Chronicles of a Cruise Ship Musician
This is a blog about working as a cruise ship musician. If there is anything at all you want to know about working as a musician on a cruise ship, you will find it here.
This blog began in 2004 when Dave took a gig playing keyboards on a ship in the Mediterranean. What started off as a way to keep in touch with family and friends ended up being a valuable resource for curious musicians all over the world.
How to Get a Cruise Ship Musician Job
There 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…
Photos of Crew Room vs. Passenger Room
Crew 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…
Average Pay for Cruise Line Musicians
Estimated salary range: $450 – 2,000 a week
When I was employed as the keyboardist in a show band, I made $350 a week, or $50 a day with Holland…
How Good Do You Have to Be?
I received an email this week from a reader who wanted to know how good a musician you should be to play on a cruise ship. He asks:
I’m comfortable…
What Was There to Be Dark About?
I wanted to respond to a comment I received a few months ago on the Adjusting to Land After a Cruise Job…
Cruise Ship Musician Employment – FAQ
This blog is a fair and honest representation of the cruise jobs I had in 2004 and 2008. Some have asked whether or not the writing was filtered to stay…
Before You Go
Airline Travel with Musical InstrumentsPictures from Working as a Cruise Ship Musician
Can I Use Sheet Music in the Lounges?
How Often Can I Get Off The Ship?
Creating a Repertoire List
Beginning the Gig: Arrival in Rome
Power Outlets on Cruise Ships
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Seasickness
Which Cruise Lines are Best?
How Good Should Your Sight Reading Be?
Cruise Jobs – International vs. American Ships
Accept a Cruise Musician Job or Finish Music School?
Preparing for Guest Performer Job in Hawaii
Cruise Ship Entertainment Department Jobs
Cruise Ship Musician Q and A
Cruise Musician Job – My First Impressions
Leaving for Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
Different Types of Cruise Ship Musician JobsTop 100 Piano Bar Songs
Cruise line talent agency seeking musicians
Can I Get a Cruise Gig During My Summer Vacation?
What Are the First Days Like?
How Old Are Most Musicians on Cruise Gigs?
New Music Director (…finally…)
Are Taxes Taken Out of My Paycheck?
Cruise Ship Musician Job Postings
Can I Bring My Bike on the Ship?
Provided Backline Equipment
Cruise Ship Jobs for Couples
About the Author
Vegetarianism
Piano Bar vs. Guest Entertainer
Cruise Ship Locator Websites
What is a Guest Performer?
What To Pack
Equipment for the Cruise Ship Guitarist: Part 3Equipment for the Cruise Ship Guitarist, Part 2
Equipment for the Cruise Ship Guitarist, Part 1
Should I Bring a Bass Amp On My Cruise Gig?
Recommended Packing List for Cruise Ship Musicians
Detailed Packing Lists
Drum Equipment – How Much Should I Bring?
Folding Bikes are Great for Cruise Jobs
A Dahon Folding Bike
Before You Come Home
The End of a Cruise Ship ContractDear Mummy and Daddy, re: My Return
After Your Gig
Things I Forgot About Working on a Cruise ShipWhat I Miss About Working on a Cruise Ship
Adjusting to Land After a Cruise Job
While You're There
Responsibilities On a Ship GigWhat Are the First Days Like?
The Musician Resume
What Happens If I Get Fired?
When and What Does the Show Band Play?
Overworked Musicians in the Mediterranean
Book Review: The Inner Game of Tennis
Beard and Moustaches
Sending Money Home Thru Wire Transfers
Who’s My Boss?
What Are the Crew Areas Like?
Dealing With a Difficult Music Director
How Strict Is the Dress Code?
Visits From Family and Friends
Losing Weight on a Cruise Ship
Internet Connection on Cruise Ships
Mail and Shipping Packages to Your Cruise Ship
Giving and Receiving Tips on Cruise Gigs
Love, Romance and Being a Musician
Saving Money on Cruise Gigs
