Working for DCL

[araminty]

Hi forum,

You guys seem such a friendly, knowledgeable and approachable bunch, I just hafta to ask!

I have an interview next month to work as a Youth Counselor / Activity Coordinator for DCL. This is a big risk for me... I already have a pretty cool job, working in programming for a science centre, (although the office politics is painful, there's not much scope for career development, and the money isn't great!) The interview is being conducted through a recruitment company, who will charge me a fee if I'm hired, and I'm expected to pay for my own airfare to Miami.

I really have a lot of soul-searching to do for myself, deciding if this really is an option for me to pursue. BUT! I'd love for your input on any aspects of DCL you think I should know about, particularly the kids' programs, other staff, etc. I've cruised a little myself, and think I could handle the long hours, conditions, etc. www.dcljobs.com has given me a pretty good idea of crew life, too.

Thanks in advance for any insights!
Araminty

 

[CM_Mom]

Good Luck. I sent you a PM.

 

[mmouse37]

We have sailed on DCL 10 times with #11 next week and have gotten friendly with many of the staff....overall they all seem to enjoy working onboard.

It is a long contract but everyone seems to be very friendly and make many long-lasting friendships.

My daughter who is 20 is interested....she loves working with kids and is currently going to college for early elementary education. I would be thrilled if she decided to take a year or so off before getting a full time teaching job and became a counselor onboard....I think it is a fantastic opportunity to see the world and experience people from all over the world.

Good luck in your decision.

MJ

 

[araminty]

Hi all,

I have been offered the job, and have ALMOST decided to take it. There's now all sorts of immigration hoops to jump through, and a medical, not to mention consoling my sister, who REALLY doesn't want me to go... During the interview, I was also advised I wouldn't have to pay my own airfare, that this position had a little more prestige, and my plane ticket and accommodation before meeting the ship would also be paid.

So, (maybe) here I come...!

 

[mmouse37]

There are many aussies working onboard....both in the kids clubs and in the cruise staff (kid and adult programming) CM's.

You sound like you know the pitfalls and now that you have less of an outlay of money....maybe you can do it.

Wishing you the best!!

MJ

 

[Cruisin'goose]

Which ship would you be on? Have they told you that yet? If you're on the Magic we might see you in 9 weeks. Good luck with the decision and enjoy your time on board if that is what your final decision is.

 

[araminty]

Not sure which ship, in fact, I'm not even sure if I'd work on just one or both throughout the contract.

 

[LibertyBelle]

I have friends that have worked for DCL and one that is heading out the end of next week.

The two that are already on board love it. One was in Character entertainment for 2 years (last time I talked to her she said that was her last contract and she was coming home, but I don't know if she still is doing that). The other one worked as a Purser, I have not heard from him since last year, but he was really enjoying himslef (even meet his wife on board) and had no intention of leaving.

My friend that heads out next week is going on the Magic and will be with entertainment (theater shows). He has to go to Toronto first to learn the production and then he will be heading to the ship. He is very excited and looking forward to the opportunity.

For myself, I was a Youth Counsler on board NCL. I can tell you that it is hard at first getting used to being away from home, but once you get past that it is an excellent opportunity to see new place and meet life long friends from all over the world. Feel free to email me Libertybelle99@aol.com if you have an questions, I can try and answer them for you. It is a lot of fun, but a big decision to make especially coming from so far away, I live in Florida so leaving from a Florida port was not that big of a move for me. Good luck.

 

[talicskai]

The only advise I can offer is that "I wish I had done something like that before I had a DH, mortgage and kids!"
Go For It! It sounds like the chance of a lifetime!


Don't get me wrong ~ I love my family and my life but it would have been exciting to see all those places.....

 

[inkkognito]

I say "Go for it" too!
In 39 Disney cruises, we have gotten to know many crew members. Some have only done a contract or two, and many others have been around since the very beginning, in 1998. DCL has a high retention rate and is also one of the best to work for. We've heard this from many crew members who have worked for other cruise lines before coming to DCL. For quite a while, they were the only cruise line to have a Human Resources person on board...I think some of the others are adding one now. We have met people with various reasons for working on the ship...everything from supporting a family back in their home country to perfecting English skills to having an adventure. The ship is like its own little town. I really think you would enjoy it. The hours are long but the experience would be invaluable.
Barb

 

[KaitlinsMom]

Originally posted by talicskai
The only advise I can offer is that "I wish I had done something like that before I had a DH, mortgage and kids!"
Go For It! It sounds like the chance of a lifetime!


Don't get me wrong ~ I love my family and my life but it would have been exciting to see all those places.....

I totally agree - this is one of those, "if I knew then what I know now" moments -

I say GO FOR IT!!! What have you got to lose?

 

[CM_Mom]

Araminty,

I sent you a pm a while ago and I'll send another one tonight. Feel free to shoot me any nagging questions you have.

DD started looking at DCL about this time last year. She was offered a postion and started as a youth counselor in January. She absolutely loved the job and the lifestyle. So far the only down side she has found is that her friends at home don't really understand that her "home" is really on the ship and she VISITS Texas when she's on vacation. She has since moved to a different postion but still on the ship.

Yes the hours are long, but all the crew have long hours so you have lots of company and the rewards are great. Her comment is "I get to live in the Caribbean - and they pay me!"

About not knowing which ship, you probably won't know till several weeks before you leave but the children's programming folks usually do the entire contract on the same ship.

 

[JonJehrio]

Go for it. If your family is sad, let them know that they can always visit you on the ship.

 

[jfs9900]

Originally posted by mmouse37

My daughter who is 20 is interested....
MJ

I thought you had to be at least 21 to work for DCL?

 

[ericamanda01]

I think DCL would be a blast to work on. I think if your old enough to be on your own and young enough to have the freedom of adventure then go for it!!! Even if it's just for one contract at least you can say you did it. Never regret!

 

[mmouse37]

fjs9900

DD is interested in the future....not as this point. She is still in college and would not apply until after she graduates!!
Never to early to plan!!

MJ

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My cousin is a dancer for Carnival Cruise Lines and loves it. The important thing is she is doing what she loves--she can otherwise put up with the hours, the accomodations, and being away from family. Though her family has been on several of her cruises--so that helps.

If you are doing what you love and the cruise line is just another way to do what you love--then DO IT...when you are older and have children--this will be harder to do.

If you are just doing any old position for the "prestige" of working on a ship--then you would need to re-evaluate your priorities. B/c it could get old really quick.

Sounds like it would be a wonderful time aboard ship

 

[gshoemate]

My view is you only live once. I passed up alot of chances when I was younger and looking back, I kick myself in the butt If this is something that your heart wants, you need to go with it. Your family will move past it and will support you. And you can always visit them and they can come visit you on the ship. You should at least give it a try.

 

[araminty]

Thanks for all your insights, everyone. I'm sort of still deciding, but leaning towards a yes! Still waiting for some more detail from the procurement ally (DK Australia) about specifics before I definitely say yay or nay.

I have a bunch of questions, some counselor-specific, some more general... I was going to ask individually, but then I thought I may as well stick them all here!

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

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

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

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

- How is the food for CMs? Do you miss not cooking? I was brought up in tropical Northern Australia, and have been hankering after exotic fruits. Even if they're not served to CMs on board, would it be possible to buy them in port?

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

That's all I have for the moment, but I'm sure I'll think of more. You guys are the best!

A.

 

[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?