1. Do people that have on board experience have an advantage in getting a job?
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Yes, the Companies prefer them.

2. How long does a contract last?
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From six to eight months, and the vacations vary from two to three months.

3. Are there shorter contracts?
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Yes, but very rare.

4. Is there training before you begin working?
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Certainly, before you begin working, you'll receive training. The training sessions are held on board, and depending on the position, could last a few days up to a few weeks.

5. Where do the cruises go?
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Chances of seeing the Caribbean, Mediterranean or Brazil are great; after those, Alaska, Hawaii, Oceania and the Baltic Sea.

6. Why is it necessary to know English?
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Because English is the principal language on board all over the world, with few exceptions. The training sessions on safety, on the environment and on other topics are all held in English.

7. What is the minimum age for working on board?
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The Companies prefer people over 21 years old, but this can vary from one Company
to the next.

8. Are the medical exams from one Company valid for others?
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It depends on who contracts you.

9. Is it possible to change your position on board?
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Yes, but generally during the first contract it isn't possible, unless the manager likes you a lot or that you show a certain vocation and experience for another task. In this case, there would be a possibility of changing positions during the first contract, though the exceptions are very rare. It's recommended that you go after the position you want at the end of your first contract, but get started with the process, as in the majority of the cases, it's slow. And remember to have with you a copy of all the papers from the process, signed by the managers involved.


10. How often may I get off the ship to go sightseeing?
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Depending on the position held, you may get off once or twice during a seven day cruise.

11. Who pays for the air fare?
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It depends on the Company and on the position held. Carnival Cruise Lines pays the round-trip ticket, but just for the non-tipping personnel.

12. Does the Company offer a health plan?
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When on board yes; you'll be covered by an insurance plan and you'll have medical assistance, both on board and on land, all paid.

13. What is the investment involved in getting a position?
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Initially it demands a lot of time and persistence. You will spend money on: visa (US $100.00); physical (varies greatly); air fare*(for example: Miami, round trip, US $750.00 to US $800.00); STCW (when required) and a fee charged by the agency (when charged).

14. In what currency will I be paid?
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Usually in American dollars.

15. What are the requisites to work on board?
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English; between 18-35 years of age and have a desire to work.


16. Who can work on a cruise ship?
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There is no discrimination for nationality, anyone can work on board.

1. What is the Crewgoes.com?
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The Crewgoes.com is a site that shows, through tips, articles, personal experiences and opinions from crew members, the working conditions on the seven seas for crew members and for those interested in working on maritime cruises. It also fills the role of a community for crews and a meeting place for those interested in the subject.

2. How are the stories and tips posted on Crewgoes.com?
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After answering the multiple choice questionnaire, a small space will be available for the crew member to write his experiences – in the form of a report or a tip. The text will be submitted to the editing department and to the Editor for his evaluation. If the content is pertinent, it will be posted on the site's first page, together with the name, nick name, e-mail and/or photo, pending the writer's permission. Offensive or incoherent material or that which offends third parties or comes from non-existent e-mails, will not be posted.

3. How are opinions posted on the Crewgoes.com?
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Different from reports or tips, the opinions may be written by anyone interested in taking part in the site. And just like the material written by the crew members and ex-crew members, it will also be submitted to the editing department and to the Editor for his evaluation. If the content is pertinent, it will be posted on the site's first page, together with the name, nick name, e-mail and/or photo, pending the writer's permission. Offensive or incoherent material or that which offends third parties or comes from non-existent e-mails, will not be posted.

4. Does the Crewgoes.com take part in any other endeavors other than the internet site?
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Yes, soon the Guia de Cruzeiro Maritimo (Maritime Cruise Guide), publication will come out, aiming at assisting maritime cruise passengers with: choosing a vessel, cabins, cruise classes, tipping, destinations, how to pack, etc. This paperback will be a first in Brazil; written in Portuguese.

5. What are the Crewgoes' criteria for evaluation?
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The criteria for evaluation, especially for the questionnaire, use parameters stipulated by the Editor, as he has resources supplied by a powerful tool that generates data from all the information received and also for being a crew member.

1. Who is Bernardo Porfirio?
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A Brazilian citizen; born in Campo de Marte , São Paulo, Brazil; A Pisces, born on March 15, Bernardo resided with his parents in the 5 principal Brazilian capitals, and in some of them, more than once. In addition, he lived in Panama for 2 years and in Utah, USA as an exchange student. Later he graduated in Architecture, from the Universidade de Franca , São Paulo, in 1999. In 2002, in Rio de Janeiro he did his MBA in Tourism, Hotel Management and Entertainment at the Fundação Getulio Vargas.

Click here to learn more here about the editor

2. What about his professional background?
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He got his first apprenticeship as an architect with architect and engineer José Luiz Silva, who graduated from the Universidade de São Paulo . In 2000 he was hired by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and worked for the Civil Aviation Institute. At the same time, taking advantage of his free time, he worked for the renowned Brazilian architect, Maurício Nóbrega. At present he works for MTN a Sea Mobile Company and is the author of the book “Guia de Cruzeiros Marítimas” (Maritime Cruise Guide), published by Folha de São Paulo .

3. What is his role at the Crewgoes.com?
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He is in charge of editing and updating the site's content.

4. What are Bernardo Porfirio's projects today that keep him busy?
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Updating periodically the Crewgoes.com ; the work on board the Cruise Lines ships; lectures at universities and colleges, when on vacation in Brazil; preparation for eventual debates on the topic “Cruise Industry”; setting up partnerships and collaboration when opportune, to develop this market.