Cruise Job Interview : Top 10 Most Important Questions
Companies in the cruise line industry are among the most sought after jobs today because they offer great income potential, benefits and tips, the chance to travel and see the world. Just one wrong answer during an interview could ruin the entire opportunity,
therefore I have compiled a list of the ten most asked questions during an interview for those who want to work on cruise lines. Each of the previous questions are accompanied by a complete answer that can be modified for use during an interview by simply adding in your own personal experience and speaking with confidence.
Table of Contents
1st : What motivates you to work on board a cruise ship?
You Should Say That : “I am a huge fan of traveling and have always loved meeting new people throughout my life. The job I would hold on board would not be a job; it would be an adventure Each week I would visit a different country and experience culture that would be both exciting and new while being an example of how to make my guests’ time aboard the cruise ship memorable and fun.
After working for a hotel chain for two years, I feel it’s time to take on a new type of experience and face the challenges of working on a cruise line with a different group of people and in a fresh setting on a daily basis. I would like to take advantage of the opportunities for personal development this position provides, not just for the financial compensation it offers.”
Important Advice : (Focus on your love for travel; minimize any mention of financial rewards; rather, focus fairly heavily on your desire to travel).
2nd : How much experience do you have in providing service for guests or hospitality services?
You Should Say That : “I have been employed for the past three years running restaurants and managing events. I handled 200 to 300 people daily, taking their orders, resolving complaints, and providing service with a friendly attitude. I can use this same skill set on a cruise ship and provide our guests the feeling of being able to call a cruise ship their ‘home away from home’.”
Important Advice : (If you have little experience, you can say: “I’m new to this field, but I learn quickly and I have a strong work ethic”.)
3rd : What would you do if a guest were very angry or upset?
You Should Say That : “To start, I would stay calm and actively listen to their issue. Second, I would apologize for the trouble they are experiencing by saying, ‘I’m so sorry to hear this happened to you, Sir/Madam.’ Third, I would present a solution to the issue (such as complimentary room service or a free drink). If necessary, I would call a manager, but I would never make a guest feel like I’m ignoring or dismissing them.”
4th : Are you able to go home for 7-8 months without returning?
You Should Say That : “I absolutely can. When I have been away for a 6-month contract I was able to video call my family each day and update them via WhatsApp; there is good internet service on the cruise. Along with mentally preparing myself for this job, I will make this job my new home!”
Important Advice : (Do not be negative! Provide a positive response.)
5th : Working on a cruise will be over 10-12 hours of work each day. How do you deal with fatigue?
You Should Say That : “I know my shifts will be long therefore I will work on my fitness. I will work out (30 minutes) in the gym each morning, eat healthy meals, and get 6-7 hours of sleep. I will also spend time with other employees as we joke around and laugh when taking breaks. All of those things will help keep me energized. I have experience with long shifts therefore I will not have any trouble adjusting to the length of shifts.”
6th : What do you feel is your greatest attribute?
You Should Say That : “My best quality is my ability to bring joy to others and help them find solutions to their problems. One time, I was in a restaurant, with a family waiting on their food when they got very upset about how long it was taking, so as a way of trying to lighten the mood, I said, ‘Sir, today’s special dish has your name on it!’ They laughed and forgot their frustration. If I have that skill, I will use it while I am working on a cruise to keep all of the guests happy.”
Important Advice : (Give an example: Be specific: Provide a story that demonstrates the fact.)
7th : If another employee makes an error, what is your course of action?
You Should Say That : “I will first talk with the person directly (calmly) and see if there is something I can do to help them correct it (if they need help). If that doesn’t work out, then I will approach the team leader and explain what happened. I will NEVER belittle anyone in front of a guest. Working together is the greatest strength we can use while working aboard a cruise ship.”
Important Advice : (Be a Team player.)
8th : What’s something unique about yourself that will stand out to both your guests and you on the ship?
You Should Say That : I try to learn everyone’s name, so, as an example: “Hi Mr. Sharma! Your favourite drink is ready!” Little gestures like that can make someone feel special. I’m funny too; many guests return because they had a laugh with me.
Important Advice : (Be unique, but don’t overdo it.)
9th : How do you feel about getting sea sick?
You Should Say That : I’ve been to sea on more than one occasion and my body has become accustomed to the motion. Additionally, if I get queasy, I have medication available to take the edge off and continue to work!
Important Advice : (Tell the truth, but avoid being negative.)
10th : How hard is it for you to communicate effectively in English?
You Should Say That : “I am not fluent with English, but I can communicate well enough by using the practice that I get every day. I watch movies and talk to guests. While many of the guests that I speak to on the ships will typically be speaking basic English anyway so that shouldn’t be a problem. I always use my smile and body language to clearly communicate my message.”
Important Advice : (Try to reflect your honesty as well as your confidence.)
Final, In the Last
Remember to smile during your interview. You should have eye contact while you are answering questions. If you do not understand the question, just ask: “Would you mind explaining that a little more thoroughly?” This question will make you look very professional.
Brother, you are ready. Remember to memorize and practice this article. The moment you arrive on board the ship, you will be hearing “Pradhan Ji” or your name often… because you’re ready.
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Tell me about yourself.
I’m [Your Name], with [X years] experience in hospitality/customer service. I’ve worked in busy restaurants/hotels, handling diverse guests and delivering great service. I’m excited about cruise ships because I love travel, teamwork, and making people happy every day.”
Why do you want to work on a cruise ship? (or Why cruise ship instead of shoreside?)
To begin with, I want to work on cruise ships because I want to travel the world, meet and work with people from many different cultures, and provide high-quality hospitality services to guests in an extraordinary setting. Working on cruise ships will allow me to further my career while living at sea and creating memories for our guests.
What do you think about our organization/cruise line?
Royal Caribbean/Carnival is one of the most successful cruise lines in the world and offers some of the most innovative and unique ships, the best entertainment options, and has established itself with high levels of guest satisfaction. Your commitment to providing safe, diverse, and “WOW” moments for your passengers is something I admire; I would like to join you in doing so.
How would you deal with an upset/angry guest?
I would remain calm when interacting with them, actively listen to what they are saying (without interrupting), sincerely apologize for what had happened, and apologize to them about the situation they are facing; prior to offering them some type of solution. If possible, I would offer them a quick fix or complimentary item or escalate to a supervisor for further assistance. Ultimately, my goal is to make sure each guest walks away from our organization satisfied.
What are your strengths?
My top strength is effective communication and maintaining a positive attitude. I can handle stressful situations well; I work well in a team environment, and my primary focus is on providing excellent customer service to our guests. As an example, I was able to resolve customer complaints quickly in my last position and have received positive feedback for it.
