stageninja Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 Thanks for the help. I was actually contacted by a recruiting partner today to schedule an interview. Hopefully it will go well and I'll "land" the job!
dynamo_ozz Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 Yesterday I got my ship assignment through from RCCL: Independence of the Seas. Been offered the job (Technical Stage Staff) back in late October and been waiting since for an assignment (well, it wasn't a prob since I did panto and etc. in the meantime). Today I have booked my visa app. appointment. Can't get hold of the medical centre the hiring partner suggested, so will keep ringing them. I guess somebody dropped out coz they need me to start asap. By that I mean the 4th. My visa app. is on the 31st so I very much doubt I will be ready by then to aboard ship. I read few good stuff on here about Independence, is it still a pleasant ship to work on? I have one serious concern: Approximately 2 weeks ago I came down with a serious case of adult chickenpox (thanks to the kids in the auditorium during panto time), I am not infectious anymore but I still have got scars and faded spots on my face, neck, etc... I cannot describe the hell I went through with chickenpox, I had numerous blisters/spots on my scalp and it was mad itchy, so much so I grabbed the clippers and gave myself a ridiculously short cut to get some air to my scalp. I wasn't expecting to be assigned on a ship this soon, having recently spoken to the recruiting partner.So in a moment of madness and desperation, I gave myself a no.1 cut. So now, problem is, I look suspicious coz of the ridiculously short haircut (bear in mind that I am a female) plus my face is a mess... And I am worried. A lot. What if the embassy doesn't grant me a visa because of my looks (don't laugh, we are talking about Americans here)? What if I can't pass my medical because I had chicken pox only two weeks ago? :huh: :unsure:
DRG Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 Yesterday I got my ship assignment through from RCCL: Independence of the Seas. Been offered the job (Technical Stage Staff) back in late October and been waiting since for an assignment (well, it wasn't a prob since I did panto and etc. in the meantime). Today I have booked my visa app. appointment. Can't get hold of the medical centre the hiring partner suggested, so will keep ringing them. I guess somebody dropped out coz they need me to start asap. By that I mean the 4th. My visa app. is on the 31st so I very much doubt I will be ready by then to aboard ship. I read few good stuff on here about Independence, is it still a pleasant ship to work on? I have one serious concern: Approximately 2 weeks ago I came down with a serious case of adult chickenpox (thanks to the kids in the auditorium during panto time), I am not infectious anymore but I still have got scars and faded spots on my face, neck, etc... I cannot describe the hell I went through with chickenpox, I had numerous blisters/spots on my scalp and it was mad itchy, so much so I grabbed the clippers and gave myself a ridiculously short cut to get some air to my scalp. I wasn't expecting to be assigned on a ship this soon, having recently spoken to the recruiting partner.So in a moment of madness and desperation, I gave myself a no.1 cut. So now, problem is, I look suspicious coz of the ridiculously short haircut (bear in mind that I am a female) plus my face is a mess... And I am worried. A lot. What if the embassy doesn't grant me a visa because of my looks (don't laugh, we are talking about Americans here)? What if I can't pass my medical because I had chicken pox only two weeks ago? :huh: :unsure:They won't deny you a visa because of how you look. I did hear recently that you don't even need the C1/D anymore for the ships (like Indy) that don't go to the USA. Although the C1/D is nice to have simply because it's good to have the option to go to US based vessels.If you're not infectious anymore, then you shouldn't fail the medical. Ask the medical centre when you book if it will affect things. It's a good idea to go with the medical centre the hiring partner recommends, you're unlikely to find cheaper.
dynamo_ozz Posted January 27, 2011 Posted January 27, 2011 They won't deny you a visa because of how you look. I did hear recently that you don't even need the C1/D anymore for the ships (like Indy) that don't go to the USA. Although the C1/D is nice to have simply because it's good to have the option to go to US based vessels.If you're not infectious anymore, then you shouldn't fail the medical. Ask the medical centre when you book if it will affect things. It's a good idea to go with the medical centre the hiring partner recommends, you're unlikely to find cheaper. Yeah, I was thinking about the visa thing. Independence mostly travels in Meditteranean, why do I need an American visa for that? I guess you're right, but it's an extra expense for me to shoulder. No, I am not infectious anymore. I am definitely going with the recommended medical centre. Good idea to ask them beforehands, certainly don't want to send £280 down the drain if I am not likely to pass the medical. Yes it's £280 people.
DRG Posted January 28, 2011 Posted January 28, 2011 They won't deny you a visa because of how you look. I did hear recently that you don't even need the C1/D anymore for the ships (like Indy) that don't go to the USA. Although the C1/D is nice to have simply because it's good to have the option to go to US based vessels.If you're not infectious anymore, then you shouldn't fail the medical. Ask the medical centre when you book if it will affect things. It's a good idea to go with the medical centre the hiring partner recommends, you're unlikely to find cheaper. Yeah, I was thinking about the visa thing. Independence mostly travels in Meditteranean, why do I need an American visa for that? I guess you're right, but it's an extra expense for me to shoulder. No, I am not infectious anymore. I am definitely going with the recommended medical centre. Good idea to ask them beforehands, certainly don't want to send £280 down the drain if I am not likely to pass the medical. Yes it's £280 people.I actually spent £380 for the last medical (someone else did it). It was my 3rd, and I didn't know the hiring partner now was recommending someone. I only heard recently that you might not need a C1/D. Please be aware the company changes rules all the time, so they might've changed rules on this again! The C1/D is left over from when all the ships spent part of the year in the US. It's only in the last couple of years that they've moved ships out of the USA year round. This year I think they're up to 4 or 5, with perhaps more to come. I think it's Indy first year staying in the UK year round. It used to winter in Florida. They also liked you to have the C1/D so that they could transfer you to a US based ship if the need arose. The C1/D should last 10 years, so it's a nice thing to have especially if you're planning to stick around for more than one contract. I always found it boring doing the same itinerary, and it's nice for them to have more options for places to send you.I think you're biggest problem will be getting your passport and medical paperwork back before the 4th. You won't be allowed to board without either. I wouldn't worry too much if this is the case. They will probably just run 1 stage staff short until you can join. Which means they'll fly you to one of the ports, or (more likely cos stage staff ain't that important) wait till the next Southampton when you should have all the necessary.
dynamo_ozz Posted January 28, 2011 Posted January 28, 2011 Thanks for all of your advice here DRG. Just booked my medical, they increased the fee to £300 by the way, for the information of other cruise ship applicants. Yeah, they are talking about flying me out on the 9th, worst case scenerio is that I'll join the ship from Southampton on the 13th, which to be honest, would be the best and cheapest option for me. How is it like working on the Indy? Anyone here who is working or has worked on Indy? Have a nice day! :)
mac.calder Posted January 28, 2011 Posted January 28, 2011 I worked on the Indy for about 6 months when it first came out. That was a couple of years ago now... I loved working on it. However a large portion of how good a ship is to work on is the people.. and that changes frequently... However the shows on the Indy are good too (for cruise ship shows).
DRG Posted January 28, 2011 Posted January 28, 2011 Thanks for all of your advice here DRG. Just booked my medical, they increased the fee to £300 by the way, for the information of other cruise ship applicants. Yeah, they are talking about flying me out on the 9th, worst case scenerio is that I'll join the ship from Southampton on the 13th, which to be honest, would be the best and cheapest option for me. How is it like working on the Indy? Anyone here who is working or has worked on Indy? Have a nice day! :)Forgot they made you pay for 1st flight. Doubt if they'd know if you got the documents back before the 9th even if you do, if you get my meaning.Never worked on that ship, but personnel change all the time, so what Mac Calder is pretty accurate. Even if you don't like the people you work with, with a crew that size, chances are you'll meet someone that you get along with. There might be a Facebook group for people working on ID.Did they tell you if you'd be working in the theatre or Studio B (ice rink)?
Jivemaster Posted January 28, 2011 Posted January 28, 2011 Beware facebook! It's now quite common for employers to look through social networking sites to look for people making negative comments about the company/ship etc.
sameness Posted January 28, 2011 Posted January 28, 2011 Just to clarify...yes you still need the C1/D visa for RCCL ships.Yes, DRG there are going to be a lot of RC ships over in Europe, apparently its where the money is. 11 ships out of 22 in Europe isnt bad going really. Ozz...who is your medical booked with? Short of emailing my original hirer I cant remember who the recommended UK medical people are. I am renewing mine when I et back in April.
tolley1466 Posted January 29, 2011 Posted January 29, 2011 I've recently gotten off the Queen Elizabeth, it was a great experience and I got to work with some great people and equipment. I was involved in bringing out the ship, so myself and the other stage crew (the senior staff did get involved too :P) loaded on all the sets (12 shows in total, I think) and most of the equipment (lights and other company-bought stuff). Its great job satisfaction when you know you were involved with something like that. It's not every day you get to see the world and get paid for it hey?
dynamo_ozz Posted January 29, 2011 Posted January 29, 2011 Just to clarify...yes you still need the C1/D visa for RCCL ships.Yes, DRG there are going to be a lot of RC ships over in Europe, apparently its where the money is. 11 ships out of 22 in Europe isnt bad going really. Ozz...who is your medical booked with? Short of emailing my original hirer I cant remember who the recommended UK medical people are. I am renewing mine when I et back in April. I don't know their names but I can give you telephone no.. I will be able to give you more info. after I get it done on Tuesday. I am PM'ing you the number now.
soundo26 Posted January 29, 2011 Posted January 29, 2011 Lots of questions on the medical here. I recently went to work for a cruise line and had to get a medical. The medical is called the ENG1 it can't be done by any doctor they have to be specialised. If you Google ENG1 you will find a list of approved doctors/medical centres. I paid £80 for mine which was refunded in my first pay packet. If you are going onboard you can usually have your pay in cash, or wired to your bank or split to an account at home and to yourself onboard. Ships mainly work in US Dollars so make sure you take some with you and if you are on a European cruise you will prbably need euros too as some things on board work in the currency of the area you are in at the time, I got caught out several times by this and couldn't even buy a can of Coke to drink! The crew pursers office will chrge your ID card with cash as the bars & shops work on a cashless basis. Not sure if this is the same for all lines, but it certainly was for the line I worked for. The seaman's baggage allowance is still effective, well it was in December, but be careful about the weight figures as it is usually over two bags, so excess charges will apply if you have it all in one!
dynamo_ozz Posted January 29, 2011 Posted January 29, 2011 Lots of questions on the medical here. I recently went to work for a cruise line and had to get a medical. The medical is called the ENG1 it can't be done by any doctor they have to be specialised. If you Google ENG1 you will find a list of approved doctors/medical centres. I paid £80 for mine which was refunded in my first pay packet. If you are going onboard you can usually have your pay in cash, or wired to your bank or split to an account at home and to yourself onboard. Ships mainly work in US Dollars so make sure you take some with you and if you are on a European cruise you will prbably need euros too as some things on board work in the currency of the area you are in at the time, I got caught out several times by this and couldn't even buy a can of Coke to drink! The crew pursers office will chrge your ID card with cash as the bars & shops work on a cashless basis. Not sure if this is the same for all lines, but it certainly was for the line I worked for. The seaman's baggage allowance is still effective, well it was in December, but be careful about the weight figures as it is usually over two bags, so excess charges will apply if you have it all in one! Which cruise line did you work for Soundo? Coz there is a lot of difference between paying £80 and £300 (the medical centre I've been referred to by the hiring partner). Did £80 include chest x-rays and tests etc?
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