Helping the Young People in Our Lives Find Their Way

For the second year in a row, I am enjoying a trip with my friends on American Cruise Lines (ACL). Once again, I am impressed with the staff. They are all kind and gracious—including the housekeeping staff. I have, however, due to meal times, had the most interaction with the serving staff. Most are young. Many were at an in between place when they decided to apply for a job with ACL. Most told me that this job allowed them to save money and see places they’d never have seen otherwise. Mikayla told me she has worked as a server for many years (her father was a chef) and she has a bit of wanderlust—which made this a perfect fit. Others talked about saving money or paying off student debt.

On each cruise, as I have interacted with these wonderful young people, I have been struck with what a great opportunity this is—especially for those who are at an in between place in life. This is true even for those who are a bit older. I’ve thought: “Maybe women my age have a grandchild (or great niece or nephew) for whom a job on ACL would be a perfect fit.” But who thinks of this? It is not like they’d be working for some foreign conglomerate. ACL is family owned and all American.

The servers work on a 28 week contract and it is not unreasonable to be able to save up $15,000 during the contract—after all, they have no expenses. Food, housing (in dorm style rooms), and uniforms are included. There’s not much opportunity to spend. Though one did tell me that she ordered way too much Door Dash in her first few weeks on the ship. She quickly learned that was a bad way to use up her paycheck and corrected her ways.

While the financial benefits are good, the work is long. Servers work three meals a day, seven days a week. They do have several hours off each afternoon between lunch and dinner. Many use that time to nap. Some go ashore and catch some of the sites. One gal I talked to is studying to be a nurse and she uses that time for her online school work. They do get paid time and a half for extra hours—which can add up quickly. They must also be flexible and fill in where they are needed. This morning, I didn’t see one of the servers. I asked where he was. “Doing the dishes,” was the answer.

When I asked Jay, who has been on the job for two weeks, if he would recommend it to his friends, he quickly responded: “Yes, of course! But they have to be willing to work hard.”

Both Jay (29) and Mikayla (26) have been on board the same amount of time. They explained that the training takes place in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a simulated ship experience. ACL pays for everything during training—including airfare and lodging.

Some of the servers have college degrees, others have some, others no college at all—but most do have some serving experience.

During the 28-week contract, staff can take up to 3 weeks off. Though, upon return, they will likely be assigned to a different ship and crew. It just depends on the cruise lines needs at the time. Bre, a 23 year old from Michigan with a degree in hospitality who is nearing the end of her 28 weeks, told me that if servers make it past the first two weeks, they usually stay. For those who make it through their full contract, there is a bonus and ACL pays for the flight home. Those who leave early are on their own once they walk off the ship.

Those working on board have different reasons for choosing ACL and different career goals. Bre, with the hospitality degree, hopes to secure a job in management at a motor speedway. She has worked on a local ferry back home. Jay, who is from Los Angeles, is saving money to open a restaurant in Jamaica with his family. For Mikayla, she was looking for a better server position using the website Indeed. The ACL opportunity popped up and, on an impulse, she decided to apply. For now, she’s enjoying saving money, meeting new people and traveling—though she is an actress and a model with agency representation. Andrea is currently serving as a deckhand, she’s the only female on that crew. Her goal is to be a ship captain. For those who want it, ACL offers opportunities for advancement. But for those on the entry level 28-week contract, they cannot come back to the same position. They can, however, move up. The Restaurant Manager, worked previously as a waitress and bartender and started with ACL as a server. Our Hotel Manager Dylan also started as a server.

I hope, as you have read, I have piqued your interest for that young person in your family. Share this story with them. Send them to the ACL website or Indeed.com. You just don’t know, this could be led to him or her living their best life!

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Marita Littauer Tedder

Marita Littauer Tedder has spent the majority of her adult life working with women—helping them improve relationships, achieve their speaking and writing dreams, and being the best version of themselves they can possibly be. The author of 20 books, this Living Our Best Life Project is her newest effort—through which she hopes to challenge women to be fulfilled where they are.