01/07/2016
1. What types of jobs do you have?
A cruise ship is a floating hotel, a complete city at sea. There are more than 300 types of jobs aboard ship.
Some of the positions that are often available are: bartenders, shore excursion directors, retail clerks, youth coordinators, child care staff, musicians and entertainers, casino staff, cruise staff, restaurant staff and hosts, etc.
2. Who are cruise lines hiring?
You need to have excellent communication skills. You have to be enthusiastic, friendly and outgoing. You got to have a positive attitude: you are working with people. Appearance is important. You shouldn't be afraid of hard work.
3. How long are the contracts?
Cruise lines hire year-round and seasonally. Contracts may vary, but are normally 6 months, and can be renewed.
There are short-term, holiday and summer jobs, depending on position. Doctors and Nurses can find year round employment or assignments as brief as two to three months. Students and teachers can work as youth counselors during peak times in winter and spring.
4. Do I have to be able to speak English?
You have to be fluent in English. If you speak any other languages: a big benefit.
5. Do I need to have experience?
We are always hiring people with experience in: hospitality, tourism, entertainment, restaurants and bars, teaching, childcare, sales, customer relations, gaming, marketing, fitness, health and beauty, medicine and healthcare, and entertainment.
Even if you do have experience, you'll still receive training on board.
6. I want to work on a cruise ship, but I don't live in the USA?
You can apply for a cruise ship job regardless of what country you live in. As long as you have a passport from your home country, you can work on a cruise ship. However, depending on what country you live in, you may also have to pick up a visa.
7. Is there a minimum age to work on a cruise ship?
Cruise ships will allow you to work, regardless of age, however you must be able to perform the tasks required for the job. The age minimum is 16-18, depending on which cruise ship you choose and where the cruise line is based out of.
8. How do I get hired?
Send us your CV! You many find your previous work experience or education can easily translate into a job that offers worldwide travel.
Sell yourself. Write a good letter and CV - in English! - that shows your work experience, talents, skills and education. Include previous work duties, responsibilities, awards, promotions and salary history. Include educational achievements, degrees and certifications, hobbies, awards and memberships in organizations.
Include a recent picture of yourself.
9. How long will it take to obtain a position?
Employment can be obtained within days or months from the time we have received your application. It depends on which position you are seeking.
10. How much money will I make?
Cruise ship pay compares to good jobs on shore. Your pay is based on your own salary history, demand for the job, the company, and whether you hold a position where you'll receive tips.
In general the range is between US $1,400.00 and US $1,800.00 per month. Restaurant and House Staff wages are based on gratuities and can expect to earn US $300.00 - US $600.00 per week.
On board, you save a lot of money: there are hardly any expenses. Your room and meals are included. You bank everything!
11. What currency will I be paid in?
This depends on where the cruise line is based.
12. What taxes do I have to pay?
No taxes are deducted from your salary if you are not a US citizen. You are still responsible to pay income tax in your home country, just like everybody else.
13. What documentation will I require?
If you are hired, you require a valid passport. When you're not from the US, you also need to obtain a C1/D Visa. We will help you obtain that Work Visa.
14. Do I need a medical exam?
You should be in decent health. You will be required to have a complete pre-employment medical exam prior to joining the vessel.
15. Who pays for my plane ticket?
Some companies will pay your transportation to meet the ship, others expect you to pay your transportation. In that case, you buy yourself a single ticket and pay a travel deposit of $300-$500 to the cruise line, to be returned to you when your contract ends.
16. Do I have to buy a uniform?
All of the cruise lines differ in this matter. Some companies will pay for your uniform, some will require you to buy your own. Almost all of the cruise lines require their crew members to purchase their own shoes. There are strict uniform regulations.
17. Will I get any training?
You will pass some courses on work safety, first aid, hygiene etc., prior to embarkation. On board, you will be required to attend a safety course, with instruction on emergencies, lifeboat handling, and fire. There will be routine emergency drills throughout your employment.
18. What is the accommodation on a ship like?
A ship is like a floating hotel, but space is limited. The living conditions are small and offer very little privacy. Staff share accommodations and bathrooms. Some cabins have a TV. You eat away from the passengers.
On days off, you can hang out by the pool, sunbathe, or use the spa. Some ships have a special crew bar and recreation lounges.
19. Who will I work with?
You will work with crew members from all over the world.
20. How long is a working day on a cruise ship?
Depending on your position and schedule, expect to work from 10 to 14 hours a day, 7 days a week.
21. Will I be able to spend some time off the ship?
When the ship is in dock and you are off duty, you will have some time to spend on the shore to make phone calls and sight see.
22. What places may I get to see?
North, Central & South America, South Africa, Egypt, Mediterranean Sea, North Europe, Pacific. Nowadays, cruise ships may visit almost every destination you can think of.
As our name implies, we offer a lot of jobs in the Caribbean.
23. How can I keep in touch with my friends and family?
Almost all cruise ships offer internet connections. On some, you have to use the (paid) internet café on board. When visiting a port, you can go to internet cafes on shore.
Phone service on board is by satellite, and can be expensive, up to $10 a minute.
You can use your mobile phone in ports.
Regular mail is cheapest. At each port there are addresses where you can pick up your mail.
