on a cruise ship as Bike Guide

Preparation 

First, after getting on board I fully realised how useful it would have been to do thorough research about the destinations of actual season.Having portable devices at hand, with information like pictures, maps, flags in colour  available offline, may save trouble and generate gratuites from happy passangers later on during actual work.

As internet access on open sea prevailingly exceeds the rates charged on shore and in internet cafe at ports usually one needs to either order something or buy a voucher, it makes sense to ask other crew member for free wifi hotspots. A paid option is to download WiFi Map android app with passwords database for extra cost.

Packing the right items in your suitcase

My personal observation: ask  questions even when the question seems to primitive. After placement been issued,  the hiring agency sends the candidate a list of necessary documents and items to bring with on bord.
Just remember, your life on board cruise ship focuses predominantly on work i.e. 7 days a week on average for 5 to 8 months in a row. So think about your free time entertainment - there is going to be smoking rooms / bars to socialise, some limited areas designated as gym, optionally table tennis or darts, sun deck with tiny swimming pool; but to bring your library of e-books, movies might proof mind-saving.

As everyone needs the same looking uniform, the company usually provides enough clothes for work related activities. However, in more specialised position as Bike Guide, it makes sense to find out what the dress code in order to be in accordance with Company Standard Procedures (a very detailed listing of what is allowed as well as a strict description of what is not desired), but still feeling comfortable. ( I do not stand the slick plastic biking pants, so I bargained a exception to wear my private shorts under condition that they are dark shadow).

Even though some companies tries to give impression how cool and well establih they are, I found that in daily operation many tiny details are overlooked. For example, as part of working tools for a Bike Guide on tour should be a flat tire set (spare tube + pump), for the rest of possible problems with the bikes especially torn chain, you will get only a ridiculously small multitool set, which is very impractical to reconnect a chain. Based upon my experience, bring on board such gear as they will save your nerves many times. With all this private stuff, make sure to let shipboard management know in order to prevent someone blaming you for stealing it form company possetions - I take a picture of every single tool I have in my luggage before arrival.


Eat lot of solid food that makes the stomach busy for a while - this is what the seadizzines pill do.
Avoid drinking alcohol or sprinkling water. Best to keep liquid intake at minimum.