Modern cruise ships can accommodate several thousand passengers. To meet the needs of all these people a large crew works day and night to make each trip unforgettable.
Consider that the largest cruise ships are like small towns, so there is opportunity to work in a wide variety of fields.
Some positions require several years of experience, but there are also opportunities for those who have never worked on cruise ships.
In this article, we’ll see how you can get a job on cruise ships, what are the most common open positions, and what the requirements are.
Choose the Right Field
On every cruise ship, there are several fields in which you can work. You should choose the one that best suits your skills.
Hospitality and Service
The most sought-after jobs on cruise ships are definitely cabin attendants and those in the food and beverage sector.
Keep in mind that cabin attendants and cleaning staff are among the most popular positions and also some of the easiest to obtain on cruise ships. They often hire people without requiring prior experience.
You’ll be responsible for cleaning and maintaining guest cabins and public areas. Housekeepers ensure that all rooms are tidy, stocked with supplies, and ready for new guests.
Following that, the other most in-demand and easiest positions to obtain are in food and beverage.
In particular, chefs and cooks, bartenders and waitstaff. A minimum of experience may be required (especially for chefs) but if you don’t have it you may still get an assistant position.
Entertainment
Another sector for which I always see open job positions is entertainment.
In particular cruise lines look for performers which include: dancers, musicians, singers, magicians, and actors who entertain guests through shows, concerts, and themed events.
They often rehearse regularly and perform multiple times a week. Experience is required for these positions, and from what I know the selections are quite tough. The cruise lines really want to keep the level of their shows high.
Guest Services
In the guest services sector, there are two interesting positions: front desk staff and concierge.
The front desk staff assist guests with check-ins, check-outs, and any inquiries about their stay. While concierge provides personalized service by helping guests book excursions, make dining reservations, and plan special celebrations like anniversaries or birthdays.
Both positions can be performed without experience but after specific training. However, knowledge of several foreign languages is always required.
Safety and Security
Safety and security staff mainly include security personnel and medical staff.
Security personnel ensure the safety and security of all passengers and crew, while the medical staff provide healthcare services and assistance for passengers with medical needs.
As you can imagine, working in the medical team entails having the necessary qualifications. However, if you are a doctor, getting a position on a cruise ship is quite easy.
It could be a good temporary position to travel the world while working.
Retail and Wellness
Back to the jobs that are easier to get, you might consider a position in retail or wellness.
The retail sector is mainly composed of shop staff who manage onboard retail stores. If you’ve been on a cruise ship you’ve probably seen that there are different shops that sell a variety of products from souvenirs to luxury goods.
On the other hand, the wellness sector includes a wide variety of positions including massage therapists, hairdressers, beauticians, personal trainers, and fitness instructors.
The Essential Requirements for Working on a Ship
Now that we have seen the most common positions there is a fundamental question to ask ourselves: do I meet the essential requirements to work on a cruise ship?
What are these essential requirements? First, to work on a cruise ship you must speak English. Some passenger-facing positions onboard may also require additional foreign languages.
Second, You must be at least 21 years old. Some cruise lines may hire people from 18 years old but it depends on the laws of the state where they are registered.
Third, you must hold a valid passport and have the relevant visa or work permit. The cruise line could help you get it if you manage to get a job offer.
Which Cruise Line Should You Choose?
I have to tell you the truth, from what I know all the larger cruise lines are very similar to each other.
There is a difference only if we compare them with the luxury cruise lines, but those are in a different industry and also require specific qualifications (especially having already worked in the luxury field, for example in 5-star hotels).
However, even among classic cruise lines there can be some differences, especially in terms of salary and bonuses.
If you are not familiar with the industry, I recommend that you look at this specific article on what are the best cruise lines to work for.
Contract Length and Salary
The type of contract, if you work on a cruise ship, is very different from what you get on land.
On cruise ships, you usually work for some months every day, and for other months you go home to rest.
Typically, contracts last between 6 to 9 months, and if you haven’t messed anything up, you can return to work after the break.
As for salaries, there are so many variables between cruise lines, the state in which you are hired, and the type of job. Usually, the base pay is about $1,500 per month, but check the article on how much cruise ship workers make for more detailed wages on specific positions.
