Here's part 4 of a very fun article from CareerBuilder.com on the top ten most fun jobs available:
Job: Cruise Line Worker
It's fun because: Working on a cruise ship offers the unique opportunity to travel to exotic destinations for free and meet a variety of interesting people along the way. Plus, free room and board sweetens the deal.
The not-so-fun side: The work week is long (it can entail 12 or 14 hours of work a day, seven days a week), staff accommodations are very modest, and if you're prone to sea sickness, this gig will be the job from hell.
The payoff: Waiters, busboys and bartenders on cruise lines have a modest base income and depend on tips for the majority of their income. Crew members and those who do not work for tips usually make about $350 to $500 per week, according to cruiselinesjobs.com.
I'm starting to get the feeling that CareerBuilder thinks that "fun" is a synonym for "low-paying". Yeah, you get to go to cool places, but you're working the whole time, getting paid nothing, and living under the engine room. I'd rate this a decent summer job at best.
That said, I do LOVE cruises. And I'm going on one this fall. If you're a blogger and want to learn more about blogging from some big names in the field, come on and join me. The more, the merrier!
Free Money Finance recommends Emigrant Direct.
I can't agree with career builder's assessment. Most of the crew on a ship get bunks and shared rooms, and are not allowed to associate with the passengers in any way other than what their job entails.
It isn't so bad if you are for example a piano player, as you get your own cabin and can fraternize with the passengers and make some decent money.
Posted by: Blaine Moore (Run to Win) | February 16, 2006 at 09:27 AM