How to Find a Job Onboard a Cruise Ship

Working onboard a cruise ship can be the most exciting years of your life, however there are many things to take into consideration when looking for a job onboard. Cruise ships are like floating hotels and operate in very much the same way with departments ranging from food and beverage, gift shop, photographers, entertainers, lecturers and internet services, to front office and reception, concierge, fitness and spa, art auctioneers, casino and so much more. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime, an opportunity to travel the world and further your career. For the most part onboard positions are full time and you'll very seldom find part time or summer jobs available.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Updated resume
• Valid passport
• Enthusiasm and drive

1. Firstly you need to find a position that best suits your qualifications and experience and know exactly what job you are applying for. All onboard positions are divided into different departments, many of which are run by concessionaires, so it is advisable to find out if the job you are interested in falls under one of the concessions before applying. Concessions will generally oversee and hire staff for the onboard gift shops, spa, photographers, art auctioneers and port lecturers. The cruise lines are responsible for the hiring of the food and beverage and deck and engine departments, and the entertainment, cruise and casino staff.

2. Secondly consider the duration of time you will be away from home. The department in which you work and the nature of your job determines the length of your contract, the amount of free time you will have, your onboard privileges and your career and earning opportunities. Most contracts last anywhere from 6 to 8 months in duration.

3. Do your research before applying and make sure that you are submitting your application to the right department or concessionaire. To find this information go directly to the cruise lines website and check out their onboard careers section. They will list the available jobs plus let you know which concessions handle which departments onboard their ships. If the job you are looking for is run by a concessionaire, then apply directly to them and not to the cruise line. There are also several web sites who specialize in cruise ship employment through which you may apply.

4. Management positions usually require previous cruise ship experience, although it is not a prerequisite for entry level or basic jobs. What matters more is your experience in the field for which you are applying. Be sure to highlight any experience or expertise you have that is relevant to the position. For example if you are applying to work in the gift shop, previous sales experience will be very helpful.

5. When working onboard a cruise ship you don't fall under the labor laws of any specific country so there are no restrictions as to your nationality. The crew comes from countries all over the world which makes working onboard a cultural experience and anyone can apply. Age is also irrelevant as the crew range in age from 21 to 60 or even 70 years old. It depends on the position for which you are applying.

6. Once you find the right position and know where to apply, submit your resume. It is advisable to make yourself available at short notice as you never know when you might be offered a position. It is the nature of the business to be shipped out with only a few days notice. In some cases they will have the time to plan ahead but more often than not they will need someone on short notice.

7. When you go out on your first contract, you will not be given a choice of ship or location. You will be sent wherever they need you to go. Once you are with the company for a while and come back for a second or third contract, you will however have more flexibility with your requests. All the major cruise lines have ships sailing the globe so you will get to travel to worldwide destinations

Tips & Warnings

• No work permits are required, however if you are not a US Citizen then you will be required to get a C1-D visa, known as a seamen's visa. Once you are hired, the cruise line or concessionaire will make the necessary arrangements for your visas.
• Upon hiring you will be required to pass a full medical, including drug testing before you will be deemed fit to work onboard. While onboard the ship you will be covered by their onboard medical if you work directly for the cruise line. If you work for a concessionaire, they are responsible for the cost of any medical treatment you receive during your contract.
• The company for which you are working will generally take care of your flights to and from the ship. However if it is your fist contract, a deposit will be held to cover your flights in the event you quit before the end of your contract. Some concessionaires will charge you for your flight. Be sure to ask for this information upon being hired.

Resources

• Royal Caribbean Career Opportunities
• Princess Cruises Onboard Employment
• Norwegian Cruise Line Careers
• Carnival Cruise Line Fun Jobs
• Starboard Cruise Services - Onboard Gift Shops
• HCareers - Cruise Ship Jobs

[Soultree]

on 11/5/2008 Working onboard ship can be a lot of fun and a lot of work too. It all depends on what your job is. Crew who work in the food & beverage and hotel department really do work hard and don't have a lot of time off, but there are many jobs onboard which give you a nice balance of work and play.

[melaine]

on 9/19/2008 how do u get a job on a cruise ship like pocruises

[nicciniknaks]

on 6/1/2008 Keep in mind that life at sea is all work and no play so you have to take this opportunity to work on board a vessel as a serious career move ! It will look good on your CV - IF you go to the worlds best shipping lines !
Look for Conde Nast winners !

[Phillipson]

on 11/16/2007 I found this article very informative & well written. I enjoyed it very much.