A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

[rennells]

Hi all!

Is anyone able to tell me what a typical day might be like for a Saga cadet?
I'm aware that every day is different, and that different cadets work different hours.

e.g:

- do cadets share a cabin or have their own?
- what time do you wake up?
- are meals consumed in the staff area, or with the passengers?
- what tasks are cadets given?
- is there any time off during the day between watches?
- is there time for using the gym/sauna, and for using any of the other ship's facilities in the evening?
- do the cadets and crew socialise with each other much in the Officers Mess or anywhere else onboard?
- are cadets allowed to watch the entertainment onboard?
- can cadets ever go ashore for the day when the ship pulls in to port?
- what time do cadets usually retire for the evening?
- anything else that might be useful to know?

Thanks in advance

[size4riggerboots]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

Hey rennells! Nice to see another girl around

I wasn't with Saga, but cruise ships tend to work in the same way mostly. (I was poshing it up on Cunard!)

We shared cabins, no window, bunk bed, tiny corner of an ensuite.
Depends on what the ship's doing, at sea we were up at 7 to start for 8 mostly, port days it varied depending on arrival time, but as early as 4.30 on occasion!
Most meals are in the officers mess, well away from the passies, I did get invited to dinner at the (Staff) Captains table once though, which was quite fun, just remember they do as toast once everyone's got their wine, I was so busy talking to a passenger, I didn't notice everyone has their glasses raised and were waiting for me!!
Jobs range from chipping and painting, helping at mooring stns, checking fire equipment, sanding and varnishing woodwork, updating fire plans... on the bridge, I was plotting positions, keeping the log book up to date, doing met obs and drinking coffee!
When you are on watches you'll get time off between them, but will probably be expected to do a couple of hours work on top of your watch keeping time each day.
We got to use the gym and spa between 6 and 8pm, on the proviso we weren't getting in passies way.
The wardroom was always pretty full in the evening, as was the smoking bar for all crew next door. They also threw a big party for the crew each month.
You could watch the entertainment, if there was room, so we always snuck in last minute, in uniform of course.
I got ashore a few times, in New York, Rome, Florence & Pisa I escorted tours so got lots of sightseeing in for free, also got ashore in St John NB, Halifax, Cobh, Gibraltar, Oslo and Bergen, not for a whole day, but a few hours certainly.
Bedtime is pretty much up to you, we were set a curfew of 0100 by the C/O but as he came off watch at midnight we scarpered before then! (He was scary!!)
I don't know anyone who's sailed with Saga, but I have just done a presentation on a death that occurred on the Saga Rose in 2008, it was an enclosed space death where the proper procedures hadn't been followed, so hopefully they'll be **** hot on that now. I'd be interested to hear what they're like when you've done a trip.

[Randomist]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

From what I've heard from my mate who was on saga, the passenger areas on the ships may not be as restricted as on Cunard.
On saga, you could probably expect a bit more of a relaxed attitude. As with any cruise ship you will be expected to spend alot of time socialising with the passengers at cocktail parties and the like. This sounds fun but if you've been up since 03:30, or on daywork all day this will start to drag.

On your first trip do not expect to be put straight on the bridge, there will be much painting, chipping, cleaning, chippping, panting, washing, lifting, dragging, painting and if there's time, some chipping.

[rennells]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

hahaha!

Is your friend who worked with Saga a registered member of this site? If so, could you ask them to post a comment about life aboard a Saga Ship as a cadet please.

[CharlieDelta]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

Funnily enough I'm quite looking forward to the chipping, painting, cleaning, chipping, cleaning, painting and chipping.

I'm the type of person who has everything nice and neat on my desk at work and who's car is always clean. Can't be doing with mess, untidiness and in this case, rust!

[size4riggerboots]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

As with any cruise ship you will be expected to spend alot of time socialising with the passengers at cocktail parties and the like. This sounds fun but if you've been up since 03:30, or on daywork all day this will start to drag.

High heels on sore feet from a days hard work while saying the same things over and over =

[dawg]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

I imagine you also end up having the same conversations again and again and again, and have to pretend it's the first time - bit like being in a boyband (sort of).

[Malim Sahib]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

I imagine you also end up having the same conversations again and again and again, and have to pretend it's the first time - bit like being in a boyband (sort of).

Not to mention the constant string of incredibly daft questions and the passengers who seem to think they alone are the most important individual onboard and to hell with the other X hundred/thousand people.

Aye, it'd be a grand job if it wasn't for the cargo!

[rennells]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

High heels on sore feet from a days hard work while saying the same things over and over =

I NEVER wear high heels, and really hope Im not forced to!

[size4riggerboots]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

Court shoes are ok

[Randomist]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

I NEVER wear high heels, and really hope Im not forced to!

I know that some of the girls on P&O constantly wear high heels. Never thought they suited me personally

[rennells]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

I can't wait!
Even the less glamorous parts sound like fun to me

[Randomist]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

I can't wait!
Even the less glamorous parts sound like fun to me

Remember that when you're climbing out of a ballast tank for what has to be the 8th time in one day

[rennells]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

Today I spent the afternoon on one of Saga's cruise ships while it was in port at Dover, and got a two and a half hour tour of the ship by one of the current cadets. Really enjoyed it! All my questions were answered, and loads more that I didnt even think of. Met the Captain and lots of the Officers who were all so friendly and welcoming. Heard some funny stories too. Was also told that my first sea voyage in Jan 11 will be a world cruise for 110 days

[Martyboy]

Re: A typical day aboard a Saga cruise ship

Makes me ALMOST jealous I'm on the box boats!!!! ALMOST