Recreation and exercise are some of the top activities on cruise ships, especially on extended cruise vacations. Singles, couples, and teens alike still want to stay fit while on vacation. In response to the demand for fitness at sea, cruise lines are always on the lookout for talented instructors with certification in aerobics, step aerobics, spinning, boot camp, yoga, Pilates, and personal training.
If you are certified in any of the areas above, you can expect to have access to a number of opportunities that offer up to $25 per hour for fitness instructors and up to $36 an hour for personal trainers. Fitness professionals on cruise ships are also eligible for free accommodations, free meals, transportation (even air travel) to and from the ship, health insurance, savings plans, and discounts on goods and services on the ship.
Fitness instructors work in the personal care department. This department also includes hair stylists, manicurists, massage therapists, makeup artists, spa attendants, nurses, and physicians. The professionals in the personal care department are all dedicated to the well-being of passengers.
To apply for fitness instructor jobs on cruise ships, you can start by selecting a cruise line. Once you have selected a cruise line, locate the cruise lines’ OFFICIAL website by visiting the Ships and Cruises Directory for official listings at www.shipsandcruises.com. Once you have located the official website, search the site for job postings. Most cruise line websites feature 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, free of charge, sign up with a placement agency, or use Cruise Ship Jobs’ service.