Summer Cruise Jobs for Students

Cruise ships provide a number of different job opportunities.

One thing that most people love about the summer is that it provides some much-needed relaxation time and it is generally more laid back than the rest of the year. So for a student looking for a job, an ideal find is often one that combines the aspects of fun, rest, and relaxation along with a steady paycheck. If you are up for thinking outside the box, a number of positions on a cruise ship fit the bill.

Food and Beverage Jobs

For those interested in the restaurant scene, a cruise ship contains many places to eat that all need workers to help them run smoothly. There are positions for waiters, maitre d's, bartenders, busboys and buffet stewards. These types of jobs require the ability to work quickly, pay attention to individual requests and desires, and a love of working with people. Be prepared for a lot of running around and come equipped with patience to deal with the varied levels of entitlement your clients might feel.

Entertainment Jobs

For those blessed with talent, such as a drama-department star, a cruise ship has positions within shows and concerts, which are offered on a nightly basis. They need singers, dancers, announcers, musicians, disc jockeys and comedians, as well as separate performers and disc jockeys for each of the lounges. These jobs are not for the shy but fit someone who revels in being the center of attention and can handle a crowd.

Childcare Jobs

If you enjoy working with children, most ships offer babysitting or daycare services for busy parents and will need staff to watch these kids. Students could be a babysitter, event planner, youth counselor or activity coordinator. These jobs typically finish earlier in the day than the other jobs. Although their hours are shorter, jobs dealing with children require a lot of energy and patience and are often physically taxing. Childcare workers must be extremely personable and friendly and able to engage the children in a myriad of activities. Students who are creative, social and charming usually succeed the best in this type of job. Many students also already have some babysitting experience.

Housekeeping Jobs

Cruises need a lot of people to keep the ship looking neat, so the positions here include room service attendant, cleaner, laundry staff, pool attendant and general housekeeper. This department requires meticulous attention to detail and the ability to perform the same tasks multiple times a day. It will probably entail a lot of standing and manual labor, so they're often good for young people who can handle the physical elements.

Beauty Salon Jobs

For those that enjoy the chance to be creative and work with their hands, the beauty salon department has a number of different positions, including hair washers, manicurists, makeup artists and receptionists. Although these jobs generally require previous experience, if you are good with your hands and can show that you are capable of meeting their standards, certain positions might be available with some on-the-spot training. For this area, strong interpersonal skills are necessary to ensure that clients return to their rooms satisfied.

References

• Cruise Ship Jobs