Employment Opportunities on a Carnival
Cruise Line

In order to operate a fleet of "floating resorts," the employment opportunities on a Carnival Cruise Line are vast and varied. Many of the jobs are similar to the hotel industry, while others are strictly related to the high seas.

Career potential with Carnival Cruise Line.

Founded in 1972 by Ted Arison, Carnival Cruise Lines began with a single ship, named the "Mardi Gras." Today, the Miami-based company is branded under the Carnival Corporation, which sails a total of 83 ships across nine brands worldwide:

• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Holland America Line
• Princess Cruises
• Seabourn Cruise Line
• Cunard Line
• Ocean Village
• AIDA
• Costa Cruises
• P&O Cruises

Carnival Cruise Lines' "Fun Ships" are set to increase by two more once Carnival Dream (2009) and Carnival Magic (2011) join the ranks. The company employs more than 3,000 people on land and 25,000 individuals on board its many ships.

A look at the company's official website suggests that employment opportunities on a Carnival Cruise Line are varied. For example, the job responsibilities of a casino manager may sound familiar, but the experience of life on a cruise ship, entirely unique. Such is the case with most positions on board a ship. You may have considered a career as a chef, but perhaps never thought you would be cooking for others while sailing to the Caribbean.

Daily, life on board a cruise ship can be overwhelming at first, but it also gives you the chance to see the world. When the ship docks at a port of call, you too have time to explore it; and with each new assignment, a new destination awaits.

As for work hours, they are generally longer than a land job, as a ship is operational 24 hours a day. This being said, there's also no commute to deal with, you simply retreat to your room for rest. However, it should be noted that accommodations on some ships are shared and can best be compared to dorm life in college. This is perhaps a reason why the majority of crew members tend to be in their 20s or 30s.

While job opportunities are varied, most outside of engineering focus on passenger needs. A typical cruise ship includes restaurants, a business center, a spa, a gym, an arcade, a casino, gift shops, lounges, a theater, and numerous recreational activities. All these amenities need qualified persons to run them. As a result, in-demand jobs include:

• Shore excursion directors
• Musicians and entertainers
• Bartenders
• Restaurant staff and hosts
• Youth coordinators
• Golf instructors
• Casino dealers
• Retail clerks
• Destination shopping specialists
• Event Photographers
• Medical staff (physician, nurses and nurse practitioners)

As of July 2009 the crew member totals for each Carnival Cruise Line ship stood at:

Splendor Class

• Carnival Splendor: 1,150

Conquest Class

• Carnival Conquest: 1,910
• Carnival Liberty: 1,910
• Carnival Valor: 1,910
• Carnival Glory: 1,210
• Carnival Freedom: 1,150

Spirit Class

• Carnival Spirit: 961
• Carnival Pride: 1,029
• Carnival Legend: 930
• Carnival Miracle: 900

Destiny Class

• Carnival Destiny: 1,050
• Carnival Triumph: 1,100
• Carnival Victory: 1,100

Destiny Fantasy

• Carnival Fantasy: 920
• Carnival Ecstasy: 920
• Carnival Imagination: 920
• Carnival Elation: 920
• Carnival Paradise: 920
• Carnival Sensation: 920
• Carnival Fascination: 920
• Carnival Inspiration: 920

Holiday Class

• Carnival Holiday: 660

If you're interested in learning more about employment opportunities on a Carnival Cruise Line, visit "Fun Jobs" for current openings. For most positions, training is provided, though the company tends to look for applicants with enthusiasm and high energy.

Tip: Remember also that initiative never hurts. If you don't see the particular job you want, consider submitting a resume anyway. Name the job you're interested in and detail your personal qualifications. By doing so, the company will have your name and application on file, should an opportunity arise. With 25,000 jobs to fill, you never know when there will be a new vacancy that's perfect for you.

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