How to Get a Fitness Job on a Cruise Ship

Fitness instructors are in demand for jobs with cruise lines.

Combining a career as a fitness trainer, with living on a cruise ship, may be a dream-come-true. Cruise ships advertise their fully equipped gyms, in an effort to lure passengers with promises of staying fit; even while enjoying the pleasures of fine dining, relaxing and indulgence. Passengers will depend on you for your expertise: So fitness trainers must be nationally certified, with a minimum of one year's experience, before applying for a position with a cruise line.

Instructions

1. Expand your fitness training education, by learning sub-disciplines such as yoga, pilates, senior and youth fitness. The more certifications you have, the more attractive you will be, to a cruise ship employer.

2. Update your resume to include your education, certifications, work experience and special skills. Diversity is important. Cruise lines also look for experience as a personal trainer, or as the owner of your own fitness studio.

3. Obtain fitness-related references to be included on your resume. Former employers, clients and industry-related associates are an excellent start.

4. Research the cruise line's human resources practices. If they hire directly, their requirements will be listed. Many cruise operators use outside purveyors for staffing -- whether a third-party company or a spa facility sub-contractor. If the cruise line contracts-out its spa facilities, you need to apply to that company. Contact information will be listed on the operator's website.

Tips & Warnings

• Never pay any organization to process your resume for a cruise job. Cruise lines post warnings on their websites about this. Only use the job purveyors listed on the cruise line's website.

References

• Norwegian Cruise Lines: Shipboard Positions & Openings

Resources

• Steiner Leisure Jobs:Spa Contractor Cruise Lines
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines: Third Party List