Steakhouse Server

Username:  star69
Country:  Serbia
Sex:  F
Company:  Carnival Cruise Lines
Position:  Steakhouse server

How did you hear about work on cruise ships?

I’ve read a lot about it on the internet, but I got most useful information from my best friend who had worked on the ship.
When I decided to leave definitely, I went to read the forums, and when he came on vacation, I pressed him for information every day.
He consulted me and went away again, and I think I obtained most valuable information from people who have gone through it, one or more contracts.

What attracted you to apply for jobs on cruise ships?

Given that I have completed two faculties, and in Novi Sad have worked for 400 euros and had to pay for apartment where I lived.
The cruise ship was something that really helped me to change something in my life.
Given that I have already worked in the USA (work & travel program) I wanted to come back again, but since I graduated from both universities, I could not get a visa.
I also wanted to travel and because I was aware that I would never be able to visit those destinations otherwise.
I thought about it and decided that I’m going to try, because Serbia, Novi Sad and trying to make ends meet would always be waiting for me.

Where was your recruiting agency?

I applied through the Employment Power from Zagreb, because my best friend went onboard through them and I really have not heard anything bad about them.
Only when I started to read the forum I realized that there are people who have had negative experiences, but they were really fair and correct towards me, from the beginning to the end.

What company and the position you applied for, and why?

I went to the agency and I clearly said what I want.
I applied for Carnival Cruise Lines, the Steakhouse Server position ..No other job was an option! Again, I had the information from someone who was there onboard ..
I gave my CV, references from the USA and showed them I know English. I think that was the reason they were fair to me.

How long was the interview and when did you find out that you’ve passed?

The interview was in ZG and lasted less than 5 minutes.
I knew immediately that I aced it because Mr. Chinoy signed the paper .. But I had to be sure and asked …

What were your expenses going to ship?

I gave to the agency 880 euros + 20 for Marlins, medical was about 200 euros, so total was about 1,100 euros ..
There were some minor costs of going to ZG to the interview, going to BGD for medical etc …

How do you prepare for a trip into the unknown, what you have decided to carry with you?

I knew I should not wear a lot of things because I visited US before and knew that things were cheap there.
I’ve brought a lot of cosmetics and mostly summer stuff. Later it turned out as a mistake because sometimes it was really cold, so I bought a couple of sweat shirts immediately.
Couple dresses and high heels, because I knew about formal nights onboard. Basically a suitcase 23kg and a small bag with you. Laptop, ipod, mobile .. That’s all.