How Can I Get Hired At A Cruise Line
If you have a nudge for adventure and fun then travelling on a cruise could be the best thing you could do. The problem is that not all of us can afford a luxury trip on an expensive cruise.
So, the solution is to get a job on the board. Yes, applying for a job on a cruise could help you fulfil your dream of travelling on a cruise.
Getting a job onboard isnt easy as companies look to hire the best in the lot. This needs you to do your homework to ensure your resume climbs to the top of the pile when hiring starts.
First of all, you need to know about the best cruise lines companies and you will easily find the cruise lines most likely to hire you.
Look at the career sites of Cruise liners for best Cruise line jobs.
This is the best option.
Just do a Google search and you would find a lot of authentic options to apply for cruise jobs.
This is what came up with when we made a Google search and you can do this too rather than opting to pay some unnamed consultancy.
- Also, do research on who is adding new and latest cruise ships?
- Apply for the top cruise lines companies first.
- Familiarise yourself with your ideal company product.
- Where do these cruise ships travel? For what facilities are they best known for?
If you are hired for the job on cruise ships, then one thing you need to keep in mind is that your customers are your ultimate employers.
Myths About Cruise Ship Employment
There are some common myths about cruise ship jobs that are just not true. Two such myths include the idea that Americans are never hired to work aboard cruise ships and that people who work onboard cruise ships work 20 hours per day.
The reality is:
- Employees are drawn and recruited from all over the world, including the U.S.
- The hours are very long in some departments, and may stagger throughout the day, but usually total 10 to 12 hours a day.
- A cabin steward is responsible for cleaning, refreshing and turndown services all of which happen at different times.
- Restaurant staff generally work two to three shifts a day, which always includes a longer dinner shift, and a shorter breakfast, lunch or midnight buffet shift.
- Entertainers usually perform once or, at most, twice per day.
Working on a cruise ship may not be for you, but don’t base your decision on incorrect myths. Paul Motter’s article on Working on a Cruise Ship on Cruisemates.com, is an an honest look at the realities of the job.
Attention To Detail For Online Applications
Online application forms typically ask for your contact information, work history and education. Whether you are applying directly through a cruise line’s employment site, an authorized hiring partner or a job board like All Cruise Jobs, you need to have your resume ready to access. You may be asked to attach your resume or complete an online application form.
If you must write your past experience in blank fields of an online application, be extra careful. This could introduce spelling and grammar mistakes. Cutting and pasting from your resume or LinkedIn profile onto an application form reduces the chance of errors .
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Is It Hard To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship
Its always been hard to get a job on a cruise ship, but the global pause in cruising has made it so much harder as there are thousands of experienced cruise ship workers that are now out of work.
The easiest way to get your dream cruise ship job is to take an entry-level job to get your foot through the door and then you can work your way up to the job that you aspire to do.
Using Linkedin To Apply For Jobs
Sometimes cruise employers have hidden cruise jobs that arent advertised on their website. One place where some hiring agencies and HR departments post these jobs is on LinkedIn . Unlike other social media sites, LinkedIn allows you to post your resume for recruiters to see. Keep your profile updated and professional.
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Cruise Ship Jobs: The Application Process
Make Your Match, Do Your Homework
How to get a job on a Cruise Ship Step One:
The number one decision to make to have a great working career or find the best cruise ship job is a fairly simple but very important one. Which companies would suit you?
This means that you need to do a little research and homework towards the ethos and ethics of cruise ship companies. Let me give you an example.
Personally, I find children in large quantities annoying. I get angry around kids because I dont understand them very well and they remind me a bit of small drunk adults. This doesnt mean that I dislike children, I just prefer to not have them around me all the time. If you feel the same way, dont work for Disney Cruise Lines. Disney is a wonderful cruise line and I have many friends who have had magical experiences working there, but you must remember that Disney IS family based. And families mean children. Lots of children. I would love to work for such a well-established, internationally renowned company, but I think after a week onboard, the fairy dust would need to be ingested, not sprinkled to keep me there.
Every cruise company is different. Some cater for families some cater for elderly people. There are small ships, more exclusive and more pricey ships while others are large and cheap. All companies have different target markets, so find a few companies that suit your style and focus your applications around those.
Recruiting Agents
Your CV
The Interview
Try To Use Your Connections
Personal referral is an easiest way to get a job on a ship. Polish your address books, check Facebook profiles of your former schoolmates, look at LinkedIn, talk to people around you. Is anyone working on a cruise ship? Did anyone work there before? Do they still have the number of their supervisor, or a person from an agency that helped them to get a job? They may hand you a helping hand, or at least a phone number of someone you should call to.
If you fail to get a job directly with the company, or with an agency, you should definitely explore this option. Personal referrals count for more than 30% of new hires on cruise ships. You should not take this number lightly
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How Do I Get A Cruise Ship Job
To start with you’ll need to be 21 years of age or older. As well as the right qualifications you’ll also need a valid passport, clean criminal record and English language proficiency.
When applying for jobs you should aim to discover as much as you can about the company that you’re interested in working for. Knowledge of what the company offers and who their target market is is crucial. Each cruise company has a different strap line, which youll need to know and understand when applying for jobs.
Most large cruise companies recruit via recruitment agencies so make sure that you also read and understand the agency’s application procedures.
Most applications are made with a CV and cover letter, or by completing an application form. Just like for any job you’ll need to tailor your application to the specific role. Strive to stand out, as there will potentially be hundreds of people applying for each position, and be sure to include any relevant experience. For entertainment positions youre generally required to submit a photograph with your application. Bear in mind that you’re applying to work for the company, not on a specific ship.
There will likely be several application stages and these may include a video or telephone interview before you receive an invitation to be interviewed face-to-face.
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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Figure Out If A Life At Sea Is For You
There are three main questions you need to ask yourself before making 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?
While working on a cruise ship is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and pretty luxurious , it is still a job.
If you show up expecting to get weekends off and to see each and every port, you will be disappointed. Prepare yourself for 7-day work-weeks, lots of split shifts, and being on all the time when in passenger areas.
But, if you love to travel, want to save a ton of money, and like the idea of working with people from around the world, then working on a cruise ship will be one of the best career moves you will ever make.
To gain some clarity, take the free Are cruise ships right for me? quiz to find out if a life at sea is for you in 2 minutes or less.
Through Specialty Business Partners
CCL contracts with outside companies to provide the services and employees needed for some specialty positions, such as spa services, gift shop staff and shopping/port advisors. These companies serve as outside vendors and their workers are not Carnival employees, even though they work on the ships. The partner company manages the employees from start to finish and even issues their paychecks.
- The biggest of these partners is Steiner Leisure, which is based in Florida. This company contracts the beauty and spa service providers for Carnival.
- For retail sales or management positions in the gift shops, Starboard Cruise Services helps fill positions. Qualifications are basic and no specific retail experience is required, but applicants must be over the age of 21. They have an online application and an updated list of open positions on land and at sea.
- Shopping and Port Advisors are recruited by a company called Onboard Media. Requirements for these positions include public speaking skills, self-motivation and a sales background. Good computer skills and speaking another language – in addition to English – are also helpful.
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Contacting A Cruise Company
Most cruise companies have websites where you can search for and apply for jobs.
Cruise Lines
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Apply via Blue Ensign agency – see details below. |
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Virgin Voyages |
is launching their cruise line in 2020, to cruise in the Caribbean. They have set up a job portal, so navigate there to begin working with them from their beginning. |
Recruitment agencies in South Africa
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Blue Ensign |
They are the agents in SA for Cunard, Holland America, P& O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. Email your CV, a copy of your passport and relevant certificates as well as two references to . For more info phone 021 556 7658. Blue Ensign are based at number 21 Blaauwberg Road in Table View, Cape Town. |
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Specialises in hospitality job hiring for Holland America Lines, Seabourn Cruise Line, SeaDream Yacht Club, Norwegian Cruise Line and Crystal Cruises. to see the latest jobs they have available. They also have a and – these social media pages are well worth looking at, as additional jobs are listed there which are not listed elsewhere. Email them at . Whilst they are based in South Africa they also take applications from Namibia and Zimbabwe. |
If you receive no reply after a few weeks then contact them again sending a thank you and follow-up letter. Getting hired is often a matter of persistency.
Interviews normally take place in Cape Town or Johannesburg.
More Jobs Of All Types
Cruise ships resembling giant floating hotels employ thousands of staff and crew members performing duties in positions identical or very similar to jobs at five star hotels or resorts on land and together with all the vessels currently under construction the number of cruise ship jobs worldwide is expected to double by the year 2014 resulting in thousands of new openings. Compared to other industries, cruise lines have much higher employee turnover rate. Many people do not consider cruise line jobs as life-long careers. Officers, crew and staff members get promoted, change ships or cruise lines, go on vacation, return to school or just settle down on land leaving vacancies on regular basis. Thus cruise lines are ALWAYS HIRING and looking for new personnel.
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Cruise Ship Jobs: Offer And Next Steps
Acceptance
How to get a job on a Cruise Ship Step Five
Now the good stuff starts! Congratulations are in order.
First thing is first though. You need to read your contract. And by reading your contract, I dont mean a light skimming over it and signing it. I do mean for you to read it. Completely and properly. Read it all, fine print and everything dont do it for me, do it for you.
If you have any questions about the contract, make sure you contact your recruiting agent and have everything cleared up before you sign it. You will then need to send your agent a copy and keep one copy with you to take onboard.
Once you have read and agreed to the conditions and stipulations included in the contract, your agency will then guide you towards medicals and visas.
Medicals are very thorough. You may have to have blood, urine and stools tests , as well as chest x-rays, eyesight and hearing test.
If you wear glasses, take your glasses with you to the appointment. You will need to use the official doctor as prescribed by your agency.
Your manning agency will guide you step by step through the process of getting all your documentation in hand etc, and will give you information about life at sea, what to pack etc. There may be online courses you need to do before starting your contract in a post COVID world there may be additional medical or vaccine requirements. Each company has their own policies and procedures, and your manning agent is your guide.
Stay Gold.
Lauren
Cruise Ship Job Requirements
Different recruitment companies have distinct qualifications and requirements asked of potential employees. Basic requirements include being at least 21 years old, holding a valid passport, and having a license.
The STCW95 certification is a license, which is needed for applying in international ships or yachts. Before you can take this basic training, you need to complete a 7-day course covering Sea Survival Techniques, Personal Safety, and Social Responsibility, First Aid, and Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention. You can enroll in accredited maritime training institutions to get a license and certification. The basic seaman training costs around Php4,500 or more, depending on the school or scope of the program.
To work abroad, requirements include the following.
- Passport
- Seaman Book
- BST or STCW 95 Certificate
There is also a Pre-Employment Medical Examination comprising of 24 tests. Once the results show you are fit for seafarer jobs, you will be issued a Fit For Sea Duty Certificate. This is part of the requirements to apply for international cruise lines.
For those who will apply for other positions such as cooks and food service crew, additional requirements are provided by the recruitment agency. Normally, you need to have at least two years of experience in the foodservice industry.
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Accredited Cruise Ship Manning Agencies
Filipinos comprise the largest nationality employed by cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. About 11,000 Filipinos are part of the company, providing renowned service in the hospitality sector.
Before you get the chance to work for international cruise lines like RCC, you can also look for local partner recruiters.
Is It For You
Cruise line employment offers numerous rewards, but the most common reasons for starting a career on board a cruise vessel are these:
Saving Money – you will be able to save a substantial amount of money in a short period of time since all your earnings will be a disposable income – expenses are taken care of by the cruise line . Citizens of certain countries do not have to pay taxes on the income they have earned on ships. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the tax laws applying to your country of residence.
Travel – travel in style around the world aboard a luxury cruise ship for free .
Getting Away get away from a boring job, career or every day routine and exchange it for rewarding and adventurous cruise ship job.
Health – free medical insurance.
Family Travel senior officers and management personnel do enjoy the privilege of single cabin accommodation and in most cases are allowed to bring along spouses and children free of charge. For the rest of staff and crew discounted cruise rates for relatives and family members may apply .
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