What can I bring onboard?
Once you confirm your assignment you will be provided with a Musicians Manual which will contain this information and recommended items. Basically you will need to bring your instrument and any accessories, your clothing, and anything else that you may want to have while on board. Be advised that electronic heating or cooking appliances are prohibited, as a power strips with surge protection.
Do I need to bring money?
It is recommended that you bring at least $250 in cash and, if possible, a major credit card for emergencies or to cover costs until you receive your first pay.
How do I get paid?
Musicians can get paid through a variety of different channels. If you are a United States Citizen and have a valid US Bank account, we can arrange for you to be paid via direct deposit. All other musicians have the option to receive their payments via a cash card. Details are available once you get onboard. UK Citizens must be paid in GBP.
Do I have to pay for food or accommodation on board?
No, your accommodations are provided to you as part of your employment package. Food is also included free of charge, however as musicians you do have access to some guest-area restaurants that may require a nominal fee
Can I smoke in my cabin? Where can I smoke onboard?
You cannot smoke in your cabin and all cabins are fitted with highly sensitive smoke detectors. There are designated smoking areas on board for the crew to use. These areas are accessible 24 hours a day. Smoking in non-designated areas, including guest areas, can and will lead to termination.
Will I get trained in safety and emergency operations?
Yes, once you arrive on board you will receive basic safety training, followed by an STCW Exam and other shipboard orientation training during your first voyage. Periodically throughout your contract, as it becomes necessary you will receive other trainings.
Will I need medical insurance?
No, every ship has a Medical Center staffed with doctors and nurses. While onboard, you'll be covered for all medical expenses. Any activity off the vessel while on shore leave is not covered by Ship Board insurance. Please be careful when ashore and avoid dangerous activities.
What facilities on board am I allowed to use?
Musicians are allowed to use any crew area facility (except those with restricted access) as well as some guest area facilities, with permission of the Hotel General Manager. These are privileges and not rights, therefore, they can be rescinded as required to accommodate passengers. Restricted guest areas vary from vessel to vessel, but the Casino is universally off-limits. Once you get onboard the Music Manager will clearly spell out appropriate access areas.
Will I be able to get off the ship in port?
Yes, as long as you are not required to work or participate in any required safety drills, trainings, or other duties. You may not get off the ship if you are assigned to In-Port Manning. This duty will be explained in full once you are onboard.
Can I go home at times during my contract?
You cannot go home during your contract except in the case of an emergency at home. If you should in fact need to leave the ship on an Own Will-Short Leave Basis then you will be required to purchase your own travel arrangements to leave and return to the ship without the possibility of reimbursement. If you need to leave the ship for a legitimate medical emergency then travel and accommodations will be organized by the medical department and you will be required to remove all of your belongings from the ship in case of the unlikely event that you will not be permitted to return to work.
What do I do if I decide I don't like the job and want to go home?
Life onboard a cruise ship is quite different from that on land. There is an adjustment period that most new team members experience. This adjustment period is different for everyone so do not get discouraged if you feel that it is taking you longer to adapt! Patience is key. If, after an appropriate amount of time you still don't think that ship life is right for you, please speak to your Music Manager and HR Director and they will be able to assist you.
How do I communicate with my family and friends?
There are many different ways to communicate with your family and friends while onboard. These include telephone cards and Wi-Fi packages. For more information please refer to the Musicians Manual or the Crew Office.
Am I allowed to receive mail/packages while onboard?
Yes, mail is received every time the ship is in its Turn-Around Day (TAD). In addition to the address of the ship, it is important that your name, position and department are clearly written on all incoming mail. Appropriate mailing addresses will be made available to you once you join a ship.
Can I date someone on board?
Yes, it is acceptable to date other team members; however, overly familiar fraternization with guests is strictly prohibited.
Will I get sea sick?
If you are prone to this condition then you may get sea sick. However, sea sickness medication is provided for no charge at the Medical Center. Most musicians tend to get their “sea legs” fairly quickly. The ships are all very stable and safe.
How many hours will I work per day?
Your working hours will vary each day according to scheduling and itinerary needs. Typically musicians will perform up to 5 hours each night with the possibility of additional hours relating to trainings and/or drills. We typically require 35 hours of performance time per a 7 day week. As stated, if you have a heavy work day the Music Manager will try their best to ensure the next day is a little less intense, wherever possible.
Will my roommate be from my department?
The majority of musicians will be paired with roommates from the Musicians Complement but sometimes, due to manning constraints, you may have to share with someone from a different department. They will, however, always be of the same gender.
Should I bring a cellphone onboard?
Yes, you may bring your cell phone on board however please check with your network carrier in regards to using your phone while out of the country in order to avoid unexpected charges. Please note that you may not use your cell phone while working or participating in any safety training or drills or while in a passenger areas.
Will I have to pay for my own flights?
Princess Cruises automatically provides flights for all of its musicians to join their ship and to return home to their original airport. You must fly to and from the same airport and, in most cases, you just leave on the most appropriate first flight out of the country.
Who do I report to once onboard?
Once on board, Security will direct you to the Music Manager who will escort you to collect your cabin key, complete your initial sign-on paperwork and begin your vessel familiarization documents, including a complete tour of the ship with emphasis on safety aspects and locations. Upon the completion of these brief trainings your Music Manager or another representative from the Entertainment Department will escort you from the training and continue to assist you as you begin your first day on the job.
After you complete your first day on board you will take and STCW Safety exam and you will also receive your official Crew I.D.. Your Crew I.D. is your access key to enter and exit your ship. In the first few days it is common to be feel confused so if you have any questions at any time just ask any of your fellow team members who will be happy to assist you. Everyone remembers their first day on board and can relate to that experience!
Do I have extra duties?
There are no extra duties aside from your standard role which includes Port Manning, Passenger Safety Drill and various safety trainings and drills. For more information please refer to the Musician's Manual.
Will I have the same schedule every week?
No, you will need to remain flexible and move about the vessel as required by Shipboard Management. You will get a full, daily schedule made available that will clearly spell out your location assignment.
What kind of notice should I expect before a gig?
We don't have a set rule for notice; we try to give a period of at least two months before an opportunity starts as it allows time to process whatever remaining items need to be completed. Often times we have openings that need to be filled quickly and we may reach out to you on the chance you might be available.
How many other musicians are in the band?
All Princess House Bands are 7 piece bands including a 4 piece Rhythm Section and 3 horns. Party bands, Wheelhouse Dance Bands and other assets vary in size from single performers up to 6 piece self-contained Party Bands
Is singing required of the instrumentalists?
We require all Party Bands and Dance Bands to have vocals, and all of our Guitar Player/Vocalists are obviously singers. Intermission Pianists, String Ensembles and House Band Musicians are not required to sing, but vocals are welcome, if professionally presented.
Can I sell CDs onboard?
CD sales are allowed, but require prior approval from Shoreside Music Direction. If you'd like to sell your CD on board, please provide a copy to the Music Manager who will forward the hard copy to Music Direction for approval. All CD's must meet a very strict set of requirements before approval.
