There are many different jobs on cruise ships, but some of the most glamorous jobs are in the Activity/Entertainment department. This is where you’ll find the casino staff and the cruise lines bridge directors. Activity/Entertainment jobs deal with anything relating to passenger entertainment and are often synonymous with “cruise staff.” Besides Casino Staff, this department also includes DJs, Production Managers, Photographers, Managers, Hosts/Hostesses, and Cruise Consultants. Those best suited for jobs in this department are typically enthusiastic, extroverted, creative, and talented. In order to become a cruise line Bridge Director, applicants must be certified by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL).
Other departments on cruise lines include the: Deck & Engineering Department, Service & Hospitality Department, Personal Care Department, and Administrative (office positions).
The Deck & Engineering Department is one of the most important departments on the vessel — without it the ship would never set sail. This department is responsible for maintaining and running the vessel. Please note that the jobs in this department are not typically entry-level cruise line jobs, especially on larger ships. The department consists of deckhands, maintenance workers, engineers, and officers. These positions help to motor or sail the ship, attend to the physical maintenance needs of the ship, and keep it in accordance with fleet regulations and international maritime laws. Officers are in charge of passenger safety as well.
Considered the “Hotel Management” department. Staff members in these cruise lines jobs have the responsibility of managing the bars & restaurants and passenger cabins, as well as shipboard retail concessions like gift shops. Just a few Service/Hospitality jobs on cruise lines include: Hotel Manager, Cabin Steward/ess, Accountant, Executive Chef, Wine Steward, Purser Staff, Chief Purser, Bellman, Pastry Chef and the list goes on and on. Most service positions such as bartenders, waiters and cocktail servers can earn a good amount of extra money from tips.
No cruise would be complete without a department devoted to helping passengers pamper themselves. The Personal Care Department includes spa, fitness, beauty and medical services. It helps manage hair stylists, manicurists, massage therapists, fitness instructors, beauty therapists, spa attendants, nurses and physicians all dedicated to the well-being of passengers.
Other jobs on cruise lines are onshore and these consist of office positions. Employees typically work in the main office performing administrative tasks, arranging cruises or performing general office tasks. Administrative or Office Positions include: Accounting, Clerical, Air Operations, Marketing/PR, and Reservations/Sales.
One of the nicest perks, whether you’re a cruise line bridge director or you work in the cruise lines jewelry store, in most cases, all standard living expenses are covered including room, food, and health coverage. This means the majority of your earnings can be saved. Compensation varies depending on the position, level of experience, and the cruise line.
For more information about applying for positions on cruise ships visit Cruise Ship Jobs online. Here, you can download the most current cruise ship employment guide, you can read through cruise line profiles, and you can find out which ships are hiring and for what positions. You can even apply for a cruise ship job right online. Good Luck!