Service manager or “crew services manager” jobs on cruise ships have a number of important duties on cruise ships. Service managers are responsible for managing and maintaining the berthing process, manage crew office operation, build {strong} relationships with government officials in each port of call, ensure completion of all US customs and US immigration paper to manifest crew and crew movement in any Non-US port, and ensure all passports, medicals and visas are securely held in office. Service managers must also work closely with shore side travel and logistics to coordinate all crew movement, and work closely with management and all division heads onboard to ensure a constant flow of communication in reference to crew movement, travel, and crew issues.
To become a service manager, you must be able read, speak, and write English fluently and you must commit to a 4-month contract. You must be willing to work seven days a week, at least 70 hours per week with limited time off. In addition, you must also enjoy working in a high-volume, fast-paced, guest service environment. You will likely be working on a large cruise ship as they are most in need of crew service managers. The fast-paced environment is typical of large cruise ships.
Service manager candidates must have one year experience in a crew office/crew logistics position, ship experience, and a degree in travel and tourism with a focus in hotel management. You must have strong knowledge of US Immigration and US Customs regulations for cruise ships, strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ability to multitask in a fast-paced, hectic environment, ability to handle diverse and demanding, high-pressure situations, strong knowledge of Excel and Word, and Fidelio (cruise software) knowledge preferred.
If you make have all of the qualifications listed above and you are offered a position on a cruise ship, you will enjoy free air travel to and from the ship, free accommodations and meals, health insurance, and retirement benefits. Salaries range from $2,500 -$3,500+ per month depending on the size and type of cruise line.
To locate service manager jobs on cruise ships, choose a cruise line. Next, locate the cruise lines’ OFFICIAL website. Visit the Ships and Cruises Directory for official listings. Once you have located the web address, 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. 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.
FYI: Before being hired you will have to take a pre-employment medical examination including drug test. The cruise line usually pays for this. The cruise line will also obtain a criminal background check. Before your first day on the job, you must obtain your passport, and obtain a C1/D Seaman’s Visa. The cruise line will provide you with the documents to obtain one. You must also have approved work shoes.