Last week my husband and I were fortunate enough to get to go on a Caribbean cruise. It made us curious about the inner workings of a cruise ship. A quick search and we found Cruise Confidential. We bought the audiobook with the thought that we would listen to it on the drive home from the airport.
In Cruise Confidential, the author, Brian, takes us on an adventure that starts with a girl. He met a girl, Bianca, who was on vacation from working the ships when he fell in love. He wanted to be with her at all costs, so he headed to Carnival so he could be with her. His interviewers with Carnival were a little shocked that an American wanted to work in dining. The only Americans on most ships were the entertainers. In fact, an American had never made it all the way through a contract in the dining room. Brian quickly learned that working on a cruise ship was back-breaking hard work. He ate little, slept even less, and drank a lot. When he finally made it on the same ship as Bianca, he realized that sustaining a relationship on a cruise ship is nearly impossible.
One thing we had to remember when listening to this book is that it is set in 2002. 17 years ago. Have things changed on cruise ships? Maybe. Maybe not. The work is hard, but as Brian's training officer said, "We are all here for the money." It was interesting to us that many of Brian's co-workers were shocked to find out that he had a vehicle and apartment before taking the job. That is what many of them were working towards while on the ship. The kind of money to be earned on the ship were not available to most of the crew in their home countries. His life and Iowa upbringing were so different from those of his co-workers that it was a bit of a culture shock. It also forced me to realize that most of those we interacted with on our recent cruise were not American. However, the entertainers were American. For Brian, being an American was both an advantage and a disadvantage on the ship. His English was a definite advantage, but also a disadvantage. Because when he was in the crew bar, everybody was more comfortable speaking their native language. It made him lonely. Thankfully, he had an amazing work ethic and a good-natured sense of humor. Two qualities that can help anybody get through anything. On our ship, I wondered what some employees did when like the shops were closed at a port. Well, we learned that all the crew has multiple roles. It is why the days are long and the work is hard.
Bottom Line - We were on a cruise for rest and relaxation. Crew members on the ship don't get that luxury, but maybe a few hours a week. I have always thought, and still do, that working on a cruise ship would be a good way to see the world. But only if you are willing to work your tail off.
Details:
- Cruise Confidential by Brian David Bruns
- On Facebook
- Pages: 384
- Publisher: Travelers' Tales Guides, Incorporated
- Publication Date: 9/1/2008
- Buy it Here!
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