Cruise Ship Job Vacancies

From LoveToKnow Cruises

Finding cruise ship job vacancies can open up a whole new career path for anyone interested in a steady job coupled with extraordinary travel. Applying for cruise ship jobs, however, is not as simple as just filling out an application.

Set sail with a new career today!

About Cruise Ship Jobs

There are dozens of different types of cruise ship jobs available, including everything from highly specialized, demanding professional positions to more low key, entry level vacancies. Depending on the specific cruise ship and its current needs, vacancies may include:

  • Fitness staff, including personal trainers, aerobics instructors, massage therapists, and golf professionals
  • Housekeeping staff for cabin preparation and laundry duties
  • Maintenance professionals, from carpenters and plumbers to electrical and computer engineers
  • Hospitality staff, including port experts, shopping guides, and pursers
  • Entertainers such as DJs, dancers, singers, musicians, comedians, magicians, and theatrical technicians
  • Food service personnel including wait staff, chefs, and bartenders
  • Maritime officers such as navigators and other experienced seamen

Land-Based Jobs

In addition to cruise ship employees based on board the hundreds of vessels afloat today, cruise lines also have an ongoing need for individuals working from land-based offices. These types of jobs may include:

  • Reservations representatives and cruise travel agents
  • Escort staff for airport transfers
  • Shore excursion guides in various ports of call
  • Writers, artists, photographers, web designers, and other personnel to compile promotional materials
  • Marketing professionals with advertising and other related experience

Whatever job you’re looking for in the cruise travel industry, you can find openings suitable for your interests and expertise. How exactly you find those jobs, however, can be a challenge.

Finding Available Jobs

Cruise lines have an ongoing need for employees as contracts end, new ships set sail, and sailing routes are adjusted. There are several ways to find cruise ship job vacancies, including contacting the cruise line you are interested in directly to inquire about available positions. Online job searches, however, are more useful tools and can compile information about openings from several large and small cruise lines simultaneously, giving you a greater chance of finding the position you are interested in. The following online resources offer listings of available jobs on board cruise ships:

Applying for Cruise Ship Job Vacancies

Once you have found the type of job you are interested in, you must apply for the position carefully in order to maximize your chances of being hired. An updated resume is essential, including references from prior employers or individuals who can verify the skills you list on your application. Because many cruise ship employees are expected to perform multiple duties, it is wise to highlight unique skills and talents you have that can be leveraged for additional duties, therefore making you a more valuable employee. Particularly valuable items to highlight include:

  • Fluency in multiple languages
  • Study abroad experiences
  • First aid or CPR certification
  • Customer service work experience
  • Childcare or teaching experience
  • Computer experience
  • Any job experience related to the position you are seeking

Tips for Getting Hired

Contracts can last several months, or even years.

In addition to having a stellar resume geared toward your desired job, there are other things you can do to help make yourself a more desirable employee. Being flexible with the cruise line, ship, and itinerary route you wish to work with is a key attribute – the most desirable lines and routes are often chosen by experienced cruise ship employees, but smaller ships and lesser known routes are a great way to get a feel for the industry and gain valuable experience.

A willingness to commit to a long term contract is also highly desirable because cruise ships prefer to employ persons who can take the time to learn procedures well and will be able to serve the cruise line for an extended period of time. The flexibility to depart immediately is another good attribute because you will be able to fill any short notice openings.


Investigating cruise ship job vacancies can lead to a promising career opportunity in a growing industry for the right individual with a good work ethic and a desire to experience a unique working environment. Whether you are interested in manual labor or a more elite professional position, there is a place on board for you and your job skills.



 


Comments

Marianne, Love to Know is not a affiliated with cruise companies. We do not hire or distribute applications. You need to contact individual cruise companies in order to gain or inquire about employment. Good luck with your job hunt.

-- Contributed by: Michele Wanke

good day. do you have a position of licensed massage therapist? I am CIBTAC licensed Massage therapist. Almost 10 years in experienced. thanks.

warm regards

-- Contributed by: Marianne Lapuz

Justine, Love to Know is not a affiliated with cruise companies. We do not hire or distribute applications. You need to contact individual cruise companies in order to gain or inquire about employment. Good luck with your job hunt.

-- Contributed by: Michele Wanke
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