Employment Contracts for Cruise Jobs

So, you have your dream job – you’re working on a cruise ship and you won’t have to worry about paying for most of your living expenses, health insurance, or meals for as long as you work with the cruise line. What’s next? Well, before you show up for your first day at work, you must sign a contract. All cruise lines issue employees with a contract. The contract is renewed each time the employee returns from leave. Contracts are typically between four and twelve months of work.

If the contract is not issued before you board the ship, the process can get a little tricky. What you must do is obtain the contract as soon as possible – meaning, as soon as you board the ship and start reading. Pay close attention to the fine print before signing and ask as many questions as you need to. This is the only way to protect yourself in case of a disagreement about payments, commission, expenses, taxes, or insurance. According to Sandra Bow, author of Working on Cruise Ships. You should get clarification on the following points:

Transport
Ask your manager or boss if you are expected to travel to the ship at your own expense and if you are expected to book your own flights. Most cruise lines provide air travel to and from the ship.

Uniform
Ask if you are expected to pay for your own uniform. If so, ask if there are any accessories that you need to purchase and if they are available on the ship. In most cases, the cruise line will provide uniforms and accessories for you.

Insurance
Ask about health insurance. Will the cruise line cover you or do you have to carry your own personal policy? If the cruise line provides health insurance ask what it covers. Will it include dental, vision, maternity? Most cruise lines provide full health insurance coverage for full-time employees.

Tax
Ask if taxes will be deducted by the employer or if you will be liable for your own tax declarations.

Payment
When will you receive your first payment and what form will it take? Cash, direct deposit, or company check.

Special Requirements
Ask if you will be required to bring any special equipment. If you are a chef, ask if you should bring chef’s knives. If you are photographer, should you bring a special photographers camera. Or if you are a gentlemen host, should you bring a particular type of dress – formal, casual, or semi-formal.

Contract Conditions
Ask about the terms of the contract. How long is it for? Is the full duration of the contract subject to the successful completion of a trial work period?

Commission
Ask if you are expected to pay commissions on your earnings, and if so, for how long? This is an important question to ask as many agencies include contractual clauses that require commissions on extended follow-up contracts or additional offers for work.

Any Other Expenses
Although most cruise lines provide free meals and accommodations, a few may deduct money from your pay for these expenses. It is important to clarify this so there won’t be any surprises when you receive your first paycheck.

Tip: If your new employer informs you that your contract will not be ready until you board the ship, be sure to obtain a letter or document from your employer stating your start date and the vessel you will be joining. This letter can be in the form of an email (just print it out), a fax copy or if you have time, ask them to mail it to you.