AnonymousCM5
Member
**My company:** Starboard Cruise Services on board Carnival Cruise ships
**My ship:** Dream, Sunshine, Vista, and Excel classes
**My contract:** usually 6 months.
**My department:** Shops
**My salary:** Basic $900 USD + commissions (between $400 and $900 USD, depending on the itinerary)
**My nationality:** Latin America
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Carnival crew life is pretty nice! No major drama here. Just like anywhere else, you’ll meet cool folks and a few not-so-cool ones. The food can get kinda boring after a while, but it’s way better on the big ships. As staff, you can chill in guest areas as long as your schedule allows and your hotel director isn’t too strict. Some are super chill, others… not so much.
Working in the shops means you’re busy on sea days and get time off in port. Sea days are long—think 9 am to midnight. On port days, you start once the ship sails unless you need to sort the lockers in the morning. Embarkation days? You’ve got loading in the morning and regular work after sailing.
How happy you are really depends on your management team. If they’re smart and nice, you’ll feel good and won’t be stuck in lockers all the time or finishing super late. Nights off? Some managers give you one only if the team hits the target, others if you meet certain standards.
As a newbie, you start in sections with smaller commissions, but with experience, you can move up and make more in promos or as a specialist. Watch and beauty specialists can rake in around $2,500 USD.
I had some great managers who taught me a lot, and others who weren’t as connected with the team. If you have any health issues, the company (starboard) takes care of you and sends you home to recover, still paying your basic salary.
The vibe depends on your team, so it’s best to get along with everyone. Respect cultural differences—everyone expects the same from you. This job is perfect for enjoying the ports. Be smart, don’t spend all your time at the crew bar, and you can have a balanced life: gym, rest, explore, and party occasionally. Compared to other departments, our lifestyle is sweet, but the sales target pressure can be intense and might stress you out if you’re not into sales.
You need to be good with people and a team player. Wifi is decent—free WhatsApp texts and $4 USD for 24-hour social media access. Cabins are comfy, and the internal TV service with movies is cool. Crew areas are nice, but everything is a bit better on newer ships (like coffee!).
Contracts are usually six months. My tip? Don’t extend; it’s a burnout trap. If possible, make your first contract shorter—it makes a big difference. Learn to rest, not to quit! Shops need proactive folks, so take initiative, be loyal to your teammates, responsible with your duties, follow the rules, seek balance, prioritize sleep, exercise, and make good friends. You’ll be fine!
Enjoy the shops, Starboard, and Carnival Cruise Line
**My ship:** Dream, Sunshine, Vista, and Excel classes
**My contract:** usually 6 months.
**My department:** Shops
**My salary:** Basic $900 USD + commissions (between $400 and $900 USD, depending on the itinerary)
**My nationality:** Latin America
---
Carnival crew life is pretty nice! No major drama here. Just like anywhere else, you’ll meet cool folks and a few not-so-cool ones. The food can get kinda boring after a while, but it’s way better on the big ships. As staff, you can chill in guest areas as long as your schedule allows and your hotel director isn’t too strict. Some are super chill, others… not so much.
Working in the shops means you’re busy on sea days and get time off in port. Sea days are long—think 9 am to midnight. On port days, you start once the ship sails unless you need to sort the lockers in the morning. Embarkation days? You’ve got loading in the morning and regular work after sailing.
How happy you are really depends on your management team. If they’re smart and nice, you’ll feel good and won’t be stuck in lockers all the time or finishing super late. Nights off? Some managers give you one only if the team hits the target, others if you meet certain standards.
As a newbie, you start in sections with smaller commissions, but with experience, you can move up and make more in promos or as a specialist. Watch and beauty specialists can rake in around $2,500 USD.
I had some great managers who taught me a lot, and others who weren’t as connected with the team. If you have any health issues, the company (starboard) takes care of you and sends you home to recover, still paying your basic salary.
The vibe depends on your team, so it’s best to get along with everyone. Respect cultural differences—everyone expects the same from you. This job is perfect for enjoying the ports. Be smart, don’t spend all your time at the crew bar, and you can have a balanced life: gym, rest, explore, and party occasionally. Compared to other departments, our lifestyle is sweet, but the sales target pressure can be intense and might stress you out if you’re not into sales.
You need to be good with people and a team player. Wifi is decent—free WhatsApp texts and $4 USD for 24-hour social media access. Cabins are comfy, and the internal TV service with movies is cool. Crew areas are nice, but everything is a bit better on newer ships (like coffee!).
Contracts are usually six months. My tip? Don’t extend; it’s a burnout trap. If possible, make your first contract shorter—it makes a big difference. Learn to rest, not to quit! Shops need proactive folks, so take initiative, be loyal to your teammates, responsible with your duties, follow the rules, seek balance, prioritize sleep, exercise, and make good friends. You’ll be fine!
Enjoy the shops, Starboard, and Carnival Cruise Line
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