Cruise Job Insider Blog

Cruise ships nowadays are very high in technology and most of their systems, amenities and facilities are operated by computers, thus, computer specialists are very essential on board. Computer specialists are responsible for the maintenance and operation of all aspect, including hardware and software, of the on board computer systems.

Computer specialists are in charge of creating and maintaining programs that are used on board such as the billing system in the restaurants, the navigation system, casino machines and more. All computer specialists on board are knowledgeable in network operating system management, configuration, techniques and topologies.

As most passengers still wants to be in touch with the world they live in, the demand for internet connectivity is rising on board. Most cruise ships has computer centers and internet cafe on board to accommodate these needs. Offering more than internet connection and basic needs like typing and printing of documents, they also offer basic computer skills classes.

Some of the cruise ship jobs available to those interested in being a computer specialist on board are:

Staff – will be in charge of assisting the passengers in their workstations and in maintaining the cleanliness of the internet cafe or computer center.

Internet Manager – good communication skills are required as they may aid passengers with their needs. The position requires basic computer knowledge and Office productivity tools such as Microsoft Office or Open Office.

Technician – requires certification or diploma of at least a two year course in computer related courses. He will be responsible in installing, maintaining, troubleshooting and upgrades of computer software, hardware and networks.

System Manager – will be responsible for the whole operation and requires the position to be active on board-manager must live in the ship.

There are more positions available on board and you can visit Cruise Ship Jobs for more details and for a guide to a step by step book in successful cruise ship job application.

Cruise ships have activities and events where the ladies would have to wear their dress and look fabulous for the evening and the gentlemen would have to be well groomed and fit for the occasion. Not all passengers have the time and resources to keep themselves beautiful and relax most of the time cause there are tons of activities on board the cruise ship and not all passengers carry with them a beautician or someone to help them look their best. That is why it is important to have beauty salons and parlors on board cruise ships to help passengers with whatever they need to look their best. And since cruise ships promises relaxation and the best and luxurious travel, spa shops are also on board to provide these needed services for the passengers.

From hair, massage, facial, aroma and aqua spa, to body wraps and baths are the few services and treatments that most cruise ships offer to their passengers. These shops hire professionals to ensure quality services to their passengers and most of the position available for the experienced and wanting to work on a cruise ship are:

Shop Manager – can earn from $2500 to $3800 a month, excluding tips, depending on the cruise ship, the manager has to manage the entire operations of the shop, its accounting and the shop staff. One would be required to have an extensive background in beauty salons and experience in managerial positions.

Assistant Shop Manager – gets instruction from the manager and aids in the daily operations of the shop, the assistant can earn from 2000$ to 3000$ a month depending on the cruise line and can be promoted to the Shop Manager. Experience in beauty salon and managerial position is required.

Beautician – CIDESCO, CIBTAC, IHBC, CITY & GUILDS, ITEC, BTEC or IA is one of the qualification needed for this position as it is very important that an applicant must have the capabilities of giving quality service to the clients to ensure satisfaction.

Hair Dresser or Stylist – can earn from 2000$ to 3000$ depending on the duties and the cruise line, excluding tips, with the possibility of being promoted to Assistant Manager. Experience in working in a beauty salon is required with a certification of training or course in hairdressing.

Cosmetologist – can earn from 2000$ to 3000$ a month depending on the cruise line and the sales. Extensive experience in beauty salon and cosmetics is required.

Manicurist/Pedicurist – earning from $2000 to $3000 a month depending on the cruise line excluding tips, the Manicurist or Pedicurist is required to have certification of training and 1 to 2 years of experience.

Fitness Instructor – can earn from 2000 to 2500 a month, the applicant is required to have at least a year of experience in the field and certificate of training or certification of qualification by RSA or YMCA

All of these positions requires good communication skills specially in English as most of them would be in direct contact with the passengers. If you think that you are capable and is qualified for any of this position, you can visit CruiseJobInsider for the best Step by Step cruise ship application guide and details for the different cruise ship jobs on board.

As cruise ships carry passengers to the different parts of the world, every one of them wants a souvenir or two of that place that they have visited. Cruise ships has port of calls where they are scheduled to stay for a while and allow the passengers to do a little shopping and carry a memory or two of the place that they have visited. But not all places that a cruise ship may pass is in the itinerary of a cruise ship, some doesn’t even have ports where cruise ships can dock. That is why cruise lines have made it easier for the passengers to have their souvenirs by setting up gift shops on the ship.

Offering products and items that can start from a simple souvenirs to useful things that passengers may forget like perfume or personal items, gift shops on board are always ready for the passengers needs. Along with the inclusion of gift shops available on board is the availability of hundreds of cruise boat jobs for those who want to work and travel at the same time. Some of the jobs that they may offer are shop manager, assistant shop manager, and shop assistant or sales associate.

The gift shop department is responsible for the shops that is consist of souvenirs and gift shops, boutique and cosmetics kiosks. Here are the job description of the available cruise jobs for those interested in working on a cruise ship.

Shop Assistant/Sales Associate – answering to the Assistant and Shop Manager, the sales associate has direct contact with the passenger seeking their desires and needs. Experience in customer service is needed and a good communication skill is required as they will be mostly in contact with the customers. With a possibility of promotion to higher level and commission, the associate can earn from 1500 to 2000 dollars a month.

Assistant Shop Manager – requires experience in retail and managerial tasks, the assistant will be responsible for the everyday operation of the shop and give assistance to the retail staff. Depending on commission, the assistant may earn from 1500 to 2000 dollars a month.

Shop Manager - requires experience in retail and managerial tasks, the manager is in charge of the entire shop operation, accounting and management of the staff. Depending on commission, the assistant may earn from 2500 to 3000 dollars a month.

There are tons of cruise ship jobs available and if you think that working on a shop is the best for you, then you can visit cruise ship jobs as it can give you the best step by step guide on how to choose, apply and land on a cruise ship job.

Auctions, which are supported by several concession companies, are among the activities on board cruise ships, like bars, gift shops and casino, that is very profitable. Most cruise lines added an auction department on their vessels as an added service and entertainment for the passengers. It is quite similar to auctions that we all see on board and same as those on shore auctions, the following positions are needed to make the auction department successful.

Art Auctioneer

As art is one of the most popular item that people visit in auctions, they are also made available on cruise ships. Applicants with knowledge in art and with good communication skills, as they would be speaking and communicating with a large number of passenger, is required for those who want this position. A good presentation, clean cut, proper outfit and sale motivated can apply for a minimum of 6 month contract (some cruise line accept 6 months). An art auctioneer will be given a fixed salary and of course commission.

Wine Auctioneer

Wine is one of the favorite items that people see in an auction. A wine’s value may vary from its origin, its age, its name, taste, texture and a lot more. A wine enthusiast always appreciates a good wine and takes time to visit wine auctions and since most passengers on cruise love wine, wine auction is made available to the public.

Same as the art auctioneer, a good presentation, clean cut, proper outfit and sale motivated can apply for a minimum of 6 month contract (some cruise line accept 6 months). A wine auctioneer will be given a fixed salary and of course commission. Same to any auctioneer, good communication skills is required as they would need to face large number of possible buyers. A 1 to 2 week of on shore training is usually given to the applicant and successful trainees would be responsible and in charge of the wine auction.

cruise ship jobs

cruise ship crew

A cruise ship is like a small city floating in the ocean. What makes it complete is the available amenities and facilities that delivers services to the passenger to make sure that they are pampered and comfortable. Here is a few list of the jobs available on a cruise ship that one may apply for if he is interested in working with the cruise line company.

Youth Counselor

Most cruise ships include a lot of teens and children on board and youth counselors are very helpful in giving advice and setting activities for them. Most of the applicants that they hire for this position are students and teachers with experience in childcare. They would be required to go to training like safety training.

Shore Excursion Manager

Cruise ships doesn’t only offer activities for the passengers to enjoy but there are also some activities on shore the port of calls where passengers can have a leisurely time. Shore excursion managers overlooks the promotion and arrangement of this activities and usually has staff to assist with the job.

Port Lectures

As the activities doesn’t end on the ship and may continue on port of calls, port lecturers can assist by giving speeches and advice in terms of the on board and onshore shops and activities that passengers may enjoy. Port lecturers must have close contact with the passengers and the shops that he may offer to them.

Musicians

Music is very important in every cruise as there are activities such as balls and even on a simple dinner where in a good music from a piano is much appreciated by the passengers. This may come in group, as single performers or as a band.

Guest Entertainer

This is one of the popular positions on a cruise ship as they are surely in the activity list of the ship. This may include magicians or comedians that will perform in front of an audience with their media packs (mostly is required to have their own).

Disc Jockeys (DJ)

Musicians and entertainers are not the only source of entertainment on a cruise ship. The ship may have bars or restaurant where people would surely dance and a DJ is surely needed. Mostly they work at night and may require experience with being a DJ and light and sound equipments.

Dive Instructors

One of the popular activity on a cruise ship is diving. There are a number of positions available for dive instructors as there are a lot of passengers who would want to witness the beauty of the ocean underneath. Applicants must have experience and proper safety and emergency training.

Casino Cashier/Dealer/Croupier/Staff/Manager

As most cruise ships include a casino department on board, staff from cashier, dealers, croupiers and managers are needed to ensure that the casino is giving proper service to the passengers. Experience is definitely needed in these positions.

Assistant Cruise Director

As the name implies, the assistant will assist the cruise director in managing, planning and implementing programs and activities for the passengers.

Cruise Director

Would be responsible for the overall entertainment on board the ship. Same as the assistant, they are need to have good communication skills as they would be in close contact with the passengers of the cruise ship.

This are only some of the cruise ship jobs that you may apply for if you are interested in earning good money while traveling the world for free at the same time.

The most sought after jobs aboard a cruise liner are definitely the more lucrative ones, like being in the bridge cruise ship crew or in the management department. Sadly, however, not all of us can get into those positions. After all, not many of us can pass the requirements needed for those jobs. However, if you really do want to to work on a cruise ship, there is still hope.

In fact, there are still many positions available on board. Though not as prestigious or as high paying as the ones above, these jobs still pretty much give a lot. Besides, these can also serve as an entry point for an even lucrative career in or out of the ship.

For those who want to to work on the technical side the cruise ships, being a deck hand is the best way to start. Deck hands are the all around helpers for the crew on board. You don’t need to have much advanced technical knowledge when applying as a deck hand. What’s good about this job is that you will be able to learn more about other crew members’ works. These will serve as additional experience points when you apply for as higher position.

You can also go for being an assistant to a specific department in the ship, from the engineering to the kitchen. Here, you will need to have a bit of knowledge about that department so you will have to take a vocational course related to your work. No need to worry though, since these courses are relatively short, lasting no more than two months. For those interested, the liner company also often crash courses for the positions. Having a vocational background on these jobs will give you a higher appraisal when being evaluated for a higher position.

If you are not into technical work, there are still pretty much a wide variety of work available for you in the cruise ship. Entertainers are very much in demand aboard. And entertainers are not limited to only singers and musicians, though they are more common. In fact, the cruise line industry em0ploys a wide variety of acts like dancers and performance artists. Clowns and magicians are also in demand for child theme cruises.

Photographers and videographers are are also regularly hired aboard. They might be hired by either the cruise company itself or an independent proprietor aboard the ship. Note, however, that for these jobs, you will be the one to provide your own equipment, the some companies will give them to you.

There are also lots of of openings in the shops aboard the liner. Your jobs will be mostly manning the shops, though there are also managerial positions available. Other work available aboard are serving as casino and gym staffs and janitors.

You see, there are tons of cruise ship jobs waiting for you in the cruise liner. All you need to do is apply for one and this might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

For those aspiring to become officers onboard a cruise liner, the bridge is definitely the most coveted area. After all, it is the top spot in the ship’s hierarchy. But as it turns out, getting there is not as easy as getting aboard the ship itself.

The bridge serves as the command center aboard the ship. It is where all the instructions comes from when traveling. And some cases, the bridge is also the place where passengers and crew settle disputes and other problems.

The bridge is of course, headed by the captain, which issues every command and approves all the actions made by the ship’s crew. In some cases, the captain can also take over the ship’s wheel if needed. He is also the chief liaison officer between the ship’s passenger and the crew onboard.

However, note that you won’t get to the captain position that easily. You need to start from the lower ranks in order to climb up to the captain’s seat. The lowest that you can start at the bridge is as a second officer (or third mate in some countries). The second officer serves as an assistant to the first officer and also takes orders from other higher ranking officers onboard. You can serve as a second officer right after graduation as the only requirements are a completed seaman’s course and your license.

After spending around a year aboard the ship, you then will be elevated to first officer rank. Here, you now take overall responsibility for navigational watch. You are tasked to keep track of of all navigation data and charts. Though computers have pretty much lightened the workload, you are still expected to know how to read from the charts just in case. You will also be charged with overseeing the maintenance and deployment of safety and conducting inspections afterwards.

Luckily after two years on the sea, you will be closer when you get to be promoted as the chief officer. However, your duties and responsibilities will now also be bigger (literally), as you now have to take care of maintaining the ship’s hull and all the heavy equipment that the ship has, like cargo transport and mooring gears. You will also be the monitor to ensure that the crew is working round the clock as required. And you will also be the one to ensure that all regulations and procedures are implemented properly. These tasks would require you to be on call in the bridge most of the times, but other duties, such as inspection and refurbishing of cabins will have you going around the ship.

And finally, there is the staff captain, the second in command and overall assistant to the captain. As the staff captain, your main duty, aside from assisting the captain in maintaining the ship, is acting as his reliever in case he is absent or sick. Also, you will be given duties as per the instructions of the captain.

As you see, getting to the top position aboard the cruise liner is not that easy. However, if you are patient enough, you will be able to wear the captain’s cap in just a few years. So good luck to you.

cruise ship jobs

working on cruise ships

Tons of people are rushing to apply for a cruise ship job as it is one of the best career out there. It is a great chance to earn very good money, meet people of different culture and country and it is a free ticket to see the world. You too can have a cruise ship jobs without taking a special training for a specific job that you desire, if you have experience in hospitality jobs, you can make use of the on shore experience to apply for a position on board.

A cruise ship is like a small community and it needs every factor that a community on shore has. It can also be compared to a floating hotel as it serves the same function, to serve quality experience to the passenger. The hotel department on a cruise ship is run as a concessionaire, or another company is hired to manage the department. Here are the few divisions that the hotel department must have.

Steward division – responsible for keeping the cabins clean and is also termed as housekeeping when on shore. The crew in this position cleans and maintains the cabins on the ship. An applicant with an experience on housekeeping on an onshore hotel may apply for this position.

Laundry services – this department takes care of the lines, tablecloths, towels and clothes for all the passengers. This may also include uniforms of the crew and staff of the ship. An experienced laundry or dry cleaner can apply for this position.

Food department – serving food, drinks and maintaining the bar and buffet is in this division. One of the best attraction of a cruise is the exotic food that comes from different parts of the world. Any one experienced in being a chef, waiter, baker or anything related can apply for this position.

Kitchen department – the food department will never be successful without a good kitchen department. This division takes care of all the dishes and the preparation of all the food.

Not all jobs on the hotel department of a cruise ship is from an agency or a concessionaire, although, most of them are. If you are experienced in any of this department and is interested in having the opportunity of a lifetime to work on a cruise ship, you can visit cruise ship jobs for the best guide in getting a cruise ship job.

boat jobs | sea jobs

Any cruise ships should and does carry a medical team on board a cruise ship. They are needed in case an emergency can happen concerning the passengers. They will be in charge of taking care of simple cases like sea sickness to big emergencies like injuries from an accident.

The medical department on board a cruise ship is very essential to make sure that every passenger is medically fit and medical attention will be available in times that it is needed. Same as many cruise ship job, a lot of position is also available on board cruise ships for the medical department and this position will also ensure the applicant a good free ticket to see the world.

Amongst the available position on board cruise ships are the following:

Cruise Ship Nurse (must be registered) – with a salary range of $2000 to $3000 (depending on the cruise line), the cruise ship nurse will aid treatment to passengers and crew of the cruise ship. The nurse may also give assistance to the on board doctor or physician. An experience on shore hospital from 2 to 3 years may be required with a good communication skill as they will need to interact with the patient.

On board Doctor / Physician – salary range of $4000 to $5500 per month (depending on cruise line), with a possible promotion for Chief Doctor, the on board Doctor or Physician will give treatment mostly to crew members and the passengers. Crew members are more prone to treatment as they are exposed to the dangers of the sea while working (e.g. engine jobs). License of course is required and 2 to 4 years of practice with cardiac and primary care, and emergency medicine is required along with good communication skills.

Chief Doctor – will have a salary salary range of $4000 to $5500 per month (depending on cruise line), the Chief Doctor is responsible for the entire cruise ship medical facilities, manages the ship nurses and doctors and gives treatment to crew and passenger as well. This position requires 3 to 5 years of experience as a subordinate (Doctor/Physician) on board the cruise ship

If you desire to practice your medical knowledge on board a cruise ship and have the chance to travel the world at the same time, you can visit cruise lines employment guide to help you apply and land a job on cruise ships more effectively.

cruise ship jobs

As cruise ships reach exotic and beautiful places from the different parts of the world, getting an image of the experience to live forever is a great souvenir. Most passengers would carry with them a camera or a video to make sure that every special and fun moment that they would have on board will be taken into memory.

Not all passenger have the chance to do so or has the chance to carry around a camera with them all the time as the cruising experience offers a lot of activities for them to enjoy. That is why, cruise lines offers different positions for photographers to make sure that everyone has a chance to keep their experiences into memories.

This photographers hang out on board and on shore to make sure that they would be ready for any spontaneous moment that needs capturing. Listed below are some of the positions that a photographer may apply for if he/she desires a position on board the cruise ship.

Photographer – seen in specific parts of the ship or on shore (photo kiosk) or just wandering around with a camera and an I.D., this position requires experience and skills. As they will surely interact with the passengers or the tourists, a good communication skill is required as well.

Assistant Photo Manager – requires an experience in photography (Photographer) and in managing as this position will oversee the day to day operation of the photo department.

Photo Manager – requires photography and managerial experience (experience of being an Assistant photo manager also a big factor) and will be responsible for the entire operation of the photo department.

If you think you have the skills and the enthusiasm to be one of any of this cruise ship jobs, you may visit cruise ship jobs videos to make sure that you can find the right position for you and that you land the job effectively.