INTRODUCTION
My name is Noorazmil Alfiq and Malaysian citizen. I started working for Carnival Cruise Line on June 2016. MY FIRST CONTRACT EVER. Today I would like to share some of my experiences and where to find the "LEGIT AGENTS" (Employment Agencies) that will help you to register and apply all the standard requirements for Cruise Lines Company .
MOVING ON....
MY FIRST CONTRACT (CARNIVAL LEGEND)
On March 2016 i have been selected for final interview by CTI MALAYSIA( I explained more later about CTI MALAYSIA) and applies all the requirements that needed by agencies and carnival cruise lines. NOT TO FORGET PRAYING AND HOPING!
I PASS AND GOT HIRED !!
As first contract.... i will not lie to you.. A LOTS OF MONEY YOU WILL SPEND just for the requirements needed
- MEDICAL (for seaman book and card)
- SEAMAN BOOK AND CARD
- STCW TRAINING
- VISA
- MARINE TEST (marlin english test)
- FLIGHT TICKET FOR FIRST CONTRACT - ONE WAY ONLY
For flight tickets, it depends on certain cruise line companies. Some they provide for first contract and some not. In my case, Carnival cruise line did not provide first contract ticket, I have to buy my own (thanks to parentssssss). And it only one way ticket, to make sure you arrive on board safely.
Seem like a lots of spending right??? I AGREED
BUT
Don't be Afraid to take risks by answering all of this questions first...
- Are they worth it ?
- Have I do my own research about working on cruise ship?
- Where to find the pros and cons?
- Why all the requirements needed?
- Which agents should we visit and ask?
RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH , Before you start doing it !
Glacier Bay, Alaska
I have been "sign on" at Carnival Legend for my first contract. Super Awesome ship that do Journey Cruise twice A Year. Not every ship do journey cruise in Carnival Cruise Line. Only certain ships that do it. In my case, Carnival Legend is one of them.
I am grateful because look at the lists below. How many countries that i have been visit and explores.
THE SMELL OF ADVENTURES
- Seattle -> Alaska -> Victoria (Canada) 7 days cruise from May to September
- Seattle ->Vancouver-> Hawaii -> Bora-Bora (Tahiti)-> Australia . Journey cruise that crossing from Seattle to Sydney due to season change in Alaska.
- Sydney -> New Caledonia -> New Zealand(Special cruise once a year) ->Vanuatu ( 8-9-10-12 days cruises)
Some others places like Tasmania,Fiji,Papeete (French Polynesia),Mystery Island and Isle Of Pines.
The Buffet Team
Life on boards....
Working as "Commis" in Culinary Art Department for 3 Month before i change to "Buffet Garde Marger". Still in culinary art but buffet is involved with Fruit Carving,Ice Carving and demo stuff like that. As well Cooking!
I have so much interest in fruit carving. It caught my attention to 100%.That why i change position. FREE KNOWLEDGE
PROS AND CONS
PROS
- You travel and see the world for free
- In general you can save all of your salary or gratuities whatever earning on board. There's no additional expenses except for uniforms and work shoes.
- Great place to know people. Among the crew if you're coming from same country single and no obligations you can actually meet someone who could be the one.
- A lots of activities provided by HR so you will not get bored !
CONS
- Long hours without days off entire contract, especially for galley and housekeeping. (But you do have time off couple hours for sightseeing if you well managed and plan your works ahead)
- Being away from home for 6-10 months per contract.
- Spending lots of money on calling cards and Internet.
- Your cabin won't be private (it sharing cabin) two person cabin.
- CRAZY BAD WEATHER
MENTAL HAVE TO BE STRONG TO WORK ON CRUISE SHIP AND JUST ENJOY THE RIDE...
TIME OFF AT MYSTERY ISLAND , VANUATU
THE LEGIT EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES TO APPLY
For Malaysian, I would like to suggest to you
CTI MALAYSIA (https://www.facebook.com/ctimalaysia.my/) American Cruise Ship. This is my choices. Very fast and a lots of job opening every months.
EDUFLY (https://www.facebook.com/workoncruise/) MOSTLY EUROPE SHIP
So GO CHECK OUT AND DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE YOU START APPLY FOR THE JOB !!
Create your opportunity and GOOD LUCK !
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go."
T.S. Eliot
I will write more soon about Working on cruise ship
Feel free to ask me anything ! Currently on vacation and will be "sign on" for second contract on 8 July 2017
https://www.facebook.com/rzmil