Cunard Waiter

Username: ognjenb
Country: Serbia
Gender: Male
Company: Cunard, Queen Mary 2
Position: Started off as assistant buffet steward and ended up as a Cunard waiter

* How did you hear about the job on cruise ships?
I’ve heard over the net, mainly forums were very helpful.

* What attracted you to apply for job on cruise ships?
The lack of business opportunities in Serbia.
I’ve seen that in Serbia I couldn’t do much with a university degree, unless you have a connection, so I’ve decided for the boat and now I can say that I wasn’t wrong. It was a great experience where I’ve grown and learned a lot.

* What was the recruiting agency you went through?
I went over Macedonian agency Kouzon which I believe everyone is familiar with.

* What company and position have you applied for, and why?
I didn’t choose company, they were all the same to me, I wanted to go and primarily to have fan. Had no idea that I’ll end up as a Cunard waiter.
I had no idea about the differences between the companies, but now I know about it, and I’ll consider it in future.
I got a job on the Queen Mary 2, and only those who have worked there can possibly understand what I’m talking about when I say Queen Mary 2.

* How long was the interview and when did you find out that you’ve passed?
My interview lasted only 10 minutes, they asked me only my experience and practical part where I had to set the table for dinner a la carte.
I learned that I passed immediately after the interview where I signed a paper saying I want to be part of the team.
A week later I received a contract and a month later I was on board.

* What were your expenses before joining to ship?
Total of 650 euros, of which 400 euros we are reimbursed to me onboard.

* How did you prepare for a trip into the unknown, what you have decided to carry with you?
I wasn’t wasting too much time, because since I was 17 I traveled the world, because of my education and various jobs and assignments. I carried only one suitcase with minimum things !!

* Describe how you felt the first few days on board
Honestly, I felt lost, I was lucky because Cunard organize the so-called White Star Academy session.
That’s the course which lasts two weeks, where new crew-members learn about the life on board and almost every situation you go through at the ship. It’s not like other companies where they you immediately throw you in fire as soon as you board the ship.
Here I had the time to organize and I knew what to expect, but even that didn’t help, it was really exhausting.
If you don’t have steady nerves and cannot work well under pressure, you better stay home.

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