This story initially appeared on Enterprise Insider.
This as-told-to essay is predicated 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 one of the best trip ever, so I went each few years after that.
I had all the time been excited concerning the concept of working for Disney, so I utilized for a job at Disney Cruise Line in 2017. Once I discovered I bought 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 concerning the work. On the final day of coaching, we have been advised to prepare at 4 a.m. Then, the corporate had a sniffer canine to odor our suitcases, which I did not count on in any respect — all of it appeared so completely different as a result of the one expertise I had embarking on a cruise ship was from a visitor’s standpoint.
I used to be first employed as a merchandise individual 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 children 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 employees carry meals, merchandise, and toys to the retailers. I did not know the job can be bodily demanding — I assumed I might simply be doing children’ hair, make-up, and nails.
I give up after simply 4 months
As a younger 24-year-old, I went into this job blindly and wasn’t absolutely 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 time off 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 wish to watch TV or motion pictures. As soon as I bought half-hour into watching, I would reasonably 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 may practically contact each partitions with outstretched arms.
I bought a stress fracture in one in all my ft from standing 80 hours per week in my costume sneakers — it bought so laborious for me to face. With a standard job, you possibly can name in sick in the event you’re not feeling effectively. However for me, if I did not present as much as work, my supervisor may come downstairs from the store to see me what was incorrect, how lengthy I would want off, and if I wanted medical consideration or if I used to be faking it.
Engaged on the cruise ship meant my dwelling house was additionally my workspace. Managers and coworkers may spot us every time we have been out at night time. I needed to be “on” numerous the time, and it performed an enormous function in how rapidly 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 give up.
The Disney Dream cruise ship at sea. David Roark/photographer by way of BI
I used to be making lower than the minimal wage
I labored a minimal of 70 hours weekly and bought paid $423 per week, so it was about $6 an hour. There was no additional time fee in any respect.
We did obtain advantages, together with shipboard medical care, complimentary Disney theme-park admission, reductions at chosen resort accommodations, and Disney merchandise at worldwide Disney areas.
Many cruise members come from everywhere in the world. They’re making US {dollars} and typically 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 cherished it as a result of she was making a fantastic dwelling for herself and for her household abroad — she repeatedly despatched them cash.
The cruise life was completely price it to her, however for me, there have been different higher-paying jobs I may have simply utilized to. Some crew members on the ship thought I used to be taking a job from somebody for whom it may have been extra helpful, like somebody who wanted to assist their household out of the country.
We do not eat the identical meals because the company
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 often 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 gadgets like cake and ice cream.
Generally, the corporate threw events for us. For instance, if our service bought excessive marks on visitor surveys and suggestions, that is once we bought to have the better-tasting visitor meals. I keep in mind they introduced jalapeño poppers one time.
The Buena Vista Theatre contained in the Disney Dream cruise ship. Matt Stroshane/photographer by way of BI
Not everybody on the ship has the identical freedoms
Not everybody has the identical freedoms in what they’ll do or the place they’ll go on the boat. The whole lot above the deck we lived on was a “privilege” — we weren’t allowed to roam the ship freely.
If we needed to go to spots just like the movie show, we needed to name our supervisor beforehand and get it accredited in writing. If the cruise was very full, we’d have to unlock room for company. I labored within the retailers, and our workforce was a small group of 30 crew members. We have been in a position to go to extra locations on the ship simply.
Usually, the bigger groups weren’t in a position to get clearance. The dining-room workforce, for instance, is a 300-person workforce. If their supervisor gave everybody on that workforce permission to roam the ship, visitor areas would develop into too crowded.
I had a good friend who was a server within the eating room. She wasn’t in a position to go to the movie show or the swimming pools like I may. She was solely allowed on the ground that she lived on and a spot known as “Deck 14,” which is a small outside smoking deck.
I left the boat and was nearly placed on Disney’s ‘no rehire’ record
Engaged on the ship for just a few months took a psychological toll on me. One week after giving my 30-day discover, I advised my supervisor that I would get off the boat the following time we ported.
I keep in mind being advised that leaving earlier than the 30 days would possibly imply I would not be capable 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 every 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 dangerous
Working on the boutique was a lot enjoyable. I additionally had a beautiful roommate and made nice associates with the individuals dwelling in my hallway. It felt like dwelling in a university dorm, and all of us turned shut associates in a really brief 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 fashioned with my coworkers.
Disney didn’t reply to a request for remark.