Social hostesses on cruise ships are in a unique position. The job of a social hostess is not technical in nature, nor does it require any special training or a degree. What this position does require is a jubilant and charming nature — and either you have it or you don’t! Social hostesses must be “on” at all times. This means, their charming and jubilant nature must shine through from the welcome aboard party all they way through the last day of the cruise.
During the welcome aboard party, social hostesses will introduce passengers to the captain and invite them to take a picture with him. Social hostesses will host parties that honor repeat cruisers, she will send out invitations to special events and parties arranged by the vessel’s senior officers, and she will host table sin the dining room. Social hostesses also arrange for guests to dine with the captain or other passengers.
Superior social hostesses are tough to come by, so individuals interested in these positions will have a significant number of positions to choose from. Positions will also be plentiful for hostesses with special skills such as instructing in arts and crafts, overseeing trivia games or games such as Name That Tune.
Social hostess jobs can be found in the Activity & Entertainment department. Jobs in this department are considered the most glamorous jobs aboard the ship. These positions deal with anything relating to passenger entertainment. In addition to social hostess, this department includes: DJs, Production Managers, Photographers, Managers, Casino Staff, and Cruise Consultant, to name a few. Those best suited for jobs in this department are typically enthusiastic and extroverted.
When you are ready to apply for a social hostess position, if you have a specific cruise line in mind, locate the cruise lines’ OFFICIAL website first. 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. Please note that this website charges a fee. You can certainly apply for a job on your own — free of charge or sign up with a placement agency — also free of charge.