Working on board is a unique opportunity to work while travelling the world, visiting destinations that many people can only dream of. While it can be hard work and sometimes long hours, you will become part of a dynamic company, working with great people from many different countries and cultures.
With a small fleet of five ships managed locally from our Sydney Office, P&O Cruises Australia offers a personal touch, with high connection and interaction between our ship and shore based teams. Our ships cruise to exotic locations in one of the most temperate and beautiful parts of the world.
Approximately 3,500 crew currently work on board the P&O Cruises Australian fleet, fulfilling our commitment to service excellence. The shipboard officers and crew are headed by the Captain, who has full responsibility and authority for the performance of the ship, the ship's company and the comfort and safety of the passengers. The three main departments that report to the Captain are:
The Deck Department, headed by the Staff Captain, is responsible for safety related matters aboard the ship. This includes navigation, environment, public health and maintenance. The Captain has full responsibility and full authority for the performance of the ship, ship's company and the comfort and safety of the passengers.
The Technical Department, headed by the Chief Engineer, oversees all engineering, electrical and ventilation systems as well as vital connections between the ship and land points all over the world. This department works closely with the Deck Department. The Chief Technical Officer has overall responsibility for the Engine and Electro-Technical Departments - headed up by the Staff Engineer and Staff Electro-Technical Officer respectively.
The Hotel Department is headed by the Hotel Director who is responsible for all hotel service and revenue areas for passengers and the ship's company, as well as the preparation of all necessary documents, shipboard accounts and financial matters. The Entertainment Department sits within the Hotel Department, with the Cruise Director responsible for all passenger entertainment and activities. Although entertainment staff do not wear officer's uniforms, they are considered officers on board all P&O Cruises Australia ships. The Medical Department also sits within our Hotel Operations team.
Manning a 24/7 operation means that on board working hours are never 9-5! Work schedules are arranged by Heads of Department and will vary depending on the position held and the itinerary of the ship. Most crewmembers are contracted to work seven days a week and there are no scheduled days off. Time off may vary greatly from one day to the next. Crewmembers are also required to take an active role in safety drills, in-port manning (you may be asked to remain on board when in port), gangway/embarkation duties and security duties. These duties are in addition to your regular job responsibilities.
Leave is approved by your supervisor and granted to off duty crew, beginning after the main passenger disembarkation is completed or sooner if advised by the bridge.
Accommodation provided depends on position, department and ship assignment. Most crew cabins and crew areas are located on decks below passenger areas. Crew usually share a room with 1-3 colleagues of the same gender, usually from the same department, but not necessarily of the same nationality and often with conflicting work schedules. All cabins are equipped with a television and VCR and/or DVD player and telephone. Officers of a senior rank are provided with their own room, with private amenities.
Life on board is also about having fun and good quality of life. On every ship there is a Crew Club, an independent organisation established to enhance shipboard life on and off the ship. The Crew Club organises barbeques, dart matches, discos, bingo, soccer games, etc. Crewmembers are encouraged to take part in Crew Club activities to add to their off-duty enjoyment.
Meals are served at designated times in designated crew areas and are free of charge. Food is displayed in self-service / buffet style where crew members have a choice of a wide variety of international and ethnic dishes and desserts catering to every taste. Alternative dining options are available in passenger areas for crew with deck privileges and officers at designated times, although a charge may apply.
Free Medical Care on board is provided for all crew members providing that there are no pre-existing health or disease conditions. Medical coverage is not provided outside of contracted periods.
Most salaries are paid monthly, in cash in Australian dollars (although there are some exceptions).
All of P&O Cruises Australia's ship based employees are provided with uniforms which are cleaned at the company's expense. Depending on position and department, we may provide 2 or even 3 sets of uniforms to wear on different occasions depending on duty. Shoes are not provided and employees are required to bring a pair of shoes appropriate for their department and position.