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Life Onboard

We have found that it is important to be brutally honest when communicating what life is like working onboard a cruise ship. For a lot of people it is a very rewarding experience working in a tightly integrated team, working in exotic locations and earning a rewarding salary. However working onboard as a ship's photographer is more than just a job - it's a lifestyle. In an earlier section we highlighted some of the many advantages working with Image, however working onboard a cruise ship is not for everyone and it is important that you understand what it is like before making a commitment.

The ship will be your home and work place for six to eight months. Cruise ships are often described as large floating hotels. Your accommodation comprises a shared cabin, with toilet and shower facilities.

As an IMAGE employee you will have what is normally termed "Cruise Staff" status, which means you are allowed to mix with the passengers and use most of the passenger facilities. All crewmembers including Cruise Staff and Officers must strictly comply with the Captain's Rules and Regulations.

Life at sea can at times feel restrictive as most ships sail during the night and arrive in port in daylight hours. Regardless of rank all shipboard personnel must attend the safety drills. It is part and parcel of Life at Sea. Onboard grooming standards are comparable to those of a five star hotel. As a photographer working for IMAGE it is part of your contractual obligation to be correctly attired in the company uniform at all times when in passenger areas. Your appearance and demeanor are a very important part of how passengers perceive the quality of our service. It must always be 100%!

Harmony within the crew is vital in the successful running of a ship and it is important that you can get on well with your cabin mate, the team and fellow crewmembers. Most ships' crew represent a large cross section of different nationalities, a bit like the United Nations. This in itself makes life at sea interesting - somewhat like working in a small international village.

Communication

Living onboard, you may not have instant access to telephones, e-mail, post offices, telephones or other avenues of communication. Modern ships offer some of these conveniences at affordable prices for crew members, but prepare to communicate less than usual with family and friends during your contract period. If you are prone to homesickness, this may not be the career for you. IMAGE requires you to sign at least a six to eight month contract, with six weeks vacation after completion of the contract.

Flexibility

Try not to focus on working for one ship or cruise line. Working for any cruise ship related company requires you to adapt to a whole new way of life. You may be scheduled to join one ship only to be transferred or diverted to another at a moment's notice. Or, you may be assigned to the same ship, with the same itinerary, with the same team, every contract period. Flexibility is the key to success in this industry!

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