly!!

There seemed to be Aussie CM's everywhere. There was one working in the "Lab" but she had just finished her contract and was coming home, but she had really enjoyed her time aboard.

All the other Aussie Cm's we spoke to, were renewing or had just renewed there contracts for another stint onboard.

I don't think you would regret going, even if you only tried it for one contract. Give it a go! I'm sure you'd like it, otherwise the other CMs wouldn't kept renewing their contracts.

 

[LibertyBelle]

Originally posted by jfs9900
Another question for CMs.... do they have specific port days off?

How do you arranger to get personal things done like a hair cut or shop for personal items like toothpaste/soap etc?

Is there a shower/bathroom in each room, or is there a common shower area?

I can't speak for DCL on the port day question (I worked for NCL and we had all port days off...depends on your position) but for your other questions...

There is a crew store that they can buy personal items like toothpate, soap, snacks, etc. Also, most of the CM's get time off in Port Canaveral to do some shopping and/or make phone calls.

Yes every room has it's own shower/bathroom.

 

[tkd lisa]

I know that there are opportunities in Port Canaveral to do your personal errands. Several people often give Wal Mart gift cards as extra tips for special CM's because they've been told that Wal Mart is one of the places that CM's can go during that time. I think DCL has vans that drop off and pick up around the local area. It is a really fast turn around though, so I imagine you'd only get a couple of hours each week.

I rode the tram to serenity bay with an off-duty CM. There is a staff area on Castaway Cay that you can use on a rotating basis (I got the impression that you aren't "free" every trip to CC, but every so many trips), and there is a staff pool.

As far as which age group to pick, that's a complete personal preference. I'm sure that there are some sullen, mad at the world teens on any given trip. But I think that the vast majority of people who would spend the money to bring their teens on a Disney ship do it knowing that the child isn't so anti-Disney that they would be in a funk the entire trip.

 

[araminty]

Can I say again how great you all are!?

One more question: apparently CMs are paid twice monthly in US$ checks. My Australian bank charges exhorbitant fees to deposit these, not to mention having to post them back home... is it feasible to open another bank account, maybe in the US, maybe in the Bahamas? How do the (non US) CMs do it?

I'm sure I'll be back soon!

A.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

CM_Mom-
I have a question that maybe you will be able to answer for me about the taxes that the CMs on the cruise ships pay. My youngest daughter wants to study Recreation and Hotel Management in college so that she can work on a cruise ship or at a resort in the recreation department. When we were on our cruise this past summer, we spoke to many of the CMs onboard, all from other countries. I finally asked why there aren't many Americans working as CMs and they said that the cruiselines don't like to hire them because there are some issues with employee taxes. Do you have any idea what they were referring to?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Originally posted by Minnie&Mickey
CM_Mom-
I have a question that maybe you will be able to answer for me about the taxes that the CMs on the cruise ships pay. My youngest daughter wants to study Recreation and Hotel Management in college so that she can work on a cruise ship or at a resort in the recreation department. When we were on our cruise this past summer, we spoke to many of the CMs onboard, all from other countries. I finally asked why there aren't many Americans working as CMs and they said that the cruiselines don't like to hire them because there are some issues with employee taxes. Do you have any idea what they were referring to?

My guess would be having to do with Social Security taxes and such, maybe even Federal Taxes. With Social, the employer pays maybe half and then the employee the other half. So not hiring many Americans could save a lot of money.

I know when an American works abroad (for a non-American company), then they are exempt from paying these taxes. But perhaps since DCL is home in Port Canaveral, on American soil--then perhaps Americans would not get this same exemption.

Purely my educated guess only. If anyone has the correct answer, feel free to chime in.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Minnie&Mickey--do not be deterred by the CM comment as there are Americans on all vessels that cruise from the US. The ships are always hiring--and if they did not hire Americans, then there would be no need to list their employment ops in the United States.

My cousin works for Carnival--she's a dancer--but she gets a paycheck just like anybody else would.

 

[Thunderrd]

The ships are registered in the Bahama's but since their home port is FLA, then US citizens are paid based on US taxes?

Also mentioned here was tipping using walmart gift cards and I've also read phone cards. The question I have is if this is for main tips? By main tips I'm referring to the ones where the amount is listed like head waiter, asst. waiter, room steward, etc. Do you give any gift cards to them or is for other CM's?

 

[princess Snow]

As a DCL CM (and American), I can answer some of the questions:
--we rotate working our port days, so Araminty, you will have some days when you can get off the ship and buy whatever you need. A local bus in Port Canaveral charges $6 roundtrip and goes to the mall, Wal-Mart, and several other local stores
--a lot of international CMs open local bank accounts. Bank of America is on the bus route and the bank even comes aboard the ship sometimes to open new accounts for CMs
--your hankering for exotic fruits will have to be put on hold while you're on the ship. Sorry! The crew mess has apples and bananas regularly. Pineapple, watermelon, oranges, and peaches are available sometimes. Fruit is something we aren't allowed to bring back on the ship. However, for special occasions, you may get to dine in the guest restaurants. I've gotten to eat there for birthdays and work recognition dinners.
--there aren't too many Americans working onboard, but I think that is true for any cruise line. Cruiselines have contracts w/overseas agencies to provide them w/international workers I believe. I've been w/DCL a year, so it's not impossible to get a job as an American. Programming, cruise staff, and entertainment are the departments w/the most Americans.

 

[princess Snow]

Because I'm American, I pay the same US taxes I would working for a company on land. However, international CMs do not pay those taxes, but they are subject to exchange rates and such when they return home.
One more of Araminty's ?s: Yes, you can see all the live shows and movies whenever you have time off. We are subject to a dress code in guest areas, but we CAN take advantage of the ship.

 

[allears]

I have a question as a daydreaming CM want-a-be. Does anyone know if DCL hires less youthful (42 year olds) with professional backgrounds to work in areas on the ship? It is an idea that I've toyed with, but really didn't think I had a chance. Any one have any insights?

 

[smilingmouse]

I'm hoping other American DCL CMs can answer this: how do you apply, what is the application process like? Also, could someone PM me more info about pay and benefits?

TIA

 

[princess Snow]

There are opportunites for "more mature" CMs. I would check out the website: www.dcljobs.com
It has information on qualifications and the application process.

 

[smilingmouse]

When you applied did you send a resume to the e-mail address in the contact us section?

 

[princess Snow]

Because I'm an entertainer, I applied through a live audition. So, I never had to send my resume. If your area of expertise is one listed by the procurement ally, I think you should mail your resume to that address. There is a separate address for management positions under the "Jobs" title. Hope this helps.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

Originally posted by princess Snow
I would check out the website: www.dcljobs.com
It has information on qualifications and the application process.

Wow! I never knew that website existed. I'll have to make sure I show it to my daughter.
Thanks!

 

[araminty]

For those of you who may be curious: I've had my medical (fit for duty!) and my police check (safe to work with kids!) and am awaiting the return of my expired passport! Although I don't seem to have made a conscious decision, I do seem to be going. Thanks again for all your support, encouragement, and answers to my (sometimes weird) questions.

I'll let you all know more when I do.

a.

 

[mmouse37]

thunderred....

No, the phone cards and wal-mart card are NOT in place of the regular tips...they are added bonuses to those positions or tips to the counselors, cruise staff...ones that don't normally get tips.

MJ

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

Originally posted by allears
I have a question as a daydreaming CM want-a-be. Does anyone know if DCL hires less youthful (42 year olds) with professional backgrounds to work in areas on the ship? It is an idea that I've toyed with, but really didn't think I had a chance. Any one have any insights?

They have financial and management positions onboard -- I asked that same question on our last cruise when I was shmoozing with one of the officers. They also have HR people onboard, but they didn't feel they had a place for an antitrust lawyer. Oh well!