Jobs Ahoy!
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday January 6, 2001
Melissa Rimac reports on the booming cruise-ship industry and why recruiters want to employ Australians.
There are few countries that Laura Hannam hasn't visited in the 14 years she's been working on ships.
This year, she will journey up the Amazon, around Cape Horn and then to her beloved Alaska.
The 37-year-old American loves her job as chief photographer on board the Crystal Harmony the cruise ship berthed at Circular Quay during the Olympics.
``Working on cruise ships has enabled me to travel to areas which would be difficult to access independently," says Hannam. ``I love working with people from all over the world."
Hannam heads a team of five who photograph the guests and on-board functions, as well as managing the lab and shop.
But her favourite task is taking photos that are sold as postcards. ``The opportunity to get off the ship and explore new places is the reason I do this job," she says.
Hers is just one of many jobs now available in the booming cruise-ship industry. Between 50 and 60 new ships will be launched by 2004. Ships often carry up to 2,600 well-heeled guests and employ 1,200 staff.
On board you will often find casinos, restaurants, bars and shops.
Increasingly, cruise-ship operators are recognising the potential of having thousands of holidaymakers on board with nothing to do except spend.
Service staff of all types can be found on board, from fitness instructors, hairdressers and beauticians to yoga teachers, computer and personal trainers.
Many big ships have an editor (who produces a daily on-board journal), a librarian, several IT professionals and accounting personnel on staff.
The good news is that cruise ship companies are keen to fill many of these jobs with Aussies.
``Visas aren't a problem and Australians have a reputation for being very hardworking and friendly. They have a better knowledge of cocktails than Europeans," says Tovill Kristanseen of Norway's International Cruise Management Agency.
Bill Kalender, the director of Kalender Consulting, which recruits staff for Star Cruises, says: ``An outgoing personality and ability to adapt well to life at sea are as important as qualifications and skills."
PAY
Salaries and working conditions vary depending on the job, the cruise line and the itinerary.
``Check out the reputation of the company," advises Hannam.
Contract work is the mainstay of the industry, with contracts typically lasting four to six months, with an option to renew. Some companies, such as Star Cruises, employ staff on one-year contracts with a five months on, one month off roster.
A fairly common, and much less comfortable, scenario is that of a ``commission-only" basis of pay. How well you fare under this arrangement depends on the itinerary and the clientele.
If, for instance, you are a hairdresser catering to the well-heeled, blue-rinse set on a world cruise, you'll probably do better than if you were on a salary. If, however, it's a ``party ship" bar work may prove more lucrative. Waiting staff can earn between $3,000 and $4,000 a month (including tips).
Staff in senior and supervisory positions have a lot of scope to negotiate their salary package.
Kalender says core staff can earn big salaries, with financial controllers earning more than $4,000 a month, and the hotel manager and executive chef earning between $6,000 and $7,000 a month.
Gym instructors and hairdressers start on about $1,700 a month. Salary packages usually include an airfare component
``Because all living expenses are paid, and there's not much to spend your money on, many people find that they save much more than they do at home," says Kalender. Another huge bonus, he says, is that if you're at sea for more than 90 days, these earnings are usually tax-free.
HOW TO GET A JOB
Pick a cruise line you want to work for and check its Web site. This often lists contacts for recruitment and lists the positions available. Alternatively, call the company and find out who handles the recruitment for your area of interest.
Recruitment for technical, medical and maritime staff is often handled directly by the company or a specialist agent.
Captain Cook Cruises, which has ships cruising around Sydney, the Barrier Reef and Fiji, is recruiting now for bar and restaurant staff. Call the Sydney office to check if they're interviewing (9206 1122). Call the Cairns office (07 4031 4433) for Barrier Reef-based marine and hospitality work. For Murray River cruise work call08 8569 2511.
Star Cruises travels in the Asia-Pacific region and is recruiting surveillance operators for its casinos, executive and sous chefs, financial controllers, a fitness instructor, hairdressers and beauty therapists, as well as a cruise director. Apply online at www.kalender-recruit.com.
Cunard Line operates the QE2, which does an annual world cruise and trips to Europe, the US, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. It is seeking wine stewards, a chef de partie and waiters. Interviews usually take place in the UK. A major recruitment drive is planned for 2001 when interviews will beconducted in Australia. Visit www.cunardline.com.
Crystal Cruises sails around the world. The company is keen to hear from Australians interested in bar and restaurant work, front office and other hospitality positions. Call International Cruise Management Agency in Norway on 47 23 35 7900 for a phone interview or visit
© 2001 Sydney Morning Herald