How to Get a Job on a Ship
A job on a cruise ship has the obvious advantages of travel and meeting new people. Each cruise ship is basically a resort on the water; they bring people together from different parts of the world who have work experience ranging from hospitality, entertainment and fitness to health care, financial management and childcare. Generally, hiring practices vary according to cruise line. If you've decided to pursue a cruise ship job, getting hired depends upon factors such as the timing of your application, current job availability and your qualifications.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Internet connection if sending application by e-mail
- Envelope and stamp if sending application by regular mail
Instructions
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Do research to determine which cruise lines are most likely to hire you based on your qualifications. In order to create a current list of cruise lines, you will need to be aware of the major players in the market. For example, Carnival, Royal Caribbean International and Princess are known as the "Big Three" because they operate the largest fleets in the industry. Opportunities can also be found with specialty cruise lines, including Special Expeditions and Delta Queen Steamboat Co., which are smaller.
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Match your qualifications to the cruise line with which you are applying. This ensures that the cruise line values your skills and provides job opportunities for people who have them. If you have experience working with young adults, for example, you may want to target potential employment with Carnival Cruise Lines and Disney Cruise Line, given that they offer the biggest staff of youth counselors in the business.
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Draft a resume that targets a specific position on the cruise ship or have a resume-writing service create one for you. The resume should include your current address and contact information and be no more than two or three pages in length. It should also demonstrate how your experience and education directly relates to the job you're applying for and how you would enhance the passengers' vacation experience. Highlight key skills such as a CPR certification, fluency in different languages and customer service experience. Include three to four business references that can be checked at any time.
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Write a cover letter to send along with your resume. It should list the most important points about why you're an excellent candidate for the job. For example, it you have retail experience, explain that you'd be a great fit as a gift shop employee. Bartenders should bring attention to their restaurant and bar experience. Sign the letter and address it to a recruitment agent who specializes in cruise ship jobs or a member of the cruise line's staff.
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Submit your resume and covering letter to a recruitment agency or directly to the cruise line company. If you don't hear back within a couple of months, send a follow-up letter or resume update without pestering staff.
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Become familiar with the salaries for each position. While salaries will vary across cruise line companies, a casino manager usually makes $2,000-$3,000 per month, for example, and a gift shop employee's income ranges from $1,000-$1,500 per month, including commission.
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Tips & Warnings
Recruitment agencies can be found online. You can join chat forums to hear about other people's experiences with them.
