Dry dock is a term used in the cruise industry that refers to a period of time when a ship goes into a shipyard temporarily to undergo enhancements. No Guests are onboard during this time – only Crew and contracted vendors/workers who have been hired to help with the refurbishments.
Not every Crew Member who works onboard a cruise ship has the opportunity to be part of such an exciting transformation. Even though you will be working hard, dry dock is a very unique experience! Everyone onboard participates to help the process run as safely, smoothly, and efficiently as possible.
For Crew working onboard during dry dock, this period of time will likely be very different than your normal role and schedule onboard. Shipboard services may be interrupted, but will be communicated in advance so Crew can prepare. During the dry dock period, you will be assigned tasks by your leadership. These may be different to normal operation and will involve manual labor. All Disney staff (Crew, DCL Shoreside and WDI) will be required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at work to ensure their personal safety.
Hard Hats, safety shoes, work wear or coveralls, ear plugs, protective eye wear and caution vests should be worn as appropriate to your role and hazards in your area of work. Steel-toed, slip-resistant shoes are required for Fire watch teams, Loaders, Garbage and Debris handlers. The flexibility of our Crew is important during this period of time.
Once you embark the ship, specific duties will be communicated to you, and you will be trained accordingly. There are many jobs you may be assigned. Some examples include laying carpet, hauling garbage, grouting tile or facilitating coffee/water stations, however there are many other jobs that Crew will be assigned to. Although you will be working seven days a week during dry dock, as you would when the ship is sailing with Guests, your schedule may look completely different. Schedules will be provided once you are onboard.
Frequently asked questions about dry dock
All Crew as well as most outside vendors / contractors will live onboard the ship. No visitors will be allowed on during dry dock.
There are, such as areas that will not be accessible due to work being carried out, hard-hat policy for safety purposes, etc. Additional information will be provided to you regarding rules, expectations, regulations, and policies once you board the vessel.
Once you get onboard, you will find communication that has the hours of operation onboard for your meals, Crew Shop, Crew Office as well as local stores, services, attractions, restaurants, transportation options, and other places of interest in Victoria. There will be a plethora of information about the local area provided to you, so you can enjoy going ashore during your free time.
Yes, medical care and benefits will still be available onboard the ship from the Medical team. Any other medical services needed will be available in port.
Internet will be available onboard during dry dock, and phone usage will be intermittent. There are WiFi locations ashore that you can utilize and we will have information regarding these locations once onboard.
You will still be paid every other week via your Pay Card, as you would normally. For those in a gratuity-eligible position, more information will be communicated to you regarding your pay.
• Please remember to bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes.
• If any specific clothing or footwear is required for your role,
it will be provided for you during dry dock.
• Average temperatures in Victoria in May range from 7° C (44° F) to 19° C (67° F).
ATMs onboard the ship will not be operational during dry dock. There are local ATMs ashore in Victoria, but there may be fees to withdraw cash, so please plan accordingly. Local businesses will accept credit/bank/Pay cards and the local currency is the Euro.
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