Getting Your First Job on a Cruise Ship

By Morgan Park

 
Getting Entry Level Cruise Ship Jobs

Cruise liner jobs are attractive to many people for a number of good reasons. One of the most exciting parts of working on a cruise line is to travel to exotic and beautiful locations such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Pacific islands. Normally these kinds of destinations are the preserve of the wealthy, but through getting a cruise ship job you can enjoy free travel, the employer will pay airfare for cruise ship workers to get out to the ship.


Benefits of Working on a Cruise Ship

Cruise line workers get free accommodation on board the ship. This will be shared accommodation for all but senior positions, such as officers or guest entertainers who have the privilege of a private cabin. Don't be too concerned about sharing a cabin, you will not be spending a lot of time in their, except to sleep - cruise ship workers have busy schedules.

And best of all even entry level jobs start around $1,500 dollars up to $2,500, for positions that don't need any previous experience. There are very limited opportunities to spends your income while onboard the cruise ship. After completing your contract you will have a large sum of money saved up in your account.


Cruise Ship Jobs with No Experience Required

Here are some examples of entry level cruise ship jobs that don't need any experience:

• Bell staff provide cabin services for the passengers, such as delivering food and beverages, or running errands.
• Food and Beverage assistants work in the ship's bar and restaurant, duties include cleaning and maintenance of food and beverage area and providing help.
• Galley cleaners work in the ships kitchen and mess, duties include cleaning and maintenance of kitchen equipment under the supervision of the cook.
• Deck attendants do their duties on the deck areas, assisting passengers and performing general duties such as keeping deck equipment in order.
• Cabin Housekeeper do the daily clean of the passenger's cabin areas. Laundry staff take care of the passenger's laundry requirements.
• Pool cleaners and attendants keep the pool area clean and perform maintenance as well as helping with passenger's enquiries.
• Laundry staff do cleaning, drying and ironing of passenger and crew clothes.
• Ordinary Seaman is a ship worker who does general tasks in support of the crew. These duties do not need any special skills.
• Engine Room Assistants do general cleaning and maintenance jobs in the engine room, as well as doing simple repair tasks.
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Cruise Ship Contract Length

Cruise lines and cruise line employment contractors are actively hiring staff all year round. Contracts are for a minimum of three months up to ten month contracts. For your first cruise job it's best to get as short a contract as possible so you can acclimatize to staying onboard. As many jobs on a cruise ship are exactly the same as jobs in the hospitality industry on dry land, you should be able to find some past experience to help you get hired in an entry level cruise ship job.


Applying for a Cruise Ship Job

Send a cover letter with your resume, as well as photograph. As there is a lot of competition for the best cruise ship jobs, it's important to present yourself in the best possible light. The most essential skill the employer is looking for will be excellent social skills. A cruise line ship is a floating five-star hotel, and you will be in close proximity with guests and fellow crew for a long period - you need to prove your ability to get on well with others, make it clear to them that you are a people-person first and foremost.

When applying target your application for one specific position, and tailor your resume to show your ability to do that job. Use earlier work, study, and home experience and translate it to apply to the desired position. Get familiar with the cruise line and do your research on the positions available before applying. Be sure to sell yourself positively - show what you have accomplished in the past and how you will contribute to the quality of the cruise line's service. Make it easy for the personnel manager to select your resume.

When you are successful in your cruise job application you will get a Letter of Employment instructing your on the position and how to embark on the ship. The next step will be to get a medical certificate and a valid visa for your cruise destination. Congratulations on getting an entry level cruise ship job.



Morgan has lots of tips for anyone looking to get an entry level job. She advises on job placement for offshore and cruise ship job recruiters.
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