Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/113109
The Requirements Emmerich notes that VRC���s employees generally have degree-level education within the hotel/tourism industry. ���But we also require several years of professional experience in the ield,��� he adds. Such a high level of required expertise allows the company to offer attractive working conditions, including on-the-job training, competitive salaries and beneits. There are also job evaluations during the season. ���We ind that ambitious, enthusiastic, guest- and team-oriented, lexible and passionate individuals do best under these conditions.��� Hauswirth, who began his hospitality career as a cook at InterContinental Hotels Group at age 15, moved to bartending at Hilton before heading for the water. ���For me, a marriage split meant a sea cruise.��� He recommends that food and beverage professionals aspiring to his position get a good education in hospitality, ���with certiicates! But practical abilities are also important. To be able to say ���sorry��� directly and then correct the problem might be the most important skill of all.��� The Route The Viking Idun spent the irst night and day at our departure point in Passau, Austria, a jeweled town with the second-largest pipe organ in all of Europe in the local church. Monday we docked in Mozart���s hometown of Salzburg, where I found local fruits preserved in schnapps and Mozart-themed marzipan sweets wrapped in chocolate. That night, New Year���s Eve, we tied up in Linz and were serenaded on-board by a traditional Austrian band. The bravest souls then sat topside in the chill air watching ireworks explode over the city. Tuesday focused on the towns of Melk, where a 900-year-old monastery still houses monks, and Krems in the Wachau valley, the origin of many of Austria���s most famous dry white wines. Day ive was spent in Vienna, and day six in Bratislava, Slovakia���both charming national capitals, which we toured by coach and foot, with knowledgeable guides. The cruise eventually ended in the Hungarian capital of Budapest. I walked Fisherman���s Hill in the old town (Buda) and toured the Vaci Utca, the main shopping street, which culminates in a massive market building where produce and fresh meat dominate the ground loor, and restaurants and souvenir stalls cluster on the second level. The Last Word There are many good reasons to consider a job on a river longboat. In fact, the Idun was one of two Viking vessels cruising down the Danube together, proof of the thriving nature of this segment of the tourism industry. There is a lot of work available to those willing to travel for a living. In the end, the opportunity to succeed is present for those with drive and determination. ���There are tons of ships out there,��� said Hauswirth. ���It���s a great opportunity to travel for free, explore the world and make friends everywhere.��� For travel information to go www.vikingrivercruises. com; to apply for a position go to www.vikingstaff.com.