Do You Have What It Takes
Heather Hathorn is the owner and operator of Page Marine Crews. After working onboard for a number of years, and recruiting within the marine industry for over 30 years, she says there are three things you need to ask yourself before you make the choice to pursue a life at sea.
- Do you enjoy meeting and working with diverse groups of people?
- Are you flexible and adaptable?
- Do you thrive in an ever-changing environment?
Throughout Heathers decades of experience in marine recruitment she has come to realize that there are common traits regarding those candidates who truly excel when it comes to working onboard cruise ships.
They have a great level of energy and a passion for providing excellent customer service at all times, she says. They love travel, new cultures, and making the most out of every new experience.
To make it on board one should come with a very open mind and be ready to work! Know that there are good people who will come into your life and help guide you to make the transition to sea life a smooth one. Come with a can do attitude!
Alana Delia
Cruise Ship Jobs: Getting Started
For the deep dive check out my new Cruise Ship Jobs 101 course which includes information about all onboard positions, contract lengths, requirements, duties, salaries, help with your resume, and everything else you need to know.
Cruise Ship Jobs: Choosing a Company
Cruise Ship Jobs: Requirements/Training
Cruise Ship Jobs: Onboard Hierarchy
Medium Ship Line: Msc Cruises
Showing up for the third time on our list, MSC Cruises is clearly beloved by many. The Swiss cruise line has just four medium-size shipsthe Lirica classwhich accommodate between 2,000 and 2,600 passengers. Theyre also the oldest ships in the fleet, though they each underwent refurbishment as part of MSCs Renaissance program to modernize interiors and expand their size. The line is known for its Mediterranean inspirationthough its fleet sails far beyond the region, calling at ports all over the worldso youll find delicious Italian food on board no matter where your ship is taking you. MSC sailings are quite lively, especially at night, with many guests partying at nightclubs into the late hours.
Carnival Corporation & Plc
Founded in 1972, Carnival Corporation & PLC is made up of the United States-based Carnival Corporation and the United Kingdom-based Carnival PLC. It is one of the largest cruise companies in the world, offering hundreds of thousands of cruise jobs and operating with a combined fleet of more than 100 cruise ships. Among its main brands are Carnival Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, P& O Cruises, Seabourn, Holland America Line and Cunard.
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Other Tips For Choosing A Cruise
Not everything comes down to the cruise line you choose. Some other factors to consider are the destination, duration, size of the ship, and time of year of your cruise.
For example, a Carnival 5-day cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean during the spring is likely to have a big party vibe and a lot of college kids on spring break.
But a Carnival 14-day transatlantic cruise during the winter is going to have a very different crowd and likely be much quieter. These are all factors to keep in mind when booking the cruise that will be right for you.
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The Requirements To Work On A Cruise Ship
To work on a cruise ship, you must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 or 21 years old
- Meet the language fluency requirements
- Have a valid passport
- Pass a criminal background check
- Have no visible tattoos or piercings
Depending on the job you are interested in, there will be some additional requirements specific to that job. Whatever job you do, being multi-lingual will certainly increase your chances.
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Regent Seven Seas Review Which Recommended Provider
For a luxurious, all-inclusive ocean cruising experience, it’s hard to beat Regent Seven Seas. Almost every cabin has a balcony, staff are friendly and helpful, and the port excursions are consistently enjoyably and well organised.
As a WRP, Regent Seven Seas has committed to promptly refunding customers for cancelled cruises and offering alternatives, including a refund, if itineraries change due to travel restrictions.
Regent Seven Seas’ small ships have a capacity of 500 to 700 passengers, and its five-star rating for its passenger-to-space ratio bears out the cruise line’s claim that it doesn’t pack people into its ships.
Passengers felt well looked after by staff and were full of praise for the spacious cabins.
The only real downside is the cost of a cruise. Passengers of the better-scoring cruise lines in our survey felt they had got better value for money.
Should I book with Regent Seven Seas? Yes if the price is right. Regent Seven Seas gained high ratings in many categories and is a well-deserved WRP, but passengers felt they got better value with Viking.
Large Ship Line: Disney Cruise Line
If theres one thing Disney Cruise Line does well, its hospitality. The company has taken every lesson its learned from its parks and resort operations and implemented that into its five cruise ships, including the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish, which launched in 2022. The ships are designed for families through and throughthere are numerous themed activities every day, from meet-and-greets to full-blown parties with Disney charactersbut there are plenty of adults-only areas that provide a respite from little ones. The fleet currently sails the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Bahamas , as well as Alaska, Canada, Europe, the Pacific Coast, and the Panama Canal. The next ship in the fleet will be Disney Treasure, set to launch in 2024.
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Expedition Cruise Line: Quark Expeditions
If youre after white sand and turquoise waters, Quark Expeditions isnt for you. The cruise line specializes in polar expeditions: each of its four ships is an icebreaker or an ice-strengthened vessel capable of bringing guests to the farthest reaches of the northern and southern seas. While youre guaranteed to explore some incredible rugged terrain, you might also sail in a pretty rugged shipthe two icebreakers, in particular, are nothing to write home about in terms of luxurious decor . But the access they provide to the polar regions is unparalleled and well worth the very authentic expedition experience. The swanky new vessels Ultramarine and World Explorer, however, are another story entirely. The former is even equipped with two helicopters.
Large Ship Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Things escalated quickly for Norwegian: the cruise line jumped from medium-size ships to mega-ships practically overnight , with just a few ships in its current fleet sized somewhere in between. But thats soon about to change. Norwegian Prima, the first of six 3,300-passenger Prima-class ships, launched in August 2022 some of its highlights include the fastest slides at sea , a three-level go-kart racetrack, and a three-story theater that transforms into a nightclub after the evening’s show. Next up will be Norwegian Viva, anticipated to launch in 2023.
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How Do You Pick Which Is The Best Cruise Line To Apply For
The obvious answer to this is the one that has a job open! But, its not that simple and it really shouldnt be that simple for you. Once you start working for a cruise line it can be hard to leave for another cruise line think about all of your friends! So, picking the right cruise line for you from the beginning if you can anyways is good.
Small Ship Line #: Seabourn
Seabourns six ships feature fewer than 300 suites eachbut they leverage that small size into access at some of the worlds most beloved yacht ports: St. Tropez in the south of France the Greek island of Kos and popular large ports like Dubrovnik and Monte Carlo. Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller designs specialty menus on the ships, and a partnership with UNESCO ensures shore excursions and sustainable tourism practices at some of the wildest and most wonderful destinations around the world. Later this year, the line will debut its first expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, with a sister ship to follow.
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Nieuw Amsterdam By Holland America Line
HAL really rolls out the red carpet for gourmets, and its Chefs Table on Nieuw Amsterdam is a little piece of luxury that wont break the bank. Youll be treated to a seven-course meal designed by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin built from decadent ingredients like lobster and truffles. High-quality bottles of wine accompany this epicurean dream, and its all served on the ships best china. This is a great option for food and wine lovers who arent on a cruise to lose weight, as seven courses of rich food will probably leave you sated but a couple pounds heavier.
Cruise Ships With Happiest Crew
When cruise ship crew are asked to state which was their favourite ship to work on, it usually has more to do with the environment onboard than with the ship itself. Happy crewmembers tend to enjoy their job more when they like the people they work with and have managers that respect them. Just like in jobs on land, when you have managers that are positive and treat the crew fairly, the working environment tends to be happier.
Great managers understand how to get the best from the crew which can be a factor in job satisfaction. Good workplace relationships and onboard friendships are important when working onboard cruise ships. Cruise ships are small communities and you are literally living in close quarters with the same people that you work with.
Keep in mind that each ship within a cruise lines fleet may have a different onboard environment and dynamic than other ships within the same fleet. Unfortunately, you cant choose the ship to work on within a cruise line. Each ship will be what you make it. In fact, some of the best and happiest cruise ship experiences are a result of building amazing relationships are also the result of working together onboard.
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Medium Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises
Celebritys Millennium-class shipsCelebrity Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellationare the smallest in the fleet, each with a capacity between 2,100 and 2,200 passengers. The vessels just got a bevy of both new and upgraded staterooms as part of Celebrity’s fleet-wide modernization, and when they launched in the early aughts, they were some of the first ships to use more eco-friendly engines that combined gas and steam power. The four ships sail from home ports around the world, from Europe to North America to Asia.
One Last Word From Jason
There you have it my friend! I hope you enjoyed this expert resource How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship.
If youre tired of putting off your travel dreams, being stuck in a boring job or just ready to try something different then why wait any longer when you can start TODAY?
Now, I know theres a lot of information here and it can be difficult and overwhelming to do all of this on your own but dont worry! There is additional help available to you.
If you want expert support and guidance landing your first or next cruise ship job I highly recommend you check out Amandas epic Cruise Ship Jobs 101 Course.
The course is a one-stop-shop containing everything you need to land a job at sea. Plus youll have direct access to Amandas expertise and impressive insider network.
Imagine if you could
- Know ALL of your best options when it comes to the perfect cruise ship job for you
- Have the PERFECT cruise ship job cover letter and resume so that you stand out in the sea of thousands of other applications cruise lines receive each and every day.
- Personally email your information to the exact right recruiter and hiring partner manager for your desired cruise line rather than sending in your application via a generic upload link online like everyone else.
- Be fully prepared for your cruise ship job interview whether it be in person, phone or via Skype.
- Land your dream job and start your life at sea!
This course can literally open up the world for you.
About the Author
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The Best Cruise Ships For Every Personality
What’s your cruise ship personality? A new survey by Cruiseline.com reveals the best cruise ship for… every type of traveler.
Getty
In 2018, there were more than 300 cruise ships on the high seas, and this year, 21 new ships are launching. With those numbers, it’s hard to know where to begin when you’re trying to figure out where to go on a cruise vacation whether you’re a novice cruiser or a seasoned sailor.
That’s where Cruiseline.com comes in. The website’s new Member’s Choice Awards analyzed more than 30,000 online reviews in order to determine the best cruises for every travel personality. And the good news is that no matter what you’re looking for a solo trip, a family vacation, a food adventure there’s a ship for you. Here are the winners.
The Symphony of the Seas from Royal Caribbean, which was voted the best cruise line for… first-timers.
Best for First-Timers
Royal Caribbean clearly knows how to deliver when it comes to first-time cruisers. The line also won the category in 2015, 2016 and 2017. You can get the scoop on other great cruises in “The 20 Best Cruises To Take In 2019.”
A rendering of a Sky Suite on Celebrity Cruises’ Millennium Series ships.
Best for People Who Don’t Want to Leave the Cabin
What Makes A Which Recommended Provider Cruise Line
Which? Recommended Providers are the cream of the crop and, as a minimum, we only consider giving the accolade to cruise lines with the highest customer scores.
Thats not all. We know that pricing transparency is important, so we only make a company a WRP if it provides clear information about gratuities, excursions and drinks at the booking stage. After all, it’s hard for customers to compare prices if they can’t find these details before parting with their cash. If the companies fall down in more than one area, theyre not eligible to be Which? Recommended Providers, whatever score they receive in the survey.
Similarly, a cruise company can only be a WRP if it is committed to refunding customers promptly for any cancelled cruises, and is prepared to offer alternatives, including a refund, if itineraries are changed due to travel restrictions.
Which? is independent. You can be sure that our recommendations are influenced only by our survey results and policy analysis. We’re not influenced by third parties and we don’t accept freebies from product manufacturers, retailers, or providers.
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A List Of Cruise Jobs That Dont Require Experience
- Galley cleaner Cleaning the kitchens
- Potwasher Washing dishes
- Bar utility Cleaning and restocking bars
- Cleaning deck areas and stacking deckchairs
- Ordinary seaman General cleaning and maintenance
- Cabin steward Cleaning passenger cabins
- Bell staff Moving luggage, running errands and cleaning
- General cleaner Cleaning public areas
- Laundryperson Washing and ironing clothes, bedding and towels
- Engine wiper Cleaning machinery and equipment
If you want to work on a cruise ship with no experience or qualifications, one things for sure, youd better like cleaning! A cruise ship cleaning job, whether youre cleaning the kitchen, the cabins or the engine room can get your foot in the door so that you can work your way up to a better-paid and more exciting position.
Alternatively, you look to gain qualifications and work experience in the area that youre interested in. Look for jobs on yachts, sailboats or even hotels as a way to gain the experience that you need before applying for your first cruise ship job.
Faqs About Getting A Job On A Cruise Ship
What kind of jobs are available on a cruise ship?
Cruise ships have a wide variety of job roles available, including retail positions for the on-board shops, housekeeping jobs, technical jobs that focus on ship maintenance and entertainment roles, working with the Cruise Director.
What nationality are most cruise ship workers?
Cruise ships are staffed by multinational crews. Many cruise ship workers hail from southeast Asia, with Royal Caribbean alone employing over 11,000 Filipinos along with many Indonesians and Malaysians.
How can I work on a cruise ship in the Philippines?
If you want to get a job working in the Philippines, find a cruise line offering itineraries in the region and apply directly with them. Be aware that most cruise itineraries only stop in the Philippines briefly as part of a larger trip between Asia and Australasia.
What is life like working on a cruise ship?
Cruise ship workers do tend to work long hours and will generally work seven days a week with no days off. However, many workers talk about the camaraderie amongst the crew and how it helps to create a fun atmosphere.
How long are the contracts to work on a cruise ship?
Contracts for cruise ship roles vary depending on the job and cruise line, but on average most workers are employed for between four and eight months at a time. This allows workers to renew their contracts without committing to years of service.
Do I need experience to work on a cruise ship?Do cruise ships hire older workers?
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