- Forum Clout
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I would screenshot but it's too wordy. Here's his ramble all to say he doesn't want to do it again.
Wed. May 8:
I decided to utilize my down time (there’s plenty) to write a few pages about what it’s like to be a guitarist/singer and a crew member working aboard a commercial cruise ship. I’m figuring that most of my musician friends and acquaintances will not be experiencing 4 months of being away from home, friends and loved ones while living on a ship entertaining thousands of guests/week while isolated in the North Atlantic somewhere off the coast of Europe.
The Accommodations:
The cabin that “the help” (that’s me) are given, are nothing like the cabins you acquire on a pleasure cruise. They’re small, no windows, very dusty if you leave the ventilation ducts “untaped” (I did this after discovering serious dust buildup after only a day or so). Bad for the respiratory system. I was wondering where a nasty allergic response (itchy watery eyes, nose and throat) were coming from. Problem #1 solved! “Found” a roll of duct tape and sealed off the offending heat duct, then closed the overhead ventilation register. I don’t think filter changing is a priority in the system servicing the crew quarters. Problem solved. Claritin every morning and only air that I breathe. I leave my cabin door propped open for an hour or so every day to get some fresh air in there. When I FaceTimed my brother and gave him the 10 second tour, he said, “You’re living in a modern day prison cell!!”… yeah, when you can flush your toilet from your writing desk, your in an 8x10’ cell of sorts.
The travel:
It’s been spectacular. I probably would never have seen the invasion beaches of WWII, ancient cities of Spain, landmark destination locations in France, Norwegian fjords and countless beautiful (and some not so beautiful) hours at sea. If I take away nothing else, I’m being afforded an opportunity to do and see things that I would likely never have seen/done otherwise. This makes a one time contractual commitment worth the price of admission.
The Work:
Basically, I perform in a high end restaurant. I’m in the Bar area which is separate from where the diners eat. There are comfy couches and chairs. The room really is set up well for a solo performer. Awesome sound. A ground level stage next to a baby grand piano is where I play nightly. Plug in and go…!
The crowds:
I entertain nearly all Brits (3600 of them every week) that we pick up at Southampton UK (incidentally, the same port from which most of our USA bound, defecting ancestors journeyed to the States) and they’re pretty enthusiastic where live music is concerned. Tons of requests and dedications. More compliments and kudos in one show than 10 at home. They’re particularly fond of watching a Yankee Doodle dandy play Brit artist songs note for note. Dire Straits is HUGE here. Mark Knopfler is a tremendous influence for most of the guitarists I’ve spoken with after shows. I play a shit-ton of Beatles, Stones, Animals, Kinks, Pink Floyd, Who…etc. and they LOVE it.
The downside:
The amount of work is not for hobbyists. In fact, it’s really not for most of the pro’s I know. The 3-45min sets I play every day (I’ve had one night off since I joined the ship 6 weeks ago) are only separated by 2-15min breaks, which I never take. The reason? Because it hurts the hands and the vocal cords more when you allow yourself to cool down and start up again. It also lets the crowd think about getting up and leaving. I came here wanting to make a huge impression so my agent has some ammo if and when contract discussions come up. I’ve had full, if not nearly full, houses for every show since beginning. I’m told by most of the audience members that they’re giving me glowing reviews on their review cards at cruise end. So, As I said, It’s not a job for the faint of heart. It takes extraordinary stamina, lots of water, sleep and taking care of your physical/mental health to complete 4 months of this type of work. Very demanding. No room for prima Donna’s here.
The $$:
Without getting into specifics, if you’re a good player with a decent voice/large repertoire and know how to be an ENTERTAINER, you’d do well, but you’d probably do better on dry land. I was playing average 3x 3hr gigs/week at home and making approx the same $$ I do for playing 7x 3hr gig/week on the ship. There are other mitigating perks that enter the equation…Free meals, no rent, a ton of travel, advancement with the company, medical benefits etc… but these things are really best suited to younger, freer folk. Basically, I’m one of the “unicorns” that Princess (and other lines) are always on the lookout for. While younger musicians have the freedom and stamina to pull off a 4-9 month contract at this pace, they generally don’t know how to entertain 50-80 yr olds, and older! To be proficient at entertaining the principle demographic on most cruise ships, you really need to BE part the principle demographic. It’s gotta be in your DNA. Most guys in their 60’s (that I know) while perfectly qualified, would not be a good fit for the lifestyle. Therein lies the rub... I got this job because they knew after viewing my demo, that I’d be a great fit musically. That makes me one of the rare few “unicorns” that they’re looking for all the time. As with many things, I wish I were 25 again and knew everything I know now. 65 is still young enough to do it physically, but the extenuating circumstances usually makes it difficult for the average weekend warrior to commit to a contract.
My future re: cruise work…
It’s going to take (no pun) a BOATLOAD more $$, much better living quarters (WINDOW PLEASE), a shorter contract term (closer to home) and for my beautiful wife-to-be and my Daughter to once again be as accommodating and supportive as they’ve been this time, for me to sign on for another trip. It’s been an education folks. Learning, that’s what life is for!! Until next time! See you all back in the USA when I return to a full performance calendar this July 21st. Coincidentally, (or maybe cosmically on purpose) I’ll be back home with the ones I love on my 65th birthday. Cheers USA!!
J
Wed. May 8:
I decided to utilize my down time (there’s plenty) to write a few pages about what it’s like to be a guitarist/singer and a crew member working aboard a commercial cruise ship. I’m figuring that most of my musician friends and acquaintances will not be experiencing 4 months of being away from home, friends and loved ones while living on a ship entertaining thousands of guests/week while isolated in the North Atlantic somewhere off the coast of Europe.
The Accommodations:
The cabin that “the help” (that’s me) are given, are nothing like the cabins you acquire on a pleasure cruise. They’re small, no windows, very dusty if you leave the ventilation ducts “untaped” (I did this after discovering serious dust buildup after only a day or so). Bad for the respiratory system. I was wondering where a nasty allergic response (itchy watery eyes, nose and throat) were coming from. Problem #1 solved! “Found” a roll of duct tape and sealed off the offending heat duct, then closed the overhead ventilation register. I don’t think filter changing is a priority in the system servicing the crew quarters. Problem solved. Claritin every morning and only air that I breathe. I leave my cabin door propped open for an hour or so every day to get some fresh air in there. When I FaceTimed my brother and gave him the 10 second tour, he said, “You’re living in a modern day prison cell!!”… yeah, when you can flush your toilet from your writing desk, your in an 8x10’ cell of sorts.
The travel:
It’s been spectacular. I probably would never have seen the invasion beaches of WWII, ancient cities of Spain, landmark destination locations in France, Norwegian fjords and countless beautiful (and some not so beautiful) hours at sea. If I take away nothing else, I’m being afforded an opportunity to do and see things that I would likely never have seen/done otherwise. This makes a one time contractual commitment worth the price of admission.
The Work:
Basically, I perform in a high end restaurant. I’m in the Bar area which is separate from where the diners eat. There are comfy couches and chairs. The room really is set up well for a solo performer. Awesome sound. A ground level stage next to a baby grand piano is where I play nightly. Plug in and go…!
The crowds:
I entertain nearly all Brits (3600 of them every week) that we pick up at Southampton UK (incidentally, the same port from which most of our USA bound, defecting ancestors journeyed to the States) and they’re pretty enthusiastic where live music is concerned. Tons of requests and dedications. More compliments and kudos in one show than 10 at home. They’re particularly fond of watching a Yankee Doodle dandy play Brit artist songs note for note. Dire Straits is HUGE here. Mark Knopfler is a tremendous influence for most of the guitarists I’ve spoken with after shows. I play a shit-ton of Beatles, Stones, Animals, Kinks, Pink Floyd, Who…etc. and they LOVE it.
The downside:
The amount of work is not for hobbyists. In fact, it’s really not for most of the pro’s I know. The 3-45min sets I play every day (I’ve had one night off since I joined the ship 6 weeks ago) are only separated by 2-15min breaks, which I never take. The reason? Because it hurts the hands and the vocal cords more when you allow yourself to cool down and start up again. It also lets the crowd think about getting up and leaving. I came here wanting to make a huge impression so my agent has some ammo if and when contract discussions come up. I’ve had full, if not nearly full, houses for every show since beginning. I’m told by most of the audience members that they’re giving me glowing reviews on their review cards at cruise end. So, As I said, It’s not a job for the faint of heart. It takes extraordinary stamina, lots of water, sleep and taking care of your physical/mental health to complete 4 months of this type of work. Very demanding. No room for prima Donna’s here.
The $$:
Without getting into specifics, if you’re a good player with a decent voice/large repertoire and know how to be an ENTERTAINER, you’d do well, but you’d probably do better on dry land. I was playing average 3x 3hr gigs/week at home and making approx the same $$ I do for playing 7x 3hr gig/week on the ship. There are other mitigating perks that enter the equation…Free meals, no rent, a ton of travel, advancement with the company, medical benefits etc… but these things are really best suited to younger, freer folk. Basically, I’m one of the “unicorns” that Princess (and other lines) are always on the lookout for. While younger musicians have the freedom and stamina to pull off a 4-9 month contract at this pace, they generally don’t know how to entertain 50-80 yr olds, and older! To be proficient at entertaining the principle demographic on most cruise ships, you really need to BE part the principle demographic. It’s gotta be in your DNA. Most guys in their 60’s (that I know) while perfectly qualified, would not be a good fit for the lifestyle. Therein lies the rub... I got this job because they knew after viewing my demo, that I’d be a great fit musically. That makes me one of the rare few “unicorns” that they’re looking for all the time. As with many things, I wish I were 25 again and knew everything I know now. 65 is still young enough to do it physically, but the extenuating circumstances usually makes it difficult for the average weekend warrior to commit to a contract.
My future re: cruise work…
It’s going to take (no pun) a BOATLOAD more $$, much better living quarters (WINDOW PLEASE), a shorter contract term (closer to home) and for my beautiful wife-to-be and my Daughter to once again be as accommodating and supportive as they’ve been this time, for me to sign on for another trip. It’s been an education folks. Learning, that’s what life is for!! Until next time! See you all back in the USA when I return to a full performance calendar this July 21st. Coincidentally, (or maybe cosmically on purpose) I’ll be back home with the ones I love on my 65th birthday. Cheers USA!!
J
