Expert: Anthony Liberto - 7/17/2007

Question
Hello Anthony, i have been a drummer for 14 years and have alot of experience in all different playing situations. I have a phone interview with royal caribbean cruise lines. Is there something specific i should be saying in my interview. please help soon!!  thanks


Answer
Hi Kyle and thanks for your question. When i played with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line they look for someone who above anything besides the playing is a good person with a good personality. In the cruise business you have to beable to get along with passengers, other players, staff etc.

The cruise line wants to gain customers faith in them and everyone from the baggage handlers to the captain must always have that in the back of their minds. If you do something out of character and passengers see this, they will start to tell others and that in turn will result in givig their experience on the ship a negative review and then no return business.

You have to remember that when you play on a ship that is going to be your home for about a year. So needless to say trouble makers don't last long.

As far as playing goes you should be very experienced in playing with click tracks and playing all different styles of music. You could be playing a show at night, playing in a jazz trio in the afternoon and then doing a dixie land thing. So being prepared is important. Cruise lines look for well rounded players.

The main thing in your telephone interview is to be honest. The truth will go along way. They can and will check your background. If you were ever convicted of a crime be honest. You have to remember that you have to deal with immigration laws due to the fact that the ship makes stops in different ports. You don't want to get in any trouble with immigration. They don't tolerate things well like some of the authorities in the united states do.

So in closing i would say to be honest, tell them about your experience and why you want to play for their company.
Let them know that you will be an asset to their company and your looking for a long term relationship.

I hope my suggestions will help you with your interview. Feel free to email me with anymore questions you may have.
Good luck to you Kyle and let me know how your interview goes if you can.

Have a great day.
Anthony
If your interested you can check out my web site at:
www.anthonyliberto.com