How to get Job at Cruise Ship? : If you are interested in the prospect of working while traveling the world, a cruise line job could be the right opportunity for you. A great number of individuals begin their career as a cruise ship employee from either applying directly, getting lucky or working within the cruise line industry. However, you must have a job; otherwise, you won’t have the opportunity to network with the people who will help you get registered or employed.
This step-by-step guide outlines how to get hired on a cruise line, regardless of the lack of formal education or contacts you may have.
Table of Contents
Step 1st : Know Yourself – Am I One That Can?
Before applying to work on a cruise ship, you’ll have to ensure that you are capable of performing the requirements of the job description listed below, as it will require you to work six to nine consecutive months; work your desk or cabin continuously; work in an environment where the store and shopping areas remain open 24 hours a day and the rapid pace of people moving throughout the ship, and not seeing your family for the duration of your employment and only seeing them if you are given leave during one of your scheduled vacations.
To assist you with your decision, please ask yourself the following questions before applying for a cruise line job:
- Are you fluent in English? (This would be most likely at the B1 (basic intermediate) to B2 (upper intermediate) assessment centre levels)
- Are you able to stand unassisted for eight to twelve consecutive hours?
- Can you handle being around people, working with new crowds every few hours, and only seeing your family for holidays or vacation?
Step 2nd : The Role of a Cruise Ship Employee: Job Classifications
When employing people on cruise ships there are just two classifications of jobs to choose from – entry level and skilled. Entry level positions require no experience and may include: service personnel such as waiters, housekeeping, kitchen helpers; bar staff; the reception and guest services personnel.
However, most people new to this type of employment begin their careers in an entry level position. Wages range from approximately $800-$1,500 per month, tips usually range from $300-$1,000, meals and accommodations are provided at no cost, therefore employees will not have any rental costs associated with working on board cruise ships.
Step 3rd : The Recruitment Process for Cruise Ships: Required Documentation
The first documentation required as part of the recruitment process will take between 1-2 weeks to prepare. These items include:
- A valid passport (valid for at least 2 years)
- An STCW Basic Training Certificate (Safety Training for Seafarers) – 5-7 days offered in Mumbai, Kochi and Chennai (India) at a cost of approximately 25,000-35,000 INR)
- An ENG1 Medical Fitness Certificate (Cruise Medical)
- Police Verification (PCC)
- An English written resume (1 page with a photo)
- 2-3 reference letters from your previous employers
It is imperative to complete the STCW course because no cruise company will even consider interviewing you unless you have completed this type of training.
Step 4th : Search Companies and Apply
There are several major cruise lines that you can apply to. These include:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line (if you want a position with children).
There are also companies that will help get you a position on cruise lines (e.g Seekersky!) as well as others that have locations in India (e.g Seekersky! or Cruiseshipjobs.in), but please be aware that a lot of these agencies are fake and charge 50,000-70,000 rupees to apply for jobs. It is best to apply directly through each cruise line’s website.
Step 5th : Interview Preparation
The majority of interviews for cruise line jobs will be done online (e.g., Zoom and Skype). Here are some common questions that are asked during the interviews:
- Are you able to go away from your family for a period of six months?
- What will you do if a guest becomes angry?
- Are you able to speak/communicate in at least two or three different languages?
- What is the biggest weakness you have?
When conducting the interview, it is important to always have a smile and demonstrate confidence and teamwork. If you are going for a position as a waiter/barman, try to demonstrate how to mix drinks or set a table during your interview.
Step 6th : Contract Signing and Training : Often Up to 2 Months
When you get hired from the company, they will send you a contract. Read and sign the contract. Once that’s done, the next step is to complete the required 2-4 weeks of training, which will include safety, fire drills/evacuation procedures as well as customer service.
Step 7th : Boarding and Your First Day
Most of the challenges happen on the very first day of your contract. When you board the vessel, the company will be holding onto your passport. You will be provided with a uniform and also assigned a crew berth, which is usually shared by 2-4 others. The first week is full of little to no sleep, but after about 10-15 days you will be adjusted to this change.
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- The Internet is not cheap to access. Plan on $10-$15 a day.
- Stay away from drugs and alcohol. If you’re caught with either one, you’ll be banned from the cruise line for life.
- Make relationships with Indian crew members; they will be there to help you the most.
In Conclusion : Is cruising right for you?
Cruise Ship Jobs aren’t easy or glamorous, but if you’re willing to work hard, have a desire to see the world, and save money, it is the quickest way to travel outside of your home country. You can save between 10 – 15 lakh rupees in your first year of working on a cruise ship.
So check your passport today, enroll in an STCW course, and send in your applications. The ocean is waiting for you!
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Why do we see so few Americans working on ships?
Although most international cruise lines hire low-wage employees from Eastern Europe and Asia, American employees tend to occupy more prominent roles on cruise ships (e.g DJ, cruise director, entertainer, etc.) due primarily to the fact that they want to earn enough money to support themselves while working long hours away from their families.
What is the pay scale of cruise line jobs in the USA?
Typical salaries for entry-level cruise line employees range from $800 to $2000 per month (with most receiving between $1500 to $4000+ include tips.) However, cruise lines that operate under USA Flag laws (e.g NCL Pride of America) can pay much higher rates. In addition to these higher wages, cruise line employees also have the benefit of free lodging and tips.
What are the requirements to work on a cruise ship as an American?
To work as an American on a cruise ship, you will need a valid passport, undergo a medical examination (ENG1 or equivalent), carry out a background check, and hold an STCW certificate (for some jobs) and be over 18 years old but younger than 21 years old. You must also either be a U.S. citizen or be a legal resident of the U.S. if working for a carnival cruise line.
How long are typical cruise ship contracts for crew members?
Most cruise lines offer contracts for crew members that last for 6-9 months, but they may provide shorter (4-6 month) contracts. Renewals of your contract after leaving the cruise ship also exist but typically you will need to take some time off before doing so if they are offered.
