A cruise ship forms a special community in which people from many different nations, cultures and religions live together. As a crew member you need to be patient and tolerant. If the ship is to be happy one, everyone must show respect for each other, as well as little extra consideration and understanding. To give you an idea, below are some general guidelines regarding the interaction between crew members and guests, taking from the crew introduction booklet from one of the cruise lines: Guests travel to exotic places with us because they feel safe and secure and that they are among friends. When we talk, and especially laugh and joke in a foreign language we destroy that feeling. We are all here to provide the best possible service to our guests. This means that even if you do not deal directly with guests, you are still providing an important service to those crew members who do. Act professionally and treat everybody with respect. The ship is a team of people and every job on board is equally important. If anybody, guest or crew asks you a question and you do not know the answer, find out or direct the person to someone who knows the answer. Never walk away saying that you do not know, and likewise, never answer a question if you are not sure of the answer. Always make sure that you answer correctly. It shows that you care for people. Be sincere. If you made a mistake, admit it and let people know. The sooner you do it the easier it will be to correct that mistake. People appreciate sincerity. Be showered, shaved and clean. Always wear a spotlessly clean uniform. The guests are enjoying a lifetime vacation. They do not want to listen to your personal problems. Do not ever discuss company or personal matters with guests. The relationship between crew members and guests should be a cordial and professional one. Intimate and/or sexual relationships with guests traveling on board are strictly prohibited. Inappropriate, suggestive, provocative and promiscuous language and behavior will not be tolerated. Do not tap a guest on the shoulder, politely say "Excuse me Sir/Madam". Upon joining your will receive a copy of the rules and regulations specific to the ship. Here are some more examples. You will see that they are all common sense. The Captain has the highest authority on board and all shipboard personnel are under his command. All crew members have to follow the orders given by the Captain and the Staff Captain, Department Heads, Supervisors and Officers on Duty. The Staff Captain is responsible for order and discipline. If a crew member breaks any of the Rules and Regulations, necessary action will be taken. If the offense is of a serious nature, it may be cause for dismissal. All personnel must attend Lifeboat and Safety Drill. It is strictly forbidden to bring on board, or to be in possession of drugs, weapons or explosives. Discrimination against any fellow crew member(s) or guest(s) on the grounds of race, color, religion or for any other reason, will not be tolerated. Crew member shall maintain a professional relationship with guests. Intimate relationship are strictly prohibited. Sexual relationships are strictly prohibited. Provocative, suggestive, promiscuous and other inappropriate language and behavior is strictly prohibited. Violation of this rule will result in immediate dismissal. No crew member is allowed in a guest suite, except those crew members who are there due to job related matters. Nor are crew member allowed to call any guest in their cabin, except in line of duty. Violation of these rules will result in dismissal. Guests are not allowed in Crew Quarters, including the Crew Bar. Violation of this rules will result in dismissal. Crew members are not allowed to use guests elevators, bathrooms/toilets. Whenever the ship docks or uses the tenders, our guests have priority at all times. Respect and courteous manners must be shown at all times. All personnel must conform to uniform regulations and maintain a good personal clean and tidy appearance at all times. The uniform must be worn at all times while in a public areas. Smoking is not permitted whilst on duty. Crew members are not permitted to smoke in any guest areas. No crew member is allowed to participate in any game arranged for guests on board where money is part of the prize. Any crew member responsible for defacing, abusing or stealing any of the ship’s property will be subject to instant dismissal. Crew members are not allowed to bring food or dishes to their cabin. Crew are not allowed in food preparation areas when off duty. Garbage is never to be thrown overboard at any time. Garbage disposal procedures will be explained to you and must be followed at all times. Anyone found dumping garbage overboard will be dismissed immediately. There are crew members working around the clock, and out of respect for fellow crew members SILENCE should be observed in all crew living areas at all times, and especially after 11.00 p.m. The crew dayroom is available at all times for any crew meetings. Crew members should never go the ship’s reception desk for personal business i.e. buying stamps, changing money, etc. |
