Click here to see a more extensive list of cruise ship jobs
Earnings and benefits vary according to your position, the cruise line you work for, the ship's size and its clientele. Many people who work on cruise ships save most of the money they earn because they have so few expenses. Your room and board is usually provided for free. Most companies also offer a generous benefits package that often includes: medical and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K plan, profit sharing plans, travel benefits for you and your family and vacation time, etc.
Monthly wages range from $1,500 to $8,000 or more.
Again it is important to remember that you have the opportunity to save most of the money you earn, unless you spend too much time in the bars, the casinos or spend too much when you are in port. Another perk is that some of the cruise ships even have bar allowances for their staff, so this will limit your bar expense.
While it is true that accommodations are sometimes cramped, especially on smaller vessels, and you'll
usually be sharing your cabin with another person of the same sex, which can
mean little or no privacy. Most people find the experience similar to their first year in college
a dorm.
Usually staff have their own dining room, away from the passengers and
during time off, employees can hang out by the pool, sunbathe, or use the spa. Some ships provide extra amenities for employees, such as televisions for each room, a special crew bar and lounge and special recreation lounges near the crew quarters.
What are some of the places a person may get to see as an employee aboard one of the larger cruise lines?
The ports of call and sheer number of destinations reached by cruise lines today offer cruise employees an unparalleled opportunity for travel. For instance, last year a Princess Cruises cruise ship traveled from Acapulco, through the Panama Canal, around the Caribbean, across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Then headed down to North Africa, around the British Isles, through the Baltic Sea, and back across the Atlantic to New York.
Today, cruise ships are sailing all over the world, so you have the opportunity to visit a
wide range of exciting destinations. This of course is a major perk of the job
to most crew members.
The amount of time you spend off the ship depends on three main factors:
1.) The contract you hold with your employer
2.) The amount of time your ship allows passengers to visit ports.
3.) Your position on the cruise ship. Crew members working in departments and positions that are slow or closed when a ship is in port, generally have more free time in each port.
When your ship stops at ports most crew members are allowed (and in most cases encouraged) to get off the ship and explore. Generally, crew members are allowed to be out in port until one hour prior to departure (of course, unless they are on duty).
Do I need to be an United States Citizen to use
WorkOnCruiseShips.com or to get a job on a cruise ship?
Jobseekers from any nationality can use the vast employment resources on
WorkOnCruiseShips.com and we have members from all over the world. The website is written in English, so it is important that you are able to read English in able to get the most benefit out of a membership to
WorkOnCruiseShips.com.
Most cruise ships are foreign flagged and do not need to operate under the strict US labor laws. So cruise lines are hire
crew from all over the world to fill their positions. Because the majority of cruise ship passengers speak English, cruise lines generally like to hire crew with a good command of the English language,
particularly for positions that have a high degree of passenger contact. This would include cruise staff, casino staff, gift shop and other sales people, host, hostesses, disc jockeys, fitness instructors, lecturers, youth counselors, water sports instructors, photographers, art auctioneers, cosmetologist, hair stylists, massage therapist, doctors, nurses, purser department, and the bar department.
On most cruise lines, the crew can be very diverse with crew members from 25 or more different countries.
There are a handful of cruise ships that are flagged in the United States and hire almost all their crew from the United States. These cruise ship usually sail around Hawaii, Alaska, the Great Lakes or on US rivers. We cover all of the US flagged and foreign flagged cruise ships in the members section of
WorkOnCruiseShips.com.
If Hired, will the cruise line buy my uniforms?
It depends on the cruise line. Some companies will pay for crew member's uniforms
while others will require their crew members to purchase their own uniforms. You will be advised of this at your interview.
However, almost all of the cruise lines require their crew members to purchase their own shoes that are in accordance with uniform regulations. Make sure you determine what the company policy is on uniforms prior to accepting a position.
Are crew members allowed to use guest amenities?
Most cruise lines will allow their staff to use guest amenities on their time off. However, passengers always take priority when using the pool, gym etc. Most cruise will also offer their crew a mess or recreation area/ dining hall and in some cases a crew bar where drinks are sold considerable less than in passenger's bars.
What happens if I decide to break my contract?
If you decide that cruise life is not for you and break your contract you will have to pay for all costs to get yourself home.
What if I become really sick or get injured on the ship?
While you are working on board a cruise ship you are covered by the cruise
line for any medical requirements. If you are at sea and become ill, you may see the nurse and/or doctor for free in the ship's medical facilities. If you become so ill or injured that you are no longer able to finish your contract, you will disembark and absorb the costs of ongoing treatment yourself. It is always best to inquire about the medical coverage you will receive prior to accepting a contract.
If the company you are going to work for does not offer a comprehensive health insurance policy, you may want to keep (or get) your own health insurance policy or take out a traveler's insurance policy through a private company.
What kind of training regarding safety and emergency protocol will I receive?
Crew members will be required to attend a safety course after embarking on ship. Instruction on lifeboat/raft safety, fire drills and understanding of fire safe and watertight doors will be taught. You will encounter routine emergency drills throughout your employment on the ship.
What happens if somehow I miss the ship when I am at port?
This is never a good idea and could result in a demotion or loss of job. Most companies require their crew to be on-board an hour prior to departure. Pay close attention to the sailing schedule and keep an eye on time. If you do however, for some good reason miss the ship your cruise line's agents will help you find the ship and board again. However, there may be some expense to you.
Can I apply for a specific ship with a cruise line?
It is unlikely that you would be able to choose a specific ship on your first
contract. The best course of action is to apply to the various cruise companies of your choice. After you have made a strong impression on the company and they indicate they would like for you to work for them, politely request a ship you would like to work on.
Returning crewmembers can request specific ships, but this request will only
be considered if a vacancy is available.
Can I work on the same cruise ship as my spouse or friend?
Yes, this is possible but it may prove more difficult to get hired. We
recommend that you and your spouse/friend each apply to the same set of
companies. But you should each apply separately and then during to the mid to
later stages of the interview process, you should let your recruiter/human
resources representative know that your spouse/friend is also interested in
working on the same ship. If a position is available that he/she is qualified
for, many companies will try to make things work out.
Please note, that companies are more likely to accommodate married couples, but
often they can help arrange it so you can work with a friend as well.
The following article will provide more help and guidance with this:
http://www.workoncruiseships.com/members/365.cfm
How can I remain in contact with my world at home?
You may keep in touch with people from back home through e-mail, cellular
phones, phone cards and mail. The internet offers many ways to stay connected
with the world when you are away and many cruise ships offer internet connections
(WI FI) for laptop computers and also have a computer lounge for those without computers (however there may be a fee for both of these options). If the cost is more than you want to pay, it is common for crew members to visit one of the many
cheaper internet cafes that are in each of the ports of call. Online banking,
shopping and correspondence can keep your life up and running.
Mail goes to the company agents in various ports and is delivered to ships
when they dock there and distributed on board. Mail delivery may take longer
than normal so do not expect a letter back from someone in a couple days.
I have never been at sea for very long, what happens if I get seasick?
Most cruise ships are large and seasickness is usually not a problem. There is some generic over the counter medicine that can help you with seasickness. Most people find that getting some fresh air on a deck that is in the middle of the ship and lower will be a little less rocky. Additionally, many find that their seasickness goes away after their body has had some time to adapt.
Is there any age restrictions for people interested in employment on cruise ships?
The minimum age is generally 18yrs-21yrs depending on the job you do onboard.
For example, for the onboard gift shops, bar & restaurant the minimum age is
21yrs. But for entertainment staff, youth staff and beauty staff the minimum age
is 18yrs.
What kind of official documentation is required in order to obtain employment on a Cruise Ship (i.e. passports, visas etc.)?
You require a valid passport, and a C1-D U.S. seaman's visa, which you can obtain from your U.S. consulate when you get your contract of employment from your future employer. (It takes a few days to prepare)
U.S. and Canadian citizens need just a passport, valid for at least three months after the end of the contract. All other nationalities need a C1-D U.S. seaman's visa, which is easy to obtain (it takes about one-two business days) from any U.S. consulate abroad.
Do I need previous Cruise Ship experience to work on a cruise ship?
In most cases you do not require any previous Cruise Ship experience. For skilled jobs you must however, have the relevant shore experience for a job on a cruise ship. There are also positions available for non skilled workers. Most of the positions available can be viewed in the job descriptions section on our web page.
Is the crew member responsible when he gets a job on a ship for transportation to and from the ship?
In most cases, if you are offered a job by a Cruise Line, you are
responsible for getting to the ship and the cruise line will be responsible for your return air fare.
What are the health requirements i.e.
immunization, medical examination etc. for staff on cruise ships?
Once you are offered employment, all applicants must pass a medical examination by designated cruise line physicians (cruise lines have their own list of physicians for every country). Applicants will be responsible for the cost of the examination (about $60-70 US). Some cruise lines might reimburse crew members for that cost after joining the vessel. You must be physically fit to work on a cruise ship.
Immunization generally is not required, sometimes it is offered onboard the
vessel.
What about dental coverage while working onboard a ship?
Cruise lines do not provide dental coverage except in cases of extreme emergencies. They would however, provide assistance in finding a dentist ashore, but in most cases the crew member is responsible for the cost of treatment.
What are the tax laws regarding income earned while working on a cruise ship?
U.S. citizens get taxes deducted directly from their salaries but
international staff can often work aboard tax-free. It is the
responsibility of all other crew members to declare the income earned while
employed on a cruise ship.
Do cruise lines provide benefits i.e. paid vacation, pension plan etc. for staff on cruise ships?
No, cruise lines do not provide paid vacation or pension plans.
Most companies also offer a generous benefits package that often includes: medical and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K plan, profit sharing plans, travel benefits for you and your family and vacation time, etc.
Most cruise line contracts typically require a four to six month commitment for new employees. Some cruise lines allow you to take a limited amount of vacation time during a contract and other do not.
Is the food and accommodation free for crew members who have a job onboard a cruise ship and what are the living arrangements for crew?
Yes, this is what makes a cruise ship career financially attractive and compensates for the lack of employment benefits (paid vacation etc.). Crew members have very little expenses while working onboard a ship. Living arrangements vary by cruise line, but mostly by shipboard position. Senior officers enjoy single cabins, and generally two /four employees of the same nationality and similar job share a cabin.
Senior officers enjoy single cabins, in general two employees share a cabin
with a shower, WC and a TV set. The best accommodations are reserved for
passengers.
Do crew members working on a cruise ship get to see the ports which the cruise ship is visiting?
Yes, crew members are free to visit the ports of call when they are not on duty. In fact this is encouraged. Leisure time varies between shipboard positions. Crew are allowed on shore until two hours before the ship sails. Unless of course, they are working on the ship.
The ports of call and sheer number of destinations reached by cruise lines today offer cruise employees an unparalleled opportunity for travel. For instance, last year a Princess Cruises cruise ship traveled from Acapulco, through the Panama Canal, around the Caribbean, across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Then headed down to North Africa, around the British Isles, through the Baltic Sea, and back across the Atlantic to New York.
Are there any recreational areas on a cruise ship for crew members working onboard a ship?
Yes, every modern cruise ship is equipped with a crew fitness centre, a crew recreation room, crew bar and crew deck. In general, cruise lines take a very good interest in the well-being of their crew members, since it could affect the quality of work and passenger service.
Are the employees who have a job on a cruise ship permitted to purchase goods onboard cruise ships and do they get any discounts?
Yes, crew members enjoy duty free prices onboard cruise ships while employed. In addition, they also get up to 25% discount on goods purchased in the onboard boutique shops.
What is the Cruise Companies policy regarding Drugs?
Crew members will using or procuring drugs will immediately be dismissed, disembarked and submitted to local authorities with no exceptions, regardless of ship's location. There are also frequent drug tests performed onboard.
Are the crew members expected to perform some duties other than their work onboard?
All cruise lines require all the crew members to participate in weekly safety drills (demonstrating safety equipment to passengers, life jackets etc.)
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of working onboard a cruise ship?
Cruise Ship Employment is not suitable for everyone. There is a certain amount of discipline and hard work required. Applicants should be; "team players" and enjoy working with people; be able to live and share relatively limited space with fellow crew members; work away from home for a long period of time (a few months) and
be very much service orientated. There is nothing more important than quality of
service onboard of a cruise ship. Passengers are always right, even when they
are wrong.
On the other hand there are numerous advantages about working on cruise
ships. Saving substantial amount of money for a short period of time, traveling
around the world, meeting people from many different nationalities and cultures,
developing professional skills and gaining working experience.
How can I apply for a position ?
http://www.WorkOnCruiseShips.com comes with applications and all the addresses and contact details you will need so you cant start applying
immediately and get immediate access to the latest cruise line vacancies around the world.
What is the standard length of a contract on a cruise ship?
Most cruise lines offer minimum four to six months contracts, depending on the cruise line or/and position, contracts could be extended or employees could take time off and then go back for another contract.
What are the regulations regarding premature termination of employment?
The contract with a cruise line will be automatically terminated at the date stated on the contract as an end date. It could be renewed by mutual agreement between employee (contractor) and the cruise line. In case the employee (contractor) wishes to terminate the contract earlier than the end date, the employee (contractor) will be responsible for the cost of transportation going back home. In case a crew member gets fired from the job, the cruise line will be responsible for the return transportation, but in this case the crew member can not return to the same cruise line for employment.
What are the destinations for cruise ships and can employees choose a destination that they would like to work (Southeast Asia, Caribbean, etc.) or is that up to the cruise lines to decide?
Cruise lines offer destinations worldwide, but the biggest markets for the cruise industry are the Caribbean (all seasons), Alaska and Europe (in the summer). Most of the cruise lines do not offer a choice for first time employees, they hire wherever they have openings, after one or two contracts employees get some choice of ships and destinations.
Cruise Ship Vacancies
