How to Work on a Cruise Ship

Sail around the world and get paid for it. Work on a cruise ship.Cruise lines employ hundreds of workers to provide a wide range of services, like hospitality, beauty services and entertainment on board. These jobs are very popular and cruise companies receive thousands of applicants from all over the world. Sounds like a dream -- traveling to vacation spots, sometimes very exotic places, living aboard and getting paid, but you must do your research. Many jobs on cruise boats are demanding, with long hours and small living spaces and minimal time off.

Instructions

1. Find out what life and work is like on a cruise ship. Check out cruiselinesjobs.com (see Resources), where you can read about living aboard and working on a ship, salaries, job descriptions and where to apply. Check out testimonials and experiences written by cruise ship employees for a good look into life and work on a cruise boat. Each cruise line offers different perks, like staff social programs, bars, exercise areas and other amenities. Explore what life is like at sea by browsing company profiles, learning about the layout of cruise ships. Or contact a cruise line, get the contact information for someone who has worked on board and call them and ask questions. You’ll want to get a good picture of what life is like at sea.

2. Create a creative, clear cover letter. State what job you want and why you'd be a good fit for the position. Outline relevant skills and background experience in the letter. Keep the tone of your letter professional, knowledgeable and light. See Resources for a tutorial on The Cruise Ships Job Directory Online. As you write the letter, express your personal uniqueness through your writing. Sell yourself and your skills to the prospective employer. Leave plenty of time to write, edit and re-write. Keep the length to one page.

3. Write a resume that outlines your expertise related to the job you desire on the cruise ship. Keep it short and simple, typewritten and do not embellish. List your work experience history in reverse, with the most current job first. Include any talents or skills, like languages you speak, that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Also, include references that the cruise line can contact, but make sure your reference know they'll be getting a call.

4. Apply through a recruitment agent. Cruiselinesjobs.com has a great listing of contact information for 75 U.S. recruitment agencies. Some agencies recruit for specific jobs, such as entertainment or food service. Take your time and call an agency if you have specific questions. Establish a relationship with a recruiter, but don't call and nag them about your application if you don't get hired right away. Send the agent an updated resume as your experience grows. You can also apply directly through the cruise line, or do both.

5. Be aware that when you get hired, it's likely you'll have to go for training or briefing about your job and life on the ship. Pay attention and ask questions. You'll want to know what to bring and what to leave home. Many cruise lines also require a health screening and other preparations prior to embarking.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to be able to explore the ports you stop at, ask the recruiter about jobs that allow you to do so. Many ships employ social directors, tour guides that work off the ships at ports. Or simply find a job with hours that allow you to be free to explore the ports.

• If you experience motion sickness or don't like small living spaces, working on a cruise ship is not for you.

Resources

• Impact cover letter writing for cruise ship jobs
• Cruiselinesjobs.com