info@cruisinc.

eu
www.cruisinc.eu

FAQs - Hired Crew

Q: What are the basic requirements for working on board?

A: Our essential requirements are the following:
 Hold a valid Passport or ID (minimum 1-year validity after contract expiry)
 You must have a bank account in your own name, by law we cannot transfer your salary to
someone else’s account
 English and/or German and/or Dutch fluency relevant to your position
 Tolerance and adaptability in an international team
 Availability and flexibility throughout the season

 All Galley crew must have an HACCP certificate or other equivalent food handling certificate. If
you do not have one already, you may complete a quick course online for a small fee before
embarkation. It is quick and fairly easy to do and will benefit you in any work location. Website
links: http://haccp-direct.com/haccp-course/ OR https://www.virtual-
college.co.uk/courses/food-hygiene-courses/level-2-food-hygiene-for-catering

The language requirements can vary depending on the position you are interested in and which vessel you
are assigned to.

Q: Which vessel will I be working on?

A: This depends on the operational needs and how soon you are available. You will be working on one or
more of our river cruise vessels. You will be informed in advance by the HR Team about the vessel name,
boarding date and time as well as the docking location and contact numbers of the respective vessel.

Q: Will I have health insurance coverage?

A: You are automatically enrolled for health insurance (excluding dental care) at the expense of the
company for the duration of your employment.
In case of sickness, you are solely responsible for the settlement of health insurance claims with the
health insurance provider. All information will be provided via E-mail to your personal account from the
insurance provider (check your “junk” box!) when your contract starts and is also readily available on the
providers’ website in the terms and conditions.
If you ever need to send a claim for a refund, please be sure to tick any box indicating the refund should
be returned via bank transfer, otherwise you will receive a cheque.
For further information please refer to the E-mails sent by Allianz or on their website.
You must contact them regarding any further questions you may have regarding any refunds.

Q: Do I have to pay taxes?

A: All crew are responsible for their Income Tax declaration upon returning to their home country.

Q: What kind of contract will I get?

A: All our contracts are seasonal. As a standard, all our contract end dates are on the 5 th of January of
the following year. Our seasons generally run from March to November or January, depending on the
vessel and if they have any trade fairs or winter cruises.
When a vessel finishes sailing, you are offered the opportunity to move to another based on your
performance and carry on working; or, your contract will be terminated per sailing end date.

Q: Do I have to arrange my own transport to/from the vessel?

A: Yes, you are expected to make your own arrangements to the vessel at your own expense, once you
have received all the information regarding the vessels docking location from us. At the end of the season
you also make your own arrangements to return home, in some exceptional cases the company may
organize this for you.
Transport costs are only reimbursed if you have completed the season without incidents. You may claim a
maximum refund of 250 EUR for the whole trip (125 EUR per way).

Example 1: You have transport costs of 150 EUR for one way, they will be reimbursed maximum
125 EUR.
Example 2: You have transport costs of 75 EUR, they will be reimbursed the amount of 75 EUR.

For you to be reimbursed, you must send clear scanned copies of all receipts/tickets to our Head Office on
the E-mail address hrm@cruisinc.eu within 48 hours of the completed trip. If for any reason you will not
be able to send us the tickets within 48 hours you must inform us in advance.
**Only 1 inbound and only 1 outbound journey is reimbursed per contract. When there are
breaks in the season (for example cancelled cruises) crew travel home at their own expense.

Q: Can I go home during the season for a week or two?

A: On a standard seasonal contract, you are entitled to 1 paid day off per week on board. If you wish to
have a longer leave at once (for example 1 week at home) it needs to be discussed with your hotel
manager on board, as it is an operational decision which would then be based on your accumulated days
off.

Q: Will I be sharing a cabin?

A: Yes, you will be sharing a cabin with at least 1 or 2 other colleagues, depending on the vessel. Those in
most senior management positions are entitled to a single cabin.

Q: Do I have to pay social insurance?

A: Your Social Insurance taxes are automatically paid in Cyprus each month as you will work under a
Cypriot contract in accordance with the EU Cross Border working agreements and the A1 process which
enables this. This means you can claim any unemployment benefits in your home country based on your
Cypriot contributions if you have sufficient paid contributions.

Q: Will a uniform be provided for me on board?

A: Yes, you will receive a uniform on board. As these are sometimes not immediately available, all crew
must take with them several items:

Female crew:

natural coloured tights,

a black knee length skirt and black trousers (NOT jeans),
Black closed toe shoes (NOT trainers) which can have a low heel,
White shirts (blouse),
Plain white short sleeved T-shirts.
A white t-shirt/shirt under the white blouse/long sleeves shirt and polo

Hair must be worn up at all times, openly loose hair is not permitted. Large earrings are not permitted
whilst on duty, only small studs should be worn.

Male crew:

White shirts,
black closed shoes (NOT trainers),
black trousers (NOT jeans),
Plain white short sleeved T-shirts.

Galley crew:

All kitchen staff must bring a pair of safety shoes and may bring their own knives.

Q: What are the standard items I need to pack?

A: Personal toiletries, sufficient clothes to last 10-14 days, proper black closed toe shoes, casual clothes
and shoes to wear in your free time. Make sure you have sufficient funds to cover any taxi or train costs
(recommended: 200 EUR).
Q: Are there any general rules that I should follow whilst on board?
A: Whilst on board, we expect a friendly, positive and helpful attitude from you towards all passengers
and your fellow colleagues. This includes maintaining a proper and well-groomed appearance whilst on
duty as well as during your leisure time on board.
Smoking on board is strictly forbidden at all times!
No drinking alcohol shortly before or whilst on duty, and it should not affect your ability to work your next
shift!
Visible tattoos are not permitted on board any of our vessels, should you have any they must be able to be
completely covered up with a band-aid or Tattoo make-up.

Q: When will I be receiving my salary?

A: You will receive your salary on a monthly basis, paid via bank transfer on or before the 15th day of the
following calendar month. For further details or clarifications regarding your earnings or
payslip you are welcome to contact us at hrm@cruisinc.eu

Scanning documents:
We do not accept pictures/photographs of your documents. They must be returned as clear scanned
copies.
If you do not have access to a scanner you can download the application “Adobe Scan” to your mobile
phone. Please follow the application instructions carefully in order to be able to produce clear scans.