Speaker 1 Speaker 2

Man:   I deal with anything to do with entertainment on board, and that covers guest lecturers, cabaret artists, the show company and any special nights. I have to plan each cruise with all the performers and then introduce them at the beginning of the show. There’s never a dull moment and if I want time to myself, I have to escape to my cabin because a huge part of my job is to mix with people. There are often parties to attend ... and then, sometimes, dance nights to organize. So, if I’m not in the shows, I’ll be out there dancing with the passengers, because that’s part of my job too.

Woman:   I’m in charge of reception at the Health and Fitness Centre, so I greet passengers and organize their individual fitness programmers and beauty treatments. I wouldn’t say it was glamorous because it’s very hard work, but the rewards for me are meeting really interesting people, and the system of working, We do eight-month contracts, and once you’ve finished, it’s up to you how much time you have off. Then you renew your contract when you’re ready. I like working on a contract basis; I don’t like to feel as if I’m stuck somewhere. At home, everyone follows the same nine-to-five pattern. Here, time just has a different meaning.