That explains it, and a lot of people on cruise ships do get paid a pittance, usually they are the ones looking after passengers and cleaning up.

Worth trying rig work I suppose, you get months on duty doing little but work then a great big holiday on shore, it might work for you.

As the 3rd Deck Officer/4th Engineer, im sure the pay was only around £25-28k, which tbh is crap for being away for 4 months at a time at least.

From what ive heard/read, rig work generally now is 2 weeks on 3 weeks off, so your at home more than your away, and get paid a LOT more.