My Cruise Ship Experience

[TolerancEJ]

No thanks. According to Titanic, if the ship's going down, the band continues to play.

...More like swinging my bass with both hands, knocking people outta the way. lol

 

[Zipper871]

If the gigs on land were more consistent, I'd be able to live off of them, barely, but I'd be able to make it work.

Snarf, if you could, would you post the travel with your bass stuff here? I've read that airlines are SUPPOSED to let you check it in the closet, but I have my doubts. I've read up on the SKB Bass Safe as well as on ATA Flight cases.

For anyone that has done the gigs, did the climates affect your basses much? E.g. did you bring your main electric or a less nice one?

I'm an admitted loner, so from what I've read, I'd either do amazing because I'm fine not getting close to anyone, doing my own thing, reading down charts, and keeping to myself....or I'd end up being arrested for going insane due to not being able to get away from everyone.

My motivations are financial (even the low end pays better than my day job does now), I want to travel, and I feel like I need to at least do one contract. Add in that I'm young (24, 25 in just over a month), single, and I'm not tied down to much of anything, and I feel like now is the time.

I've done three contracts and for all three of them I've used the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. The case+Ibanez SR4005e in monocase gig bad+ G+L Tribute L2000 in included gigbag is only 45lbs, leaving 5lbs for clothes without having to pay overweight charges, though in some airports (like Miami and JFK) they don't even weigh it.

I would recommend bringing the best bass you feel comfortable traveling with, as you will appreciate it so much once you get there. Not that you need a really great bass (I did my first contract with a Squier VM Jazz), but since it's the only bass you will be using for months, it's nice to have something nice. My basses haven't been affected much by the ship, usually only a few minor truss rod/intonation changes. The only bad thing about bringing a really nice bass is that there is a slight chance you may have to play by the pool (I had to do that one time) which means high humidity+salt air, and possible chance of rain or direct sun.

I'm kind of a loner as well- most people on ships are either super outgoing (most people) or loners (ie old married guys). There is a a lot of forced social interaction, which has given my a chance to work on my social skills, though you can find some time for yourself if you don't mind people thinking you're a bit weird (if you are not the aforementioned "old married guy").

 

[Ubersheist]

I've done three contracts and for all three of them I've used the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. The case+Ibanez SR4005e in monocase gig bad+ G+L Tribute L2000 in included gigbag is only 45lbs, leaving 5lbs for clothes without having to pay overweight charges, though in some airports (like Miami and JFK) they don't even weigh it.

I would recommend bringing the best bass you feel comfortable traveling with, as you will appreciate it so much once you get there. Not that you need a really great bass (I did my first contract with a Squier VM Jazz), but since it's the only bass you will be using for months, it's nice to have something nice. My basses haven't been affected much by the ship, usually only a few minor truss rod/intonation changes. The only bad thing about bringing a really nice bass is that there is a slight chance you may have to play by the pool (I had to do that one time) which means high humidity+salt air, and possible chance of rain or direct sun.

I'm kind of a loner as well- most people on ships are either super outgoing (most people) or loners (ie old married guys). There is a a lot of forced social interaction, which has given my a chance to work on my social skills, though you can find some time for yourself if you don't mind people thinking you're a bit weird (if you are not the aforementioned "old married guy").

Excellent post. It really puts things into perspective for that type of job. Thanks!