Purchasing and financial jobs on cruise ships require the same training and education as other purchasing and financial jobs. Most employers and cruise lines prefer to hire employees with a college degree in finance, business, or other related field. They also prefer individuals with 3-4 years experience in the purchasing & financial industry. In addition, APP certification is preferred (Accredited Purchasing Practitioner, www.ism.ws) and candidates must be familiar with the merchandise they purchase and with wholesale retailing prices.
Experienced purchasing & financial managers on cruise ships can earn anywhere from $35,700 to $56,400 per year depending on the size of the cruise line, type of cruise line and level. Level, meaning, entry level, mid-level or upper-level. Upper level purchasing & financial personnel (purchasing managers) earn an average annual salary of $89,160 up to $115,830 per year.
Purchasing & financial jobs on cruise ships require purchasing of uniforms and textile goods such as china, flatware, glassware, food & beverages, hotel consumables, and replacables.
When you are ready to apply for a position, if you have a specific cruise line in mind, locate the cruise lines’ OFFICIAL website. Visit the Ships and Cruises Directory for official listings. Once you have located the site, 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. It is important to note that this site might charge a fee.
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, health insurance, and free air travel to and from the ship.