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Beyond the sea: The labour of cruise ship musicians
Book chapter

Beyond the sea: The labour of cruise ship musicians

David Cashman
The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Music Industry Studies, pp.69-81
Springer Nature Switzerland, 1st
28/09/2024

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Abstract

The modern cruise ship industry is a significant employer of musicians who perform in various ensembles and for multiple purposes. They accompany guest entertainers, entertain guests around the ship, and portray several concepts of use to the ship, such as high social status and safety/familiarity. The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered the industry, forcing musicians to either survive the pandemic, unpaid on ships around the world or go home. While many musicians left cruise ship employment and do not intend to return, others have taken their place. This article will analyse the labour and work culture of cruise ship musicians. It will examine changes to cruise ship musician employment in the post-COVID industry and consider what has changed. This study draws data from pre- and post-COVID interviews with musicians. What emerges is a snapshot of the cultural and working life of soloists, showband musicians, and ensemble musicians from all parts of the world that play in the cruise ship performance spaces.

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