Carnival Cruise Lines is the world’s largest cruise line. Founded in 1972, Carnival Cruise Lines is also the top cruise line for families. Carnival Cruise Lines features some of the most innovative and elaborate programs for children (which means plenty of opportunities for youth counselors, instructors and more), and Carnival Cruise Lines has 22 ships in its fleet including the second largest cruise ship in the world, which means the opportunities for positions in all departments are endless.
Carnival Cruise Line jobs will fall under one of several categories – departments including the Activity/Entertainment Department, Deck & Engineering Department, Service & Hospitality Department, Personal Care Department, and Office Positions.
Carnival Cruise Lines jobs in the Activity/Entertainment department are considered some of the most glamorous jobs aboard 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 any given 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, so 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.
To become a Carnival Cruise Lines team member (in any department), you must be outgoing, friendly, and enjoy working with families and children. You must also enjoy travel and have no issues with spending extended periods of time at sea. You must be at least 21 years of age, pass a background check, and depending on the position, a bachelor’s degree or higher may be required. For example, jobs in Carnival’s engineering department or jobs such as master chef will require an extensive amount of education and experience. The engineering department typically hires individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher form an accredited maritime program. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as well as a number of traditional universities offer accredited degree programs in this area. In addition, licensure and certification may be required. Chefs must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in culinary art, and positions such as restaurant manager should have an associate degree or higher in hospitality management.
While many positions on Carnival Cruise Lines require a degree, some do not. A few examples include retail salesperson, bartender, crewmember, and housekeeping. Aerobics instructors, gaming managers, massage therapists, and spa personnel are not required to have a bachelor’s degree or higher, but these positions do require extensive training and/or certification. In general, however, fitness personnel will have a degree in nutrition, physical fitness, or other related area and gaming managers usually hold an associate’s degree or higher in hospitality management or related field.
Once you have decided which department and position is the best match for your education an skills, visit the Carnival Cruise Lines website and click the “Fun Jobs” link at the very bottom of the homepage. If the cruise line lists job openings, follow the application procedure to the letter. If you do not follow the application procedures to the letter, there’s a good chance your application will be passed over in favor of applicants that have followed directions. If after a week or two, you have not received a call or a letter in the mail, feel free to contact the Carnival Cruise Lines Corporate office to inquire about your application. It is important that you remain brief and be very polite. Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Carnival Cruise Lines
3655 NW 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178
(305) 599-2600
Cruise Line Jobs With Other Cruise Lines
For information about jobs on other cruise lines 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.
If you have a specific cruise line in mind, visit the cruise line website first. If the cruise line lists job openings, again, follow the application procedure to the letter. If the cruise line does not list job openings on the website, 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.
