Entertainers who would like to be considered for representation, please click HERE.

Performing as an entertainer in the cruise industry requires an understanding of what is expected both on and off stage, as well as ship life. To learn more, please read on by scrolling down.

• Those entertainers that we choose to represent to the cruise industry agree to understand and abide by the following:

CRUISE LIFE:
Cruising has become the vacation of choice for many people. The industry has been experiencing a growth rate never seen before. Now, more than at any other time, there are itineraries and ships to satisfy even the most demanding cruise passenger. As an entertainer on board, you will be able to enjoy many of the same amenities as the passengers, while also getting paid to perform. The showrooms often rival many showrooms found in Las Vegas.  Cruising is often a lifestyle, and not just a job. It can be extremely rewarding, enabling you to visit many beautiful and interesting destinations, and meet people from around the world. Your performances should always be family friendly oriented. Remember, you will not only be representing yourself, but also the cruise line, its crew, and as well as FCE and the entertainment department of the cruise line headquarters. Therefore your conduct both on and off stage shall always be professional. While off stage, remember to always be courteous and friendly with all passengers, as well as other crew and officers. All this considered, if you use common sense, cruising can be very fun and financially rewarding.

CONTRACT ACCEPTANCE:
When it is agreed that First Class Entertainment will represent and seek work for you in the cruise industry, we immediately begin the selling process. This often involves much time and effort in communicating with our contacts in the cruise industry through phone calls, preparing and mailing your promotional package (video, photo, biography, etc.), faxes, emails, and the occasional in person meeting at their corporate office when necessary. It is therefore very important that when you give your availability it is accurate, and that you inform us of any changes. Most importantly, at the time we are able to present you with a solid offer, it is essential to remember that your verbal agreement and acceptance of the job must be treated with the same commitment level as a written agreement, until such agreement arrives. Once you give us your approval to accept a job offer, you are then formally and professionally committed to fulfill the contract. Upon your verbal consent and acceptance of a job offer, the cruise line will begin to process the booking in your name by issuing contracts, preparing joining letters, purchasing airline tickets for you and hotel stay if necessary for you to join the ship. This all involves time, effort and money committed on your behalf. You are never under an obligation to accept a job offer, but once you do give your acceptance, everyone involved will expect you to honor your word. As in every business, reputation is everything.

LIAISON WHILE AT SEA:
All entertainers shall report to and abide by the wishes of the Cruise Director on board. He or she is responsible for determining your show schedule, rehearsals, and any other pertinent responsibilities. Treat this person with respect, as well as all other ship's officers. If there are any problems that you are unable to straighten out with the Cruise Director, you must then contact us and report your exact situation. It is important to remember that Cruise Directors are very busy people with huge responsibilities and long stressful days. Use proper discretion when you have concerns or complaints. On a final important note, the Cruise Director has the authority to fire any entertainer who either disobeys rules, performs poorly, or is too high maintenance. It is therefore strongly advised that you cultivate a friendly relationship with the Cruise Director, always be respectful, and stay out of their way when they are busy or interacting with passengers.

ONBOARD HIERARCHY:
Being aware of the onboard hierarchy can be very helpful. The ship's officers are responsible for the care and well being of hundreds of passengers and operation of the ship. Always treat them with respect, as you are directly under their command. The order of command is as follows: Captain (Master of vessel), Staff Captain (2nd in command), Chief Purser (3rd in command), Hotel Manager (4th in Command),  and Cruise Director (responsible for all entertainers).

RATINGS/EVALUATIONS:
All cruise lines monitor the entertainment ratings and evaluations aboard all their ships.  Passengers are usually given comment cards to rate either the entertainment overall, or each individual entertainer. In addition, the Cruise Director personally submits his or her own evaluation of each entertainer. It is therefore important to always be as low maintenance as possible, deliver strong performances in a clean and non-offensive manner, and remember that you are representing the cruise line, along with all the people responsible for placing you there.

TRAVEL/ACCOMMODATIONS & JOINING LETTERS:
In most all cases, with a few rare exceptions, all cruise lines will pay for your airfare to and from the ship, including ground transfers and hotel accommodations on land when necessary.  Once you receive your joining letter and air travel information (by email, fax, or mail), it is your responsibility and extremely important to immediately review it carefully for accuracy.  Errors in the air itinerary can occur, and you are requested to CALL THE AIRLINES INVOLVED IN YOUR TICKETING TO VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF YOUR FLIGHT ITINERARY (Dates, Origination/Destination, Reservation Code, Electronic vs. Hard Ticket, etc.).  ALSO, BE SURE TO CLARIFY THAT YOUR FLIGHT RESERVATION HAS BEEN PAID FOR BY THE CRUISE LINE. (Just because you have your printed itinerary and reservation code, this does not necessarily mean that your air tickets have been paid for by the cruise line.  This does happen on occasion). If you should encounter any problem with your joining letter or flight itinerary/tickets, please call us immediately about the problem.  Our having this advance notice with enable us to resolve the problem in sufficient time prior to your departure date.  Besides, if you miss the ship due to ticketing errors, you may lose your contract entirely if the cruise line is unable to have you join the ship a day or two later.  Another benefit of taking a few moments of your time to review the documents and call the airlines is that you will also be able to perhaps request a seating assignment, and if you have an air miles program with the airline(s) you will be flying, try to provide them with your frequent flyer number for credit.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTE:  Many cruise lines will require you to travel one day in advance of your initial contract date, and provide overnight accommodations at the port of embarkation.  This is to make sure that you will not miss embarking the ship due to travel delays.  You will not be paid for this extra travel day.  In addition, for certain international flights, and based on your origination airport, you will be expected to travel as many as two to three days in advance of your initial contract date.  Considering travel time, destination, and time zone changes, this is necessary in order for you to embark the ship on time.  In circumstances in which you must travel a few days in advance, extra pay days may be approved.  Upon being notified of your confirmed contract dates, if you are unable to leave from one to three days prior to your embarkation date, you must notify our office immediately. 

Thank you for your attention in this matter, and we look forward to your cooperation. Together we can make your travels a more pleasant experience.

When arriving at your destination, you will be met in most cases by a port agent or cruise line representative for your transfer to the ship. If there is no pick-up to take you to the ship at your destination, please take a taxi or shuttle to the ship and save the receipts.  Any excess baggage charges will be reimbursed to a certain point, varying with each cruise line. Entertainers are instructed to retain any and all receipts for approved expenses and either submit them onboard, or mail them to FCE and we will submit them for reimbursement. Each cruise line has different policies regarding expense reimbursement, and therefore you will be advised accordingly.

For most all cruise lines, any "Change of flight" requests made after the processed itinerary has been completed will no longer be approved. All requests for detailed or specific travel must be made before the processing of paperwork has started and not after it has been submitted.

Pre-processing requests: When making requests (specific airline/ time/ flight) please remember that cruise line travel departments work from contracted rates, and these rates are not necessarily the same flights you may find on the internet, through a travel agent or elsewhere.

Once on board, your cabin will be that of a guest entertainer. For headline entertainers, these cabins are very similar to regular guest cabins, and include a private bathroom within the cabin. For some musicians such as singles, duos, trios, and bands, your cabins are sometimes located in crew areas. These cabins will accommodate two to four people, and can be quite small. Each entertainment unit will share a cabin amongst their own members.  The bathrooms are sometimes shared, meaning one bathroom that multiple cabins share. Respect and consideration for others is of great importance.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (Passports, Visas, & Joining Letters):
All entertainers are required to have and bring a PASSPORT valid beyond the last date of any contract, as well as the joining letter issued to you for your cruise contract.  It is advisable and often required to have at least six months remaining before the expiration of your passport.  Also, depending on your ship's ports-of-call, you may need an entrance visa.  In addition, entertainers traveling to U.S. ports of call, who are not American or Canadian citizens, will also need a C1/D seamen's visa which is obtainable for a fee at any U.S. consulate. Visa fees are not covered by the cruise line and, in most cases, you will be informed accordingly if one is required.  However, you are requested to verify if an ENTRY VISA is required for the destinations on your flight itinerary. 

The below listed links will provide you with the information needed to determine is an entry visa is required for the country you will visit or travel through:

To verify Foreign Entry Requirements, please click HERE*.  To obtain additional detailed information from the U.S. Department of State on Foreign Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens, please click HERE*.   Anther site that is useful to verify if an entry visa is required, as well as to assist you in obtaining one, can be viewed by clicking HERE*.

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS:
Since cruise ships visit many ports of call, some countries require that visitors have certain immunizations.  The costs for these immunizations are not covered by the cruise line.  When possible, you will be informed if immunizations are required.  However, for current requirements, please check with the embassy for each country that the cruise ship will visit.  A list of countries and their associated embassy information can be found by clicking HERE*.    Detailed health information may be obtained from your local healthcare provider or by contacting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, telephone 1-877-394-8747 or Internet:  http://www.cdc.gov/travel/vaccinat.htm*.

RULES & REGULATIONS:
It is every entertainer's responsibility to abide by the rules and regulations that each cruise line has for their ships, as well as respecting and abiding by the local laws of the port cities you will visit. Once aboard any ship, you should request the rules and regulations manual if you have not already been issued one. The following will provide you with an overview of a few important areas:

1) Dress code: Each cruise line requests certain dress codes while on board. Although they may vary slightly from cruise line to cruise line, you should always plan on having appropriate attire for two formal nights per week (For Men: a tuxedo or dark suit. For Women: a cocktail dress), three to four semiformal nights per week (For Men: shirt or sweater, slacks, no sneakers, optional sport jacket. For Women: casual dresses, blouses, slacks, sweater), as well as casual attire for daytime and one or two evenings. Also, never wear shorts or denim jeans in any public areas during evening hours. Remember, keep in mind that you are being evaluated both on stage, as well as for your demeanor and appearance off stage. Always keep a well groomed appearance. It cannot be said enough that you are a direct representative of the cruise line and all the people responsible for placing you there.  
2) Required Drills: All entertainers must participate in passenger safety and boat drills. You may also be expected to participate in "crew" safety and boat drills as well. The purpose of these drills are for your safety in case of an emergency, and are required by law. You can expect the drill to happen once per week or sailing, and they usually last about 20 to 30 minutes. You will learn where to report to during an emergency. Today's modern ships are extremely safe. However, during an actual emergency, this brief training may save both your life, as well as the lives of others. 
3) Coast Guard Inspection: All cruise ships are subject to inspections by Coast Guard officers. They have the authority to search your cabin without your permission, and they do not have to give you a reason for the search. Mostly, these searches are random, and can happen on any day or time. 
4) Illegal Drugs: Sailing on a ship does not exempt you from abiding by the law. Illegal drugs will not be tolerated. Also, possible random drug tests and cabin inspections may occur. As per every cruise engagement contract, if you are caught in possession of an illegal substance or prove positive on a drug test, this will most likely either lead to immediate dismissal from the ship at your own expense, or possible imprisonment with the local authorities.
5) Fines: There are laws on every ship, just the same as there are laws on land. Once you receive the manual of the ship's rules and regulations, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with what you can or can't do. If you happen to break on onboard law, expect to receive either a written warning or be fined. 
6) Restrictions: Each cruise line has different restrictions for entertainers. Again, it is suggested that you familiarize yourself with the ship's rules and regulations. Sometimes headline entertainers have certain privileges that musicians do not. This may have to do with not being allowed in the casino or pool or certain bars. It is always best to remember that you are there to entertain the passengers, they are there on vacation. Considering this, please use your best judgment. For example, do not sit in the last remaining open bar stool or lounge chair. If the pool is too crowded, do not go in. Basically, the passengers needs should always come before your own, for they are the reason why we all have the job.

SALARIES & PAYMENT METHODS:
Salaries vary depending on your entertainment type, cruise line, length of contract, and sometimes ship itinerary. All payments are made in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.  The salary range for headline entertainers is normally between $1,500. to $2,500. per week.  This can be higher based on ratings, cruise experience, budget, and/or status. The salary range for music groups such as steel bands varies, and is normally paid monthly. For all other entertainers, such as musical singles, as well as lounge duos, and trios, the range is normally between $700 to $1,400. per week. Payment methods also vary from cruise line to cruise line.  In most cases, the cruise line will pay First Class Entertainment and, upon receipt of payment, we in turn will then deduct our agreed commission and then immediately send to you the balance with a company check or by direct deposit based on your payment preference. Other times you will be paid directly by the cruise line. This will either be in cash on board, direct deposits to your bank account, or a check mailed to your home. If you are paid directly by the cruise line, you are responsible for mailing the agreed commission to our office either weekly or with each pay period. This can be with either a personal check or money order made out to FIRST CLASS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. The commission is always based on your contracted gross pay. Also, every cruise line pays your weekly or monthly fee on a prorated system. That means your weekly or monthly fee is determined on a daily rate (simply take your weekly fee and divide by 7). Your pay will begin with the embarkation date stated on your contract and continue through the "day before" you disembark the ship. Remember, you are not paid for the day in which you disembark from the ship, unless in certain circumstances you are transshipping. All payment arrangements will be discussed with each cruise booking. 

Lastly, every cruise line has different pay periods in which they disperse payments. This is done either weekly, bi-weekly, and in some cases monthly (depending on length of contract).  Normally, cruise lines will disperse payments every two weeks.  Some have exact pay dates such as the 15th and the last day of any given month.  Other cruise lines have their own two week pay schedule that falls on different days each month.  In either case, rest assured that the longest time that it will take for you to receive your payment is approximately every two weeks.  Also, sometimes your payment is split depending on the length of your contract and when the payment was dispersed.  For example:  If you have a contract from the 7th of the month to the 21st, depending on the cruise line's pay period, your first payment may cover your dates from the 7th to the 14th, then your second payment would cover the balance of your contract from the 15th to the 21st.  Therefore, if you arrive back home to find that you have not received full pay yet, this is the reason.  Your check stub or direct deposit will always indicate your pay dates and ship.  In all cases, you will paid in full from the day you embark the ship through the "day before" you disembark the ship.  

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS:
All entertainers and/or their representatives that accept job offers negotiated by First Class Entertainment, Inc., do so as "Independent Contractors," and are not employees of First Class Entertainment, Inc., or any Presenters. As such, entertainers agree to perform and discharge all obligations as an independent contractor under any and all laws, whether existing or in the future, including but not limited to Social Security laws, Worker's Compensation Insurance, Income Taxes, State Employment Insurance Taxes or contributions, Public Liability Insurance; and entertainers will hold First Class Entertainment Inc., Venue, and Presenter harmless against any such laws as well as against all Union claims for welfare payments.  At the conclusion of each year, you will be issued a "1099-Misc." form as an independent contractor which indicates and reports the gross amount of any payments made to you from First Class Entertainment Inc. for that given tax year.

HEALTH & MEDICAL:
Certain cruise lines require a medical exam to be done before they can offer a contract for an entertainer to join their ship. However, this rarely applies to headline entertainers. This is usually at the entertainer's expense, and a list of the medical exam requirements will be provided when necessary. Entertainers that do not pass certain medical requirements will not be offered a contract.
                                                                                                                                         IS SEASICKNESS A PROBLEM?:                                                                                While today's ships feature the most advanced stabilizers, limiting the amount of motion one may feel, some people do get seasick. There are over-the-counter products available that should be taken before the onset of any seasickness, but always consult with your doctor first. The onboard physician should also be able to provide medication. 

GUEST REQUESTS:
Most cruise lines will allow a guest entertainer the privilege of bringing a guest onboard.  The policies vary from cruise line to cruise line, but overall the request usually must be made at least two to four weeks in advance of the join date.  Some cruise lines require that the request be made on board to the chief purser or cruise director, and some require that the request be made through our agency.  There are fees involved from the cruise line which usually include: port charges, gratuities, and sometimes a charge ranging from $25 to $45 per day.  The guest usually must be at least 21 years of age and will share your cabin (space provided).  If your cabin does not have room to accommodate your guest, then you must book a regular passenger cabin through a travel agent at normal rates for the dates of sailing, itinerary, and cruise ship.  When in doubt, always check with our office first about any procedures to request a guest.

MORE HELPFUL ADVICE: 
We strongly advise every entertainer who accepts a job working on a cruise ship to bring along an adequate amount of cash, as well as a credit card to use for shipboard expenses and in case of emergencies. Also, every entertainer is expected pay for standard gratuities on board for the cruise staff that take care of your needs such as: cabin steward, table waiters and other service staff. Suggested gratuity amounts will be provided on board.  Certain cruise lines will automatically deduct standard gratuities from your pay. As for entertainers traveling with instruments or expensive equipment, it is wise to look into securing adequate insurance in case of damage, loss, or theft.  

IF DRIVING TO THE SHIP:                                                                                                 If you are planning to drive to join a ship leaving from a U.S. port, the following link will provide you with a list of cruise ship terminals:  SHIP TERMINALS.

CRUISE SHIP CALENDAR:
If you desire to know where ships are on any given day, the following link will provide you with a useful resource: CRUISE SHIP CALENDAR *

* WWW.GOTOFIRSTCLASS.COM occasionally links to third-party web sites to provide users with additional information. First Class Entertainment, Inc. (herein known as FCE) assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information found on these third-party web sites.  In addition, these links to third-party web sites do not constitute an endorsement by FCE of such sites, their sponsors, or their contents and FCE disclaims any and all responsibility for the content of such sites.

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