If you want to get a job on a cruise ship, first, you should think about which positions you are most qualified for. Ask yourself: Do I have the skills need to work in the engineering department or are my skills better suited to service related positions? What would be fulfilling for: you interacting with people or working behind the scenes in the administrative offices? These are questions you have to ask in order to narrow your choices down to one or two. If you’re having trouble figuring our where you fit in, you should get to know the departments on cruise ships and the positions each department manages.
The title “crewmember” refers to all ship personnel. Most people think only deckhands, the captain, and engineers fall into this category. They do, but so do the other staff members on the ship. Jobs on cruise ships are organized as follows:
-Activity/Entertainment Department
-Deck & Engineering Department
-Service & Hospitality Department
-Personal Care Department
-Office Positions
Jobs on cruise ships in the Activity/Entertainment Department are the most glamorous jobs on the ship. These positions deal with anything relating to passenger entertainment. This department includes: DJs, Production Managers, Photographers, Managers, Casino Staff, Host/Hostess and Cruise Consultant, to name a few. Those best suited for jobs in this department are typically enthusiastic and extroverted.
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 positions in this department are not typically entry-level positions, especially on large 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.
Staff members in the Service/Hospitality Department or Hotel Management Department 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 positions include: Hotel Manager, Cabin Stewards/Stewardesses, Accountant, Executive Chef, Wine Steward, Chief Purser, 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.
Most office positions are onshore — employees typically work in the main office performing administrative tasks, arranging cruises or performing general office tasks. Office positions generally fall under the following categories: Accounting, Administrative/Clerical, Air Operations, Marketing/PR and Reservations/Sales.
For more information about jobs on cruise ships visit Cruise Ship Jobs online. Here, you can:
-Download the latest cruise ship employment guide
-Review cruise line profiles
-Find out which ships are hiring and for what positions
-Apply for a cruise ship job right online
If you have a specific cruise line in mind, visit the cruise line website first. If the cruise line lists job openings, 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.
Cruise Ship Job Perks
Cruise ship employees will enjoy more than free travel to exciting destinations. Cruise ship employees receive free accommodations and meals. They also receive a competitive salary and health insurance.