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I think this is just nuts! Who in their right mind would, unless it was some kind of fun once in a lifetime experience, commit to work – and I mean WORK – on a cruise ship for four hours a day for a discount on your cruise?
Just what am I talking about? AIDA cruise line has a plan to get guests to work off some of the many meals you have been enjoying onboard by offering a discount on your cruise if you are willing to, every day, work for up to 4 hours.
Just what kind of work you ask? AIDA tells us (via browser translate) that:
“As a “workie” you are on duty for 4 hours every day. You will be responsible for simpler but meaningful auxiliary tasks – so-called “side duties” (e.g. chopping vegetables with the kitchen crew, cleaning the cabins with the cabin stewards, folding towels and assisting the Chief Officer Towels to track down sun bed reservists on deck).“
Uh, NO!
I know just how hard crew works and that is why I tip my cabin stewards (on top of the daily tips) in both cash and a gift bag. I see them sweating and never complaining once and always having a smile on their face as they put up with me on my relaxing vacation. I don’t think I could pull off half of the work they do.
Crew-center.com, where I first learned about this, tells us more regarding your daily four hour job:
“This program doesn’t just offer a unique blend of work and travel; it enriches your life with experiences and skills that resonate well beyond the journey. Imagine chopping vegetables alongside professional chefs in the morning and basking in the sun on a deck chair in the afternoon, or folding towels before diving into the pool. At the journey’s end, not only will you have a collection of unforgettable memories, but you’ll also be rewarded with a group photo featuring all participants of the ‘AIDA Work & Travel’ program and a certificate of participation.”
You know what I can imagine? I imagine using other ways to discount my cruise like using Chase Ultimate Rewards® points and not having to get up to chop anything and having someone skilled make my food and yes enjoying as much time as I want each day in the sun on a deck chair. Clearly I am not the target audience for this offer.
Beyond all this I doubt we would get to do all the “fun stuff” that crew gets to do, that is, go inside the ship to areas they are only allowed into nor visit the “crew bar” for discounted drinks and fun? Just a guess but I think I am right. Plus unless you speak German this part time cruise job is really not for you.
This is just not for me but I would love to know, dear readers – would you consider this for your cruise vacation? Is the 40% off discount enough for you to even consider this? – René
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Nope. Not my idea of a vacation.
The fact that this program even exists shows that AIDA does not have a rosy economic outlook for its german-speaking market…
Not gonna lie, given that I first saw mention of this on April 1st, I thought it was a joke. Guess not.
I wonder what hourly rate it ends up being when you factor the actual discount
There is probably a cultural issue around the meaning of work here.
It might also be a cool way to meet people.
Dunno about the 40% being enough to fill the slots.
Are they understaffed?
I really thought this was a joke. There’s usually a clear firm demarcation between passengers and crew. This “hybrid” idea really upends that.