Vessel Ops/Tillicum/Guest Service - Anonymous employee Argosy Cruises Employee Review

4.0
13 Dec 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working at Argosy Cruises, you will be impressed by the fast paced work environment and the incredible views. This job is best suited for anyone looking to make a lot of money very quickly, I earned the majority of my yearly wages in the summer months. (Around 20k-23k). This job is also suitable for those that are coming back to the Seattle area from college and want a nice summer job. To be successful at this company you will need to thrive under pressure, because you will be handling anywhere from 400-2500 people a day. I lasted years here due to my "Yes sir/ma'am" personality type. It's not as hard or stressful as it sounds; for the majority of the time, Argosy runs a smooth operation. This job also has a lot of opportunity for overtime (in the summer, otherwise known as the On Season). If you are working full time, HR provides you with a 50 dollar Orca card voucher. If you are looking for a fun, flexible summer job... this is probably for you!

Cons

Some of the cons to this job is the salty crew. I don't mean that in the punny boat way, but if you show any sort of incompetence it is a common impression of mine that the senior staff will treat you coldly. A lot of the personality types in this company are abrasive but kind if you give them time to warm up. Currently (end of 2017) the company is expanding and changing, so there is no stability. Unfortunately favoritism is a dramatic and growing problem in the company. The amount of hours you get is based mainly on how much the overseeing managers like you. I have witnessed/been affected countless times by this scheduling fault multiple times. If you step on the wrong people's toes you won't see your name on the schedule for weeks. I suggest if you live anywhere past Kent, need stable income, need reliable/consistent hours don't bother applying. I went from working 50-60 hours a week to working only 4 hours a week (the summer to winter transition) My advice is do not try to make this a career unless by some stroke of luck you are the company favorite. There isn't much room for growth and jumping between boats, island and guest service isn't favored by management. This is not a "one size fits all" job.

Explore other reviews about Argosy Cruises

5.0
6 Nov 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexible work schedule nice people

Cons

Long hours no real breaks

4.0
9 Oct 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good people, local company, fun atmosphere, interactive, social - being on the water showcasing Seattle is a pretty fun job especially in the summer. Flexible schedule. As a mariner, working here was a great way to grow my license and learn.

Cons

Pay is not great, no real benefits when I was there. I could not afford to work here and live near the city today I don't think.

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