How to Find Employment on Cruise Ships
Living and working aboard a luxurious cruise ship sounds like the best job in the world. True, you will spend your days in a vacation atmosphere and visit exotic ports, but you must also be prepared to work long hours and cope with months away from home. The ships offer a variety of jobs, all of which are geared to serving the thousands of passengers aboard.
- Never pay a third party to have a job searched out for you. The fees are high and their assistance is unnecessary. Instead, apply directly to each cruise line in which you have an interest.
- Be sure that you have the skills needed to do the job for which you are applying. Having employment experience as a member of a motel cleaning staff, for example, would serve as a meaningful background for positions such as a cabin steward or working in the ship's laundry. Restaurant experience in the kitchen, or as a server would qualify you for similar functions on the ship.
- Consider taking a public speaking course. Cruise ship employees, particularly those interacting on a daily basis with passengers, are expected to be outgoing and comfortable dealing with an ever-changing crowd of strangers. Whatever your job on board, you must always display a friendly and positive attitude, so practice your social skills.
- Be prepared for hard work. Most cruise ship employees are on duty from twelve to sixteen hours each day, seven days a week. Expect to be away from home for an extended period. In most cases, the staff stays with the ship for six months at a time.