FAQ's

I have been receiving a load of questions since I announced I was leaving, so I created an FAQ list

Q: Where are you going? Why are you leaving?
A: I have taken a job aboard the Cunard's Queen Mary 2 which means I will be going to South America and Europe.

Q: How long will you be gone?
A: 4 months, I leave March 8th and return July 3rd

Q: What will your job be onboard? Lighting?
A: I will be a stagehand, the lighting job requires an intensive amount of training in intelligent lighting.

Q: Are you working in the theater?
A: Yes, and the other 14 venues on board like the piano lounges and lecture halls.

Q: Can we see you when you leave?
A: I have to be on board at 9:30am but the ship doesnt leave until 4pm. And no, I will not be on the deck to wave good-bye since my training starts at 2pm.

Q: Can we send you stuff?
A: No. No packages will be delivered for ship security reasons. But I will use the ship's internet to stay in touch. It costs about 15-25 cents a minute to use, so I will update this blog and/or e-mail when I can. My cell phone should work while I'm in New York, but I'll only be calling mom and dad so... yeah.

Q: Do you know where the ship is going? What is your schedule?
A: All I know is we're going to South America first, then to the east coast, then to England and back again. I don't know the exact dates and ports.

Q: Can you get off at the ports?
A: I've been told I will get some time, at some ports, not all of them. It's not guaranteed that I will get time depending on my training and the work that has to get done.

Q: Are you going to take pictures?
A: Obviously!

Q: Do you get your own room? Bathroom?
A: No, I am rooming with one girl. I have no idea who. I believe our room has it's own bathroom but the showers are shared. I don't know this for sure, but I was told she was going to be a production assistant.

Q: Do you have to wear a uniform?
A: Yes, I've been told it will be black slacks and a polo shirt with the company logo. I am also required to have steel toed shoes. I will also purchase a formal pants suit for evenings where formal attire is required to functions.

Q: What supplies do you have to take? What if you forget something?
A: I have to take the basics (clothes, tolietries) but there is a store onboard that sells the basics as well. If I forget anything, I'll have to live without or try to purchase it during the trip. And I have read there is actually a mall of stores on board.

Q: What does it pay?
A: I will be making $1600 a month, plus I am covered by medical and dental while on the ship. A doctor and dentist live on the ship as well. Any emergency medical problems will be dealt with off the ship.

Room and board are also covered so as long as I keep my expenses low, I can keep what I make.

Q: What about taxes?
A: Taxes will be taken care of when I return so I will save every penny I can.

Q: How did you get the job?
A: I applied in two places. Directly with Princess Cruise Lines and with c-deck.com. Cunard called me and interviewed me over the phone.

Q: What steps did you have to take to get the job?
A: I have to have a Norweigian Maritime Medical, take drug/blood tests, take the Yellow Fever vaccine, have a criminal background check, apply for a Seaman's Discharge Book, obtain a passport, and provide passport photos along with signing a contract with Cunard.

Q: How did you hear about this job?
A: I have spoken to people who worked as techs and performers on ships before and decided it was something I'd like to try. The turnover rate is high because some people don't like it and there are always openings for stage hands.

Q: What if you don't like it?
A: I will work the 4 month contract and quit if I don't like it. Otherwise, I will get a month off and leave early August again for another 4 months.

Q: Are you going to party onboard?
A: Probably, depends on the crew

Q: Are you having a going away party?
A: Yes, for all you Cal Poly peeps I will be at the TGIF in Brea on March 3rd at 8pm, for family I will be having a "gathering" on March 4th either at my mom's in Anaheim or my dad's in Placentia (not decided yet)

I will also be trying to get in touch with people from work at Fullerton and Knott's, but probably only on a person by person basis, no actual party plans since Fullerton is in prep for Festival season and Knott's people are scattered to their own lives/jobs.


A list of advice I have already heard and taken in.
1. Don't become a lush
2. Don't gamble
3. Don't get pushed over board
4. Try hard to see as much as possible, this is the chance of a lifetime.
5. Get your flu shot
6. Party
7. Don't get caught up in all the food available

Bon Voyage

I got the job. I will be working for Cunard aboard the Queen Mary starting in March. That is, as long as I pass all the required medical exams. I had no idea how much paperwork was involved. Currently I'm filling out an application for a Discharge Book and/or British Seaman's Card. It was e-mailed to me from the people in the UK overseeing the final steps of my hire.

I also spent the morning going over some documents e-mailed to me regarding life on board the ship and what is expected of me as crew, and not just as an entertainment technician. It feels like moving back into a dorm situation my first year of college. I have no idea who I'll be staying with, but the paperwork made it sound like it would not even be an American. Most of the crew is British or Phillipine. This should be interesting.

I also am waiting for a phone call back from the doctors office to find out when/where I will go to get my maritime medical exam and yellow fever vaccine. I did a google on yellow fever and quickly added mosquito repellant to the packing list.

This whole process looks like it's going to cost a bit of money. I have to pay for the exam, the books, a visa, etc, etc. The whole point of going for a job is to make money because I certainly don't have it. Guess I'll be maxing out that credit card again, sheesh!