Complaint Review: Norwegian Cruise Lines

 I was told at my interview that I would be maintaining the buffet and refilling drinks for 7 days a week, 40-70 hours a week for 4-6 months.

When I finally got through all the paper work, it took 3 months, I was flown to oahu to meet the ship. It was a harrowing 21 hour day. Put in a cabin with 2 other women. Black, 22 year old women. I am a white 53 year old. it was obvious to me immediately that there was no forethought on this front. They let me know right away that I should ask to find another cabin. Which I did immediately. I was told there wouldnt be one for a week. The next day, training begins. A 12 hour day of training and then work in my new career. I was to be a busser. When I questioned this I was told I could request a different position after 90 DAYS!

They crammed emmense amounts of information into a few hours that I was expected to remember and be tested on, or the threat of removal from the ship at my expense. That phraise was repeated numerous times during the trainings. Many things can get you kicked off.

 I asked everyday about a new cabin, no result. I worked 12 hours each day for 3 days without adequit sleep because my roommates were up at all hours partying and had men staying over. I certainly didnt want to rock the boat with them, I had to live there.

I was expected to learn this city sized ship Immediately as I was scheduled to be certain places at certain times. I was in a constant state of confusion and frankly, desperation. They told us that failure to show up, be late, would result in warnings. 3 of those and your gone. I had done so much to get there. Sold my car, gave up my apt. gave my furnishings to charity, quit my Job! I had such high hopes. How bad could it be?? I was in Hawaii right?! I had no idea I was going to join the service. No idea that once there I was to be a slave. A hostage if you will. They threaten with expulsion, they lied to me to get me there. And I had no recourse but to jump ship if I didnt like it. And get home at my own expense.

The 5th night I came home after my slave shift of sorting garbage, literally, they recycle everything and when tables are bussed it must be sorted. Theres a man in the bunk beneath mine. Snoring, and actually blocking my path to my bed. I  had to sleep! So I tell the girl the snoring man has got to go. The other roommate flies into a rage on me. Screaming obscenities, Telling me I shouldn't even be on this ship, I should go where the other old people are,, etc. I call security to help. They do immediately remove the man, it is my right to not have him there. And they proceed to take ME to their office for a breathalizer. Im shocked! I say she needs to tested too, she attacked Me. Nope, they leave her there, laughing on her bunk. After passing their test, they tell me to go back and go to bed. Well I dont think so! I demanded a different cabin. after several minutes they look to see if there is another bunk somewhere. Low and behold there is, right around the corner from the first cabin, with an older woman fast asleep. And its been there this whole time. as i lay there crying and freezing, i had forgotten to get my bedding, i am just flat frieghtened at this point. These people arent going to protect me, they dont care about me, im their captive.

I spend the next day trying to see HR. Starting at 8am. I try all day, not there. Finally at 5pm, shes there! She tells me she has no time for me. WEll, thats it. I leave the ship on Kauai after 5 days. I went to their website and there actually is a place to send grievances!! There was no number to call.  I told them the whole story. Havent heard a word from them yet. A month later. Thank goodness, I had a credit card to get me home. I hear there are communities all over the islands of ship jumpers who cant get home. Dont be one of those people!