The purser’s department is home to the ship’s business department. Also called the “front desk” or “passenger information center,” the purser’s department is the place where guests check in – 24 hours a day. Purser’s make sure all of the passenger needs are met, they are there to answer questions, and they handle all of the money on the vessel, as well as purchasing and billing tasks. Purser’s do more than handle passengers and money. They are o the front line when it comes to local customs. They work with local customs and immigration representatives to clear the crew, passengers, and the ship upon arrival at all ports of call.
There are three level of employment in the purser’s department: chief purser, purser, and assistant purser. The chief purser oversees all operations in the purser’s department. This professional works with hotel mangers and he manages all financial, business, customs, and immigration issues for the ship company and guests. Purser assistants work at the front desk. They answer phones, register gests, record complaints, exchange currency, and collect on bills before guests leave the ship.
Chief purser’s earn around $4,500-$5,000, purser’s earn around $3,800-$4,800 per month and assistant purser’s earn around $2,000-$2,500 per month. Chief purser’s typically have a degree in hospitality or hotel management, finance, business or other related degree pl us 5-7+ years experience. Pursers may have a bachelor’s or associate degree in hospitality, travel or other related field plus several years’ experience. Assistant pursers may enter the field with some college, a certificate, or an associate degree. It is important to note that most hiring manages prefer a candidates with a degree.
In addition to a handsome salary, all purser positions qualify for free accommodations, meals, free travel to and from the ship, health insurance, and discounts on ship services. If an assistant purser position sounds appealing to you or you would like to get your foot in the door as an assistant, then work your way up, there are several ways to begin your job hunt. You may begin searching for job openings by locating several cruise lines of interest through Ships and Cruises Directory for official listings. If you already have a cruise line in mind, you can go directly to the website, if you have the correct address or search the Ships and Cruises Directory.
Once you have located the correct web address, visit the website and search around for job postings. Most cruise line websites have a career center or job postings page. If the cruise line lists job openings, be sure to follow the application procedure to the letter. Applicants that do not follow directions are typically passed over in favor of those that do. If the cruise line does not list job openings on its site, send a polished cover letter and resume to the cruise lines Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department is typically located at the cruise lines headquarters. This information is usually listed on the cruise line website. It is important to include the position you are interested in so that it can be directed to the appropriate department manager.
For more information about jobs on cruise ships visit Cruise Ship Jobs online. Here, you can download the 2010 cruise ship employment guide; you can read through cruise line profiles; you can find out which ships are hiring and for what positions — and you can even apply for a cruise ship job right online. Please note that this website charges a fee. You can apply for a job on your own, for free, sign up with a placement agency, for free, or use Cruise Ship Jobs’ service.