Here's my 10-point action plan you should follow for maximum cruise ship job success:

1. Make sure that you are actually suitable for life onboard. You can test yourself this using our special cruise ship lifestyle checklist.

2. Get a list of all the jobs available onboard and skim through it, making a note of any positions of interest to you. See our printable list of the most common jobs you will find onboard a cruise ship.

3. Read the full job description for position and decide on the best job for you. Of all the jobs you've listed, which one most suits your skills, experience, personality and desires?

Here is a complete job description of jobs onboard a cruise ship.

4. Do some background research on all of the cruise lines, concessionaires and agencies that employ staff for the job you want. Find out what type of company they are and the typical kinds of people they're looking to employ.

5. Prepare a powerful application package. You need a cover letter and resume specifically targeted to the cruise line industry. If you need help with this, then use our proven cruise ship job templates.

6. Know the application procedure for each cruise line before you apply to them. If they ask you to post your resume, don't email it to them! If they ask you to send a photograph, don't mail your resume without one. Not doing what they ask you to do will ensure your failure.

7. Start applying to all the cruise lines, concessionaires and agencies that you can, both online and offline. Be sure that you're sending your applications to the right place and to the right person, whether that's through the post or by email.

Here is a complete contact directory of all cruise lines, concessionaires and agencies.

8. Drop all companies a short, friendly email to let them know that you've just applied for a job with them, and tell them to look out for your application!

A simple, but effective technique.

9. After 3-4 weeks, follow up your application with a polite, friendly, but inquisitive email about the status of your application. Let them know that you are very keen in the position and excited about working for their company.

10. Be patient, be persistant and keep applying!

Right now is a great time to begin applying for cruise ship jobs as most ships are fully booked for winter and they absolutely MUST be fully staffed to cope with demand.

Best of all, the "world cruises" are now in full throttle, so if you move fast enough you could find yourself visiting some really great destinations like Europe, the US, Australia, Russia, the Far East and who knows, maybe even the Artic?!