Over the years, the cruise ship industry has grown significantly attracting millions of passengers yearly. This also has seen an increasing demand for dedicated and skilled professionals to work on ships.
For many people, working on these ships is a dream come true because of the perks these jobs attract. Nobody hates making money while waking up in a different country or city daily. It is in these jobs that you get to explore the world for fun and meet different people from different countries. You will learn various cultures, and languages and even learn different languages and much more. These jobs will also allow you to develop your role on the ship and improve your professional skills.
In this piece, you will learn not only about cruise ship jobs, salaries, and notable cruise lines. You will know the requirements to get employed in a cruise ship and various jobs there are in this industry as well as salaries. We will also explore the six most popular cruise lines and important information you need to know about them in case you are looking forward to working with them.
What is it like to Work on a Cruise Ship?
As a crew on a cruise ship, you have the opportunity to meet diverse people and travel the world as you earn money. The experience you will gain is invaluable. It’s so rare to hear a cruise ship worker down their tool for whatever reason, unless on medical grounds. The industry employs different types of staff members such as medical personnel, deck crews, chefs, engineers, and much more.
While the career offers a unique experience, still one must meet certain requirements to secure a place on board. For example, you must be proficient in English language and other languages. Your proficiency in speaking English will always be evaluated during selection. This is the official language to be used onboard. You will use the English language for training, instructions, and even daily communication. It is vital also to know another language apart from English for personnel selection processes.
You should have specific training relating to the position you are applying for, but you should have maritime training. This is mandatory to access any position you are looking for. The trainings are apart from being essential for work but also for other responsibilities on the ship like medical care, fires, emergencies, and crowd control.
There is also an interview that you are supposed to undergo with either the recruitment agency or the shipping company. This is either done on the telephone or in person. During the interview, you are supposed to showcase your experiences and requisite skills. When you pass the interview, you will also be required to pass a thorough medical examination.
It involves a physical and mental test and also if you possess specific medical certifications. They will also review your medical background. You must complete an ISM medical examination. This certifies that you are suitable for boarding. You will then obtain the International Maritime Booklet. This records both the boarding and disembarkations.
Obtain other documentation including a work visa. You need a corresponding work visa also called a Sailors visa or C1D. You will be provided by your shipping company, with the necessary documentation accrediting the contract. You need them to start the procedures at the embassy. You need a valid passport with not less than 1 year of validity before you start working. It’s common for tour shipping companies to check your criminal record certificate over the past 6 months.
It is important to note that vessels operate around the clock so your total availability is paramount. This is important for the seamless functioning of your cruise line and for you to offer the utmost assistance to the passengers. From here, you can begin your dream career on a cruise ship, something that you might have dreamt of doing all your life, traversing the world while earning a living.
There are diverse job opportunities on board a cruise ship including entertainment, ship operations, engineering, service and hospitality, technician jobs, administration jobs, spa and activity jobs, and many more.
Cruise Ship Salaries and Factors Affecting Salaries
Many factors affect the salaries of cruise ship workers including the job position and responsibilities. For instance, the salaries of entry-level positions are a bit lower compared to management positions and specialized roles.
Your qualifications and experience too will command varying salaries. If you are more experienced and possess the right qualifications and certifications, you will command higher pay compared to those without.
The cruise line’s reputation can also dictate your salary range. It’s no no-brainer that a high-end and luxurious cruise line offers a higher package to attract highly talented and skilled workers. Here though, you expect the competition to be fierce.
Geographical location and itinerary affect the salary in that itineraries in exotic and more remote locations often offer higher salaries. This is due to unique challenges or the requirements of these routes.
Tips. Cruise ship opportunities, more so in the service industry rely on gratuities and tips to supplement their salaries. It is common for expectations and tipping cultures to vary based on the cruise line’s clientele and the company itself.
When you understand the above factors, you can set a realistic expectation for your earnings and make an informed decision on your career path.
Entry Level Cruise Ship Jobs and Approximate Salaries.
1) Galley Department
This is one of the entry-level cruise ship jobs that does not require any experience. The employee does general cleaning and galley maintenance. Salary ranges from 900 to 1200 USD or Euros. Besides tips offer cruise cash benefits that can supplement your earnings.
2) Potwasher
A Potwasher is yet another entry-level job which involves general cleaning and tidying of pots, dishes, saucepans, and galley utensils. The approximate salary per month ranges from 900 to 1200 USD or Euros across various cruise lines.
3) Bar utility
A bar utility worker is in the food and beverages department. As an entry-level position, their responsibilities are bar general cleaning and equipment maintenance. The Salary of a bar utility worker is 900 to 1200 USD per monthly.
4) Deckhand
This position falls under the deck department. No experience is required. Employees here are responsible for various chores on the deck areas like running errands for customers, giving directions to passengers, organizing chairs and deckchairs, cleaning, and doing general cleaning on the deck areas. Cruise ship monthly salary for a deckhand is approximately 1200 to 2000 USD or Euros per month.
5) Cabin steward
A cabin steward operates under the hotel department and doesn’t need any requirements. Their daily work revolves around cleaning and tidying the passengers’ cabins. They take home approximately 1700 to 2500 USD or Euros monthly.
6) Oiler
An oiler operates in the engine room. This position requires one to have a basic knowledge of mechanics. An oiler lubricates the engine’s moving parts and auxiliary equipment. They must also monitor and control indicators temperature and pressure gauges and check the condition of the system and oil levels. Oilers participate in certain mechanical operations like transferring fuel, oils, and other fluids and help in the general maintenance in the engine room. Their salary ranges from 1200 to 2200 USD or Euros.
Approximate Salaries for High-Paying Positions
1) Executive Chef
For you to be an executive chef on a cruise ship you require culinary and managerial skills as you will be overseeing all galley workers, meal preparation, and menu planning. You are also responsible for both the cold and hot galleys. Cold galleys offer buffet foods and pastries while hot ones offer cooked meals.
Graduates of a culinary school can apply but must have not less than 5 years of upscale culinary experience. You would earn anything from 4,800 to 7,800 USD per month.
2) Chief Purser
The chief purser is a senior officer who heads the accounting department on a ship. They handle all financial transactions that concern the passengers. For instance, if a guest allocates a tip, these heads make sure it is awarded to the respective crew member or members. At the end of the voyage, the purser updates passenger accounts. In the same breath, the chief purser pays onboard employees through direct bank deposit or cash. They also pay the concessionaires e.g. kiosks and shops. They receive and account for money delivered to the vessel by an armored car.
For you to qualify for this role, you must have a background in accounting along with managerial experience in the hospitality field of at least 5 years. The average cruise salaries for chief pursers are 4,200 monthly.
3) Human resource manager
The HR or human resources manager is at the helm of the shipboard staffing. A ship HR manager post is similar to a land-based corporate post but this one has a set of unique challenges. You see crew members other than being multinational, they are work and live in limited spaces. In most cases, a vessel crew averages 2000 employees and the HR manager must manage such a sizable number and maintain harmony, top-notch service, and strategic planning.
HR managers are expected to provide extensive onboarding, equip new employees with the necessary skills for optimal performance in whatever they do, settle employee conflicts smoothly as they arise, and design programs for staff training. They also design programs for employee promotions, performance and evaluation, employee compensation, and compliance with berthing policies.
Cruise ship monthly salary for human resources managers is on average 5,000 to 6,500 USD per month. You should have a bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration to be considered. Also, having an experience of not less than three years in human resource management gives you an upper hand.
Cruise Ship Employee Benefits Besides Salaries
You are here because you are in search of a unique, challenging but ultimately, rewarding job on board a cruise ship. Besides just the huge cruise salaries you earn while doing what you love doing, there many more benefits you might not have known. Let’s put this into perspective.
a) Meet diverse people from different countries
Working onboard a cruise ship, no doubt you will meet people from the world over because these vessels sail to many different countries. They also attract guests from all walks of life. As a crew member, therefore, you will meet and interact with people of various cultures and backgrounds.
Besides meeting passengers from different backgrounds, you will also bond with fellow workers who also come from different backgrounds. Most cruise ships have special areas dedicated to socializing e.g. lounges and crew bars. You are also likely to meet new people at mealtime or after shift while serving your contract.
b) Accommodation is free
Accommodation and boarding for all cruise ship workers are covered. You will have your designated area on the ship where you sleep, eat, and relax on duty. This area is separate from the guest area, according you the peace when you need it the most. Besides accommodation, your meals are also taken care of, you can save a great deal of money on food. In some cases such as your position and cruise line, you are allowed to eat in the passenger restaurants.
c) Free time to explore various ports
Some positions such as medical, security, and housekeeping may require that you continue working even when the ship is in the port, some positions keep you free. During this free time, you can explore, sightsee and, relax when the vessel is in port. In most cases, you can have incredibly short commutes.
d) You gain transferable skills and experience
Working on board a cruise ship is a good way to gain skills and experience for future career change or advancement. You can always add these skills and experiences to your CV. They can help you more if you are working in these sectors;
Customer service
Hospitality
Food and beverage service
Sales and marketing
Events planning etc.
e) More contracts
When you have completed your initial contracts, there is the likelihood of being chosen for another contract. And, in case you wish to change cruise lines the experience you have gained in your initial contract will give you an upper hand to get hired.
f) Finding your life partner
If you join this career when you are single, you are most likely going to find your life partner working here. This is however not a guarantee, but more often than not romances bloom among crew members.
Other Benefits Working on Board a Cruise Ship
Reduced cruise vacation for your loved ones
Free laundry services
Tips besides cruise salaries
Air ticket homeward bound or en-route
Discounts at cruise ship shops and restaurants as well as land-based stores, restaurants, and even bars
Free medical insurance as required by Maritime law.
The Best 6 Cruise Lines in 2024 For Job Seekers
1) The Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
On board any of the Royal Caribbean ships, you’ll feel as though you are living in a city that’s floating. This company has the 5 largest ships in the world namely, Oasis of the Seas (measuring almost 1,200 feet and about 7000 passengers at full capacity), Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Wonders of the Seas. Thanks to these ships’ sizes, they provide guests with every amenity under the sun from world-class musicals to waterparks.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has more than 28 ships that sail across all,6 continents, and it is owned by the Royal Caribbean Group.
You will enjoy working for this company given its many perks to staff members. The benefits include free accommodation and discounts for workers and their families on shore excursions. It has lots of staff activities like sports tournaments, parties, etc. that encourage a friendly working environment plus allowing workers to enjoy life while working.
Its contract durations are varied, with some like the most senior management roles having as little as 4 months duration while the rest up to 8 months.
Jobs here vary depending on the department e.g. hotels, entertainment, and marine jobs such as security, engine, electrical, etc. There are even environmental jobs. Remember jobs may also be available at their offshore departments.
2) MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is so far the largest privately held cruise line in the world employing more than 23000 workers the world over. This company boasts of 22 ships and many more are on the way. If you are keen on being employed in an established private company that is still growing then try out MSC Cruises. This company embraces diversity in that 50% of its employees are women while their employees are drawn from 114 nationalities. On their cruises career website, they attribute their success in business to their cultural diversity.
MSC Cruises employees enjoy free accommodation, and use of various onboard facilities like the gym medical facility, pool, bar, etc. The line holds many parties for employees to come together and bond, sporting activities, and excursions. Most of their contracts span 5 to 7 months, thereafter, a 2-month holiday. You can tour their site and determine whether their careers suit you.
3) Cunard
Cunard is one of the oldest cruise ship lines having more than 185 years. The company was established in 1839. It has since grown over these years to what it is now, a popular British cruise line. Carnival Corporation, owns and operates this cruising company. This line has a fleet of four ships, sailing to different destinations such as Asia, Europe, Alaska, and North America.
When you work here, you benefit from accessing the gym and crew deck. You get discounts on shore expenses learning and development programs, leisure, and retail. You get paid for flights to the ship and back home, accommodation, and free meals. On top of that, you traverse the world for free and get paid.
Work contracts at this company vary based on the role you play. In case you choose to work in the youth team then you’d sign busier contracts throughout the year. Such contracts range from 4 to 6 months and 2 months of leave in between work periods. Job opportunities may be available in various departments like finance, medical, and marketing. These opportunities also could be on a full-time, permanent, or temporary basis. When job opportunities are available, they are posted on their official website.
4) Disney Cruise Line
Disney and travel are inseparable. If you are a Disney fan and love seeing the world over your work, it makes a lot of sense to work at Disney Cruise Line. Everything at Disney eg how employees conduct themselves while ensuring they are giving their guests a magical experience has Disney flair. When working here, you will at all times be surrounded by the Magic Kingdom. Its voyages are to Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska.
In case you wish to work with Disney Cruise ships, there is plenty of its perks waiting for you. They include medical coverage, discounts on onboard stores, and plenty of opportunities for self-development. If you can provide top-notch customer service to guests you are what the company can die for.
There are various open jobs at various times hence it pays to visit their website to know when opportunities are available. This company’s contracts, like many other companies vary in length. Some last only 3 months while others can run for 8 months. The company encourages personal development and career advancement. It is why they have an in-depth on-board training for the first weeks of employment. Overall, it is among the best six companies to work for.
5) Carnival Cruise Line
Since its inception, the Carnival Cruise Line has been just as its name suggests, festive atmosphere. The line is synonymous with versatile entertainment options. It has 26 vessels all of which depart from various cities in the U.S. such as Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Seattle, and Baltimore. With this large fleet, you can see that this company can offer a wide array of cruising opportunities.
You can save a good amount of money working for Carnival Cruise line because your uniform, room, and board are all paid for. The personal expenses if any only take a nibble from your earnings. Other than the mandatory training and having the right certification, training will be provided to newly recruited cruise crew. This is one of the best cruise sheep companies to work for as there are plenty of career advancement opportunities.
Carnival Cruise Line offers varying contracts ranging from 4 months to 12 month depending on your position. Many workers renew their contracts at the end of each contract making this their long-term career. Others hang their boots after the expiry of the first contract.
6) AIDA Cruises
AIDA Cruises is regarded as Germany’s cruise ship employer. Most people like the company as it encourages career development through training and corporate culture. The compensation and benefits are also attractive. This company boasts of having 11 ships. Therefore, if you are seeking a reputable and award-winning cruise sheep line to work for, you should give AIDA Cruises, a part of the Carnival Corporation, a shot.
Among the benefits that this employer gives you is an employment contract that follows the EU guidelines. Comprehensive social insurance included. You also benefit from recreational activities such as a fitness studio, sundeck, and crew sauna. There are also shore excursions and free Wi-Fi. Employees benefit from the corporate learning tool dubbed Train Me Up that employees can access and further their careers whenever they have time.
Like most cruise lines roles with this company vary in length. Some are as short as 4 months while others 6. You will choose from 3 departments when looking for employment with this company, notices and techniques, guest services, and entertainment department.
As you have seen, if your passion is in cruise ship opportunities securing employment here is rewarding. It is a life-changing and memorable opportunity long after you retire. Careers are in this industry, some entry-level that need basic requirements while others need advanced skills and experience.
Always hover to the official websites of these companies to stay abreast of when opportunities are available. Also remember to research widely and know which opportunities and companies will work better for you in terms of remuneration, work, and benefits.
 | ReplyForwardAdd reaction |
