Cruise Ship Gig FAQs
Q: What's the catch?
A: There's no catch! Suman Entertainment Group is America’s largest employer of bands and musicians! Booking well-qualified bands and musicians on land-based, corporate and private gigs and also on the world’s most luxurious cruise lines is all we do. If you’re the best at what you do, boy have we got gigs for you.
Q: Do I live on board?
A: Yes. A cabin is provided to every employee and you live on the ship for the duration of your contract.
Q: What does it pay?
A: We match you and your amazing talents and experience to the finest cruise lines in the world in order to get you their top gigs. Once we’ve gotten you on board, you'll spend your off hours exploring exotic ports of call all over Europe and Asia and also in Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, the Caribbean Islands, Alaska, Hawaii, Alaska and even Antarctica!
Q: What do I have to pay to get there?
A: Nothing! Your flight there and your flight back are covered and if you want to keep gigging and living the life, we’ll even line up new gigs in different cities for you. you decide!
Q: Is there anything that I have to pay for?
A: Yes, most cruise lines will require you to have the following: a pre-employment medical exam, a valid passport, any requisite travel visas and a full criminal background check. our processing team will guide and assist you every step of the way to get you on-board as effortlessly as possible.
Q: Do I have to do any other job other than to perform?
A: There is only one other requirement of musicians onboard in addition to performing: safey training and drills. Safety at sea is incredibly important and complicated, therefore every employee must participate in these exercises. This is your only other obligation.
Q: Once the ship has docked, am I allowed to get off and see the sights?
A: Of course! That may be the very best part of this gig! You’re not only allowed, you’re encouraged to disembark on whatever port the passengers do and explore, explore, explore! The world is your oyster! You can plan on having boatloads of fun all day long (you’ll probably be gigging at night) and filling your cup with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and memories.
Q: Ok, I'm down! How do I do this?
A: Here are the prerequisites: You have to be 18 or over, you have to be prepared to commit to a continuous contract, you have to be prepared to pay in order to obtain the documents the cruise lines require of you, but the most important thing to us is that you have to be outstanding at what you do.
Q: What happens after I apply?
A: Our hard-earned reputation is that our talent is far and away better than any other talent from any other source in the world. We’re very proud of that distinction. Once you’ve applied, one of our musician evaluators will contact you for an audition that will include doing what you do live: either in person in one of our offices worldwide or live via Skype/FaceTime. The audition will require you to play/sing in multiple styles and also include a sight-reading proficiency evaluation using the very music you’ll probably see on the gig. We only take the best of the best. Come be one of us.
Q. Are taxes withheld?
A. If you are an American working for an American company (as most major cruise lines are), federal taxes are indeed withheld. International employees do not have taxes withheld but they are responsible for submitting their earnings to their national revenue service.
Q. Do I need to bring an amp, p.a. equipment, mics, and music stands??
A. No. All p.a. equipment and backline instruments are provided for onboard every ship.
Q. If I am joining a ship in Asia for instance, how will I get there and back?
A. Every cruise line provides travel for musicians and entertainers as long as contractual obligations are met. This includes flights and hotel. You will arrive to your port a day before the ship does to offset any potential flight delays.
Q. Even though flights are provided, baggage fees are really high these days. Does the cruise line pay for baggage expenses?
A. Sometimes. Some lines do not reimburse for these charges. However, many do for the first two bags as long as they are not overweight.
Q. Can family and friends sail for free or discounted?
A. If you are in a position that entitles you to a private cabin, sometimes onboard management will allow a single guest to cruise in your cabin. This is not usually a written entitlement though, and can really only be worked out with management onboard your particular ship. To have friends and relatives sail discounted in passenger cabins, there are special rates available on some lines for full time employees. However, these rates are only available if the cruise is not sold out.