Purser experience and advice?

[wandering_gal]

Hi everyone! I've just accepted an Apprentice Purser position with Celebrity Cruise and just wanted to know what to expect with this position as I've never worked or been on a cruise ship before... Some questions that I have so far and I"m sure there'll be plenty more as my sign on date approaches..

1. My interviewer said that Pursers usually works 10 hours a day, is this mostly in the daytime and I'll get nights free? Or is the Purser desk open 24/7?

2. Being it my first time of a ship, will I find it very hard to navigate around? I've read somewhere that the first day can be quite confusing as no direction is given on how to find your cabin, etc.

3. I will be on the Mercury, does anyone what internet access is like there? I'm hoping to be doing an online course during my contract if possible..

Any other tips and advice you come up would be awesome and greatly appreciated!!