By the way, you don’t have to spend money in daily commute, because your job is located a few meters away. My favorite route was Northern Europe because I was able to improve my German skills and German guests are polite and they cruise a lot so they understand more the general standards of the cruises. Working on a cruise ship is a dream for most people, especially to those who love to travel and see the world. Your company may pay for the course for you or you will have to pay for it. Cruise ships hire a crew to work in every aspect of the ship's maintenance, staff to manage the ship and concessionaires to work in the shops. I looked for a job in which I was qualified to apply and that satisfied my interests. My coworkers were all friendly and we worked in teams very well. Here is my experience based on quite a number of cruises I have taken. For me it was not difficult to sleep when the sea was rough; the movement was in fact good because it made me feel sleepy. Scan and send your contract and passport. Some higher-ranking officers have single cabins and married couples can apply to live together, however these circumstances are few and far between. All Cruise Jobs is the biggest job board within the cruise line industry with the most current cruise ship job vacancies available on the internet. Free room and board, exotic locations, beautiful sunsets, etc. It might be hard to get used to such a small cabin, but the fact that you don’t have to pay the gas bill makes you very happy. Sometimes it's nice to hang out in the crew bar, and on formal nights we often visited the guest disco. Don’t get fired. You'll also inherit a second family on … What personal benefits/rewards do you find from working on a cruise ship? Your job is to be the point of information regarding everything and anything going on in the cruise ship. I'm thinking of working in a cruise ship in 7 yrs ( I'm still in education ). As mentioned in section 1, the STCW certificate is the minimum legal requirement for all crew to work on a cruise. But for cruise ship workers, who spend months on end on the high seas, it's a very different world. I also never thought I could visit places such as Montecarlo, Santorini, Athens, Constanta and so many other cities that I was able to visit with the cruise. Inevitably you will encounter self-entitled people with unrealistic expectations. Regarding contract length, if you see for example “6 x 2” that will mean that you will work for 6 months on board and take 2 months off. From crazy hours to lots of partying, here's what they had to say. This is Part II of our interview with Sharon Waugh, who has worked for Carnival Cruise Lines as a Guest Services Coordinator. Right?! Cozumel, Mexico will also always have a special place in my heart. I feel like a different person to the girl I was before I started. Approximately how many crewmembers are on the ship? You can find cruise ship jobs posted directly by genuine recruiters and employers here. While you are working your food, accommodation and medical expenses are all covered so it's a great way to save money. I only had to pay for water to be able to take it to my cabin or to the back office but the water in the table was for free. from £4975. I've been able to travel to different countries in Africa, Asia, America and Europe studying, working and volunteering. I consider it was a difficult job because we had to work many hours and it was very demanding; however, remember that you will be there only to do your job, and you won’t have to worry about other activities like cooking and paying for bills. One day I just might... Do you think working on cruise ships has or will help your career on land, and has it developed you as a person? The best way to deal with them is to not get uptight or defensive (even if they are being unreasonable) but to sympathize and try and stay positive and polite. There are many reasons why working on cruise ships is a wonderful opportunity, not limited to getting paid to travel, exploring new places, meeting rad people from all over the world and seeing the sun set over the water in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. How do you handle working with guests for so many hours? According to Brian David Bruns, who wrote the explosive tell-all Cruise Confidential, there are literally no days off when you are working on a cruise ship. I … I went on as many excursions as I could. Do you go on any excursions? You’ll also meet and work with people from all over the … I had some free time during the evening/morning (depending on the shift) and I used it to go to the gym, watch movies, take a nap, or go outside to do some sightseeing. The crew parties were great fun too. The interview with the cruise company can also be made on a special website in which you need to answer different questions recording yourself in a video. But what are your actual experiences on working on a cruise ship? So much of what we do is making sure our guests are comfortable. Working on a cruise ship is a great way to see the world, save money and meet new people from many different countries. Would you recommend this line of work to others, and if so, why? I have always liked to travel and live abroad! The people who work on cruise ships work very hard! They do get some time off during a cruise but it may not be much time. So basically you have a great environment to have a great performance. Guess who's back! Days - Price - Search . You will then have a Skype interview in English with a recruiter from CAUX and another interview with the cruise company in which you are going to be asked some questions about your previous job experience, education, etc. It is difficult to get a job because a cruise ship is a 5-star hotel so you need to be very professional and give your best during the application process but do not forget that you will earn a great salary and you will be able to travel the world without spending money. Working on a cruise ship involves long hours for sure, but every crew member does have free time, and there are always crew activities organized to ensure that ship life involves much more than just work. Northern Europe: Germany, Denmark, Russia, Finland, Norway, and Estonia. There is one bathroom per cabin. On a cruise ship take that opportunity to try something new. That said, I’ve found ships to be the most welcoming places to work because everyone is literally in the same boat. Some of the answers are probably not what you'd expect, but it's all interesting. If you want to know more about my experience obtaining the STCW certificate, read this post. Getting on is a cattle call, but they appease you with buffet food until your room is available. When you return from working on a cruise ship everyone around you is always asking you what it is like. That was one of the most amazing nights I have ever had. Make the most out of every experience. We also had crew parties once per week where we were able to dance, drink and make new friends. I had to work every single day 8 hours per day. A contract generally lasts from 5 to 7 months; however, it can be reduced or extended. *You can also apply directly on the cruises’ website careers section. Some guests are really nice, some are not so nice. Your email address will not be published. The cruise ship life can be hard work but also very rewarding. Having learned to cope well under extenuating circumstances, it takes a lot to faze me these days. Working in a cruise is a job that will give you endless opportunities to travel around the world while earning a good salary and saving a lot of money because you won’t have to spend it on accommodation and food. First comes the work, yes, that crucial part of "working" onboard cruise ships. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, or Bloglovin and get notified of my newest posts and updates! It is a great way of life. They might give you a little more info to marinate on… #1. I would still love to be a social host. Hi, my name is Pilar and I'm a Mexican expat living in South Africa! On the plus side Nicola adds, 'Working on a cruise ship is great fun. There are cliques, and the rumor mill is immensely active. Being a crew or a staff in a cruise ship is like hitting two birds with one stone. Describe the living arrangements and how you deal with sharing space, living in a small accommodation. It's a great way to travel. These positions are often filled by people from countries such as the Philippines, India and Indonesia. This research explores employee experiences of working on board a cruise ship. Being a cruise ship receptionist is very similar to working at the front desk at a hotel on land. I kissed stingrays in the Cayman Islands, I went parasailing in the Bahamas and I visited the Mayan Ruins of Tulum in Mexico, but my favorite excursion was probably when I got to swim with dolphins in Roatan, Honduras. You'll work hard but the job is incredibly rewarding. I'm a much calmer and more confident person now. Working at sea is the perfect opportunity to explore the world whilst doing the job you love. Include salaries, working hours, breaks, food, when you get off the ship ect. Depending on your nationality is the duration of your contract. Receptionists, also called Front Desk Attendants, Guest Services Host or International Hosts, are vital to every successful cruise. Why not? What kind of jobs are available on cruise ships? You Get To See The World For Free – You get paid to travel! There is a curtain around your bed for a little bit of privacy but people tend to be quite considerate of each other. On board there is also a lot of fun to be had. I would. I liked the Mediterranean route too and I will never forget the time when we were in Ibiza and I went with a friend to a Hi Ibiza club to see Lost Frequencies and Martin Garrix, who are very famous DJs. If a visa is needed in some ports and you want to get off the cruise, you will need to process your own visa. What's the best advice anyone gave you about working in this industry, whether it relates to finding a job for the first time or making the most of the experience? I was surprised by how many South Africans there were onboard but obviously I made friends with people from all over the world. At least for a while. What personal benefits/rewards do you find from working on a cruise ship? The fact that we were from different nationalities made it more interesting. I met the most amazing people and had the most unforgettable experiences. I absolutely loved Half Moon Cay. If you love traveling with a purpose, I recommend you to check out the blog and the following sections where you can find out more: Also, you can find applications for scholarships, internships, job positions, volunteer projects, contests, entrepreneurial support and virtual courses in the Scholarship Finder! Julian Austin seeks out jobs that involve travel, but found it tough to balance alongside a legitimate career. No future hubs in this video though... we are exploring his 'social media policy. Become a Member to Access the Entire Interview. If you had a similar experience and want to inspire others to apply please send an email to pilar.noriega@thelifestylehunter.com. Cruise ship jobs have a number of distinctive features that separate them from land-based jobs. Find here how to improve your career and achieve a better lifestyle. However, if you are going to the USA, the company will process the visa for you. I took a 10-day STCW course in Buenos Aires, Argentina at Scholorum Nautas school. Read this interview excerpt to learn ways you can launch your own cruise industry job search. If you are thinking about working on a cruise ship, it is worth considering both the pros and cons before going ahead and looking for a job. Overall, working a cruise ship is a great way to save money because, with room and board covered, you get to save most of your earnings. Some people work so hard that they choose to sleep or stay in when they have time off, but I think that if you can get off the ship and have some fun you will probably be more inspired to give your best to the job. Well, before you break that lease and hop onboard, you might want to read to the following AskReddit stories from current and former cruise ship workers. A new Reddit thread asked crews around the globe what it's like to work and live on a cruise ship. Required fields are marked *. Access every exclusive interview and start your cruise ship job search I absolutely loved getting off the ship in port, going to the beach and shopping with friends. Usually, we ate at the staff table, but there are three tables: crew, staff and officers table. I was studying English Translation in Argentina but I got tired of it because it was getting very difficult; so I decided to quit and embark on an exciting new adventure working at a cruise ship for two years. I met the most amazing people and had the most unforgettable experiences. They are required to sign contracts to work internationally for months at a time. You will sign the original contract onboard upon arrival to the ship. Working in a cruise is a job that will give you a broad range of opportunities to travel all over the world while meeting a lot of people, earning a good salary and saving a lot of money because you won’t have to spend it on accommodation and food. The whole application process lasts around 2 to 6 months depending on the cruise company and almost every time you will be able to do it all online (the interview can be done via Skype). It's not uncommon for cultural differences to cause problems and misunderstandings but on the whole you inevitably find people you connect with and through the experience that is ‘ship life' you bond and they become like family. Cruise Ship Jobs - Current Vacancies. Filters. If you love meeting new people, then this job is almost perfect. Ever thought about working on a cruise ship? I am so happy to say that I made so many incredible and loyal friends. It is a private island in the Bahamas and stepping onto it is like stepping into a Brochure. First of all, living and working onboard a cruise ship presents a series of particularities that must to be taken into account by any person interested in this labour sector. How did you spend your leisure time off duty? In this post, Carla Scaltritti from Argentina tells us about her experience earning a job position and working for 2 years at one of the largest 4 cruise companies in the world. It's not for everyone but if you don't mind being away from home and working really hard, it is a great job. They want to know every aspect of ship life, from the outrageous crew bar parties to the pork-knuckle soup and other wonderful culinary treasures that we enjoy so much in the crew mess. With all-inclusive dining, you can take the chance on that new dish and if you don’t like it – no harm – just order something else. If so, what was your favorite one? today! Also, if you really do love something order a second order. If you want to do this kind of job, one of the steps will be to obtain the STCW certificate. Cruise ship work is certainly intense, you work long hours, rarely get a day off and don’t get to go home at the end of the day. Austin, who writes about his travels on Man Travels World, spoke to INSIDER about what working on a cruise ship is really like. I was able to eat a broad variety of food from awesome chefs in a buffet style. I’ve invited Sofia Vasconcelos from the blog, FromMadeiratoMars.com to share her feedback and experience of cruising with MSC Cruises earlier this summer. my experience obtaining the STCW certificate, read this post, my experience studying the CELTA course here, How to choose the best credit card to get rewards and …, 5 steps to write a Letter of Motivation for a South African …, My experience working as an Au Pair in Chicago with AuPairCare, 5 steps to obtain a Critical Skills Certificate from IITPSA. Cruise liners have been described as floating hotels; but increasingly they are more like floating … Wherever you go, working on cruise ships really does present an amazing opportunity to see the world while earning good money. Cruising isn’t for everybody, but it can be a lot of fun. If you are serious about cruise ship jobs, then you are in the right place! You’ve heard the rumors and, yes, it’s true: Everyone working on your cruise ship is sleeping with everyone else. Working aboard a cruise ship is an exciting and richly rewarding opportunity that requires you to operate in a small, tightly-knit team. And, often, a fling gets real. You get to see the world and explore for free. I had a cabin that I shared with one girl and I decorated it with postcards from all around the world that I was collecting. I’ve always been curious about cruise holidays and wondered if they would be the kind of holiday that would appeal to me and any budget conscious, independent travellers. When you work on a cruise ship you don’t have to worry about looking for a place to live because the ship is actually your home. On large cruise ships these living spaces are similar to a standard passenger cabin but again, these spaces are shared and particularly small. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I felt I had an interesting and fun story to tell, one that I thought people would enjoy reading. You will get to work and earn a living, while at the same time get the chance to see various places. It is a great way of life. While you are working your food, accommodation and medical expenses are all covered so it's a great way to save money. Your email address will not be published. New cruise ship employees will embark on a residential training course to equip them with all the tools necessary for a successful career at sea. Likewise, while there are crew parties organized every week or two, working on a cruise ship does involve real responsibilities, and anyone who doesn’t take their job seriously will find themselves … Here are some CV recommendations on how it should look like. In my case, I had the advantage of knowing many languages so I applied for a job at the reception. Mediterranean: Italy, France, Greece, Portugal, and Morocco. Cruise Industry Career Tips and Proven Strategies to Get Hired. Perhaps the biggest difference is the fact that cruise ship employees live where they work. I worked at the reception and my tasks were all guest service related. Afterwards I decided that I wanted to become an English teacher abroad, so I decided to get the CELTA certificate in South Africa and work in Vietnam (you can also read all about my experience studying the CELTA course here). What makes working aboard a cruise ship so different? While working on a cruise ship is truly a once in a lifetime adventure, and pretty luxurious (imagine port time off in Tahiti one day and an overnight in Maui a few days later) in the end it is still a ‘job.’ If you show up onboard expecting to get weekends off and to see each and every port then you will be disappointed. My experience earning a job on a cruise ship and traveling the world. Being 'staff' you share a fairly small cabin with one other person. Although Bruns had never boarded a … On cauxig.com have a look at all the available positions; you will be able to see the position name, company, salary, contract length, and experience requirements. What are your colleagues like, both in your department and in general? There is a crew bar there called “The No Name Bar” and if any other ships are docked there you will inevitably run into friends from previous contracts at this place. Access the Cruise Industry Experts Right Now! Based on my acting background I think this is more in my line of work and I think I would be really good at it. But I didn’t have to pay a lot; it was only around 0.60 USD per 1.5 lt. bottle. Working on a ship is like working at a hotel, a restaurant, an airplane, and a nightclub, all rolled into one. Develop your career with international experiences. Their days are long (work about 12 hours a day - 7 days a week). Pros Of Working On A Cruise Ship. But most probably if you search on internet, you can find a school in your country . Working in a cruise is a job that will give you endless opportunities to travel around the world while earning a good salary and saving a lot of money because you won’t have to spend it on accommodation and food. It's a great way to travel. In the Work Abroad section, you can find more experiences earning internships and full-time job positions abroad! Japan Ski or Snowboard Instructor Job & Training. English | Español | Deutsch. Send your CV to the CAUX hospitality team. I traveled on 3 different routes: Northern Europe, Mediterranean, and South America. "Working on a cruise ship is a bit like being back in high school. You also have safety duties on top of your job role, as the crew is responsible for dealing with an emergency situation. All you need to do is apply… Check out great gap year jobs abroad. The hardest jobs with the most hours of duty include housekeeping, restaurant server & hostess, and the galley. I've always wondered about all of this myself, so I recently asked a friend and fellow travel writer about her experiences after doing two 7-month contracts working on a cruise ship starting in Europe and ending in the Caribbean. An opportunity to work on a cruise ship can certainly provide alternatives to a mundane 9-to-5 existence of frustrating commutes, boring cubicle routines and been-there, done-that social scenes, according to Oceanbound Entertainment, Inc. You can see different countries, meet new and interesting people, and brush up your foreign language skills by interacting with cruise guests and co-workers. I worked a total of 2 years in this company with different contracts. What are the passengers like? Learn more about passenger services jobs on cruise ships in See Part I of this interview. South America: Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. 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