WORKING AT SEA

WHY NOT...

Are you interested in working abroad, or on board a cruise liner?

We’re often asked about employment on cruise ships so we thought it a good idea to help where we can by getting you started on your to-do list and answering some questions about working on a cruise liner.

Please note in addition to what follows, every cruise liner's criteria when it comes to employment differs somewhat from the next. The following is a condensed high-level introduction to what you can expect.

(please note the disclaimer at the bottom of the page)

IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT?

Yes, you must be at least 21 years old to apply, healthy and unencumbered.

WHAT KIND OF JOBS ARE AVAILABLE?

While there are many departments on board a ship, there are mainly 4 customer-facing departments in which jobs are typically available, namely:

Food & Beverage (waiters, chefs, bar staff)
Casino operations (Croupiers & slot technicians)
Entertainment (Sound & light technicians, Audio-visual specialists)
Concessions (Gift shops, Photography and Salon Services - these are NOT operated by the cruise lines themselves but rather outsourced to independent concessionaires)

For the F&B or Casino departments, 2 years of recent work experience is required (For example, in large restaurants, hotels, or casinos). There are also occasionally jobs in departments such as entertainment, Guest-Relations, and Youth Programs. Children's hosts (Youth Staff) must have a college degree in Education, Psychology, or Recreation with at least 2 years of experience working with children.

ARE THERE ANY COSTS INVOLVED?

As a newly hired crew member, you can expect to pay for;

Your air ticket to get you to the ship.
You will be subject to an extensive medical examination.
You will require a crew/seaman's visa.
You will initially require some foreign exchange for your upfront personal expenses

WHAT ARE THE WORKING HOURS LIKE?

Work-life on a cruise liner is definitely NOT for the fainthearted as the ship is constantly cruising, and there are almost always guests onboard, so hours are long. Expect to work every day of your contract, about 70 hours per week in F&B and approximately 55-60 hours per week in other departments. Shore-leave is limited to a few hours a day, if and when the ship is in port.

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

You could expect to earn from $1000 upwards. Of course, this is subject to your experience, the role assigned, etc., etc.

CAN COUPLES APPLY?

Each applicant is considered on his/her individual merits. Therefore it is not recommended but having said this it is possible if both applicants have similar qualifications, these can therefore be grouped in the same department. Of course, this is subject to the staff requirements of the various cruise liners.

CAN I BRING A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND ON BOARD?

Crew members who meet specific length-of-service criteria have the option of requesting "relatives travel," a benefit that allows family members to sail onboard for a limited period of time. Some restrictions may apply

HOW LONG IS THE CONTRACT?

In the main, most contracts are 6-8 months long with 6-8 week vacations. Contracts are usually renewable.

WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS?

Of course, this is subject to where the various cruise liners' corporate offices that are employing you. But in the case of an American HQ, crew visas (American C1/D) can only be arranged once a job offer has been made, and a "Letter of Employment" has been issued.

CAN I GET OFF AND GO HOME DURING THE CONTRACT?

Time off during the contract is not permitted. In case of family emergencies, the cruise liners do understand that additional time at home may be needed and do accommodate these requests on a case-by-case basis.

WILL I HAVE MY OWN ROOM?

Accommodations vary depending on the ship and position. Those in non-management positions generally share a cabin with one to three other roommates whereas those in most management positions are entitled to a single cabin. Cabins include storage space, TV, and DVD player.

CAN I VISIT THE PORTS WHILE WORKING ONBOARD?

If you are not scheduled to work during the time the ship is in port, you can disembark the ship with your supervisor’s approval. Occasionally, there are crew-specific activities or tours to participate in. Safety requirements dictate that a certain number of crew members be present on each vessel at all times. As such, there may occasionally be times when, although not scheduled to work, you will be required to remain onboard while the ship is in port.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET HIRED?

If you meet the job requirements and depending on the time of the year, it could take up to 6 months to get hired.

WILL I HAVE TO PAY TAXES?

US citizens will have federal taxes automatically deducted and may be required to pay state taxes, if applicable. All other nationalities are responsible for filing their own tax forms upon returning to their home countries (as they are self-employed).

CAN I SEND MONEY HOME FROM ONBOARD?

You can wire money via the Crew Purser's office. Details are available onboard and rates may vary.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET SICK WHILE WORKING ONBOARD?

While onboard, all crew are medically covered and can visit the Medical Clinic for health concerns. If you need to be medically disembarked during your contract, some cruise liners will provide transportation to a land-based medical facility and if needed repatriate you back home.

HOW DO I APPLY?

If you want to apply for any positions in the F&B, Guest Relations, Retail Shops, or Casino Operations departments, then you must mail (or e-mail) your up-to-date CV, along with any references or certificates that you may have, to the respective cruise liner careers department or the cruise liners authorized hiring partners.

Most reputable cruise liners will have a separate division or page dedicated to prospective employees. Typically you would find the link at the bottom of the main page listed under ‘Jobs’, ‘Careers’, or ‘Contact Us. Please be careful of emailing the generic ‘Contact Us’ email address as in most cases, these are huge corporations with various departments scattered around the world. If there is a Careers section, contact only the careers section.

Disclaimer - Please note that this article owes its existence to the countless requests INCENTIVES AT SEA AND BEYOND receive on this topic. It is therefore understood that in reading the above the reader accepts that the article is to be consumed for self-information purposes only.

INCENTIVES AT SEA AND BEYOND or its staff cannot participate or mediate on behalf of any party wishing to secure employment with any cruise liner whatsoever nor does INCENTIVES AT SEA AND BEYOND or it staff guarantee any interview or employment with any cruise liner.