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Secrets Kept Well Hidden From Passengers Revealed by Gary Bembridge!

Cruising As Crew
Cruising As Crew
πŸ…Authority
πŸ‘οΈ 37K viewsπŸ“… 10 months ago⏱️ 28:49

Key Moments

Editorial Summary

The video features a reaction to research by Gary Bembridge regarding the hidden realities of life as a cruise ship crew member. The creators discuss how pay scales often vary based on a crew member's country of origin and the use of third-party agencies for various ship services. This arrangement allows cruise lines to utilize local labor laws to manage wages. The discussion covers the recruitment process, noting that many employees are hired through external agencies rather than the cruise lines themselves. This complexity can lead to significant issues with scammers targeting job seekers with fake employment offers. The creators also detail the demanding work schedules, which typically involve seven-day work weeks with long shifts and limited time off. Additional topics include the financial responsibilities of crew members, such as paying for certain medical exams or safety equipment, and the living conditions on board. Most crew members reside in shared cabins and navigate the ship through restricted interior corridors known as the I95 to avoid passenger areas. The video concludes by emphasizing the need for flexibility and caution when pursuing maritime employment.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Virgin Voyages
A Nibble
All-time creator consensus for Virgin Voyages
A Nibble

This review is in line with the all-time creator consensus.

What This Creator Said
Creator Had Mixed FeelingsTips & AdviceπŸ…Authority Creator
Veteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

It's just one of the many loopholes within the cruise industry that means they can pay the crew a lot less money.

If you think you're being scammed, you're probably being scammed.

The fact that you just don't have a day where you get to switch off is is crazy.

It's crazy actually what crew have to pay for to do their job. The company should absolutely pay for it.

Creator's Tips & Advice

βœ“Always use the official career link at the bottom of cruise line websites to avoid scammers.
βœ“Save money during your contract to cover the unpaid time between contracts.
βœ“If you are feeling overwhelmed in your first few weeks, try to hang in there as it may get more enjoyable once you settle into the rhythm.

πŸ†•New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Recruitment Scams β€” Only apply through official cruise line career websites and never give money to an agency for medical or visa fees.
Initial Work Shock β€” Try to hang in there for at least a month; the rhythm becomes easier once you settle in.
Upfront Costs β€” Be prepared to pay for your own passport, visas, vaccinations, and sometimes non-slip shoes and the first flight to the ship.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhy are crew members paid different rates based on their nationality?
QHow do recruitment scams work in the cruise industry?
QWhat are the typical working hours and days off for cruise crew?
QWhat expenses are crew members responsible for paying themselves?
QHow does the random drug and alcohol testing process work for crew?

Topics Covered

Service CrewMehSafety Medical1Β½ Sad BaconValue Pricing3Β½ Sad BaconCabin Interior2 Sad Bacon

Port Highlights

Portsmouth2Β½ Happy Bacon
Sydney
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Video content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube