Chef job on cruise ship?

[chefbigdog]

Can anyone help with some info on employment on a cruise ship in the position of executive chef or executive sous chef. I am thinking of applying and was looking for some input.
Thanks.

[ChefTorrie]

Why not the same position on a resort Island... I worked in Antigua for about a year and aruba for about year and a half...Pretty good experience...

[AprilB]

I loved (no, wait...I ADORED) our passage from Sydney to SF a couple of years ago and we got a fine tour of the kitchen. (Chocolate Buffet...yeah.... )

I've been entertaining the same idea (only in Australia/NZ) but haven't found any direct info as yet. Be forwarned that if you look in search engines there are 'agencies' I would personally stear clear of. These types of headhunters charge you money to supply information you can find by yourself if you're diligent.

First I would suggest deciding just where you want to go. What ports and where you want to hail out of. (Where you want to hang your "chef" hat? <ba boom boom CHING>)
Then find cruise lines that have cruises out of that area and contact them. Most if not all have links to employment. You just have to dig.

Another thing is there are SO MANY different cruise lines that have hundreds of different ships per each. Not to mention the numerous Yacht venues.

Good luck with this. Let us know how it goes.

April

[foodpump]

Talk to a few people who have worked on cruisers. The work is, well different. Most lines have 3 mth contracts, and you work 12 hrs 7 days. True you might get an afternoon off at ports of call, but not every port. You do get paid in tax free US $, and many who work on board are saving up for their life's dreams. Make no mistake, it is hard work, but also a great experience.

[beefcheif]

April

I recommend Hamilton island/day dream island or airley beach in queensland australia, (alot of walk in jobs there at the mo.....)
On the west coast i reccommend pemberton/ perth or margrat river in W.A
but i really sugesst that you do Queensland, sunny days, great barrier reef..... sun sea and surf!

N.Z = COLD AND WET! but some nice snow fields.....

[BoatChef]

I haven't ever worked on a cruise ship but those I have met that have said the crew quaters are teeny weeny. I work on a private yacht as the chef. You do work seven days a week (feeding 5-14 crew and guests). But you get to travel, the wages are pretty good and the crew quaters are accomadating. Good luck with whatever you end up doing!

[AprilB]

Yeah, QLD is nice. Will definitely look into it.

(still sad about Steve)

April

Originally Posted by beefcheif

April

I recommend Hamilton island/day dream island or airley beach in queensland australia, (alot of walk in jobs there at the mo.....)
On the west coast i reccommend pemberton/ perth or margrat river in W.A
but i really sugesst that you do Queensland, sunny days, great barrier reef..... sun sea and surf!

N.Z = COLD AND WET! but some nice snow fields.....

[beefcheif]

R.I.P Steve Erwin........