What clothes to bring? [see pictures] Cast members aboard ship wear their own clothing consistent with onboard passenger attire; however, no jeans, shorts, cutoffs, old tennis shoes, boots, T-shirts or tank tops are allowed in the passenger area. Be as conservative as possible. Wear your nametag at all times so passengers know they can ask you for help. Evening attire is the same as indicated for the passengers in the ship’s Daily Program, so bring a sport coat or suit for men and a dress, skirt or dress pants for women for informal nights and a complete black tux for men and formal (full or tea length) dresses for women for formal nights. Hem lines above the knee are not allowed.

Personal appearance?
Visible tattoos or body piercings (with the exception of women's ears) are not permitted aboard ship. You must maintain the hair color and weight you had when you were hired. And no tan lines in costume!

What about cruise discounts?
After completing 120 days of employment (on a Holland America Ship) you and your immediate family members are eligible to apply for a guaranteed positive space cruise at 50% of the minimum tariff. If space is available, every effort will be made to confirm space 45 days prior to sailing. Call the Employee Cruise Privilege Hotline for details (206) 286-3934. The Human Resources Officer (HRO) aboard ship has applications and full details, so get to know him or her as soon as you can to make arrangements for your family to cruise with you during your contract.

How do I get home?
You return flight home will be provided at the end of your contract. Should you leave the ship during your contract, your travel home will be at your expense. You may also be required to pay for the cost of your replacement.

How do I get paid?
Be prepared to be on your own money wise for the first two weeks in LA. At sea you are paid by the ship. There is a pay day every cruise for you to draw cash out of your weekly salary for spending money. There is no cash spending aboard ship, so your purchases at the bar and shops are charged directly to your shipboard account. At the end of every month, you will receive a check for what is left after your shipboard account has been deducted. This includes your bar bill. Direct deposit to your checking account at home is also available.

Other duties?
There are no cruise staff duties, however, the cast teaches dance classes. Cast members also have duties for life boat drills and port manning, and participate in social functions such as coffee chats, ice cream with the stars, backstage tours, and tea time.

Medical coverage and insurance?
While you are rehearsing at Stiletto, you are hired and paid by Caps Universal payroll and are covered by workers comp insurance for marjor injuries only. At sea, the ship will provide, at no charge, medical consultation and treatment for illnesses and injuries which can be effectively handled on board by the ship's doctor and nurses. If the illness or injury is serious enough to require treatment ashore, the ship will make the arrangements. Dental treatment is limited to emergencies only, at sea or ashore. These shipboard medical benefits are for the duration of your seagoing contract, but continue ashore for an illness or injury which requires disembarkation for treatment. However, there is a lifetime limit of $15,000 for treatment ashore paid by the ship, so it is recommended that you carry your own medical insurance to pay for the cost of care over and above the $15,000 limit.

How do I receive mail?
Mail is brought aboard every week to ten days on your home port day. Mail and packages are sent to the port agents in Alaska, Hawaii, California and major European cities. These sometimes change so we’ll give them to you just before you leave. Cast members with e-mail addresses can set up an email account on board the ship. Internet cards and ocean phone cards are available to crew members. You can also receive faxes and make and receive satellite phone calls onboard.

Is there a baggage limitation?
When you fly, you are limited to the airlines baggage limits for checked luggage and carryons. Sometimes there is a weight limit for each suitcase, particularly on international flights, and any excess baggage or weight charges are your responsibility. It is best to bring lots of rehearsal clothes to Los Angeles for rehearsals here and for the cast turnover cruise because you probably won’t have time to do laundry during your first cruise, then have your family send whatever else you need aboard ship to your home port. Remember, you are not leaving civilization. All homeports have shopping nearby.

Where do I stay in Los Angeles?
If you’re from out of town, you’ll stay at our cast apartments about six blocks from our studio. These are furnished apartments in a secured building with kitchens, laundry facilities, covered parking, gym, sauna and a pool (!) and you are responsible for their care and upkeep just like your own home because the next cast will probably be moving in for their rehearsals the day you move out to go on the ship.