Musicians and Entertainers
Are part of the on board entertainment employed by cruise ships. Musicians are normally employed by the shipping company and are signed on as members of the crew, whereas entertainers are not. It is not unusual for the line up of musicians in a band or orchestra to change regularly so it is necessary for any musicians employed top be able to read music and be quite versatile. Some instruments ie piano / keyboard and amplification are normally provided on the ship but musicians are normally expected to bring their own instruments if they can be hand carried. All musicians are required to participate in the Emergency Response Organisation of the ship as well as the In-Port manning roster. Entertainers are contracted independently and generally travel as passengers with a ticket. They normally provide their own props and costumes.