All About Cruises

Tag: cruise job

  • If You Love Cruises, Why Not Work on a Cruise Ship?

    If You Love Cruises, Why Not Work on a Cruise Ship?

    There is certainly something exciting and intriguing about life on a cruise ship. And for some people, it seems like the perfect career move. You get to see the world, meet interesting people and your room and board are included, so what could be better? But according to those who have made this huge leap of faith and taken a job as a crew member, it is definitely a different world and far from what cruise guests would imagine.

    Your Compensation

    As an entry-level staff member, the annual salary is likely to range from about $14,500 to $21,500. The key to moving up in the service industry is customer service and strong language skills. Servers who can converse with guests and create a bond will obviously earn more in tips and will also be on the fast track for greater responsibility and higher paying positions. But what potential new hires do not consider is that there are no days off while the ship has guests, which is all of the time. So expect to work day in and day out with a weekly tally of 80 to even 100 hours.

    Work Conditions

    As a server in the States, you are likely to be working in a fast paced and demanding environment but there is also going to be air conditioning and ample staff to meet the demands of the guests. But a cruise ship is not able to add staff to accommodate a busy day at a certain bar or restaurant nor do many of the outdoor areas include any cooling. So your twelve hour day could be spent running back and forth across a sweltering deck in a full uniform and with no second shift to arrive for relief. Another factor to consider is that guests on a cruise tend to overindulge on a regular basis. No one is driving home or getting up early for work so good judgment is not a necessity. This makes a large percentage of your customers hard to deal with and even belligerent by the end of your very long day.

    Your Time

    Not that you will have a great deal of free time while on the ship, but the time that you do have to yourself may only be spent in your miniscule bunk area or the few crew common areas in the bowels of the ship. Fraternizing with guests is strictly prohibited. As a result, the crew area is very reminiscent of fraternity row at a large college. The staff gets together to commiserate and drown their sorrows on a nightly basis. By the end of a contract, you have abused your body with high-stress levels, little sleep and copious amounts of alcohol; not a healthy combination at any age.

    Being young and single can make a year contract on a cruise ship sound very appealing, but there are a lot of details that are not fully disclosed to applicants. Chances are that even those who love going on cruises would not be happy as an employee. But the other take away for all cruise guests is the reminder that the servers and staff on your next cruise are not making great money, living in lavish suites or working an eight-hour shift. So be polite, patient and offer a nice tip for great service or extra effort made to ensure that your vacation is one to remember.

     

  • Cruise Ship Jobs: Who Should Work on a Cruise Ship?

    Lots of people want cruise ship jobs, but not everyone is cut out for a job on a cruise ship. Cruise ship employment is difficult, and one must not be blinded by the attractions of life at sea if they wish to realistically consider whether working for a cruise line is a good prospect. It of course can be, but it depends on your disposition, inclinations, needs, and basic direction in life. Are you right for a cruise ship job?

    First, we should be clear what we mean by a cruise ship job. We’re not talking about working in any capacity for a cruise line. Many of these jobs are perfectly normal, at least insofar as they require a standard work week in a standard office, where you might fill any number of standard roles – from office assistant to accountant to manager. Rather, we’re talking about working on a cruise ship, as these are the positions that require a unique set of attributes and a distinct personality.

    First, you must have the ability to thrive outside your comfort zone. This seems to be the most essential attribute to possess because when working on a cruise ship, the simple truth is that you will confront challenges on a daily basis, and moreover you will be without the normal resources (friends, family, the local watering hole, etc.) that you might otherwise rely on at home to find the strength to address these challenges. Moreover, the ability to work outside your comfort zone is a characteristic that carries with it several other skills that are essential to have for cruise ship employment. Why is the comfort-zone criterion so important? Most obviously, you will be on a ship at sea, often for multiple days, meaning you won’t even walk on solid ground for relatively extended periods of time. And when you do go to land, you will often be in a foreign land, confronting several cultures and peoples that may vary widely from one another in a matter of days. On a cruise ship, you will also find yourself working with employees from many different countries (cruise lines are decidedly multinational employers), and indeed you may even be sharing close living quarters with them.

    This last consideration gives rise to another helpful attribute that a cruise ship employee ought to possess, namely, an appreciation for foreign cultures. This means that you should be comfortable regularly interacting with people whose way of life differs from your own; this will include passengers and, again, your fellow employees. On a related note, it is immensely helpful to possess linguistic skills. Ideally, you should be able to speak two or more languages. Which languages you should know will of course depend on where you work, but language skills will likely be essential no matter where the cruise line for which you work is based. Given its status as the global language, it is all but essential to know English, but knowing a language besides English is also important.

    Finally, you should possess a strong work ethic because working on a cruise ship is demanding. The days are long, and you have to work many days in a row. A typical cruise ship employment contract lasts for four to six months, and you will have to work the vast majority of these days. In other words, full days off are few and far between, and you definitely can’t expect much leisure time during your period of employment. Depending on the position you hold, moreover, the work might also be physically demanding.

    If you want to work on a cruise ship, you should be able to live outside your comfort zone, embrace foreign cultures, and work hard. These are by no means the only attributes that are helpful to possess, but they are particularly important. If you think you have these skills, a cruise ship job might be perfect for you, or, in any case, it might be worth trying because in the worse case scenario, you endure a job you aren’t well suited for, but it will only last a few months. And no matter what, working on a cruise ship will be an unforgettable experience – a trying experience, perhaps, but an enriching one just the same.

  • How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship

    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.

  • Celebrity X Cruise Jobs

    When looking for a job on a cruise ship you should research the company first in order to become familiar with the organizations ideas and philosophies. You should also learn all the line’s fleet, destinations, and the company’s history. Once you learn as much as you can about the cruise line, you will be well prepared to complete the application process and you will be ready for the interview. Being well-informed about the cruise line you are applying to will help you stand out from the crowd.

    To learn about Celebrity X Cruises and job openings, visit the official website at www.celebritycruises.com. In the “About Us” section, you will find a profile of the company, the company’s history, the company’s philosophy, information about the leadership team, a letter from Celebrity X Cruise line President, career opportunities, the company’s ideas about environmental stewardship, investor relations, and corporate governance.

    The other tabs offer additional information about Celebrity X including contact information, ship information, and information on specific cruises.

    Follow the “Careers” tab on the right-hand side of the screen to learn about available positions, the job application process, and employee benefits. Benefits include the ability to participate in the employee development programs and career growth opportunities along with more traditional benefits such as vacation time and health insurance. Other benefits include free air travel to and from the ship, free meals, free accommodations, and discounts on services aboard the ship.

    To learn more about benefits by follow the “Benefits” tab on the Career page. There are three additional links if you’re interested in information about what working for Celebrity X is like, job searches, and jobs onboard. To learn about current cruise ship jobs on Celebrity X Cruises, follow the job search or jobs onboard links. Once you have found an opening that you are interested in, you must follow the application instructions carefully to be considered for the position.

    To Contact Celebrity X Cruises, call 800.256.6649. You can also email Celebrity X by clicking on the “E-mail Us” links throughout the site. This will redirect you to an online contact form. For contact information for Celebrity X cruise offices around the globe, visit: www.celebritycruises/contactus.

    U.S. Offices

    Celebrity X
    1050 Caribbean Way
    Miami, FL 33132

  • Maritime Academies For Cruise Jobs

    If you are a successful graduate of a maritime academy, you have an excellent chance of obtaining a position on a cruise ship. But not just any position—maritime graduates go on to become captains, staff captains, officers, radio officers, security officers, safety officers, boatswain’s, A/B seamen, and deck attendants. Some of these positions are entry-level, but pay up to $1,500 per month plus free accommodations, meals, health insurance, and savings benefits, while others are advanced positions that pay up to $10,000 per month, plus the benefits listed above.

    If you start out in an entry-level position, it typically only takes 1-2 years to advance. For example, an ordinary seaman earns $1,100-$1,300 per month. These positions do not require any experience. Education is required however. But after spending 1-2 years as an ordinary seaman, you could advance to boatswain, which requires 1-2 years of experience, plus a tender captain’s license. These positions pay $1,800-$2,100 per month. Staff captain and most officer positions require 3-5 years of experience. These positions pay anywhere from $2,400-$4,500 per month.

    Captains must have maritime qualifications as a captain and a captains license from a recognized maritime academy along with at least 5-8 years experience in subordinate positions on board. Captains must also have wide experience in all navigational computerized and electronic systems. Captains on cruise ships may earn anywhere from $5,900-$10,000 depending on cruise line and the size of the vessel.

    There are literally hundreds of Maritime schools around the world and many are located in the U.S. Just a few top Maritime schools and academies include:

    -U.S. Naval Academy
    -U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
    -United States Coast Guard
    -Alabama Sea Lab
    -California Maritime Academy
    -Downeast Maritime
    -Duke University
    -Florida Tech
    -Great Lakes Maritime Academy
    -Hawaii-Ocean Engineering
    -Houston Marine Training Services
    -Maine Maritime
    -Massachusetts Maritime Academy
    -New England Maritime
    -Ocean and Fishery Sciences, Washington
    -Scripps Institution of Oceanography
    -SUNY Maritime
    -Texas A&M Oceanography
    -UCSC Ocean Sciences
    -University of Alaska
    -University of New Orleans
    -University of Rhode Island

    The types of careers available for maritime graduates are open on the deck and engineering department. The Deck & Engineering Department is the most important department on the vessel. Without the expertise of the deck & engineering department professionals, the cruise ship would never sail. This department is responsible for maintaining and running the vessel.

    For a description of all positions in the deck and engineering department, visit the Wind Rose Network at www.windrosenetwork.com. For a complete list of maritime academies, schools, and programs, try http://users.hal-pc.org/~nugent/school.html. Here, you will find direct links to hundreds or maritime programs around the world.

  • Education and Training Requirements for Jobs on Cruise Ships

    The type of education and training requirements for any given job on a cruise ship will depend on the job you are interested in. There are literally hundreds of different types of jobs on cruise ships ranging from deckhand to doctor. Each position will fall under a specific department within the cruise line company. Cruise line departments are as follows:

    -Activity/Entertainment Department
    -Deck & Engineering Department
    -Service & Hospitality Department
    -Personal Care Department
    -Office Positions

    The Activity/Entertainment department jobs deal with anything related 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.

    The Service/Hospitality Department or Hotel Management Department is responsible for 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.

    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.

    If you are interested in a job on a cruise ship or at the cruise lines headquarters, you can find out about the requirements for each job along with salary by visiting www.cruiseshipjob.com. By visiting Cruise Ship Jobs, you can download the most recent 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 prefer to look for a job directly through the cruise line website (if you have one in mind), it is important to read the job requirements carefully and follow the application procedures to the letter. Your application may be discarded if you fail to follow directions or apply for a position you are qualified for.

    This is very rare, but if you come across a cruise line that 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 located at the cruise lines headquarters. Contact information for the cruise lines headquarters is usually listed on the cruise line website. Please note that it is important to include the position you are interested in so that it can be directed to the appropriate department manager

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