Cruise Ships ... What's the real deal??

[exwafu]

Hi,
As I embark on my cadetship in January with my first choice in Cruise ships operators, I've recently got to thinking: How much do I actually know about what I've signed up for?

I'd appreciate it if there was any old and bold Engineers knocking about that could give me a quick warts and all synopsis of what occurs at sea on cruise ships. For example, it's obvious these ships visit some lovely places, but how much of one place do you get to see? What's the level of expectation of how much you'll have to interact with the passengers? What's the watch systems like? And any other pertinent things you might like to add.


Most Appreciative ...
exwafu.

[CharlieDelta]

Hey exwafu,

Which company? I might be able to give an overview from a deckie's point of view but it does depend on which company.

[exwafu]

Charlie Delta, I am starting with Carnival. Thanks.

[alistairuk]

it's obvious these ships visit some lovely places, but how much of one place do you get to see?

As with CD, not an engineer but; it all depends on the ship your on and the route - you certainly won't be able to get off every day, but a few hours off at least once a week will be possible - if you're on a regular run then it's not really an issue, you just take a different day to go ashore each week.

What's the level of expectation of how much you'll have to interact with the passengers?

Company dependent.

What's the watch systems like?

On cruise ships there will be duty engineers carrying out watches (normally on the same basis as the bridge; eg 4 on 8 off - with additional duties in between) in addition to the senior engineers who will tend to be "daywork". As a cadet, it will depend upon your chief engineer / training officer wether you're following watches or daywork pattern.

So in summary, without knowing what company you're with, it's hard to tell. I'm sure one of the engineers / cadets from cruise ships will be along at some point.

[CharlieDelta]

Alistair's got it covered, but Carnival specific:

Engineer officers on board:

1x Hotel Services Engineer (Dayworker)
3x Third Engineers (One on each watch)
1x Ventilation Officer (Dayworker)
3x Second Engineers (One on each watch)
1x First Engineer (Dayworker)
1x Ships' Services Engineer (Dayworker)
1x Staff Chief Engineer (Dayworker)
1x Chief Technical Officer (Dayworker)

If you're on daywork you'll usually be able to get off for lunch. On watch it depends on any extra jobs you have outside of watch hours.

Passenger interaction - on Cunard you'll do cocktail parties regularly and on P&O cocktail parties and the odd bit of table hosting, particularly for members of the loyalty scheme at special lunches. There is no requirement to attend these events and you'll find many watchkeepers don't. However as a cadet I would suggest you go at every opportunity as it will look good for you.

[exwafu]

That's brilliant.Thanks for all your responses.