PRINCESS CRUISES - SEA STAFF
RELATIVES TRAVELING WITH STAFF ON DUTY
POLICY STATEMENT
At the discretion of the company and subject to the following rules, sea staff may have close relatives (defined as spouses, partners [see qualifying criteria paragraph 2], dependant children over six months, parents and siblings) travelling with them whilst working on board. Children under the age of 18 years are not permitted to travel as relatives on those vessels nominated as adults only.
ENTITLEMENTS
1 In any one calendar year, close relatives of staff employed by P&O Cruises (Bermuda) Ltd/Princess Cruise Lines Ltd., a Bermuda company, may travel for:
a) Unlimited periods in the case of confirmed Senior Officers in the shipboard Executive Committee.
b) Up to four months in the case of confirmed three stripe officers.
c) Up to two months in the case of all other confirmed officers and cruise staff, New Waves staff, Maitre d's, Accommodation Services Managers, Chefs, Sous Chefs, Gift Shop Managers, Casino Managers and Photo Managers with more than one years service with the Company.
d) Up to one month in the case of those staff entitled to sole occupancy of a cabin with more than
three years service with the Company.
e) Up to one month in the case of all other staff with more than five years service with the Company, subject to the ship concerned having accommodations, which is specifically designated for relative’s use. (See paragraph 7)
2 If the applicant wishes for their 'Common-Law' partner to travel, they are required to furnish satisfactory documentary evidence to the effect that at least four of the following seven requirements are met, and that of these, the first six criteria must have been applicable for at least one year prior to the date of the request. Applicants should forward this information to Fleet Personnel in advance so that it can be kept on file for future reference.
• Joint mortgage or ownership of primary residence
• Joint bank account
• Primary life insurance policy beneficiary
• Beneficiary of crew member’s last will and testament
• Have registered the person as the crew member’s next-of-kin with Fleet Personnel
• Common primary residence
• Mutual offspring
3. Relatives may not travel for the first two months of a staff member's first service in a ship or in a new appointment without the approval of Fleet Personnel Department. Relatives, other than spouses, are not permitted to live on board during refits without Fleet Personnel approval.
Children under sixteen years of age are not permitted to live on board during refits.
PRESENCE OF RELATIVES ON BOARD
4. All relatives are required to sign a Boarding Agreement prior to travel onboard. Relatives travel is strictly subject to this requirement and no relative may travel without the Boarding Agreement being signed by each individual traveling onboard. In the case of a minor, the parent or guardian accompanying the minor may sign on his/her behalf. These forms are to be sent to Fleet Personnel Department in Santa Clarita.
5. Relatives are carried subject to maximum numbers determined by the Company in consultation with Captains taking into account ships' trading patterns, passenger levels and operational requirements, etc., subject always to the maximum number of persons permitted by the Passenger Safety Certificate. During peak periods, it may be necessary to cancel relatives travel at short notice, or to wait-list applicants, subject to final full/discounted-fare passenger numbers. Should selective cancellations need to be made, the criteria will be agreed with the vessel at the time and may take into consideration such elements as the last time relatives travelled, school holidays, length of service etc. The final decision will rest with the Fleet Personnel Department.
6. It must be understood that the work of a staff member and the presence of fare-paying passengers on board must take precedence at all times and that this facility should not be allowed to interfere with normal work routines, the comfort or work of other staff or with the comfort of passengers. Relatives are subject to Captains' Standing Orders governing normal conduct and behaviour when on board.
BERTHING
7. Relatives will be berthed either in:
a) The accommodation normally occupied by, and with, the staff member concerned in which case cabins will be occupied "as is" and without modification or
b) In ships where it is available, spare accommodation may be specifically set aside for use by relatives and others travelling on company business. This is managed and controlled by Fleet Personnel. Those requiring additional accommodations are to identify this on the application form. Final approval for travel will be subject to such accommodation being available at the time.
8. To the extent that relatives use passenger facilities, they are expected to make the normal gratuities to all service staff.
9. In their monthly Ship Management Reports, Captains are to record the names of all relatives traveling showing where they were or are berthed together with the name and rank of the staff member they were or are traveling with.
PRIVILEGES
10. Relatives will share the same dining privileges on board as normally enjoyed by the staff member and are to take their meals in the restaurant or mess normally used by the staff member.
11. Though relatives may enjoy the benefit of passenger rooms and facilities, none may be used to the detriment of passengers.
12. When on board, relatives are permitted to gamble, however restrictions apply to relatives of Casino Staff.
13. Staff members' spouses may purchase bar drinks and dining room beverages at the passenger rate, however gun sodas will be available in the passenger bars free of charge.
Bottled goods and bulk beverages, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, are available from the Bar Storeroom. No other discounts apply to relatives.
14. Nothing in this policy alters the existing privileges of staff members whose normal privileges are as per Captain's Standing Orders.
MEDICAL
15. The Company will not be liable for any medical or repatriation costs incurred by relatives and staff are required to effect separate insurance to cover these risks. A low-cost scheme has been arranged with the Fortis Insurance Limited (for UK residents) and A.I.G. (For non-UK residents), details of which are available from the Crew Senior Assistant Purser, Fleet Personnel Department or Manning Agents/Offices.
16. Relatives travelling under these procedures will be treated as passengers and be subjected to the advertised consultation fees and drugs charges. They will be provided with fully itemised receipts for any onboard medical care.
17. For safety reasons, those who:
a) Are pregnant may not travel prior to the 16th week or beyond the 26th week of their pregnancy.
They should obtain a report from their family practitioner outlining the obstetric history and
confirming that there are no anticipated complications. Prenatal/antenatal care must be fully
established and all investigations planned by the obstetrician completed. They are required
to notify the Insurance Company of their pregnancy and obtain an endorsement relating to that
fact. They must also effect the insurance covering the cost of repatriating the staff member
spouse should a problem occur.
b) Become pregnant while traveling at sea must return home at the earliest convenient opportunity and establish their prenatal/antenatal care when the above restriction/requirements will then apply.
CHILDREN UNDER EIGHTEEN
18 Children over 6 months of age (see notes below) and less than eighteen years of age may travel under the following conditions:
a) Subject to the Captains discretion their total number may not exceed fifteen percent of the total number of relatives permitted on board at any one time.
b) They must be accompanied at all times by an adult other than the staff member. In particular they may not be left on board in port unaccompanied.
c) They may not dine in a passenger restaurant though, in exceptional circumstances, Captains may give such authority.
APPLICATIONS
19. Applications are to be made by staff members themselves (i.e., not their relatives) direct to Captains in the case of those serving on board or to the appropriate recruiting office in the case of those staff on leave, or applications may be faxed to Fleet Personnel Department, Santa Clarita.
20. All applications are to be made on the “Application for Relatives to Travel with Staff on Duty” form and must be received no less than thirty days prior to the date of the proposed travel.
21. Subject to these rules, applications are to be authorized by Captains but in instances where relatives are to travel in spare crew accommodation, confirmation must also be sought from Fleet Personnel Department that space is available.
22. Communication with Fleet Personnel Department following the filing of an application should be made by the applicant, not the relative, through the Crew Senior Assistant Purser, or if on leave through the appropriate manning office.
23. Subject to the entitlements outlined in clause 1, staff may have family travel with them in accordance with the following table of charges. Charges, where appropriate, are based on a nominal charge of $5 per day for children between 6 months and 12 years of age, and $7.50 per day for all other relatives. Where no fare is chargeable, an administration fee of $1 will apply to each application.
MARRIED OFFICERS
RANK RELATIONSHIP FARE CHARGES
Captain, Chief Technical Officer, Passenger Services Director Spouse Unlimited Travel
Children, Parents, Siblings First cumulative 120 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50/$5 per day.
Other Executive Officers Spouse First 90 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50 per day.
Children, Parents, Siblings First cumulative 90 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50/$5 per day.
3 Stripe Officers Spouse First 60 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50 per day.
Children, Parents, Siblings First cumulative 60 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50/$5 per day.
Other Qualifying Staff Spouse First 30 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50 per day (if entitlement permits).
Children, Parents, Siblings First cumulative 30 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50/$5 per day (if entitlement permits).
UN-MARRIED OFFICERS
RANK RELATIONSHIP FARE CHARGES
Captain, Chief Technical Officer, Passenger Services Director Parents Unlimited Travel
Children, Siblings First cumulative 120 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50/$5 per day.
Other Executive Officers Parents First 90 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50 per day.
Children, Siblings First cumulative 90 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50/$5 per day.
3 Stripe Officers Parents First 60 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50 per day.
Children, Siblings First cumulative 60 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50/$5 per day.
Other Qualifying Staff Parents First 30 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50 per day (if entitlement permits).
Children, Siblings First cumulative 30 days free of charge, thereafter charged at $7.50/$5 per day (if entitlement permits).
Note: Cumulative days are calculated on the basis of 1 day per relative i.e. 2 children sail for 14 day cruise, cumulative days equal 28 days.
24. In respect of staff serving on board:
a) Once applications have been authorized by the Captain, and Fleet Personnel Department, the PSD will collect the fare in accordance with the table shown at clause 23.
b) The PSD will issue tickets to those traveling, using the charge collected as the appropriate fare and attaching a copy of the Application Form to the Cash Account voucher.
c) The PSD will also collect the appropriate insurance premium (in local currency for Fortis Insurance) and issue a pro-forma certificate. A.I.G. insurance, for non-UK residents, is quoted in US$.
d) For UK residents the original Fortis Insurance Form is to be sent to Finance Department in Southampton and copied to Fleet Personnel Department Santa Clarita who should also be sent the original Application Form.
For non-UK residents the original is to be sent to Fleet Personnel Department Santa Clarita (no copies are necessary for non-UK residents insurance).
e) Fleet Personnel Department will acknowledge receipt of Application Forms by e-mail and confirm final approval, or will advise if additional documentation is required.
25. In respect of staff on leave:
a) The relevant manning office/agency will forward the application to Fleet Personnel Department
Santa Clarita who will obtain authorization for travel from the Captain.
b) Once travel is approved, offices will collect the appropriate insurance premium (in local currency) and issue a pro-forma certificate of insurance showing the premium paid, issuing a copy to Fleet Personnel Department Santa Clarita. If the individual has his/her own individual medical insurance policy then a copy of this should be forwarded to Fleet Personnel Santa Clarita in lieu of insurance taken out specifically for relatives travel.
c) For UK residents the original Fortis Insurance Form is to be sent to Finance Department in
Southampton and copied to Fleet Personnel Department Santa Clarita who should also be sent the original Application Form.
For non-UK residents the original is to be sent to Fleet Personnel Department Santa Clarita (no copies are necessary for non-UK residents insurance).
d) Concession charges will be collected and tickets issued on board ship but offices should give
relatives a letter confirming the dates and reason for travel, to enable them to evidence this to Immigration Authorities if required.
e) Fleet Personnel Department will, by e-mail to ships, confirm receipt of Application Forms.
26. Staff members are responsible for flight arrangements (see notes below), all and any costs incurred by relatives traveling to and from the ship including hotel and transfer costs, any travel arrangements, any visa and/or inoculations which may be required and for any expenses incurred while on board the ship.
27. British recruited staff are advised that they may be liable to tax on the benefit in kind arising from relatives travel and that the Company is obliged to make declarations to the tax authorities. For this reason, copies of all Application Forms from British staff are to be sent to Fleet Personnel Southampton, the original having been forwarded to Princess Cruises Santa Clarita.
SAFETY
28. Arrangements must be made to ensure that children are kept under control at all times and away from any working gear or areas, machinery, water-tight doors or other potential hazards not normally encountered by passengers.
29. Relevant safety instructions must be given upon joining to all relatives occupying staff cabins or who are likely to be present in working areas.
NOTES:
1. The minimum age for children to travel onboard is six months of age for cruises operating itineraries in North America (i.e. Alaska, Canada/New England, Trans-Canal, Mexico) and the Caribbean. For all other cruising itineraries the minimum age is 12 months.
2. In respect of 'A' Contract Officers, the cost of one return air ticket per annum will continue to be authorized in respect of officer’s spouse/common-law-partner joining at overseas ports. Travel is by Discount Economy Class/Charter Flight or Business Class where the officer is entitled to Business Class and the spouse/common-law-partner actually accompanies the officer.
3. In respect of confirmed Executive Officers, the cost of one return air ticket per annum will continue to be authorized in respect of officer’s spouse/common-law-partner joining at overseas ports. Travel is by Discount Economy Class/Charter Flight or Business Class where the officer is entitled to Business Class and the spouse/common-law-partner actually accompanies the Executive Officer.
4. Flights arranged under this entitlement may be made under block booking arrangements, charter or scheduled aircraft, or by use of airline funded tickets.
5. The informal practice of exchanging the value of such entitlements for the purpose of securing funding for alternative flight options is not permitted.
6. Individuals who are not entitled to company issued tickets for their relatives are strongly recommended to obtain refundable tickets and/or effect some form of cancellation insurance to protect against last minute cancellations.
