What is it really like working for a cruise line? How do you get started? What positions to apply for?

Question

I'm looking to try and work for a cruise line and was wondering what other peoples experiences are as employees. I don't have any specific technical skills so I'd probably be applying for a basic guest activities position. But I'd like to talk to someone who has "been there done that" or possibly "...still doing that"

What are the better cruise lines to work for?
What is the pay like?
What was your experience?
What is a good entry level position?
All other tips, tidbits, comments, etc are very welcome.
Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Ive worked for Carnival as a receptionist, then i moved to the concessions that run the shops onboard.
the plus of the concession is that they hold shops on several differente lines... so you go everywhere...
also, since the shops are usually duty free, they cant open while in port, so you dont work.
you are staff, rather than crew, so you get better cabins, deck priviledges etc.
there are 2 major concessions for the shops
www.hardingbros.co.uk
and starboard
starboard is bigger, but i really hated and it pays less as well.
hardings is easy to get in, trhu the site, send your CV.
pays 160 pounds a week, plus comission.
of all the lines ive worked, my favorite was Thomson... old, screwed, but very friendly.
Worse, Costa.
if you want more info email me...

Answer 2

I have never worked on a cruise ship so cannot give you a first hand answer. But I suggest that you start with contacting each cruise line (web sites below) and see what positions they need to fill. From talking with cruise staff I have learned that you must sign a contract for about 9 months duration during which time you work 7 days a week, varying hours. The pay depends upon position and some are based on salary and tips.

Just go to the cruise line web sites below and click on jobs, employment, human resources, or whatever is there for people searching for employment.

Also check out tis site:


http://www.cruisejobfinder.com/fm/cruises/

Hope this helps

Answer 3

I have been working on ships for over 6 years now. In my opinion it is a life changing experience that has many positives and very few negatives.

You will have the opportunity to spend time with like minded people with adventurous spirits and a common love for travel. Depending on the cruiseline, you will have the chance to see many countries around the world.

The pay varies depending on your experience, the job you do and your length of service. The advantage is that you will not pay tax, have your accommodation, food, medical and return flights paid for. Due to this, you save 95% of what you earn. To give you an idea, when I started, I earned a measley US$1000 per month. Today, I earn about US$6000 per month and get paid vacations. Do you know anyone who can pay $5,500 a month off their mortgage? *If you are from the US, some cruiselines deduct Federal Taxes from your pay, others do not.

A brief idea of what you can earn...

Social Host - $1500-2000 per month
Waiter - $2000-5000 per month depending on tips
Casino - $2500 - 4000 per month
Purser - $1000 - 3000 per month
Cruise Director - $6000-10,000 per month
Captain - $12,000 per month

The negatives...
1) You will be away for your family for 4-6 months at a time
2) When you first start, you will share a cabin (a very small Cabin)
3) Long hours
4) Work 7 days a week

The cruise lines lately have worked out that happy staff that stay for a few years are more productive then staff that stay for 6-12 months. Therefore, there are retirement packages for long service, crew gym, crew bar, free tours in port, crew activities, crew parties (free beers etc), crew group tours. One thing you will never be is bored.

Cruise Lines don't just hire anyone that wants a job. You have to have several years experience in your field before you will be considered. Contrary to popular belief, there are not many Americans onboard (not because of the pay) but because not many Americans (with some exceptions) are willing to work the hours required. The minimum age to work onboard is 21.

The best idea is to see working for ships as a very fruitful and rewarding career rather than a good summer job. If you do this, you will become very comfortable financially, will see the world and will make friends from all corners of the globe. Good luck.

Answer 4

look below for two places to start.
good luck with your aspirations to work on a cruise line.