Badly managed
Old software thats non-pedagogical
Boss is not the most serious (i waited a whole working month on site for a contract). Not signing me is actually a breach of working laws as i was working on a protected facility without proper insurance or affirmed presence by security company.
Some colleagues. A month's worth of work compressed into 2 weeks, if you're into that sort of thing. Food.
Kontras
In a word, toxic.
Astonishing levels of disorganisation. Comatose "leadership". Opaque and reactive decisionmaking. Terrible communication. Word of mouth is your only friend.
Nepotism! Good luck if you're not someone's friend or relative.
Zero development opportunities. Requests for training met with an empty smile. Let's not mention safety drills.
No standard operating procedures. Different pursers/managers on the same ship expect the same basic task to be done in multiple different ways. (If you work on multiple ships, say goodbye to your mind.) Any feedback you get will be less than constructive, and it will be after the fact. Get used to reinventing the wheel each and every time you go on ship.
You will be treated like a child. Just relax and let any personal initiative leave your body. Don't fight it. Things have been done a certain way since the beginning of time. Why should that ever change.
The first 2 days of the monthly rest period are pure exhaustion and the last few days are consumed with the dread of going back on ship. They don't mention that in the brochure.
Gossip. Do not underestimate the boredom of colleagues.
If you love the Middle Ages, you will absolutely love life on ship. Bring a lute.
Note: This review refers only to the Swedish subsidiary. Word has it that the Finnish operation is light years ahead.