Cruise Boat Music: Performances While Docked?

Working as a musician on a cruise ship is a dream job for many aspiring performers. It offers the chance to showcase talents, explore the world, and get paid for it. However, it also comes with unique challenges, such as balancing performances with time off the ship. While the schedule varies by cruise line and itinerary, performances are typically nightly, leaving most days free for musicians to explore ports of call and immerse themselves in new cultures. This blend of music and travel can be a rewarding experience, but finding the right work-leisure balance is essential.

Musicians on cruise ships have nightly performances

Life as a musician on a cruise ship is a unique and exciting opportunity to blend your love for music with a life at sea. While it can be glamorous, it also comes with challenges and a strict set of rules.

Performance Schedule

Musicians on cruise ships typically have nightly performances, with the frequency varying based on the cruise line and itinerary. Most days are free, with performances scheduled for the evening when everyone is back onboard. The busiest position is the party band, which plays in the afternoons for arriving passengers, two stage shows in the evening, and then dance music in the lounges at night.

Port Days vs Sea Days

Cruise ship musicians often find they have more free time on port days, allowing them to explore destinations. However, sea days can have more performance time.

Life on Board

Life on a cruise ship means being stuck on a floating bubble with the same people for months. Musicians must be in good physical shape and are subject to mandatory physical exams and drug testing before boarding. There is a strict no-drug policy, and vaccinations and flu shots are often given onboard.

Life on board also means following ship duties and strict rules. You must dress and behave a certain way, even in crew areas. There are reasons to be granted ship leave, but these are not always paid.

Ship Hierarchy

As a musician, you will likely end up somewhere in the middle of the ship hierarchy. You will have privileges that many crew members do not, such as eating in restaurants, using the pool and passenger gym, and discounted spa rates. Be kind to your cabin steward and tip them well.

Random Searches and Curfews

Random searches of your cabin may be conducted, and if you are found to be out after curfew, you will be written up by security. Multiple write-ups can lead to termination.

Comradery

Despite the challenges, there is a wonderful comradery among crew members. Every night, crew members come together at the crew bar after work to socialise, have a few drinks, and play some darts. It is a time to let loose and have fun with your new friends.

Sight-Reading Skills

Ship musicians are expected to be excellent sight-readers, and passing a sight-reading test is usually part of the job application process. The ability to read music quickly is crucial, as there is very little time to prepare with guest artists, who bring their own charts and tracks.

Safety Duties

All crew members, including musicians, are expected to contribute to the safety of the ship. This may include mustering passengers to their lifeboats in an emergency and participating in "In Port Manning" (IPM) rotation, where a certain number of crew members must stay on the ship for safety reasons on port days.

Health Considerations

Health is taken very seriously onboard, and gastrointestinal (GI) infections are closely monitored. If you become ill, both you and your roommate will be quarantined. Wash your hands frequently to avoid this situation!

Additionally, seasickness is a common issue, and it can take a few weeks to get your "sea legs". Medication for seasickness is recommended if you are prone to it.

Overall Experience

Life as a musician on a cruise ship can be a great adventure, allowing you to travel the world and perform music while having your room and board included. However, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges and the strict rules that come with this unique lifestyle.

Performers often have more free time on port days

On sea days, when the vessel is in transit, there may be more performance time. This means that performers may have less free time to themselves when the ship is not docked.

Overall, port days provide a great opportunity for performers to network and explore new cultures, turning their work assignment into a unique and enriching travel experience.

Performers are expected to be excellent sight-readers

As a musician working on a cruise ship, you will be expected to be an excellent sight-reader. This is because you will have very little time to prepare with guest artists, who bring their own charts and tracks. You will be required to pass a sight-reading test as part of the audition process.

The challenges of sight-reading on a cruise ship

The diverse knowledge of the musicians on board can make things complicated for jam sessions. There are many different publishers of lead sheets and books, and musicians from different countries may have tunes memorised in different keys. It is recommended that you bring a RealBook on board – other musicians will know what this is.

You are likely to read over 200 charts a week, and rehearsals for guest entertainers might only be an hour and a half long for a 45-minute show. You need to be able to read down music, scoring at least an 80% or higher average to keep your performing skills compatible with other musicians. Continuous mistakes could lead to disciplinary action, including termination of your contract and being blacklisted.

How to improve your sight-reading skills

If you are a music student, you will already know the importance of improving your sight-reading skills. The music theory, arranging, and efficient practising skills you gain from your education will all pay off while working as a musician on a ship.

The benefits of working as a musician on a cruise ship

Working on a cruise ship can be a great opportunity to blend your love for music with a life at sea. You will get to travel the world and perform music, with room and board included, all while being paid a decent salary and receiving health insurance.

Although you will be stuck on a floating bubble with the same people for months on end, you will also have plenty of time to explore ports of call and immerse yourself in new cultures. Most of your days are your own, and performances are usually at night once everyone is back on board. You will also have more free time on port days when the ship is docked.

Performers are subject to random searches and drug tests

Before boarding, crew members must undergo a mandatory physical examination, which includes drug testing. All prescriptions must be cleared with the ship's doctor, and additional vaccines and flu shots are typically administered onboard. Drug tests are a standard requirement for most cruise line employees, and random drug testing is also conducted during the contract period.

In addition to drug testing, crew members are subject to random searches of their cabins. These searches are typically conducted by security personnel and can occur at any time, including after curfew. If prohibited items are found during these searches, it can lead to disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

It is important to note that the specific policies and procedures regarding drug testing and random searches may vary depending on the cruise line and the individual ship. However, it is crucial for performers to be aware of these requirements and to comply with the rules and regulations to ensure a smooth employment experience.

Performers are expected to contribute to the safety of the ship

In the event of an emergency, musicians may also be called upon to assist in directing passengers to their lifeboats. This responsibility can be crucial in ensuring the safe and orderly evacuation of the ship. As such, musicians are often among the last people to leave the ship during an emergency.

In addition to these duties, musicians are also expected to maintain their health and well-being. For example, it is crucial to report any gastrointestinal (GI) infections to the medical team, as an outbreak on a cruise ship can have serious consequences. Musicians are also advised to take precautions such as frequent hand-washing to prevent the spread of illnesses.

Overall, while musicians on cruise ships enjoy the perks of travelling and performing, they also have important responsibilities related to the safety and well-being of both the passengers and the crew.

Frequently asked questions