Cruise employment

Cruise employment is often seen as the ideal job for many people. The media has helped a lot and films and TV programs have helped to make working on a cruise line look glamorous and lucrative.

Working within the cruise line industry is a career choice that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is hard work and just as challenging as any fast paced career in the tourism industry. The advantage is that you will get to see lots more of the world than most of your friends!

There are a number of things to consider before embarking on your cruise ship employment. Working in this environment isn’t for everybody. It can be long hours and you will need to keep a smile on. Work within the industry is competitive but people who really want to do it and really love the industry will do well and those that do it on a whim will most likely fail.

Things to consider in cruise employment.

• 1. The sea is not always calm! If you have made this decision without experience of cruising in the past then I would suggest you go on at least one cruise....Maybe in the middle of November across the English Channel, just to experience rough sea’s. You may not like it.
• 2. Missing your friends and relatives. Cruises will take you away from your usual location for long periods of time. Can you handle being away from friends and loved ones?
• 3. It is not a holiday. Your employment on board a cruise line is not a holiday. You will be expected to work hard, just as you would with any other career. The passengers are on holiday and it is up to you to make their journey a pleasant one.
• 4. Training is essential. Safety onboard the ship is essential so expect to do extensive training before you board any vessel. This should be seen as a bonus to yourself as it only helps to make you more employable.
• 5. Its travel and tourism. Whatever way you dress it you will be working within the travel and tourism industry and that’s the bottom line. If you have worked in hotels and didn’t like it then you will be unlikely to enjoy cruise employment.

What can I do onboard?

A cruise ship is a massive floating city and as such there are hundreds of different jobs on offer. There are countless opportunities. Each position will require different skill sets and different qualifications. Don’t expect to walk into an engineering role if you have worked in catering all your life. Everything from firemen to cleaners to radio operators are required aboard each ship.

Follow these links to access a few of the big cruise line operators jobs sites.

Celebrity cruise jobs
Carnival cruises
Crystal cruises jobs
Cunard lines jobs
Holland America jobs
MSC Cruise jobs
Royal Caribbean jobs
Princess cruises jobs
Oceania Cruise jobs

Do the research and your dream cruise employment could be just round the corner.

Research the job position before you make the leap and decide that cruise line is the one for you. Just like every job, every company offers different perks and downfalls

One of the perks that every cruise line operator offers is the chance to travel the world for free...But they all offer this so don't let the destinations decide which company to choose. Do they offer free medical insurance? What free meals do you get? Do you get reduced travel for all friends and family? How many holidays a year?

Just as any other career in life. Read as much as you can about the company and position and make sure it matches your criteria.