Taboos on board: These topics must not address cruise crews!

Taboos on board: These topics must not address cruise crews!

Kreuzfahrt, Italien - Brian David Bruns, a former crew member on cruise ships, offers a deep insight into the strict rules of conduct that apply to the crew on board in his book “Cruise Confidential”. Bruns worked for over four years, including ten months as a waiter at Carnival Cruise Line, and reports on the challenges and working conditions that are often perceived as hard. Employees are obliged to expect overtime, which means that they often have to work over 100 hours a week without free days.

Before Bruns started his first assignment, he was made clear that certain topics on board are considered taboo. According to Travel Reporter are strictly regulate that crew be allowed to speak about politics. This is justified by the fact that different national backgrounds could lead to tensions, since not all crew members come from democracies. Discussions about military affairs are also prohibited, especially on American ships, to avoid potential insults towards passengers.

taboo topics and punishments

The topic of religion, which is the most tabooed, is particularly delicate. Bruns emphasizes that talks can cause serious problems on board. The consequences of violations of these rules are drastic-crew members could be sent home without money. There are also conflicts with each other, as from Welt.de .

The strict regulations are reinforced by the fact that the work requirements are already very high. Although only 80 hours a week are specified in the contract, waiters often have to work overtime. Bruns earned only $ 50 a month, but the drinking money of passengers fluctuated between $ 1,000 and $ 3,000. The hierarchy on board is remarkable: waiter and bartender are above other hotel employees such as chefs and maids.

insight into the crew perspective

The working conditions are often difficult. Crew members share cabins and usually only have limited sleeping opportunities, while they also have little time to go ashore. As a rule, only three to five hours are available. Despite the demanding work, Bruns shows that there are positive aspects. Many crew members perceive the variety of passengers as an enrichment. Nevertheless, there are also moments when the crew passengers have given their free time or derogatory comments about certain guests, especially overweight passengers.

bruns emphasizes that sexual relationships between the crew and passengers are strictly forbidden, but there can be sexual activities occasionally in crew cabins. The captain's attraction, which exudes authority, is also generally noticed. Despite all the challenges, Bruns encourages that employees are not servants and criticizes the passengers who treat the crew poorly.

Overall, Bruns' narrative offers a captivating perspective on the life and working conditions of the crew on cruise ships and shows the strict conventions that prevail on board while at the same time emphasizing the potential for real, albeit complex, human interactions.