Job Training for Cruise Lines
Some people dream of working for cruise lines, imagining themselves venturing to tropical beaches between shifts and hobnobbing with vacationing tourists. In reality, cruise ship jobs require hard work and superior customer service skills. It's possible to complete job training for cruise lines in the hopes of increasing competitiveness and desirability as a candidate for sought-after cruise ship positions. Learn about job training for cruise lines to determine if it's a good fit for your career plans.
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Types
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Prospective cruise line employees can pursue training in three ways: completing cruise line training programs sponsored by private companies, getting hired without experience by a cruise line and completing on-the-job training in entry-level positions aboard ship or on land, or working in complementary industries such as hotel management, spa services or food and beverage. Because cruise lines employ various means for recruiting employees, there's not one single way to complete job training for cruise lines. Completing programs offered by private companies can be costly, but provide targeted instruction and practical experience. Completing training sponsored by an employer ensures that your training reflects employer needs and preferences, but lack of experience can hinder attempts to score a job. Valuable hospitality experience provides practical training, but not necessarily a direct crossover into the cruise line industry.
Nautical Knowledge
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Job training for cruise lines inevitably involves acquiring nautical knowledge. You'll learn the chain of command aboard ship, rules and regulations governing sea life, safety drills and nautical terms. Individuals training for cruise ship jobs will also learn about ports of call and processes for embarking and disembarking.
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Customer Service
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Cruise line job training incorporates skills and techniques for delivering customer service in accordance with cruise line preferences and standards. You'll learn etiquette for speaking with customers via the cruise ship telephone line, and resolving problems such as food allergies, dissatisfaction with accommodations or billing concerns. Because dissatisfied customers at sea can't just walk out of the establishment, it becomes especially important to find ways to placate and mollify difficult customers to minimize disturbances for other guests and staff members. Cruise ship staff learn listening skills and conflict resolution. Appropriate grooming will also be discussed, since cruise line employees reflect and reinforce customer perceptions of the brand.
Job Responsibility
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Job training for cruise lines involves learning about different job responsibilities for specific positions. Some employees work in the cruise ship's food and beverage department; others may work in the casino. Other positions aboard ship might include working in the gift shop, pursers or guest relations office, or in positions related to administration. Some jobs may involve regular or constant interaction with guests; others may emphasize behind-the-scenes responsibilities.
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References
- Photo Credit cruise ship image by Albert Lozano-Nieto from Fotolia.com
