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Harry New user California 37 Posts |
Sir Tahoe,
I recall seeing you at the castle a time or two, very snappy stuff you do. Someone told me you work the cruise lines. Perhaps one could get you to enlighten us what that is like, and any advice you might have for a person interested in that line of work? Cheers! |
tctahoe V.I.P. Lakeland Fl. 731 Posts |
I’m Snappy!
Workin’ on ships. Well, at present, I am what's called a fly-on act. I fly-on to the ship, do a couple o’ shows and fly home. So, how they came up with the name… If you don’t mind flying, and I do, it’s a great way to work ships. I was never a fan of the extended contract. Let’s do this, ask me a more specific question and I will try to answer it. I guess it doesn’t have to be specific, but a little less broad then, tell me everything. Which I will, but not in one sitting |
Harry New user California 37 Posts |
How would one apply to a cruise line?
Perhaps write a letter, or maybe make some sort of phone contact? Cheers. |
Eric Starkey Regular user Pittsburgh, PA 180 Posts |
Okay, I'll bite. Here's a "specific question" regarding living conditions.
How good/bad/small/large/comfortable are the amenities? What about food? Exercise? Privacy? Entertainment? Computer access? Ability to visit ports? Interaction with guests/other crew members? Essentially, what is life at sea like for 6 wks./6 mos.? Not so much the performance, but the off-time? I look forward to your knowledgeable reply, Eric Starkey |
tctahoe V.I.P. Lakeland Fl. 731 Posts |
Harry,
It is much easier to go through an Agent. Then you only have to tell one person the way you would be great on the sea. Albeit you must then trust that person to sell you. I first got onto ships with an agent. The Carnival gig I have now, was through a friend of a friend. You can cold call or just send out a video. When you do call, understand that most of these guys are inundated with would be acts, so they may sound a little curt. Send them a cover letter and a video of your whole act. That is what most of them want. No montage, the whole act, or acts. Most likely if you get booked you will be asked to do two different shows. When they ask how much material you have tell them an hour, that is what they need. An hour that can be divided up into different types of shows. And, the fun part is, that no matter what you are told over the phone, it will be different on the ship. The Cruise director, your boss, may ask you to do a five minute bit for a welcome aboard show. This five minutes must be strong, you want to be a good draw. I guess I am getting a little off topic here. Send out tapes, make phone calls, or get an agent. TC PS It didn’t come from me, but word has it that Holland America likes comedy magic. |
tctahoe V.I.P. Lakeland Fl. 731 Posts |
Ok Eric,
First, Six weeks is the longest I have ever been on one ship. That was for Norwegian Cruise Lines. It was six, one week cruises. The cabins were passenger cabins, the down side to this is you must tip. If I remember right, 3 to 6 dollars per day per person. Food varies from ship to ship. Most contracts should give you Passenger status. Nice in theory, but it hardly every works that way. You are more of an in-betweener. You have most passenger privileges, and you have most crew privileges. You can eat in the passenger dinning room and get a wonderful meal (but, you must always be “on” when with the passengers. Not doing tricks all the time, but ‘on’.) Or you can eat in the staff mess. No dressing up, no being ‘on’ , no five to seven course meals. The staff mess has good food, not great, but good. You should have access to both the passenger workout room and the crews. The newer ships have Internet Cafe's set up for both the passengers and crew. The crew area is cheaper. As far as ports go, when you are not performing you are free to be a passenger, almost. Let me stress this, do not ever, under any circumstances, agree to “partial crew duties” I don’t know how to stress this enough. It’s like being an extra in film or TV. The odds are you will never rise above being an extra. Don’t do it. I will post more about ships later. |
Harry New user California 37 Posts |
Thank you for the great advice sir!
Cheers... |
Eric Starkey Regular user Pittsburgh, PA 180 Posts |
TC: In your last post on this topic you wrote, "I will post more about ships later." With today being your last day as "honored guest" I wonder if you have the time to share any further insights?
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tctahoe V.I.P. Lakeland Fl. 731 Posts |
More about life at sea…
One of things I find very tiresome on ships is the political games, the in fighting, and such. If you have a ‘real’ job, image, not only working with those people, but living and socializing with them. You’re trapped, and the main recreation place for off duty crew is, the crew bar. But, it’s not just any bar, no; it’s a cheep bar. Beer is fifty cents and well drinks, a buck; it is almost like they encourage the crew to drink and then get upset when they do. Before you set out to work on ships, make sure you have a valid passport. Also, make sure you have any required visas, and do not take your agents word for it. Once you find out what country you are going to, contact their consulate and ask them what is required. Better safe then sorry. Are there any other questions, before I get up at 4am to catch three flights to get to the ship and do two shows? (What and give up show biz?) |
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