[SML] Cruise Ships

[Brian Munroe]

I did a stage install on the qe2 once. Overnight shifts in the ballroom during the cruise from ft Lauderdale to NYC.  It was interesting bringing supplies up - anything of any length came up in the life boats. I found the average age of the passengers to be approaching death by old age. This was over twenty years ago, so maybe the qe2 isn't just for the Uber wealthy anymore. 

I've also done installs for more contemporary cruise lines. There is definitely a class system amongst the crew/staff in terms of quarters, meal accommodation, and accessibility to public areas. If I recall correctly , what would be considered FOH staff positions (board ops, etc) were allowed to mingle with the public, but the backstage staff was not. 

Brian Munroe. 

Sent from my iThingy. Please excuse any typos

> On Jun 24, 2016, at 10:17 PM, Blackfaer via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
> 
> Disney is a different game; alcohol is limited, so for teetotalers like me it's a sweet gig. Lots of alcohol before and after shows in most of the rest. My experience was on the QE2, so we operated more like a road-house with several new acts each week. Benefits are the pay is good after you account for that they feed and house you, and you get to see the world. Disadvantage is you work 16 hour days 7 days a week.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jun 24, 2016, at 12:45 PM, Ford Sellers via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Like Andrew, I've heard Mixed reports.
>> 
>> From what I can tell, it is much like the Feld Circuses. 
>> You get out of it whatever you put in.  If you go in with your eyes open, and wanting to learn and work hard, the payoff can be substantial.  You will get access to newer technology (eventually), and learn A LOT about maintenance, and get a lot of good experience quickly. There is a lot of cynicism, and alcoholism aboard... so that can be a risk...but your attitude is key.
>> 
>> Also key... being in the highest position possible.  Go in as the TD.  If you go as a general hand, you will share a cabin, and likely get a lot of less desirable additional duties.
>> 
>> One of my employees came from the Cruise Lines.  He went in as a board-op/moving light tech, got incredible amounts of experience, worked his way up on various cruise lines over a multi-year duration, went scuba diving all over the planet, met his wife, and came out relatively unscathed.  He is now a product manager for a major lighting manufacturer.  There were some other stops along the way, but for him is was a great way to get into the professional end of the market... so it can be a great way to get started, with a lower barrier to entry than traditional touring.
>> 
>> He warns that it is not for everyone.  You really need to keep yourself grounded, and be more interested in bettering yourself, than in getting sucked into negativism and drama.
>> 
>> I have another friend who is a SM for Disney Cruise Lines.
>> She goes in smiling, and is happy to leave when her contract is up... but I've seen her re-sign at least 3 times, so despite her relief at the end of a contract, she finds it fulfilling enough to return to sea.
>> 
>> I've never heard her warn against it.
>> 
>> I hope that helps.
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Stagecraft [mailto:stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net] On Behalf Of Mark S. Eccleston via Stagecraft
>> Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2016 5:32 PM
>> To: stagecraft at theatrical.net
>> Cc: Mark35816 at aol.com
>> Subject: [SML] Cruise Ships
>> 
>> I'm considering looking for work on a cruise ship; possibly as a Technical Director or stage hand.
>> 
>> Is anyone on the list doing this?  
>> 
>> I'd like to hear what people think about this type of work?  Did you  have a good experience?  Bad one?  What cruise lines seem to be the  best to work for?  
>> 
>> I'm about to make a career change and am putting this on the table to weigh  my options.  
>> 
>> Thanks for any feedback.
>> 
>> Mark S. Eccleston
>> 256.694.8575
>> 
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