How do i get a job on a cruise ship with no experience?

Answer 1

Each cruise line web site has a link for job/employment/human resources. Check out the web sites below. Also check out this cruise jobs web site:

http://www.cruisejobfinder.com/fm/cruise...
Source(s):

http://www.rssc.com/

http://www.cruisingluxury.com/radisson_c...

http://www.silversea.com/

http://www.crystalcruises.com/home.aspx...

http://www.cunard.com/

http://www.hollandamerica.com/

http://www.princess.com/index.html...

http://www.celebritycruises.com/home... .

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/gohome.do...

http://www.ncl.com/

http://www.carnivalcruiselines.com/...

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en...

Answer 2

Like what was previously mentioned, it depends on what position you are interested in. Cruise lines are a highly competitive field, with more cruises available and more ships coming out every year. One bad cruise can cause a person to never take that cruise line again. B/c of that super competitive environment, Cruise ships almost REQUIRE more than 5 years in a highly service-oriented company before they will even consider you.

For waitstaff, it is usually 5 years waiting tables in a high caliber dining location. Outback just doesn't cut it. You need experience with serving etiquette and multiple courses.

For the spa, it ranges from usually 7-10 yrs experience in a spa after massage therapy school.

Entertainment is the most competitive and they do auditions. For most cruise lines it's a nine-month contract.

To work with the kids, it's a rigorous background check and involves going through a child safety program prior to start date.

I'm sure you could get a job as a steward with no experience. Or perhaps one of the dozens of people who load and unload cargo. Which seems like it would still have the same perks, with limited customer interaction. Those jobs you can find at the cruise websites which were all copy and pasted for you above.

Plus, on most cruise lines there is a set percentage of how many people are bi or multilingual. The people on Carnival's help desk had a sign up that said between the 4 of them they spoke 15-20 languages! And most of the ship speaks Spanish and English. Many ships are known for being "international" ships. They have most of their employees from overseas. Those people sign a one-year contract, and everyone's nametag says what country they are from. 80% of the boat was international people (representing Romania, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, etc. They had someone from nearly every country that goes to the Olympics), making it very hard if you were American.

Though waiting tables is not a job I envied. My waiter said he worked til 2 am and started his breakfast shift at 5:30 am, but had enough time for a nap from 11-3:30, if he didnt work lunch that day. They one day he has off (a port day where they can wander around) he said he sleeps the whole day. I'd be far more interested in working with kids.

It seems like it would be easier to get a job at one of the smaller lesser known cruise ships (instead of Carnival, Royal Caribbean--but more likely Costa and Windjammer). Definitely try out all the links that other post sent you, but if cruise line is something you really want to do--I'd start getting experience in the high-scale customer service field.

I know it sounds impossible but it really isn't. The better developed your customer service skills are, the better your chances are at achieving your dream job.

Answer 3

That would also depend on what kind of job you're looking for. You can try contacting the cruise line directly (often on their web page you'll find a section for job applications). Many cruise lines work with staffing agencies where you'll have to pay a large fee in order to have them help you with your placement.

For many jobs onboard you don't need experience, as a matter of fact it is in many cases better to have no experience as the cruise line can train you to do things the way they want you to do it. So don't give up too soon.

A nice job onboard a cruise ship is working as a photographer. Check http://www.transoceanphotos.com for details.

Tattoos are indeed a big no UNLESS they are small enough to be hidden under your uniform. I had a friend with a tattoo on his arm and he usually had to cover it with a bandage or the likes to hide it.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Morag 14,
Be hard to find a cruise ship with no experience,
all cruise ships would be very experienced.

Answer 5

That shouldn't b a factor! Have u bartended or done a waitering job? U can totally work then! try these websites http://www.princessjobs.com/ & http://www.coolworks.com/default.asp

Answer 6

Well i can't tell you how.One fact I do know is if you have any tattoo/s.Forget it.It is a big no no

Answer 7

work really cheap