Find a Job on a Cruise Ship
Opportunities in the Tourism Industry to Travel the World by Sea
Oct 6, 2009
Working in the tourism industry while traveling the world (or even just the Caribbean) by sea and getting paid for it? If this sounds ideal, the following information may be useful in getting started with the process of finding a job on a cruise ship.
Cruise Lines to Research
Check out Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity, among others. Getting started on the cruise ship job search is as simple as checking out the Human Resources/Careers section on a cruise line's website.
Food Service Jobs on Cruise Ships
Wait staff is always in high demand in the travel and tourism. Generally attire in main dining areas is more formal, and wait staff are provided with a standard uniform to wear while serving. In addition to wait staff in one of the ship's restaurant areas, bartenders, hosts, cocktail waiters, cooks, and so on are also needed on a cruise ship.
Working in the Entertainment Division on a Cruise Ship
Performing on a cruise ship can be both fun and exhausting; most of these jobs require an audition in order to secure a position. From singing to dancing to other types of programs, there are opportunities to become a regular performer on a ship. In addition to the cruise lines' own websites, pages such as CruiseShipEntertainment will have more information about how to find a job as an entertainer.
Management Positions on a Cruise Ship
Managing tourist activities as some sort of coordinator is one type of option for those interested in working in an administrative capacity. Activity coordinators and entertainment coordinators are just a couple of examples of the types of positions available.
Managing the ship itself (for example, as a mate or captain) requires education in the maritime field.
Working as an Officer on a Cruise Ship
For U.S. citizens interested in becoming an officer on a ship (and working their way up to captain), it will be necessary to obtain a U.S. Coast Guard license. Most often this is done through education and training at a maritime academy. Canadian residents should research opportunities with the Canadian Merchant Navy, and UK residents should research opportunities with the British Merchant Navy. Many countries that are not landlocked offer the possibility of becoming a merchant mariner and sailing on commercial vessels (including cruise ships).
Working on a cruise ship can be a cool experience, but it requires a desire to travel and the ability to be away from home for extended periods of time. The energy to work with large groups of tourists is also a must. If a job seeker possesses these qualities, the next step is to begin the search for a job with a cruise line in the hospitality, entertainment, or management divisions on a ship.
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