This story initially appeared on Enterprise Insider.
This as-told-to essay relies on a dialog with Gianna Alexis, a former crew member of Disney Cruise Line. The next has been edited for size and readability.
I used to be three years previous after I sailed on my first Disney cruise, and I assumed it was the best factor. It was the perfect trip ever, so I went each few years after that.
I had all the time been excited in regards to the thought of working for Disney, so I utilized for a job at Disney Cruise Line in 2017. Once I came upon I acquired the job, I used to be so excited I cried.
Earlier than work began, Disney took us via coaching that was designed to get us excited in regards to the work. On the final day of coaching, we have been informed to prepare at 4 a.m. Then, the corporate had a sniffer canine to odor our suitcases, which I did not anticipate in any respect — all of it appeared so totally different as a result of the one expertise I had embarking on a cruise ship was from a visitor’s perspective.
I used to be first employed as a merchandise particular person to work within the retailers, after which the corporate moved me to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which was a complete dream of mine. This boutique is the place the place youngsters between three and 12 get makeovers — we do their hair, make-up, and nails.
Plenty of ladies that I did hair for would come again the following day simply to see me. Of their eyes, I used to be like their fairy godmother — that made me really feel it was essentially the most magical job that I’ve ever had.
Along with that job, I additionally helped staff deliver meals, merchandise, and toys to the retailers. I did not know the job could be bodily demanding — I assumed I might simply be doing youngsters’ hair, make-up, and nails.
I stop after simply 4 months
As a younger 24-year-old, I went into this job blindly and wasn’t totally ready.
I labored from 8:30 a.m. till 9 or 10 p.m. Earlier than beginning this job, I did not, or could not, conceptualize what an 80-hour work week with out a break day would appear like in any respect. There was no work-life steadiness.
I had so little time to myself. In my downtime, I did not even need to watch TV or motion pictures. As soon as I acquired half-hour into watching, I would relatively simply sleep as a result of I used to be so drained — sleeping had develop into my precedence. The one “me time” I might have for myself was a fast sheet masks in my room, and that is all. My room was so small that I might almost contact each partitions with outstretched arms.
I acquired a stress fracture in one in all my ft from standing 80 hours every week in my costume footwear — it acquired so onerous for me to face. With a traditional job, you’ll be able to name in sick for those who’re not feeling properly. However for me, if I did not present as much as work, my supervisor might come downstairs from the store to see me what was incorrect, how lengthy I would wish off, and if I wanted medical consideration or if I used to be faking it.
Engaged on the cruise ship meant my residing house was additionally my workspace. Managers and coworkers might spot us at any time when we have been out at evening. I needed to be “on” lots of the time, and it performed an enormous function in how shortly I burned out.
Within the fourth month of my contract, I felt defeated and exhausted to the purpose the place I made a decision to stop.
The Disney Dream cruise ship at sea. David Roark/photographer through BI
I used to be making lower than the minimal wage
I labored a minimal of 70 hours weekly and acquired paid $423 every week, so it was about $6 an hour. There was no time beyond regulation price in any respect.
We did obtain advantages, together with shipboard medical care, complimentary Disney theme-park admission, reductions at chosen resort lodges, and Disney merchandise at worldwide Disney areas.
Many cruise members come from everywhere in the world. They’re making US {dollars} and generally even making greater than medical doctors or attorneys of their residence international locations. One woman from Portugal had labored on the ships for 10 years. She beloved it as a result of she was making an amazing residing for herself and for her household abroad — she frequently despatched them cash.
The cruise life was completely value it to her, however for me, there have been different higher-paying jobs I might have simply utilized to. Some crew members on the ship thought I used to be taking a job from somebody for whom it might have been extra helpful, like somebody who wanted to help their household out of the country.
We do not eat the identical meals because the friends
The crew members eat within the crew mess, a big cafeteria the place breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. There’s a small salad bar and a few cooked choices. For breakfast, I normally ate hard-boiled eggs. For lunch and dinner, I ate veggie burger patties (I used to be a vegetarian on the time). Throughout holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, we had specialty meals objects like cake and ice cream.
Generally, the corporate threw events for us. For instance, if our service acquired excessive marks on visitor surveys and suggestions, that is once we acquired to have the better-tasting visitor meals. I bear in mind they introduced jalapeño poppers one time.
The Buena Vista Theatre contained in the Disney Dream cruise ship. Matt Stroshane/photographer through BI
Not everybody on the ship has the identical freedoms
Not everybody has the identical freedoms in what they will do or the place they will go on the boat. Every thing above the deck we lived on was a “privilege” — we weren’t allowed to roam the ship freely.
If we wished to go to spots just like the movie show, we needed to name our supervisor beforehand and get it authorised in writing. If the cruise was very full, we’d must unlock room for friends. I labored within the retailers, and our crew was a small group of 30 crew members. We have been capable of go to extra locations on the ship simply.
Usually, the bigger groups weren’t capable of get clearance. The dining-room crew, for instance, is a 300-person crew. If their supervisor gave everybody on that crew permission to roam the ship, visitor areas would develop into too crowded.
I had a buddy who was a server within the eating room. She wasn’t capable of go to the movie show or the swimming pools like I might. She was solely allowed on the ground that she lived on and a spot referred to as “Deck 14,” which is a small out of doors smoking deck.
I left the boat and was virtually placed on Disney’s ‘no rehire’ checklist
Engaged on the ship for a couple of months took a psychological toll on me. One week after giving my 30-day discover, I informed my supervisor that I would get off the boat the following time we ported.
I bear in mind being informed that leaving earlier than the 30 days would possibly imply I would not have the ability to work for Disney or any of its affiliate firms like ESPN and ABC.
That was a scary thought as a result of Disney was the one firm I would ever labored for as an grownup. However my foot ache and burnout have been so extreme that each one I cared about at that time was getting off the ship. So I left after 4 months.
Engaged on the cruise ship wasn’t all unhealthy
Working on the boutique was a lot enjoyable. I additionally had an exquisite roommate and made nice buddies with the individuals residing in my hallway. It felt like residing in a school dorm, and all of us grew to become shut buddies in a really quick period of time.
The distinctive cruise line expertise was a bonding alternative that introduced us all nearer. Those that have not lived on a cruise line simply would not perceive. In all, I cherish the friendships I shaped with my coworkers.
Disney didn’t reply to a request for remark.
