Cruise Line Employment Qualifications
Cruise lines hire a wide range of talent from all over the world. Cruise ship jobs vary just as much as the jobs on shore, as cruise ships are floating cities. Cruise lines look to hire people with diverse backgrounds and qualifications. Qualifying for a cruise ship job can be easy if you know what talents they need.
Specialty Jobs
Cruise lines hire many speciality positions. Cruise ships need doctors and nurses in their sick bay. Doctors and nurses usually spend a smaller amount of time at sea than the rest of the crew. Cruise lines also hire licensed massage therapists, aestheticians, maintenance crew, entertainers and administrative staff. All of these jobs usually require either a specialized degree, specialized schooling or job experience.
Casino Jobs
Some cruise lines have onboard casinos. Casinos have positions such as casino manager, pit boss or dealer. Many of these jobs may require special training before you are allowed to work on the cruise ship. Sometimes the cruise line may pay for the training and other times you will be expected to have the training prior to applying for the position. Check the websites of the cruise line to see the qualifications for these positions.
People Jobs
Being a people person will serve you well on a cruise ship. Cruises are in need of greeters, activity coordinators, activity staff and souvenir store clerks. These types of positions may require little previous experience or specialized education. These positions will require you to be outgoing, friendly and easy going. For these jobs, you will work face-to-face with the cruise line passengers ensuring they have a good time on their cruise.
Child Care Jobs
Many cruise lines offer jobs in child care. They may have all day long daycare services that include fun activities for the children. In order to work these kinds of jobs, you may need proof that you have completed child safety courses such as CPR. Other cruise lines may want you to show previous experience and have prior references before hiring you to work for their child care jobs.
Food Service Jobs
A cruise ship is responsible for feeding thousands of people breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Cruise lines hire experienced chefs and kitchen staff to provide top notch food to their customers. Cruise lines also hire wait staff to send the food to the customers and relay items back and forth from the kitchens. Many cruise ships have several restaurants on board. Chef and kitchen staff may be required to have previous experience in a fine dining restaurant.