Working on Cruise Ships and Sending Money Home
Working on a cruise ship is an adventure like no other! I never imagined I'd find myself sailing the high seas, earning US dollars, and sending money home in Malaysia. It's been a wild ride, full of ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
The allure of travel and the promise of steady income drew me in like a moth to a flame. Cruise ship jobs offer a unique opportunity to see the world while earning a decent wage, often with room and board included.
But it's not all smooth sailing without rough seas. Living in cramped quarters with strangers, working long hours, and being away from loved ones can take its toll. Still, the ability to support my family back home makes it all worthwhile. Plus, the stories I'll have to tell when I finally hang up my sea legs? Priceless!
The Allure of Cruise Ship Jobs
Cruise ship jobs offer a unique blend of travel, career growth, and personal development. I've found these roles to be incredibly rewarding, offering experiences you simply can't get in a typical 9-to-6 job.
Travel Opportunities
Working on a cruise ship is like having the world as your office. I've woken up to new horizons nearly every day, but mostly in the Asian region as it’s where the cruise line I work for serve.
It's not just about seeing new places, though. I've had the chance to immerse myself in different cultures, tasting local foods and learning bits of new languages. One day I'm sipping iced coffee in Vietnam, the next I'm shopping in bustling Hong Kong.
But it's not all glamour. Sometimes you're too tired after a long shift to explore. And homesickness can hit hard when you're far from loved ones for months on end.
Career Benefits
Cruise ship jobs can really boost your CV. I've gained skills in customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving that are valued in any industry.
The pay can be quite good too. Many cruise lines offer competitive salaries, and with few living expenses on board, you can save a tidy sum. I've managed to pay off family debts and even start a savings account.
Personal Growth
Living and working on a ship has pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I never expected. I've become more adaptable, learning to handle unexpected situations with grace.
I've also made friends from other countries. It's opened my eyes to different perspectives and ways of life.
But it's not always easy. You're living in close quarters with your colleagues, which can be intense. I've had to learn to navigate conflicts and maintain professional boundaries in a unique environment.
Financial Management While Working on a Cruise Ship
Managing money on a cruise ship can be complicated. It's important to understand your pay and find ways to save while onboard.
Understanding Your Pay
I remember the first time I got my cruise ship paycheck. It was exciting, but also a bit confusing. Most cruise lines pay in US dollars, even if you're not American. They usually deposit the money into a special onboard account.
Some key things to know:
Base salary
Service charges or tips
Overtime pay
Bonuses
It's crucial to check your pay statement carefully. I’ve heard of friends finding a discrepancy in their pay. Imagine a mistake that would have cost you a week’s worth of salary!
Saving Money Onboard
Living on a ship can be like being in a floating bubble. It's easy to forget you're spending real money. I learned this when my crew mates told me how they blew their first few months’ pays on overpriced drinks.
Here are some tips:
Use crew areas for food and drinks
Take advantage of crew discounts
Set a budget for port days
Post-pandemic, I seldom spend on board, other than satisfying the occasional craving for chips. For the average spender, you can start putting aside a set amount each month. It adds up quickly, and it's nice to have a cushion for when you're back on land.
Remember, your living costs are low on the ship. This is a great chance to save money. I wish I'd realised that sooner!
The Importance of Sending Money Home
Sending money home while working on a cruise ship can make a real difference. It helps families and sets up a better future. Let me share what I've learned about this crucial part of life at sea.
Supporting Family and Loved Ones
When I first started working on cruise ships, I was thrilled to bits about the chance to help my family, even as a fresh graduate. Every month, I'd send all of my earnings back home.
How could I have minded to help with family expenses when my dad had forked out large sums on my education as I kept failing in classes?
Investing in Your Future
Sending money home isn't just about helping others – it's a smart way to build your own nest egg too. I learned this the hard way after blowing my first few paycheques on souvenirs and crew bar nights.
Now, I rarely touch my earnings. It might be for a house deposit or to start a small business when I'm ready to swap sea legs for land. Some of my shipmates even invest in property back home while they're still sailing.
I've had to learn about exchange rates and transfer fees. But trust me, it's worth the hassle. When you're ready to move on from ship life, you'll be glad you planned ahead.
Traditional Methods of Sending Money Home
Sending money home while working on a cruise ship can be tricky. I've tried a few ways over the years, each with its own pros and cons.
Bank Transfers
I've used bank transfers quite a bit to send money home. It's pretty straightforward – I just set up the monthly transfer with onboard Personnel. Every month-end, I get paid through direct deposit.
The thing I like about auto bank transfers offered to the crew is the no-fee processing and the security. I know my hard-earned cash is safe and sound.
I guess it depends on your cruise ship whether there are options for direct deposit to your country, and whether there are transfer fees involved.
Money Transfer Services
When crew members need to send additional money back home, they would use money transfer services. Western Union and MoneyGram are the big names.
These services can be really handy, especially if you need to send money quickly. But they come with a fee.
Again, I guess it depends on your cruise ship whether this one-time transfer service is offered on board. But you could also go out on port days and head to the money transfer facilities. Most colleagues I’ve had would go out for shore leave to do grocery shopping and to send money to their family.
One tip: look for services with good exchange rates. It can make a big difference to how much your family actually receives. Ask your fellow country mates on board for they are sure to guide you.
Modern Solutions: Using the Wise App
The Wise app has changed the way my seniors send money home while working on cruise ships. It's quick, cheap, and easy to use, making life at sea much simpler.
I would’ve used it too except I was staying on board most of the time during my last contract and seldom had good connection to register an account. Further, I had extra convenience because the cruise ship’s home port was in my homeland.
Introduction to Wise
Wise, formerly known as TransferWise, is a game-changer for international money transfers. The app lets you send money abroad at the real exchange rate – you know, the one you see on Google.
The speed and low fees were impressive. Plus, the app is easy to use.
Setting Up Your Wise Account
Getting started with Wise is a doddle. I remember setting up my account while on board after off-duty. You just need to download the app, pop in your details, and verify your identity.
The verification bit can be a faff, especially when you're on a ship with dodgy internet. But stick with it – it's worth the hassle. You'll need to upload a photo of your ID and a video selfie. I don’t carry my ID around on board, so I tried during shore leave. (This part I had a hard time with because of the lighting in a food outlet where I did the selfie.)
Once you're verified, you can add your bank details and start sending money. It's all pretty straightforward, even for a tech novice like me.
Transferring Money with Wise
Sending money with Wise is a breeze. Similar to bank transfer on board, approach the Personnel for advice for setting up the monthly transfer to your Wise account. Then, when you receive your salary, just pick the amount you want to send, choose where it's going, and boom – you're done. The app shows you the exact fee upfront.
One thing to watch out for is the exchange rate. It changes in real-time. But it's always better than what the banks offer.
Maximising Benefits with Wise
Wise is a game-changer for sending money home while working on cruise ships. It's saved loads of cash and hassle compared to traditional banks.
Tips for Frequent Transfers
You can set up recurring transfers, which is brilliant for sending salary home regularly. It's a doddle to compare costs too.
You could also check the mid-market rate before transferring. Wise typically offers rates close to this, which means more money in your pocket.
Exchange rates fluctuate, so keep an eye out for good rates. Sometimes waiting a day or two can make a difference.
Using My Referral Link
When mates sign up and make a transfer, we both get a bonus. It's not much, but hey, every little helps!
Use my Wise referral link to receive the physical card for free!