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How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship: Step by Step Tips from a Crew Member

Wondering how to get a job on a cruise ship but don’t know where to start?

Say no more.

After working on cruise ships for three years, I’m here to break it all down for you, step by step, so you don’t have to spend painstaking hours researching.

With so little information online about working as a crew member on cruise ships, I know how frustrating it can be to try to break into the industry with no guidance.

But I’m here now and I’ve got all the answers for you.

In this guide, you’ll learn not only how to get hired on a cruise ship, but which websites to apply to and which recruiting companies are available in your country.

All aboard– full steam ahead!

About Me and How I Can Help You

A quick intro about me: Hi, I’m Michelle, and I’ve worked all over the world since 2013.

With three years of onboard experience working on cruise ships , I know what it takes to land a job in this unique industry. 

My time at sea has given me insight into the hiring process, onboard life, and the skills needed to excel in various roles aboard.

Besides my experiences with ships, I’ve been fortunate to come across job opportunities that have taken me to every continent, even working in Antarctica . 

Needless to say, I’m quite familiar with securing travel jobs abroad .

10+ years ago when I began this journey around the world, there wasn’t much information online about how to get paid to travel .

Now, with nearly 70 countries and all seven continents under my belt, I’ve taken the guesswork out and am here to tell you exactly how, step by step, to turn your dream of working on a cruise ship, into a reality.

How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship

Step 1: Know What Working on a Cruise Ship is like

Working on cruise ships means you get paid to travel.

Who wouldn’t want a job like that?

In my time working on ships as a cruise ship crew member, I got to visit 35 countries.

But it’s important to know the reality of what life onboard entails.

I’ve seen new hires come onboard only to realize– after leaving their former jobs, saying goodbye to family, and packing up their lives– that life on ships just isn’t for them.

So what’s working on cruise ships really like?

I’ve put together all the pros and cons of working on cruise ships , which is a great place to start in your cruise ship job search.

To sum up ship life:

• You get paid to travel
• Accommodations, meals, and medical care are covered during your contract
• International work experience and connections
• Potential to save the majority of your salary with few expenses
• Work hours are long with no days off
• Contracts can be 4-9 months long
• You’ll probably have a roommate in a small cabin
• The crew food options may be different from what you typically eat
• You won’t always get to go into port every time the ship is anchored
• You might have to pay for ship Wi-Fi

💡 Want to hear more about what life on ships is like? Check out this interview I did with my friend Charmaine.

Step 2: Meet Basic Qualifications

Once you’ve researched life on ships and decided this is still the right path for you, you’ll need to meet the basic qualifications that most cruise lines will require.

Between Ages 21-50*

“*” because there are exceptions to this.

It is possible to get hired outside of this age bracket, but it can be more difficult.

The only crew members I’ve seen under 21 years old are usually entertainers.

But at the bare minimum, you need to be at least 18 for legal purposes.

For most other positions, there are educational and work experience requirements that typically aren’t found in adults any younger than 21 years old.

Now if you’re on the other end of the age spectrum, it’s just a matter of how healthy you are.

Another requirement for working on ships (which I’ll talk about later) is that you pass the medical exam.

The further away from 50 you are, the harder it usually is to not only pass the medical but also fulfill your role in onboard emergencies as a crew member.

I will say that I know many people over 50 years old working on cruise ships– so don’t lose hope.

You just need to make sure you are physically healthy enough, both in real life and on paper, to live and work on cruise ships.

Language Fluency

For most cruise lines, you’ll need to have a high fluency of English as this is the international language of the seas.

You should be able to not only communicate politely with guests in English, but also able to report emergencies clearly and quickly.

Some cruise lines also require a second or third language ability due to the itinerary or guest clientele.

Keep this in mind when you are applying for cruise ship jobs as you may be better suited for certain companies depending on your language skills.

For example, Italian cruise line Costa vs German cruise line AIDA.

Clean Criminal Background

The cruise line will do a background check either before or after your offer of employment.

You’ll need to pass this check before you’re given a contract.

Valid Passport

You need a passport to work on ships as you’ll probably need to leave your country to join the ship and you’ll also be docked in other countries during your contract.

It’s best to have a valid passport before you start applying for cruise ship jobs as some applications may have a filter question that asks if you have one.

If you don’t have one, your application might not pass the initial screening.

💡 Tip: Getting a passport can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. If you don’t already have a passport, you can apply to cruise jobs that don’t inquire about your passport status, take note of the ones that do, and apply to those after you have a passport.

Medically Healthy

As I mentioned before, you need to pass a medical exam before you are officially given an onboard contract.

The requirements vary by ship, but most will include a general physical exam, blood work, vision test, and chest x-ray at the bare minimum.

Being in good health is more important while working at sea compared to working on land for a few reasons:

• If you have a medical emergency, the closest hospital can be hours away
• Living quarters and passageways onboard are crammed and narrow
• Most jobs on cruise ships require you to be on your feet for most of the day
• Crew members are required to assist in the event of emergencies
• During emergencies, crew members need to be able to reach their muster stations within several minutes and without the use of elevators

Job-Specific Certifications

Some shipboard positions may require you to have specific certifications.

This is something to keep in mind when you’re deciding which jobs to apply for.

Examples include:

• Lifeguard: First Aid/CPR certification
• Youth Staff/Counselor: Degree in teaching or childcare
• Food and Beverage: Food handler’s certification

Ship Certifications

Not all cruise lines expect you to have the required certifications to work at sea.

In fact, some cruise lines– like Royal Caribbean– train and certify you once you’re onboard which saves you time and money before your contract.

However, if you want an advantage over other prospective crew members and want your application to stand out, getting the following certifications ahead of time so that you can put it on your resume is a great idea:

• STCW Basic Safety Training
• First Aid/CPR

Step 3: Assess Your Skills & Find the Right Onboard Position 

What cruise ship jobs can you do or have experience in?

Assess your skills and pin point which jobs are the best fit for you.

If you’re not sure what roles are available on cruise ships, think of these marine vehicles as floating resorts, hotels, or even a small village.

Any job that is needed to keep a remote town running will be found on a ship.

Jobs Available on Cruise Ships

So exactly what jobs are available on cruise ships?

Ship Jobs by Rank (Stripes)

Crew members are split into three categories/ranks: officer (highest), staff, and crew (lowest).

The jobs that come with these ranks reflect the amount of education and experience needed to fulfill these roles.

Here’s an example list of shipboard positions in each rank:

• Officer: Captain, chief officer, safety officer
• Staff: Entertainer, activity staff, youth staff, sports staff, shore excursion, future cruise sales, guest service officer
• Crew: Stateroom attendant, cleaner, restaurant host, bartender

Ship Jobs by Department

Positions on ships are also categorized into three general departments: hotel/entertainment, marine/technical, and crew services.

The hotel department can be seen as the ship’s front-of-the-house, or more guest-facing services.

The marine and technical departments are mostly behind the scenes and their purpose is to safety navigate the ship to each destination.

Crew services are just a few members onboard who provide assistance to crew members such as HR and admin positions.

• Entertainment
• Food and Beverage
• Guest Activities
• Guest Relations
• Hotel Management
• Housekeeping
• Information Technologies (IT)
• Onboard Marketing
• Sales/ Future Cruise
• Shore Excursions
• Security and Safety
• Administration
• Human Resources

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle | Work + Travel (@wandereatwrite)

Step 4: Get to Know the Different Cruise Lines

Doing as much research about the cruise industry will help prepare you when you finally get a contract offer.

The more you know and the earlier you know it, the easier it will be to adjust once onboard and the fewer surprises you’ll run into.

One of the most important things I found after working on ships that most people don’t think about is that each cruise line has its own reputation and serves a different demographic– and these things can affect your experience as a crew member.

For example, Virgin and Royal Caribbean are often considered the best cruise lines to work for among crew members.

Regarding guest demographics, Carnival offers many budget-friendly cruises that can attract a rowdier crowd, especially the shorter the itinerary is.

Similarly, any affordable family-friendly cruise line (Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian) means you’ll have to deal with upwards of a thousand children onboard during high season.

Working for a luxury cruise line like Silversea or an adults-only line such as Virgin might relieve you of kids running amok, but these cruises also mean you may get an older/elderly demographic that’s more entitled or demanding.

Regarding itineraries, smaller ships typically have better options because smaller ports can accommodate their size.

As a crew member on these ships, you’ll be able to visit more unique ports of call.

However, smaller cruise lines mean fewer crew positions.

Mega cruise ships on the other hand offer a better chance at employment, but their itineraries may be limited to only larger ports.

While you don’t usually have much of a choice when it comes to which cruise line that hires you, these factors are something to keep in mind.

Step 5: Tailor Your Resume

While you may be tempted to send the same resume you have saved on your computer to every cruise ship job posting– don’t.

As a former hiring manager, I can tell you that many– if not all– of these application programs automatically filter out resumes and CVs that don’t match basic requirements or keywords.

This means that if your resume/CV doesn’t include certain words or phrases, a human hiring manager will never see your application.

So make sure you do the following before you send off your resume:

• Read the job description and take note of key phrases and requirements
• Incorporate these words into your resume
• Make sure you show that you meet the requirements in your resume

Some other general resume tips:

• Name the file something simple and professional that makes sense (ex: John Smith Resume)
• Don’t write in paragraphs; use bullet points
• Keep the resume as short as possible (2 pages max)
• Edit for grammar and spelling

Step 6: Apply (and Where to Apply)

There are generally four ways to apply for jobs on cruise ships: either directly on the company’s career page, through recruiters, via contracting companies for certain positions, or on cruise job boards.

Applying Directly to Cruise Lines

Here’s a list of the main cruise lines and their hiring pages for onboard positions:

• Holland America
• Regent Seven Seas
• Royal Caribbean
• Virgin Voyages

Applying Through Recruiters & Hiring Partners

Recruitment companies and authorized hiring partners are probably the best way to get a job working on cruise ships.

I never head back about my application when I applied directly on the cruise line’s hiring pages, but ended up with my first ship contract due to a recruiter.

Recruitment companies have the time and resources to place you, and often there are recruiters hired specifically to work with your nationality.

Be Aware of Scam Recruiters

However, be aware that scam recruiters are, unfortunately, rampant.

If you are contacted by a recruitment agency, do your best to ensure that they are legitimate.

A real hiring manager or recruiter will NEVER ask you to pay to apply for a position.

You can also find a list of each cruise line’s official and authorized hiring partners at the bottom of their career’s page.

List of Recruitment Companies for Cruise Ship Jobs

Here’s a list of hiring agencies across the globe:

Carnival UK

Caribbean Cruise Careers

Consortio Recruitment Group

Costa Crociere

Crew & Cruise

Carnival Support Services India (CSSI)

CTI Group Worldwide

Cruise Academy UK

Excite Recruitment

Faststream Recruitment

Get Onboard

Hermes Recruitment

ISMIRA Recruitment

Job Cruise Ship

Jobs on a Ship

Jonica Marine Service

Jose maria Candina, S.L.U.

Karen Maybury Creative Connections

KG International

Kings Recruit

Kouzon Corporation

Loreley Crew Agency

Magsaysay Careers

M Recruitment

Marina Crewing Agency

Maris Recruitment

Mexicrew Maritime Services

Navis Consulting

Nimbus Marine Services

Northern Marine Manning Services

Oceanic Services

Odyssey International

Onboard MCG

Onur Sezgen Recruitment

Oseanz Recruitment

People Conquest

Pro Sea Staff

Recruiters Overseas

The Seven Seas Group

Singa Ship Management

Unicrew Management

VIS Recruit

World of Seamen Group

List of Authorized Hiring Partners for Cruise Lines

Below is a list of the authorized hiring partners for the main cruise lines.

Click on the link, then look for the hiring partner for your country of citizenship.

Clicking the “+” will show you which nationalities the linking hiring partners cover.

India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philipines, UK, USA

Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Montenegro, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, St. Lucia, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom and Ireland, Vietnam

Africa, Caribbean, Central & South America, China, Colombia, Eastern Europe/ Western Europe/ United Kingdom/ Canada/ United States, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Middle East, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Philippines, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand

Argentina, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Gambia, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Latvia, Lithuania, Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, St. Maarten, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, UAE, UK, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Zimbabwe

Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Ukraine

Applying Through Contracting Companies

Some onboard positions are handled through companies hired by the cruise line. 

This is usually the case for the retail, spa, and entertainment employees.

Here’s a list of these contractors (also referred to as “concessions”) and their headquarters:

Park West Gallery

Carnival Corporation Casino Division

Wilhelmsen Group

• Blackburn International Entertainment Agency
• Royal Court Theatre Company
• Carnival Entertainment
• Landau Music
• PEEL Talent
• Lime Music Entertainment
• Live Business
• Mester Music
• Proship Entertainment
• Rising Stars Talent Agency
• Rossetti Entertainment Group
• Sonic Artistes
• Suman Entertainment Group
• The Agency Excellent Entertainment

The Apollo Group

Onboard Media

• Carnival Medical

The Ship’s Photographer

• Harding Brothers
• Starboard Cruise Services
• London Wellness Academy
• One Spa World

Applying Through Cruise Ship Job Boards

There are job boards similar to Indeed that are specifically for the cruise industry.

Here, companies and recruiters will post vacancies so that you can find openings in one central location.

This is how I eventually got in touch with a recruiter (I had no idea about her recruiting company; never head of it before I saw the job positing) and eventually ended up onboard with Royal Caribbean.

These are the top cruise ship job boards:

All Cruise Jobs

Cruise Ship Jobs

Step 7: Ace the Interview

Most interviews will be conducted virtually, either via video (Zoom or Skype) or phone.

Be prepared to show you’ve researched life as a crew member and your prospective position.

You’ll also be asked questions that demonstrate your personality and professionalism.

While challenging, the questions asked in the interview are pretty standard and shouldn’t be anything surprising.

Some additional interview tips:

• Test your tech (audio, video, internet connection) before your interview
• Triple-check your scheduled interview time and time zone
• Be in a quiet room with an appropriate background if on video
• Dress as if you’re going to an in-person interview if on video

Step 8: Check E-Mail Regularly for Offer of Employment

Don’t forget your spam folder!

After your interview, keep a close watch on your email so you don’t accidentally miss your offer of employment.

When you do receive one, be sure to respond as soon as possible.

If you wait too long, you could lose the offer.

Step 9: Onboarding

After you have your offer, your hiring manager will take you through the onboarding process.

This may include getting/submitting the following documents:

• C1/D visa if you’re not Canadian or American and have a port in the U.S.
• Valid passport
• Medical exam
• Background check

They should also send you a basic uniform list that will let you know what you need to come onboard with and what will be provided or purchased by you once you get on the ship.

If you need more insight about what to bring, you can also check out my post about what to pack for working on cruise ships .

The onboarding process can be quick for some and drag on for others– be prepared for anything!

If you haven’t heard back from your hiring manager after a couple of weeks of getting your contract offer, make sure to get in touch with them to guarantee you don’t fall through the cracks.

This happens on occasion, unfortunately, so be the proverbial (professional and friendly) squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

Step 10: Bon Voyage!

The last and final step to becoming a cruise ship crew member is receiving your official contract.

This will tell you your ship assignment, dates, and travel information to join the ship.

All that’s left is packing, saying your goodbyes, and getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

FAQ: How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship

Is it hard to get a job on a cruise ship.

Cruise ship jobs are pretty competitive, so it may take some time before you get an offer of employment from a cruise line.

In order to give yourself the best chance possible at getting your application seen, be sure to follow all the steps and tips listed in this article.

What qualifications do you need to work on cruise ships?

Some basic qualifications required to work on cruise ships include:

• Typically between ages 18-50
• Language fluency
• Pass a medical exam
• Pass a criminal background check
• Job specific qualifications

How much do cruise ship jobs pay?

Cruise ship job salaries depend on your position.

For those of us in highly developed countries such as the United States, UK, and Australia, cruise ship jobs pay significantly less than minimum wage in our home cities.

For example, the minimum wage in my home city of San Francisco, California in 2019 was $15.59 an hour.

When I worked for Royal Caribbean in 2019 as a Youth Staff/Counselor, I was paid $2150 per month (before taxes).

With no days off, this broke down to approximately $77 per day.

If I worked an atypical 14-hour day during high season, this meant I earned $5.50/hour.

If I worked a shorter 8-hour day, this meant I earned $9.60/hour.

My position on ships was mid-tier (staff), so my pay wasn’t the lowest, but it was also far from the highest (Captain, officer, cruise director, etc.)

Generally speaking, a salary earned on cruise ships will go further in developing and less developed countries.

Keep in mind though that while onboard, crew members rarely have any bills as the following are covered during their contract:

• Accommodation
• Meals on ship

Also, for most crew members, the mandatory vacation time between contracts (6-8 weeks) is unpaid.

Can I work on a ship with no experience?

Yes, it is possible to work on ships with no experience.

But just keep in mind that these positions are the most competitive because of the low barrier to entry.

These positions are also typically the lowest paid jobs on board yet the most physically demanding.

Some of these ship jobs include:

• Laundry assistant

Final Thoughts: How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship

The process of getting a job on a cruise ship isn’t so straightforward if you don’t know the process, but I hope these tips and tricks help!

Remember to be patient and diligent.

While it may take several months or even years for some– those who do put enough effort into getting a job working on ships eventually make it.

Wishing you fair winds and following seas ⚓️

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Michelle is a freelance writer who has traveled to all seven continents and 60+ countries through various forms of employment. Over the last ten years, she’s worked as an ESL teacher in Japan, a youth counselor aboard cruise ships, and a hospitality manager in Antarctica.

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What Working on Cruise Ships is Really Like: Pros & Cons

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Basic Requirements for Working on Cruise Ships

While specific position requirements and experience depend on the job you are interested in, there are some other essential requirements that all employees must meet to be able to work onboard a cruise ship.

• Be at least 21 years old . Sometimes candidates aged over 18 years are accepted for certain positions (e.g. childcare). This varies by cruise line so check on each cruise line’s careers website or job adverts here on All Cruise Jobs.
• Hold a valid passport
• Only US citizens and Green Card holders may work on US-flagged vessels;
• Cruise lines with ships sailing European rivers employ mostly EU citizens;
• If your ship embarks in a US port you will need the C-1/D visa. You will usually apply for the visa after you get a job offer.
• Meet the language requirements relevant to your position. English is required by most cruise lines. Employees in passenger-facing positions on-board ships with international passengers may be required to be fluent in other languages, e.g. German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, etc.
• Pass a medical examination by the cruise line or have an ENG1 or an ML5 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea.
• Have a valid STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) certificate (this is required for most employees and crew working on-board cruise ships). In some instances you will get an opportunity to take the training after you join your ship. However, candidates who already have valid STCW certificates are usually prioritised.

Cruise companies and recruiters are used to employing staff from all over the world. They know how to obtain the necessary visas and work permits and they will assist you and guide you through the process once they have offered you a job and you have accepted it.

Cruise Ship Jobs

• Housekeeping Jobs (87)
• Galley Jobs (279)
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• Provisions Jobs (12)
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• Retail Jobs (48)
• Spa & Beauty Jobs (39)
• Child Care Jobs (14)
• Entertainment Jobs (130)
• Photography Jobs (16)
• Shore Excursions Jobs (38)
• Medical Jobs (20)
• Sport & Fitness Jobs (22)
• Casino Jobs (15)
• IT Jobs (11)
• Management Jobs (48)
• Administration Jobs (45)
• Land Based Jobs (43)
• Other Cruise Jobs (58)
• Private Estate Jobs (3)

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The Definitive Guide: How To Become A Cruise Ship Worker

• The Definitive Guides

What is a Cruise Ship Worker?

Key cruise ship worker qualifications, vital cruise ship worker skills.

• What is a Cruise Ship Worker's Salary?

How To Become a Cruise Ship Worker

How to develop cruise ship worker career, career opportunities, ah, working on a cruise ship ; it can seem like the ultimate dream for many. but while it’s a rewarding career – both socially and in terms of progression – it’s certainly hard work, too..

If you’ve pictured yourself in a role on a cruise ship, you might have imagined that you’ll have plenty of free time to sun yourself and indulge in on-board extra-curricular activities. The reality is that you’ll have little spare time and you’ll be on your feet for many of your working days. But don’t let that put you off; some of the UK’s top celebs have enjoyed their first taste of success and fame on a cruise ship. Fancy joining the popular industry, too? Read our handy guide, which we’ve compiled with you in mind. In it, we’ve packed loads of useful hints and tips for anyone looking to make their mark onboard a luxury ship. Read on…

So what exactly is Cruise Ship Work – and what exactly does it entail?

Job description.

Floating resorts, cruise ships offer everything from cocktail bars and clubs, to swimming pools and shops. Of course, a holiday aboard a cruise ship is one thing – all fun, laughter and games – while the reality of working on-board a ship isn’t exactly that. Good customer service skills are key for anyone working on a cruise ship. After all, most of the people travelling with you will be on a holiday. Often on a long-awaited one at that. If you love to travel, a cruise ship job is the ideal one for you. It gives you the chance to see the world while receiving a steady wage. Cruise ship jobs aren’t just about singing and dancing, though; there’s well over 250 different roles you could apply for on most large ships. So which one’s for you – and what can you expect to be doing? You could be doing any of the following:

• Singing, dancing and entertaining
• Serving food and drinks
• Working in the retail arm of the ship
• Making up bedrooms
• Helping people board

Of course, those are the more common roles on board a ship and there are plenty more to choose from. The really great thing about working on a cruise ship is the friendships you can make. Travelling around the country and meeting a diverse group of people gives you an opportunity to strike up some great relationships while developing your skillset and learning new things.

Hours of Work

Unlike your standard hospitality role on dry land, cruise ship work comes with its own set of hours and rules. Varying dramatically from job to job, hours can be long with few breaks in between. Some entertainment-based roles will require you to work five hours a day, while others up to seven. Those working on the reception or guest service team are hit the hardest when it comes to hours, with anything from eight to 12 hours being normal. Bar staff , meanwhile, might find themselves working up to 16 hours, with cabin and cleaning staff being designated a set number of rooms to clean. They may be cleaning a few times a day, too, and will be assigned certain areas of the ship to scrub up as well. If you decide a role in the security team on a cruise ship is the one for you, be prepared to work 24-hour shifts. Not big on travelling? A cruise ship job won’t be the one for you, but if you love to get away you’ll like the fact that you’ll have the odd day off to explore various cities around the world. The average cruise ship team member will work a 10-hour day, with staff expected to put their all into what they’re doing at all times.

Main Responsibilities

So, what will be your main responsibilities when working on a cruise ship? Of course, these will vary depending on the role you take on. As we’ve already discussed, cruise ships offer a wide variety of employment opportunities. Bar staff, retail clerks and youth coordinators will each have a different set of priorities and responsibilities, but again, good customer service skills are key. As an example, the role of the waiter or barman aboard a cruise ship will come with a similar set of responsibilities as a bar staff on dry land. These will include:

• Serving drinks and bar snacks
• A can-do attitude and willingness to work as part of a team
• Good communication skills

So, what qualifications do you need to be a Cruise Ship Worker ?

By now you’re probably dreaming of applying for a role on a cruise ship. But while some roles require that you have a fairly solid set of professional skills, others are entry level positions which are ideal for anyone looking to get their foot on the ladder. Want to be considered for a role onboard a cruise ship? Work out which job(s) you’d like to apply for and see if any of your current skillset applies to them. Now, simply read through the various job requirements and tailor your application accordingly. As with many roles in hospitality industries like this, competition will be quite high. Keep in mind that you’ll need to stand out amongst your competition and consider how you might do this. Do you have any official qualifications perhaps? Or maybe you have some firm experience in your chosen area of work? Think carefully about previous experience and how it might apply to the job you’re hoping to apply for. Cruise ships offer roles for hair stylists and beauty therapists , too, so consider training in one of these two areas first if a career in that field excites you. Get a job on a cruise ship and you may well be sorted for life; cruise ships also like to take on returnees, due to the fact that they know the person in question and can be sure they’ll do a good job. Think about this as a person new to the industry; you really have to stand out against a lot of competition. Consider how you might make your application unique and then put your all into it before sending it off.

What kind of skills will you need to do well on a cruise ship? Here are quite a few that will certainly stand you in good stead:

• Great communication skills
• Fluency in a second European language, including French and Spanish, for example
• The ability to work well in a team
• The ability to stay calm under pressure
• A willingness to succeed in a competitive industry

What is a Cruise Ship Worker Salary?

Have you decided that a role on a cruise ship is definitely for you perhaps you’re wondering about salary, then.

In terms of the wages you’ll take home at the end of a working month, this varies from role to role. It’s also worth noting that some cruise ship companies pay considerably more than others, so make sure you do plenty of research before you apply for a position. After all, you will have to look after yourself financially while you’re away, so any extra funds will come in handy. That said, a lot of people who work on cruise ships will save the money they earn as expenses are very low. On top of that, the room you stay in will be provided free of charge too, with a benefits package that includes everything from dental and medical insurance to holiday time with family, and profit sharing plans.

Are you a people person? If so, then a cruise ship job will be the perfect route for you to go down. Students, career-changers and retirees will also seek out roles like this in a bid to shake up their working life.

The good news is that cruise ships are always looking for people with relevant experience, particularly in the hospitality industry. So, if you’ve worked in a bar, restaurant, casino or beauty salon, you’ll have a great chance of succeeding. Anyone looking to embark on a career as an entertainer on a cruise ship will need relevant experience in the industry. You can’t simply apply for a role as a dancer, for example, without a list of similar roles on your CV. Those onboard the cruise ship are looking for a good time; they definitely won’t want to see half-hearted dancers and singers who can’t keep up with the rest of the troupe!

By now you’ll have worked out that the roles available onboard a cruise ship are diverse. But as there are so many roles, there will most certainly be one for you.

Think about what you’re skilled in and consider how it might apply to a role aboard a ship like this. In terms of progression, this all depends on the type of role you take on. But successful cruise ship entertainers have gone on to become huge TV stars in their own right, with some famous television actresses and actors also beginning their working life in this way.

Is it about time you got ‘onboard’ with a role in this industry?

You can find some of the best cruise ship worker roles with some cracking brands like Butlins , Haven Holidays , Thomas Cook and many more.

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Onboard Employment FAQ

Are you interested in joining the thousands of worldwide employees who are proud to be part of the Princess Cruises family? We are committed to being an employer of choice and understand that our Consummate Hosts need to be supported, empowered, and recognized.

We also understand that working at sea can be a challenging new opportunity. Here are answers to some essential questions you might have when considering cruise ship employment.

• What are the requirements to work onboard?

What is a C1/D visa?

How do i get a medical certificate, which ship will i be assigned to, how do i get to and from the ship i am assigned to, do i need travel insurance, how long will i be onboard, can i get off and go home during the contract, will i have my own room, what is the power voltage in my cabin, can i drink alcohol onboard, is there a drug policy, is there a curfew, can i bring a family member or friend onboard, will i have access to guest areas and amenities during my time off, once onboard, how do i stay in touch with my friends and family back home, can i have mail delivered to the ship, is there an atm onboard to use, will i have to pay taxes, can i send money home from onboard, how do i pay for items onboard, how do i do laundry, what if i miss the ship in port, what happens if i get sick while working onboard, can i visit the ports while working onboard, how do i apply to work onboard, what are the requirements for onboard employment.

While specific position requirements depend on the job you are interested in, there are some essential requirements that all crew must meet to work onboard:

• Be 21 years of age or older
• Be able to pass a criminal background check
• Hold a valid passport
• Have a US C1/D visa (if you are not a Canadian or US citizen/resident)
• Have a Princess-specific pre-employment medical exam certificate
• Meet the English fluency requirements relevant to your position

Also known as a seaman's visa, some nationalities need this to work onboard a ship and travel to certain countries. This visa normally lasts between two and five years. You will be required to make an appointment at your nearest US Embassy to gain this visa; all paperwork for the appointment will be supplied by your manning agency.

This extensive examination is at the employee's expense and can be conducted through one of Princess's recommended medical facilities—you'll be advised which one is closest to you. Once this is completed and approved by our corporate Medical department, you are cleared to travel and work onboard.

Shipboard employees are scheduled to vessels based on operational need. This means you could be assigned to any one of our vessels in the fleet depending on where a position is open at the time you are travel-ready. After your first assignment, we will be able to provide details about the next assignment after your leave period.

At the beginning of each contract Princess Cruises will provide flights from your designated airport to your assigned ship. At the completion of your contract, Princess will arrange for your travel back home as well. It is your responsibility to get to the airport from your home, but from there we will provide any necessary accommodations and/or transportation to and from the ship.

While you are covered medically in Los Angeles and onboard the vessel, we suggest you purchase basic travel insurance to cover the cost of lost luggage or injuries that could result from shoreside activities.

Contract lengths vary by position but range between four and ten months. After each contract you will receive approximately 60 days of vacation before your next assignment. Your daily work schedule while onboard will depend on your particular position, but you can expect to work seven days a week and anywhere between 10-13 hours per day.

Time off during the contract is not permitted. In case of family emergencies, Princess Cruises does understand that additional time at home may be needed and does accommodate these requests on a case-by-case basis.

Accommodations vary depending on the ship and position. Those in non-management positions generally share a cabin with one to three other roommates whereas those in most management positions are entitled to a single cabin. Cabins include a storage space, TV, and DVD player.

All vessels have 120v US power and some vessels also have 220v European power.

Yes, alcohol is available for purchase during time off. However, Princess Cruises has a strict alcohol limit and at no time can a crew member be intoxicated.

Princess has a zero-tolerance drug policy. All crew are subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug testing. Violation of these policies will result in termination.

There is no set curfew. However, crew who are out late should be respectful of other crew members and guests nearby.

Crew members who meet specific length-of-service criteria have the option of requesting "relatives travel," a benefit that allows family members to sail onboard for a limited period of time. Some restrictions may apply.

While some officer-level positions do allow restricted access to guest areas, most facilities are for guests only. However, we have a variety of crew-only facilities, such as a crew pool, whirlpool, gym, bar, and  Crew Club, which is a communal room where you can gather to watch movies, play games, sing karaoke, and much more!

Postal mail services are available while onboard. You will also have access to computers in the crew training areas. Wi-fi Internet is also available in the crew areas if you choose to bring your own laptop or tablet. Princess offers discounted rates for phone and Internet cards so you can stay in touch with those at home. But remember that satellite capabilities are sometimes limited while the ship is at sea.

You will be provided with mailing addresses for ports where mail can best be delivered.

There is an ATM in the guest areas; an ATM charge will apply. You can also cash checks in the Crew Office onboard to get cash.

US citizens will have federal taxes automatically deducted and may be required to pay state taxes, if applicable. All other nationalities are responsible for filing their own tax forms upon returning to their home countries (as they are self-employed).

You can wire money via the Crew Purser's office. Details are available onboard and rates may vary.

You will be provided with a bar account number, which is your personal number for the duration of your contract onboard each ship. As the entire vessel is cashless, even for guests, you will provide your account number at the bars, salon, and shops in guest areas. In the Crew Bar you can purchase a CrewCard and add money onto it for purchases. At the end of every month you will be required to settle your account.

There are crew laundry facilities where the washers and dryers are free of charge—you just provide the soap. You can also use the dry cleaning onboard, but there is a nominal cost.

Crew members who miss the ship should contact the ship's Agent who will be at the port (the address and phone number are always in the Princess Patter, a daily newsletter for our guests). The Port Agent will arrange transportation to the ship's next port of call. However, it is the responsibility of crew to pay these transportation costs. Crew may be disciplined for the offense and could be terminated. Depending on the port all crew members are required to be back onboard half an hour to an hour prior to sailing time.

While onboard, all crew are medically covered and can visit the Medical Clinic for health concerns. If you need to be medically disembarked during your contract, Princess will provide transportation to a land-based medical facility and repatriate you back home.

If you are not scheduled to work during the time the ship is in port, you can disembark the ship with your supervisor’s approval. Occasionally, there are crew-specific activities or tours to participate in.

Safety requirements dictate that a certain number of crew members be present on each vessel at all times. As such, there may occasionally be times when, although not scheduled to work, you will be required to remain onboard while the ship is in port.

Princess Cruises recruits globally through authorized hiring partners.  Find a hiring partner located near you.

Once you contact the authorized hiring partner, you can get answers to questions regarding the application process and which positions are currently open in your region.

FinanceBuzz

15 Incredible Cruise Ship Jobs (Get Paid To Travel!)

Posted: October 16, 2023 | Last updated: October 16, 2023

Traveling the world while getting paid to do it might sound like a dream, but it can be a reality if you take a job on a cruise ship.

Of course, this type of work isn’t for everyone — the hours can be long, and it may mean a lot of time away from home. But there are plenty of benefits as well.

If working for a cruise line sounds ideal, there are plenty of career opportunities on board. Here are 15 jobs that can help  boost your bank account  as you travel the world.

Editor's note:  All salary figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Activities coordinator

Even short cruises are packed with activities for travelers to engage in. Among other things, you'll find games, happy hours and live music.

An activities coordinator is similar to an event planner. In this role, you oversee things like recreation on board and coordinating shore excursion activities. The BLS does not offer wage information for this position.

If you want to start traveling more — and get paid to do it — this can be a good role to consider.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

It’s no secret that people on cruises like to drink. Many cruise lines offer a food and alcohol package as part of the booking process.

The amount of money you can make working as a bartender on a cruise ship varies greatly, depending on whether guests are expected to tip. But the average salary for bartenders is $29,380 annually.

Casino dealer

Working as a dealer at a cruise casino can be an exciting gig. These workers may oversee poker, blackjack, roulette, and more games.

Gambling service workers make $31,290 a year. However, as with tending bar, the actual wages for casino workers on a cruise can vary.

Many cruise ships have cafeterias and restaurants for when guests are in the mood for fine dining.

Cruise ship chefs may be involved in cooking and planning menus for guests and staff. Chefs or head cooks make $56,520 on average annually.

Deckhands help maintain the cruise ship. They may be involved in keeping these massive ships running, including cleaning and maintaining equipment, loading cargo, and getting passengers safely on board.

The experience required to work as a deckhand can vary greatly depending on the job description. The BLS does not offer salary information for this position.

Entertainer

Cruise lines hire all sorts of entertainers, from dancers to cover bands and magicians.

Working on a cruise ship can be a great way to hone and improve your craft or even take it in a different direction. The average wage for entertainers and performers is $29.67 an hour, which equates to about $61,713 annually.

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Entertainment director

Cruise ships also need people to manage their entertainers, particularly if the ship has a lot of shows and performances scheduled.

Entertainment directors may be involved in scheduling staff, planning performances, and doing administrative work. The average salary for entertainment/recreation managers is $67,220 annually.

Fitness instructor

Many cruise ships also offer various fitness classes, including yoga, Zumba, spin, and more.

For qualified instructors, this can be a great way to stay healthy, make money, and travel the world all at the same time. The average fitness instructor makes $45,380 annually.

Hair/makeup artist

On cruise ships, hair and makeup artists may work in spas, providing services to guests looking to get pampered while on board, and may be needed to work with the ship’s performers.

The BLS groups barbers, hairstyles, and cosmetologists together and states an average of $33,400 annual salary for these workers.

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Hotel director

Since a cruise ship is essentially a floating hotel, many employees with experience working in hospitality are needed.

Hotel directors ensure that guests are comfortable and enjoy their experience. They may also be involved in planning and coordinating cruise activities.

The average salary for lodging managers is $61,910 annually.

Some cruise ships also hire nurses to provide care to passengers and cruise staff.

The amount of money nurses make on average usually depends on the type of nurse. Registered nurses (RNs) make $81,220 annually. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) make $54,620 a year.

Massage therapist

Many cruise passengers opt to take advantage of spa services. Massage therapists may work in a spa or travel to guests’ rooms with their equipment to provide massages.

Licensed massage therapists make just under $49,860 annually on average.

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Cruise ships also frequently employ security staff to ensure the safety of guests and crew members. These workers may patrol the ship regularly and respond to any issues that come up.

The average salary for security guards is $33,030 annually.

Eating often and well is a big draw for many cruise passengers. Ships often have several restaurants on board and employ experienced servers to staff them.

Pay for these workers can vary, depending on the cruise line’s tipping policy. The average salary for a server in the U.S. is $29,120 annually.

Sales associate

Part of the beauty of the typical cruise ship is that it’s kind of like a floating mall, filled with gift shops and retail stores galore. Ships often need many sales associates to staff these stores.

Again, depending on the cruise line and the job, the pay for these gigs may vary. However, BLS data puts the average salary for a retail sales worker at $30,750 annually.

That’s not huge money, but perhaps it's enough for students to get ahead financially during breaks between school years.

Bottom line

Working as a cruise crew member is certainly not for everyone — lodging for staff can be cramped, days can be long, and you might be away from home for weeks at a time.

But for those looking to tap into a new source of income as they travel, it just may be a win-win situation.

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• 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
• 12 legit ways to earn extra cash .
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Can a cruise ship leave without you?

Let me tell you about the cruise passenger phenomenon of "pier runners." These are folks who are in a port, enjoying the beach, off shopping or otherwise engaged — popular watering holes such as Margaritaville and Senor Frogs are often involved — and lose track of time. If they're lucky and realize they're late, they frantically run back to their ship before it heads to the next port. If they aren't lucky, the gangway is already up, and the cruise ship leaves without them.

These sad sacks make for great drama on social media. Search "pier runners," and you'll get the drift.

You don't want to join their lot. A cruise ship can leave without you — and if that happens, it will cost you a bundle. Here are ways to avoid being left behind and what to do if you are.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

How to ensure your ship doesn't leave you

Set your watch to ship time.

Lesson one: Read your daily newsletter (delivered to your cabin or detailed on your cruise line's app), and understand any nuances regarding ship time versus what time it is on shore. When you leave your ship at a port of call, make sure your watch or smartphone is set to ship time.

Know when 'all aboard' is

Your ship will set an "all aboard" time, when everyone is expected to be back on board. This is different from the sail-away time, which is usually about half an hour later. It is, however, when the crew starts to pull in the gangways, preventing stragglers from boarding the ship.

That does not mean you should show up at your ship precisely at the all-aboard time. Smart cruisers aim to be back at least an hour before the set time, just in case they encounter traffic delays or any other issues returning to the pier. (If you wander far, add in extra time.)

Related: 6 ways you can ruin your cruise in an instant

The time that you will be expected to be back on board will be posted in the daily schedule, along with a phone number to call in case of an emergency. It's a good idea to snap a photo of that information. The cruise director also will make announcements — and a sign will be posted as you disembark the ship — noting the "all aboard" time.

Since it's easy to space out on the beach or get caught up in bargaining for a treasured souvenir, you are best off setting an alarm on your phone to alert you that it's time to head back to the ship. Keep in mind that there is no glory in being the last person back on board.

Book a ship-sponsored shore excursion

If you are exploring on a ship-sponsored shore excursion and it's running late, don't worry. If you purchase a tour through the cruise line, you are guaranteed that the ship will wait if the tour bus is not back by the all-aboard time.

It's a matter of numbers. The ship does not want to leave dozens of passengers stranded in port, through no fault of their own, and have to pay to get them to the next port of call.

Related: Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Plan for independent tours to end early

If you book a tour through an independent tour company, you don't have the same guarantee that the ship will wait. That said, established tour operators know ship times and are generally careful to get you back early. Again, if a bunch of other passengers also booked the same tour, you can worry less about the ship being there when you get back to the pier.

Some operators guarantee that you will arrive at the ship on time or they will pay for you to get to the next port of call. When making reservations with an independent operator, it's a good idea to look for such guarantees and read customer comments online. Consider any comments about rushing back to the ship as red flags.

If you're arranging a customized private tour, make sure you communicate to your guide that you need to be back at the pier well before all-aboard time. That buffer time will serve you well if you run into unexpected delays.

The same consideration applies if you snag a last-minute tour deal at the pier. When you disembark your ship at a port of call, you might be barraged with offers from independent guides, taxi drivers, jitney drivers, rickshaw operators and others offering to show you the town and beyond. Before agreeing to a tour, make sure you understand how far you are going from the pier, and make sure your guide understands "ship time" and what time you want to be back.

What to do if you miss your ship (or think you might)

If you're late, alert the ship.

Every time you board or leave the ship, you'll scan your keycard or RFID device at the gangway. That's so the security crew knows who is on or off the ship. On really small ships, there might be a manual peg board instead, where you move the peg to red to indicate you are off and green to show that you are on board.

As the all-aboard time nears, the ship's security staff will monitor who has yet to return to the ship.

If you know you're running late, call the number you recorded from your newsletter or the cruise line's 24/7 number and ask to send a message to the ship. That way, someone will know you're on your way back.

Related: What happens if you miss your cruise?

As the ship's all-aboard time approaches or passes, guest services will try to locate you on board by calling your cabin. An announcement with your name will be made on the ship's public-address system, asking you to notify guest services if you are on the ship. If there is no response, your name will be called again, this time using the ship's emergency announcement system, which the whole ship hears (meaning your situation is now disturbing any of your shipmates who are in their cabins napping).

If your mobile number is in your guest record, a crew member might try to call you directly.

At the same time, security personnel could be dispatched to search for wayward passengers in the area near the port. They know where to look. (Hello, Senor Frogs.)

Find a port agent

A cruise ship will leave passengers behind on shore if they arrive back at the ship too late, but the ship staff has procedures in place to help you.

If you are not on the ship and the departure time is drawing near, a security officer may enter your cabin and open your safe to locate your passport, driver's license, credit cards or any other important stuff you have left there. They'll also collect your medication and any other necessities you will need because the ship is about to strand you on shore, and you will need to make your own way home.

Related: What documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here's what to take

If you are a pier runner and there is still a gangway open when you get to the ship, everything will be returned, you'll be chastised, and your saga will end there. Otherwise, your passport and other important items will be handed over to a port official, who will wait for you to finally show up at the pier.

If you arrive back at the pier only to see your ship sailing away, find the port agent. If he or she has your passport, that's a good thing. You will need your passport to fly to the ship's next destination or home (your choice). If your passport has not been handed off to the port agent, you will have to contact your home country's embassy or consulate for assistance.

Make plans to rejoin the ship or to head home

You've missed the ship. You've found the port agent. Now, the "fun" begins. Hopefully, you're not too close to the limit on your credit cards because you're going to need them. While the port agent might help make your arrangements, it's entirely your responsibility to pay any related travel expenses.

Considering last-minute airfares and possibly the need to stay at a hotel before your flight, it's going to cost you a bundle to get back to your ship or head home. If you decide to end your vacation, you will have to pay the cruise line to ship the rest of your belongings home, as well. Don't expect any reimbursement for missed days on the ship, either.

Related: Cruise travel insurance: What it covers and why you need it

Why do ships leave passengers behind?

The captain makes the decision to leave based on port regulations, schedules and other factors. For instance, the cruise line has paid expensive docking fees and does not want to pay overcharges that kick in when a ship is late leaving the pier. Higher fuel charges can also be involved if your ship has to race to the next port of call due to a late departure. The cruise line is not going to let your mistake cost the company big bucks.

It's important to remember that you are only one of hundreds or thousands of guests, and cruise ships have rules and schedules to follow.

Pier runners tend to look ridiculous — running, shouting, signaling with their arms as the ship's horn blares its departure. You don't want to be the laughingstock of your cruise ship, but it's still better to run and try to board the ship before it leaves. Missing the vessel will ruin your cruise vacation and cost you lots of money. Follow the strategies listed here so you always get back to the port with plenty of time to spare and avoid being stranded by your cruise ship.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin