CruiseGary Rambles On

6 months later...wow!

2011-12-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

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Sitting on the beach on Grand Turk Island, Turks & Caicos Islands...ipad, maragarita, nachos. This is why you cruise! Get cruisin'!

whether you're a comedian, musician, ent's staff, shoppy, spa, shore-ex, g services, youth - get out here!

In the words of Home Simpson....DOH!

2011-06-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

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FYI
Before you hit send on your next e-mail cruise ship job inquiry, first, send it to yourself. Read it as an -email to make sure it is all correct - spelling, grammar, CONTACT PERSONS NAME...etc.
Sounds like a no-brainer, but I just sent something and spelled the name incorrect...not good....

CRUISE SHIP CONTACTS ARE EASY TO FIND! JUST LOOK HERE

2011-06-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

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One of the biggest hurdles in finding a job on a ship is....who do I contact. Now typically, you can go online and buy some out-of-date pamphlet, or pay to access information on one of many user pay sites...but why..yes i ask..why pay, when the most up-to-date contact person for any cruise line is available FREE....where you might ask????
ta daaaaaaaa.......www.linkedIn.com - yep, it's THAT simple. This website lists all the contacts you will ever need!!!!!!
But, just having the contacts, will NOT guarantee you any job....nope...now it is all about how you present your self to this person.

They are BUSY!!!! Do not waste their time with crappy resume's, phone calls or faxes.

If you are SERIOUS about shipboard employment, here is how you do it in soon-to-be 2012!!!!

1) Create a professional cruise profile on wwww.LinkedIn.com (look at how others have presented themselves and do THAT...don't reinvent the wheel here)
2) Get a FREE website template from one of many sites online - create a simple yet pro looking online personal website - KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid!
3) Create a 60-90 second video. Sell yourself and describe what position you want and why you are a good candidate. Shoot it on any video, as long as it is steady and in one long shot - no editing required. Post it on YouTube so you can send the link to the ship personnel if required.
4) Also send a snail mail resume and photo - all professionally done - if you don't know - pay someone professional - and keep it simple - if they want more information, they will ask for it.
5) Yes, you can send a follow up e-mail reminding the person of your interest, and asking them if they have had an opportunity to consider your shipboard job inquiry.
6) Follow up e-mail every 3-5 weeks - Squeaky wheel gets the grease!

No system is guaranteed, that's I say, why pay for information you can access on your own!

How To Book Your Cruise - First Time Cruisers

2011-05-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

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yes, sometimes, its good service to provide our guests with information on how to ensure their best cruise vacation. The next little while, I shall address these dfferent issues for guests - especially important for our frst time cruisers!

Number one advice??? Be your own advocate!!! keep your head in the game - stay on top of your booking - even if you use the cruise line directly or a travel agency. If you choose to book on a discount website, make sure they offer a service whereby you can CALL SOMEONE and SPEAK to SOMEONE in person!!!! very important - "Vacations To Go" is great; deals aside, they offer great phone service!!!

Before you leave your house for your cruise, do a couple of things...they will make your initial time on the ship much easier.

1) print out the ships itinerary - know where you are going!
2) print out a copy of the ships deck plan - learn the layout; where's your room, where's your dining...most important...learn where the bathrooms are located on each deck - especially if you travel with family!
3) go online, flickr etc and get a copy of the ships daily programme - to get an idea of what is available on a daily basis
4) if you are using any cruise credits, cruise certificates, certificates for gifts or onboard credits, bring copies of these documents with you - should there be an issue, its easier to remedy if you have your paperwork available
5) do not pack anything you need right away into carry-on; with thousands of pieces of luggage to deliver to the rooms, don't expect to see your bags first day, until around 6-7 pm.
6)shipboard activities all begin ON TIME - -check the daily programme - be 10 minutes early to ensure you catch the entire activity - limited staff conduct ALL the daily activities - schedules are tight!
7) Alcohol policies - CALL EACH CRUISE LINE DIRECTLY to find out their alcohol / soda policies for each ship. The can be different. Don't rely on a website, travel agent, friend, "a guy said", etc....CALL THE CRUISE LINE DIRECTLY and ask. AND, do not try to outsmart ships security with stashed alcohol. All baggage goes through security screening machines which easily identify alcohol and the ship will take it form you and return it at the end of the cruise. Also inquiere about buying liquor in port - can you drink it on the ship?
Don't assume...ask!!!!!! When you ASSUME...you make an ASS out of U and ME!

Or, as I prefer to say......KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

If you are cruising with children, inquire about the onboard programs and make sure you attend the very first program orientation - usually held the first day!!!!!!
If you are traveling with friends or family members who have special needs, make all the arrangements BEFORE you get onboard!

...AND PEOPLE LISTEN!!!!
Confirm with your agent, cruise line website, all the details of your cruise before you depart - do it 90 / 60 / 30 / 10 days before you leave your house!!!!!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Say it over and over ad naseaum.........

Are You a Great Comedian????

2011-05-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

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Ok hot shot.....Can you perform 3 DIFFERENT shows in 5 days??? A short welcome aboard set...and...both a family AND an adult show?

Work onboard in the Carnival Cruise Line Punchliners Comedy Clubs - every ship has them now...great gig - flexible - move from ship to ship!

Contact Virginia at Carnival Cruises......if you want it bad enough...you or your agent will find her at the Miami office. Best gig on the high seas!!

PPI GROUP is looking for ShipBoard Destination Shopping Specialists

2011-05-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

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Tired of your typical 9 to 5 job?

The PPI Group is looking for exceptionally dynamic individuals with charisma, strong sales experience, creativity, and outstanding public-speaking skills to live and work aboard cruise ships as Port & Shopping Presenters. The PPI Group is the market leader in onboard shopping promotions, operating programs aboard more than 50 ships of major cruise lines. Travel to new and exotic places, where no two days are the same!
This is your opportunity to put your personality to work for you. Port & Shopping Presenters are responsible for creating shopping excitement throughout the cruise ship. You will use your talents and creativity to conduct entertaining on-stage and televised Port & Shopping Presentations to drive cruise ship guests to stores in the ports of call. You will actively promote high-end luxury items including diamonds, gemstones, fine jewelry, Swiss watches, sculptures and artwork, electronics, designer fragrances liquor, and traditional souvenirs.
Contact:
shipboardemployment@ppigroup.com

CruiseShip Super Shoppers!!!!!

2011-05-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

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Imagine working onboard Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara cruise lines as a Destination Shopping Specialist, Port Shopping Expert....whatever you want to call it!!!!!
Onboard Media,(OBM) lost the contracts and a NEW company has surfaced. They are called Royal Media Partners.

Here is the current information - use it wisely! Get cruisin'!!!!!!! This is a great opportunity if you have NO experience!!!

Read on!!!!!

Royal Media Partners was recently awarded the Port Shopping Program contract for both Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruise Line and are currently looking to find qualified candidates from which we will select those that best suit our new venture for phone interviews followed by a one 7day training session held in Miami Beach or on a cruise ship in June and July and ultimately ship placement.

For those who are selected for interviews, invited to training and then are selected to be a part of Royal Media Partners, placement on ships will begin in Mid-September to Mid-November depending on the date on which we assume the program on that ship.

As our website is under construction, i wanted to personally send you the requirements as we would like to begin receiving audition videos/resumes by May 6th.

We are looking for highly motivated, ethical, sales driven public speakers with or without ship experience to embark on a challenging and potentially lucrative adventure that will require you to be organized, focused, dedicated and committed to excellence in your representation of Royal Media Partners, our Cruise Line clients and our Merchant and Brand partners.

If you speak other languages fluently, please be sure to state them on your resume and you can provide a quick one minute intro in that languages in addition to the requirements listed below. We are specifically looking for Spanish and Portuguese but all languages should be listed. If you only speak a little or can understand, please simply write "basic" next to the language.

The requirements for being considered are a resume (with references) and 2 video auditions submitted via YouTube (3 if submitting a language intro).
Please set video settings to private and enable Dave Nanni (daven@royalmp.com) as well as Abe Hughes (jobs@royalmp.com) to access the videos. We do not want them on public setting.

I have attached one script which i'd like you to familiarize yourself with and give your best attempt at delivering with ease, comfort and effectively. Although we understand that memorizing unfamiliar material is not easy but we want to see how you can digest and deliver new material with smile, a compelling cadence and with genuine salesmanship.

If you become a Shopping Guide for Royal Media Partners, you will be learning about luxury goods, diamonds, gemstones, fine watches, liquor, handbags, new destinations, port history and much more so it is imperative that you can deliver new material. We are not judging the production quality of your submission but your delivery.

Remember to smile as we want you to "Sell not Tell" but do it with a seamless ease that intrigues us on the product. You should be well spoken, dressed in business attire, comfortable and ABC; "Always Be Closing".

Furthermore, we also require a second video (2-5minutes in length) on a subject, place, product you know and love. This can be your favorite vacation spot, movie, pet, watch, food, sports team or anything you are passionate about. I believe the truth on how good you can be lies somewhere between the two presentations and that is why I want to know how you sell me on one of your favorite things.

Attached is a script on Hearts on Fire, The World's Most Perfectly Cut Diamond. This is an actual sample script of a very important brand client and your delivery of this script is a key part of the evaluation. Feel free to browse their website www.heartsonfire.com to familiarize yourself prior to pressing record on your camera.

As part of our screening process, every application for a position must be accompanied by a written statement that there is no written agreement between the applicant and any company that would in any way restrict the applicant's ability to work for Royal Media Partners. Also, if there is a written agreement in existence concerning your present or former job, we request you attach it along with your resume. Royal Media Partners legal department will review it and make sure there are no impediments to our working with you.

Please include the option below that applies when submitting your resume for consideration:

A. There is no agreement between me and any company that would in any way restrict my ability to work for Royal Media Partners.
B. There is no written agreement in effect concerning any company that I am presently or in the past have worked for.
C. Attached is a copy of the written agreement in effect concerning the last company I worked for.

Thank you and we look forward to your submissions.

If you have any questions, please contact us prior to submission.

Dave Nanni
Vice President
Port Revenue & Corporate Partnerships
Royal Media Partners

CruiseGary says.....Get Cruisin"!!!!!!

CruiseGary on vacation

2011-05-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

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Yep....7 months in the Caribbean and its time to spend some really hot time, with really hot Ukrainian girls on the sunny beaches of Odessa....

A month of this?? Life is good.

...and what are you still doing punching a clock for 10 bucks an hour...waking up in the same boring town, in the same shitty...over-priced apartment, going to the same shitty job?

Get cruising!!!!

As Yoda said in Star Wars 1 or 2 or whatever...."there is do, and don't do"....or for you brainiacs...the light is either on or off.

Get Cruising!!!!

Google Cruise Industry News...the industries bible....see all the new ships and all the exciting things happening in cruising! Be part of it now!!!

cruisegary on facebook

2011-01-21T11:18:00.000-08:00

everybody does it...eh - eh everybody does....no not the dougie............ facebook I mean...everybody does it, so...cruisegary will be on facebook as well.....and, maybe a book, maybe a movie...who knows...i spent the last 3 months compiling and updating all my new cruise contacts to make getting a job on a cruise ship - easy peasy!
not to tease you in any way, but what did you do today? Shovel snow? Buy another umbrella? Waste another 8 hours of your life at a job that sucks?
Me? Today? let's see, hmmm, a late breakfast on the lido deck watching 2 para-gliders and some jet skiers, 2 hours on the beaches of Key West...a little volleyball...lots of sun, sand and some cool, sweet margaritas...
get cruis'n..............

CruiseGary sails back on-line

2010-10-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

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So, it's been a few months - still pissed at the lazy asses who take other peoples website/blog info and then "re-sell" it on other cruise job websites as their own. I did had some fun though, sending off erroneous info just to throw those other guys off track, and make them look like idots when they follow the "info" provided - fools for not doing their own homework.

In any event, I spent the summer lazily cruising the Mexican Riviera and Caribbean and making dollars!!! The past month I was in Europe onboard MSC Cruises - great line btw; sailed Baltics and did the crossing to Boston and NYC! Sailed up to New England/Canada - disembarked in Quebec City - gorgeous city!!! Now I am in MIA sailing the Caribbean again.

Please note, the MSC staff are very talented language wise - most are fluent in at least 3+ languages - many have 5 languages! All announcements, bingo etc are in 5 languages (kind of wierd but neccessary)

My suggestion is at the very least, you need fluency in English and Italian, which is the predominate language onboard, and the language of communication for officers, staff and crew.

Now I am in MIA sailing the Caribbean again. I will update all my contacts over the next 2 weeks and add the new ones I have uncovered.

In fact, I am currently taking over from a woman who got her job here onboard through this CruiseGary blog - she never knew it was me writing it -cool!!

Back on Track with CruiseGary

2010-06-12T23:20:00.000-07:00

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Quite frankly I have been having a great time sailing around the warm waters of the Caribbean to write anything - plus, some lazy MF will steal it all anyway...so I am taking a breather - I may put up my "paid" site sooner than anticipated - we'll see.

In the meantime, from my last 3 months at sea, it is clear that you need to get onboard any way you can...then, look around at all the other opportunities. If you somethng else you like - it is easier to move into that position becuase you are already onboard - and have relationships whcih will help you in teh transition.

Off to the Crew Bar now...$1.25 shots of Jack!

Stealing contact info on this blog

2010-04-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

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OK, so, you are a low life mother fucker who steals other peoples efforts and then posts it on sites which charge people for the same information. Clearly this means you have zero credibilty because if you did, you would be using your OWN contacts to help people get jobs on ships!!!!! Clearly you have no worthy or CURRENT professional contacts, so you take credit for other people's efforts. ps I don't accept apologies.

CruiseGary at sea

2010-03-08T16:46:00.000-08:00

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I am now on a big ship at sea again and will update as I am able - this is a beautiful new vessel and I am lovin' it! So, what are you guys waiting for...Get cruis'n!!!!!!!!!

Cruise Jobs - Onboard Shops / Boutiques

2010-02-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

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Here is some shipboard job information for those of you looking for a great onboard job working in the shops / boutiques.

Gift shop positions are more readily available. The pay is OK and you get most port days off because all shops have to remain closed in port. Shop staff are always very cool. Some days you might have inventory or stock. Most cruise lines contract the shop staff through a company called Starboard in Miami. Starboard hires and manages all staff for 99% of the cruise lines. Princess Cruises for example, hires their own staff - they do not use Starboard.

For Princess you can contact their shipboard personnel directly. I don't know these 2 people personally, but this info is current as of today. Ask about "Boutiques Onboard" - this is what Princess calls the position. Send your resume to both. In the Subject line write, Name, Boutiques Onboard.

Alex Briskie
Administrator, Fleet Personnel
Phone 1- (661) 753 - 2910
abriskie@princesscruises.com

Sandra L. Lengson
Recruitment Assistant
Fleet Personnel
(661) 753-2826
slengson@princesscruises.com

Copy your email to:
Cindy Wong
cwong@princesscruises.com
Katy Daly
kdaly@princesscruises.com

If you are anywhere in Canada, you can also contact Heather Hathorn for Princess. She is a legitmate and recognized recruiter for Princess Cruises - they love her. You will not have to pay any money to anyone. She is paid by the cruise line. I know her personally.
Heather Hathorn
Vancouver BC
pmmarine@telus.net

For most other cruise lnes, they use a company called Starboard Cruise Services to staff all the boutiques and shops.
Starboard Cruise Services provides boutique staff for 99% of the cruise lines. Here is the HR contact information for their head office in Miami.

kristina.gonzalez@starboardcruise.com
Starboard Cruise Services
Attn: Kristina Gonzalez
Doral Concourse,

8400 N. W. 36th Street, Suite 600
Miami, Florida

USA 33166

(786) 845-7536

www.workoncruiseships.com revised because I'm bored at the airport

2010-02-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

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One contributor to www.workoncruiseships.com in particular,(not the website itself, or so I will believe for the moment), is stealing contacts off my blog for free, and then simply re-posting them on that website - a site which charges for the identical information. Information however, you would need to be actively on the "inside" to be privy to. (Yes,I realize the sentence ends with a preposition!)

To prove a point, here is new info no one knows yet. As of today, Chuck Farmer is no longer in charge of hiring bands, solos, musicians for Carnival - he has resigned effective immediately - no replacement as of today! People who contacted Chuck directly got hired. Those who used other job search/contact means and took the long "scenic route", did not get hired.

The whole point of cruisegary is to avail personal job contacts made over years of working on ships. This helps prospective crew get direct access to those who do the actual hiring for cruise ship jobs, and it helps respective departments get acess to good candidates. Its not meant to be regurgitated by others to make money.

So, if you wish to pay for information that's available for free - thats your perogative. Ultimately, no one can get you the job but YOU! However, having the direct personal contact is 90% of the process. Unless of course you really suck at eveything, then, you are beyond help.

Do not spend your money paying for information available for free! Use it to buy someone flowers!

No one can promise you a job!

Thank you.

Art Directors - Princess Fine Arts (Global Fine Arts)

2010-02-10T13:49:00.000-08:00

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They are hiring onboard Art Directors. Sales experience, some art knowledge required but better attributes includes a tremendous outgoing personality, great public speaking abilities, entertaining large groups, basically, running your own business onboard.

Robert Artelt
Director Fine Art Sales
Tel 661.753.1585
Mobile 661.993.2007
rartelt@princesscruises.com

How is your job search going?

2010-01-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

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This year 2010, most cruise lines will be rolling out at least one, and in many cases 2 ships this year. That means lots of jobs are out there.

CruiseGary provides direct contact information for the person who actually does the hiring. In some cases, I have listed legitimate agencies, which I know the cruise lines respect and actually use for recruiting all cruise ship positions.

Search and peruse all the previous posts to see who hires for which cruise line and go for it! Not all cruise ship agencies, websites and recruiters are created equal!

Europe River Cruise Jobs and World River Cruise Jobs

2010-01-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

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The are other options to the major mega-cruise ship jobs out there. One alternative I have been looking into is river cruise jobs.

The season typically begins in March/April so most companies will start staffing Jan / Feb.

The coolest new river boats are called "Spaceships". They are new design river boats offerd by Scenic Tours.
www.scenictours.com
Lucas Sandmeier
Managing Director
Scenic Tours Europe AG
Lucas.Sandmeier@scenictours.com
Vanessa Kelly
Operations, Tour/Cruise Directors
vanessa.kelly@scenictours.com

Another highly regarded river cruise line is called Viking River Cruises.
www.vikingrivercruises.com
Bruno Hauser

Director, Human Resource
Viking River Cruises AG
Schäferweg 18
4057 Basel
Switzerland
Phone: +41 61 638 60 76
Mobile: +41 79 777 55 14
Fax: +41 61 638 60 80
bruno.hauser@vikingrivercruises.com
www.vikingrivercruises.com
www.vikingstaff.com

If you speak 2-3 European languages, these river cruise gigs are great.
Check their respective website for informationon seasons, itineraries etc.

The rivers cruises navigate the worlds most beautiful rivers.

Cruise Ship Entertainment Jobs - singers, dancers

2009-12-14T17:41:00.000-08:00

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This is a great site for singers and dancers: copy and paste into browser - no direct link.

http://www.getgigs.com/ship.html

NCL Musicians contact for cruise ship jobs

2009-12-10T16:54:00.001-08:00

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Here is the direct contact for musician jobs onboard NCL, Celebrity and RCCL - all instruments - singers, bands, duos, showband, solo.

Mike Suman - N.C.L.
msuman@sumanent.com

Princess Cruises - Cruise ship Musicians

2009-12-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

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For Princess Cruises - all musician jobs - all instruments.

musicianreferrals@princesscruises.com
or direct to:
Brian Gilliland - Princess Cruises
1-800-872-6779
bgilliland@princess.com

New Princess Cruises Contact; Production Staff

2009-12-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

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For Princess Cruises job's in Audio, Visual, Lighting, Stage Crew, Prduction Assistants, Sound Engineers, Automation, Lounge Techs and Video.

Contact Kathryn Daly at:
Princess Cruises
Production Services
24844 Avenue Rockefeller
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
kdaly@princesscruises.com

Cruise Ship DJ Princess Cruises

2009-11-27T16:58:00.001-08:00

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They are looking for cruise ship DJ's.
contact:
Kelly
siegelent@telus.net

Princess Cruises Guest Entertainer Jobs Contact

2009-11-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

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He hires mainstage perfomers, guest entertainers, jugglers, singers, magicians, comedians, comedy magic, musicians and guest entertainer DJ's.

Roger Hawk
Director, Entertainers/Music Services
Princess Cruises
rhawk@princesscruises.com
24305 Town Center Drive
Santa Clarita, CA
91355
661-753-0000

Cruise Ship Musicians

2009-11-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

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For all cruise ships musician jobs for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Azmara Cruises. (all the same family under RCCL)
Solos
Bands
Orchestra
Duos

Rob Waterfield Specialist,
Contracted Musicians
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Phone - (305)539-6741.
Fax: (305)358-9295
rwaterfield@rccl.com