Leaving on a Jet-Lag
By David J. HahnI left my ship on Saturday and I’m still a bit jet-lagged. I’ve been spending time with L. and her folks, and tomorrow we leave to visit my family in…
Visits From Family and Friends
By David J. HahnRyan asks:
What are the rules about having someone on board the ship that you know? For instance, if someone you know books a cruise just because you are working…
How to Get a Cruise Ship Musician Job
By David J. HahnThere are two ways to get a cruise ship music job, first directly through the cruise line, and second through a talent agency.
Talent Agencies
I’ve only worked with one…
Losing Weight on a Cruise Ship
By David J. HahnI lost 10 lbs on my last cruise ship contract. While most people think that living, vacationing or working on a cruise ship guarantees that you’ll put on weight, I…
Power Outlets on Cruise Ships
By David J. HahnSteve asks:
What type of power outlets are in a crew cabin on an international ship? Are they US, EU, UK or does it depend on where the ship is…
Photos of Crew Room vs. Passenger Room
By David J. HahnCrew rooms are never as nice as passenger rooms – of course they aren’t. Crew rooms are generally located below decks – meaning below the water line – and usually…
Internet Connection on Cruise Ships
By David J. HahnRyan asks:
What kind of internet services are available? Do you know anyone who has a cell phone service that allows them to use their phone and internet together –…
Working as a Production Singer on a Cruise Ship
By David J. HahnSharon, a singer, asks:
Can you tell me about the singers on the ship? Are they really good? Do they have to be able to dance? What are rehearsals like?…
Cruise Ship Jobs for Couples
By David J. HahnSharon asks:
I am a singer and my husband is an alto sax player, what do you know about getting a job as a married couple? Do cruise lines like…
Mail and Shipping Packages to Your Cruise Ship
By David J. HahnA lot of people wonder about mail and whether you can receive packages on a cruise ship.
The answer is yes, but for god’s sake don’t try it.
Cruise ships…
About the Author
By David J. HahnDave from Cambridge, UK sent a request today -
It’d be good to find out more about your musical background – i.e. where you studied, when you started playing etc.…
Get Me Off This Stupid Boat
By David J. HahnI’ve been out on a ship as a guest performer now for 3 months. It’s been a paycheck and prime accommodations, but I’m ready to get the hell off this…
Drug and Alcohol Testing
By David J. HahnToday’s question is from Ed:
Most musicians I know smoke [marijuana] once and awhile. Even Louis Armstrong did. Do [cruise lines] do drug tests…before, during, randomly?
Yes, Louis Armstrong hit…
Giving and Receiving Tips on Cruise Gigs
By David J. HahnJim asks:
Are musicians allowed to accept tips (money) from passengers on cruise ships?
Good question, Jim. I have never seen a musician not accept a tip, and I’ve never…
Vegetarianism
By David J. HahnTodays question comes all the way from Sweden. L. asks:
Is there any problem being a vegetarian onboard a ship?
I know a little bit about this. I recently spent…
Seasickness
By David J. HahnWe performed a show last night while the ship sailed through some very rough seas. This is the first time I’ve encountered rough seas out here in Hawaii.
Often times,…
Which Cruise Lines are Best?
By David J. HahnI don’t talk much here about specific cruise lines. I’m still working this gig, so I try not to type myself out of a job, if you know what I…
Love, Romance and Being a Musician
By David J. HahnToday’s question comes from Steve who’s about to leave for a cruise ship gig with Celebrity:
I will be leaving behind my girlfriend and I was wondering how you deal…
Saving Money on Cruise Gigs
By David J. HahnPeople takes jobs on ships for lots of reasons. Adventure, travel, the lush accomodations, the room service… Who am I kidding? It’s for the cash.
It’s possible to save a…
Drum Equipment – How Much Should I Bring?
By David J. HahnHere’s a question from a drummer about equipment. I’ll answer it as best I can:
What have you seen drummers bring with them to the ship (if you were paying…
