How to Work on a Carnival Cruise Ship

Working on a Carnival cruise ship can be an exciting experience. Carnival vessels offer a wide variety of occupations during a voyage, including media specialists, spa professionals, food and beverage attendants, and entertainment acts. Landing a job on a Carnival cruise ship offers the adventure of world travel in addition to building essential employment skills, transferable to a variety of on-land careers.

Instructions

1. Apply for an open job position on the Carnival website. From working in the gift shop to assisting in voyage destination activities, there are wide-ranging employment opportunities with Carnival. Read all required applicant credentials, submit an application and land an exciting job in the hospitality field.

2. Understand the job requirements. Many employees who work aboard cruise ships endure six-day workweeks with 10-hour shifts for as long as six months at a time. Many vessel employees share small living spaces with a roommate. But most employees receive significant pay for their hard work, free food, complimentary lodging and the opportunity for world travel.

3. Prepare to work at sea. While hundreds of people might be on vacation on your assigned vessel, remember you're there to work (and get paid). Represent the Carnival brand well by working hard while on the clock and remaining professional during your recreational time.

4. Complete necessary employment training. New crew members might learn about the history of Carnival, its mission statement and customer service philosophy. Understand all employee rules before the voyage.

5. Keep the guest happy at all times. New Carnival employees should master customer service, even when the water is choppy (take motion-sickness medications) and the days are long (maintain a friendly, pleasant demeanor). As the world's largest cruise line, this family-friendly company requires happy, helpful employees.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure your English-speaking skills are excellent for the best possible chances of landing a job on a Carnival Cruise Ship. In-person auditions might be necessary for on-board entertainment acts.

• Can't stomach the sea? Consider applying for corporate Carnival jobs, located in Colorado, California and Florida.

References

• Carnival: Job Openings and Application Procedures
• Starboard Cruise Services Contact Information

Resources

• Carnival Cruise Lines