Working on a Cruise Ship: Everything You Need To Know

Table Of Content

• Do Cruise Ship Staff Date Each Other?
• Working on a Cruise Ship Appears Worthwhile: Employee Retention on Cruise Ships Is High
• What to Pack When Working on a Cruise Ship: Other Things to Bring
• Working on a Cruise Ship Typically Entails Signing Long Contracts
• Facts You Should Know Before Working on a Cruise Ship
• Tips for Working From A Cruise Ship

Cruise Critic editors have been on a range of cruise lines and ships since cruising's return in 2021, and we list our connectivity successes --and failures -- from selected ships below. Keep in mind that our experience on one ship might not hold true for the entire fleet, or on sailings through different destinations. For some reason, all Wi-Fi connectivity dropped for 10 minutes as the ship left or arrived into port. Not a huge issue, unless of course you are in the middle of something.

Do Cruise Ship Staff Date Each Other?

Virgin Voyages selling month-long cruises to remote workers: 'Work from helm' - Fox Business

Virgin Voyages selling month-long cruises to remote workers: 'Work from helm'.

Posted: Tue, 12 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Being a DJ onboard  is definitely one of the most fun positions. Hours of work are pretty good, and during port time you are almost always off. The only down side, is that there are only one or two onboard, so its very rare that you can have a night off to enjoy the crew bar. There is a great deal of money going into the cruise industry, and they are responsible for how much crew and guests spend onboard, exchanging money, and taking care of any disputes. This is the perfect job for someone who can speak many languages! Language ambassadors are usually needed only on ships that travel to many different countries, such as cruises in Europe.

Working on a Cruise Ship Appears Worthwhile: Employee Retention on Cruise Ships Is High

They are in charge of housekeeping, F&B, entertainment, guest services, and sometimes more. Yet with new abilities to work remotely brought to the forefront by the global health pandemic, more people who are far from retirement are embracing remote working -- on land and sea. Here's what we learned, including eight facts about working on a cruise ship you might not know.

What to Pack When Working on a Cruise Ship: Other Things to Bring

Firefighting experience is necessary, as well as the STCW for basic firefighting (which all crew members need to have). This position is one of the most fun, but can be extremely tiring, as you can spend long hours in the sun. You can either be assigned to host sports tournaments, or work activities such as the rock wall, bumper cars, or the Flow Rider.

However, it’s not only the guards on board the ship that has been unfriendly. All aspects of life, from where you may go and what you can do to what you can do, are subject to strict laws and regulations. Routine cabin inspections necessitate that all bedding be made. You will report back to management if we don’t make the grade. In the event that there is a medical emergency, a fire, a concern over safety, or a person who has been separated from the group, each member of the crew has to be ready to take action. Although there is a lot of conjecture regarding the wages of crew members on the Cruise Critic boards, cruise companies do not reveal rates of compensation or perks in public.

Cruise Ship Jobs - Current Vacancies

These skills include fluency in a number of languages, and professional experience working with a diverse range of people. The demography of your guests and the atmosphere on board are significantly different from that of a traditional cruise ship, both of which are notable differences. Like any cruise line, you can expect a fast-paced environment where you’re always learning.

Sommeliers and onboard booking agents may double as excursion hosts, while bartenders may also be asked to serve lunch in alternative dining venues. The availability of entertainment and recreation facilities for crew members demonstrates cruise lines’ commitment to ensuring a positive and fulfilling experience for their employees. These facilities contribute to the overall well-being, happiness, and job satisfaction of crew members, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the ship’s staff. Crew members are typically provided with meals in dedicated dining areas, separate from the guest dining venues.

Working on a cruise ship can be a dream come true for those seeking adventure, travel, and a unique working experience. Imagine waking up to stunning ocean views, traveling to different ports around the world, and meeting people from various cultures — all while getting paid! However, this glamorous and exciting lifestyle comes with its own set of challenges and sacrifices.

Silversea Cruises

Crew members have a unique opportunity to save money since they have limited living expenses on board. It’s advisable to create a budget and plan for future expenses or financial goals. Overall, the meals and food options on a cruise ship provide crew members with a wide selection of delicious and nourishing choices. The focus on variety, dietary accommodations, and quality ensures that crew members can enjoy satisfying meals throughout their time on board.

Cruise ships are subject to international and national regulations to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. These regulations cover areas such as proper sanitation, emergency procedures, fire safety, and medical care. Many cruise lines offer retirement savings plans or pension schemes to help employees secure their financial future. This allows crew members to save a portion of their salary and receive employer contributions, ensuring a nest egg for retirement. Living conditions in crew cabins are functional but compact, aiming to provide a comfortable space for crew members to rest and relax during their off-duty hours. It’s important to note that due to limited space, privacy may be limited, and cabin mates will need to respect each other’s personal space and schedules.

Despite the challenges, the rewards far outweigh the drawbacks, making working on a cruise ship an unforgettable and fulfilling journey. The work schedule on a cruise ship may be demanding, but it comes with the chance to explore different destinations during time off. Crew members can enjoy the onboard facilities and amenities, fostering a sense of community among colleagues and creating lifelong memories. Cruise ship itineraries often include ports of call in different countries and regions. While the ship is docked, crew members have the opportunity to disembark and explore the local attractions, landmarks, and points of interest.

In order to start working on a cruise ship, one must be in a very good state of health, physically and mentally. In case of an emergency, one must be able to act accordingly, and for this reason, there are extensive exams to pass, before getting the green light. Recruiters are available all over the internet, and they are a sure-fire way to get you working on a cruise ship faster than just applying online. Another good thing, is that they will help you the whole way, to get you ready during the hiring process.

Because the majority of crew members tend to be from Asian countries (the Philippines, Indonesia, and India), a lot of the food in the crew mess is catered to their cuisine. Luckily, many crew cabins have bunked beds with curtains for each bed so you have your own personal coffin of solitude. As a 5’2″ fun-sized human who doesn’t mind confined spaces, the small cabins don’t really bother me.

We strongly suggest that you only discuss employment opportunities with the agencies/partners listed here. It gets worse as Bruns calls his time working aboard the Carnival cruise ship as the loneliest he’s ever felt in his entire life. Crew meals range from burger and fries to regional dishes from around the world.