Life On-Board   Rules & Regulations

Illegal Drugs
It is not uncommon for cruise ships to conduct "random" drug tests or cabin inspections. Being caught in possession of an illegal substance or proving positive on a drug test can lead to immediate dismissal at best, imprisonment at worst.

Coast Guard Inspection
Coast Guard officers are similar to Custom officers and have the right to search your cabin without your permission and without telling you why. These searches may be random and may happen throughout the ship on any day at any time.

Curfew
On most cruise ships there is a curfew in the public areas anywhere 1:30 am and 3:00 am. You are not allowed to linger in any of the public areas (lounges, bars, etc.). There is usually a staff lounge or officer's lounge on-board that is open 24 hours a day where you can relax if you are a night owl.

Restrictions
There are areas on a ship that musicians and entertainers are not permitted to visit. These areas include passenger cabins, (passengers are not allowed in your cabin either), the ship's Casino, and the pool. Bar stools are also off limits. (Waiters prefer to have passengers on bar stools since they are better tippers.) You may have a drink at a table in the lounge. However, you cannot walk around the ship with a drink or a cigarette in your hand in case the ship tilts and you spill your drink or burn a passenger.
Use of the public gym facilities may be permitted at certain times. Some ships have their own staff gyms and pool which are more accessible.

Fines
On land, a fine is a common punishment for breaking the law (think of parking and speeding tickets!) It's the same thing on-board. The laws of the ship are clearly spelled out to you when you arrive. If you break an on-board law, you may either receive a written warning or be fined. If you resist the temptation to break the rules you should not have any trouble.

Required Drills
You must participate in passenger and staff boat drills. Drills will teach you how to act if an emergency situation arises. Boat drills happen once per cruise and are compulsory for both staff and passengers. A drill lasts about 20 minutes and is similar to an airplane drill. There are also special training periods for staff and crew which you must attend. Although ships are extremely safe, take the time to learn how to save your life and that of others in case of emergency.

Dress Code
The dress code varies for different cruise lines. However, in general, you will need to wear a Tuxedo with a white pleated shirt, a black bow tie, black cummerbund, black shoes and black socks for formal night. On non-formal nights, you will wear a blue blazer with a white shirt, tie, white pants and white deck shoes. Some cruise lines will provide you with the non-formal night wear, a daytime uniform and a nametag that you should wear in passenger areas.

Sample Policy Manual
Prior to departure you will be provided with the policy manual of the cruise line. It will look something like this:

Can Do

1) An exemplary conduct may provide you with the opportunity to accompany passengers in the capacity of host during fabulous shore excursions.

2) You may use the gymnasium facilities after 8:00 PM provided no passengers are waiting.

3) Socialize in a proper, educated and respectful manner with each individual of the upscale clientele. Short hair and a well-groomed appearance is expected.

No Can Do

1) The following parts of the ship are off limits to staff members: Casino, passenger cabins, pool and bar stools.

2) Tardiness is not permitted in any of your duties. When in port you must be on board the vessel at least one hour prior to the ship's departure. Failure to board the ship will lead to instant dismissal!

3) Slightly improper behavior can lead to fines. Grossly improper behavior, such as drunkenness, or possession/use of illegal drugs will lead to dismissal or imprisonment.