I 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 am proof that that is not true.
I credit it almost entirely to two books, YOU: The Owner’s Manual
The first habit was eating after a show, then going to sleep. I’d heard that you needed to stop eating 3 hours before bed, but I never heeded it.
Second, I tried to stay away from anything that was white. Cream sauce, butter, mayo, anything made with mayo, anything that may have touched mayo, white rice, white bread, etc, etc. This wasn’t a sophisticated diet, mind you.
Also, I credit having a folding bike on the gig. I biked 5-7 days a week, if even only to the local store and back (usually longer). I had been going to the gym, but I generally find working out boring and I can never sustain it. Biking seemed to work alright.
Also, I switched from beer to wine on the occasions that I had a drink. Both of the books credited red wine for a few interesting benefits, and beer with buddha bellies, so I switched.
In my opinion, it’s actually a lot easier to lose weight on a cruise ship than it is on land. I’ve heard other crew members say that as well. The meals are all provided for you, you just have to navigate through the buffet and pick the right things (note: in my experience the specialty restaurants aboard ship have much fewer healthy alternatives – or, at least, they don’t cater to those on a diet). A big breakfast of sausage, bacon, sticky buns and eggs every morning probably won’t do it. But if you stick with oatmeal and the fresh fruit, that probably will.
David J. Hahn
David J. Hahn is a Broadway conductor and keyboard player. He co-founded MusicianWages.com with Cameron Mizell in 2008. Visit his new project, Songwriter.fm and sign up for his songwriting newsletter.
David, first of all I wanna thank you for creating this blog, it’s very useful for anyone who attempt to get into a cruiseship.
I’m from Argentina, and next month I’m auditioning to get a job as a drummer on a cruiseship (by the way, sorry for my english writing).
My question is, are the musicians able to use the cruise ship gym, or the swimming pool (I use to swim twice a week and I think it’s a great exercise)?
I’m analyzing to buy a folding bike, but those are kind of expensive around here… anyway, that was my question.. thanks in advance david! greetings!
I have been a musician for many years. I can perform on Guitar, Tenor Banjo, keyboards and Piano and I sing also.
Is it difficult or easy to book a gig on a cruiseship?
I can do a Piano Bar routine. Can an entertainer bring along a wife?
Any easy connections can you impart?
Any thoughts or opinions?
I also have a B A in Music and can conduct a class.
Thanks
Vince LaRosa
561 951 9194 or 704 787 9990
Thank you for all of this wonderful information! I am now a follower on twitter!
Are there any kind of fitness facilities or gyms on board? As most hotels these days seem to have one I would assume that a cruise ship would have one. But you know what happens when you assume.
I also wanted to ask about something I saw on another page (and it wouldn’t let me ask there). What is the dress policy for women on board a cruise ship? Is one expected to wear a cocktail dress constantly (as fun as they are wearing one constantly would be obnoxious)? What was your experience with any lady musicians? How many different dresses (as it is more obvious to tell the difference between dresses than tuxes)?
Thanks Much,
-Xandre!
Xandre, there are gyms onboard most cruise ships. Some have designated “crew” gyms, on some musicians (as staff) can use the passenger gyms during certain times.
It’s unusual to have female musicians in the showband, though slightly less so as soloists or classical musicians. You’re supposed to wear formal attire when in passenger areas on formal nights. (2 or 3 per cruise depending on the line.) The rest of the time it’s a case of be neat, though different lines will have different rules. I worked on Cunard, probably one of the more demanding lines where appearance is concerned, and they didn’t mind as long as we wore a tie and jacket (which they supplied).
Of course, in the crew areas, wear what you like. :)
(Sorry for ducking in here, David, but saw this on Twitter and thought I’d respond! ;) )
No worries David! I’m happy for the help. To be honest, I wouldn’t say I’m much of an expert on cruise gigs anymore. It’s been years since I was on a ship, and I’m starting to forget things!
:) No worries, David.
Oh, and Vince, it’s not usual for a piano entertainer to bring a wife unless she plays too, but not unheard of. I remember one bloke on Crystal getting his girlfriend on for a few cruises. Let’s say I think it would limit your chances. Some shipping lines expect the piano entertainers to share a cabin with another worker.
Still, you never know. I’d start with Proship Entertainment, as they’re the largest, and go from there. :)