Cruise Ship Photography/Other Jobs

[robie]

Hello, I am recently thinking of applying to a cruise ship as a photographer or another job involving athletics. I was wondering if anyone here has experience on a cruise ship, photographer or not and can tell me how much you can make per month. I want to save up at least $40,000 and I can pay off a $9000 student loan which requires payments to be made in September. Thanks!

[dsd17]

My friend worked on a cruise ship for over a year. He was a waiter/bartender. I think he hated it, but it definitely helped him pay off bills and see lots and lots of Hawaii (his ship cruised several islands 7 days a week). I'm pretty sure he didn't make $40k. If he did he spent $35k of it. I can ask him more info if you have specific questions. He worked for NCL.

[Dennis_Hammer]

I am pretty sure one of the photographer's cleared off our table every morning at breakfast. Are you ready for that?

[tomd]

Is there an expected wage in the job description? Also, is this a commission job or hourly? How is the room and board counted into the benefit package?
(health care?)

[tomd]

also read:
http://www.jobmonkey.com/cruise/html/photographers.html

[robie]

Originally Posted by Dennis_Hammer

I am pretty sure one of the photographer's cleared off our table every morning at breakfast. Are you ready for that?

That's not their job. It must have been a one time thing. They have other people for that.

[robie]

Originally Posted by tomd

Is there an expected wage in the job description? Also, is this a commission job or hourly? How is the room and board counted into the benefit package?
(health care?)

I don't see a wage but salary gets talked about after interview. I believe it will be monthly salary + commission. So I guess $2000 + whatever you sell. I emailed the company but have yet to receive a reply.

[ssim]

I know that some of the cruise lines actually subcontract the photo services out to a third party company. I went through their website a couple of years ago but their name escapes me now. It it pretty much mindless photography. At the time they were using Nikon and they gave you the settings you had to use. You shoot and then you print a gazillion copies that never get sold and then do it all over again. At the time I thought the proposed salary was pretty bad. Just make sure to do your homework.

[Karl Johnston]

You'd be lucky to make 40k (profit) a year as an established pro, it's not something you just walk in and sign up for...unless there was an actual job, of course.

If so spring for it, you'd be lucky to ever see a contract for over 50k in a few months.

I think you'd need much more experience than just being able to sign up, though, like references out the rear and a solid port to back it up.

But hey...where is this application? How about you post it here for me to see and look over??

[robie]

Originally Posted by Karl Johnston

You'd be lucky to make 40k (profit) a year as an established pro, it's not something you just walk in and sign up for...unless there was an actual job, of course.

If so spring for it, you'd be lucky to ever see a contract for over 50k in a few months.

I think you'd need much more experience than just being able to sign up, though, like references out the rear and a solid port to back it up.

But hey...where is this application? How about you post it here for me to see and look over??

Ha ha, multiple ships are hiring them. I have been on both Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruiselines. They are both great; however I like the new Royal Caribbean ships better. They are so cool! I want to save up and study this:

http://www.uksa.org/career/y_ogplus.asp

[IndyJeff]

Originally Posted by robie

That's not their job. It must have been a one time thing. They have other people for that.

Maybe he was foraging for his breakfast and thats part of his "free meals" compensation.

Seriously tho, $40K for a ships photographer is probably about 2 years worth of income.

[breal101]

Originally Posted by IndyJeff

Maybe he was foraging for his breakfast and thats part of his "free meals" compensation.

Seriously tho, $40K for a ships photographer is probably about 2 years worth of income.

That's funny, and you're probably right about the pay and what you said in your previous post. I've met a few of them over the years while doing advertising shoots on cruise ships, they didn't strike me as particularly gifted photographers. The one perk they have over the other crew members is that they get to socialize a bit with the passengers. It didn't seem like a dream job to me, more like a continuous prom shoot with a ridiculous turn around expected for prints. I had the opportunity to visit the crew quarters on some of these ships, if you think the passenger rooms are small think smaller with all the charm of a Soviet gulag. Some companies treat their crews better than others. For someone who is young and single it could be an experience they might actually enjoy. They certainly shouldn't expect to get rich quick though.

[tomd]

I would also check out the expected hours. These cruise ships have events going 24/7. Departing, casino, contests, dinner, shows, dance, buffet, and so much more. I wouldn't care to work 12-14 hour days, 6 days a week and take home $2000/month. Do they provide the equipment?

[robie]

Originally Posted by tomd

I would also check out the expected hours. These cruise ships have events going 24/7. Departing, casino, contests, dinner, shows, dance, buffet, and so much more. I wouldn't care to work 12-14 hour days, 6 days a week and take home $2000/month. Do they provide the equipment?

Yes, they provide the equipment and all the money is cash you rake home because you don't have to pay for any expenses unless you spend at the bar or in port. I guess you would just need to keep buying shampoo,razors,toothpaste, etc.

[kenwood33]

from what i have read in the past.. its a long hour and mindless job.. you sleep in a small jail sized cabin along with a few others.. some companies require you to buy the camera equipments from them even if you have your own.. i was told that working in walmart photo studio is a better job relatively speaking