Preparing for Cruise Ships. Some advice?

John Lamb said:

I never did a cruise gig, but did the hotel scene for a few years. Lots of friends with extensive cruise experience.

I'd agree with what ppl have been saying about your preparation - that should be fine ... the main thing is when you *aren't* playing. I haven't heard of musos getting second jobs before, but I've heard horror stories of terrible captains not letting musicians above deck, interact with the guests, and other such posh. You'll have a lot of free time, and guys use that time to (1) woodshed, (2) write songs, (3) drink. Most guys focus only one one of those 3. The last one has downed many a good musician. You may want to work on your English - I did that a lot when I was abroad .. I remember working on the Thai alphabet for a month while sitting in a club waiting to play. I'd fill up pages and pages to fill up the time.

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jeffwj said:

Here's another great book that should help you with chart interpretation.

http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/1128989/drum-set-methods-cd

Jeff

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jeffwj said:

Gaz, what cruise line makes musicians do anything else than safety drills? If such a cruise line exists, the original poster may want to cross that line off his list. Even when I was lucky enough to not be given boat drill duty, I was not made to be a member of the bar staff. If that is the case, why not stay on land, drum and wait tables - same thing.

Jeff

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Boomka said:

On several lines, including RCCL, musicians are sometimes being asked to do extra duties on embark day and/or port days, such as meeting and greeting people on the gangway. As far as I know, this is still technically voluntary and comes with extra pay.

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Boomka said:

On several lines, including RCCL, musicians are sometimes being asked to do extra duties on embark day and/or port days, such as meeting and greeting people on the gangway. As far as I know, this is still technically voluntary and comes with extra pay.

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jeffwj said:

Some of what I'm hearing is correct. Some is a little far fetched. I think rumors sometimes steamroll. I have never heard of a cruise ship musician being hired for double duty to wait tables or serve drinks.

Now, here is where that rumor may have started. All cruise ship employees are to be "able bodied seamen/seawomen," meaning that safety is of primary concern. Almost everybody will have a role during the passenger safety drill, such as guiding people to their lifeboats. That is only understandable, because the Coast Guard comes on to randomly observe a drill. If the drill does not meet safety regulations, the Coast Guard can ground the ship - and no one goes anywhere until thing are made right.

Another place that the rumors might get started is that the dancers on some cruise lines (who may only work a few shows a week) are expected to help out with bingo and other activities. The musicians however, are expected to play the Vegas-style shows, big band sets during Captain's cocktail parties, small jazz sets, fly on acts, talent shows, welcome aboard shows, etc...

Gaz, what cruise line makes musicians do anything else than safety drills? If such a cruise line exists, the original poster may want to cross that line off his list. Even when I was lucky enough to not be given boat drill duty, I was not made to be a member of the bar staff. If that is the case, why not stay on land, drum and wait tables - same thing.

Jeff

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gaz farrimond said:

Expect to share a cabin, hopefully with someone you get along with, and learn to live in very confined spaces - many cabins for two are smaller than your average bedroom. Be on top of personal hygiene, I kid you not; nothing is worse than sharing a cabin with someone who stinks.

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