There are a few career alternatives that provide the attraction of adventure, discovery, and cultural enrichment, as well as jobs aboard cruise ships. These floating wonders of modern travel take passengers to spectacular destinations and provide a one-of-a-kind and exciting work environment for anyone looking for a challenging career at sea. From the breathtaking Caribbean islands to the beautiful European towns, cruise ship jobs provide opportunities for unmatched experiences and personal growth. In this article, we will look at the common jobs on cruise ship jobs, the countries hiring these roles and the requirements.
Cruise ships operate all over the world, providing a wealth of work opportunities to people. The cruise industry has substantially transitioned in recent decades, making it one of the fastest-expanding tourism industries. Cruise lines were among the industries hardest hit by the pandemic, as shelter-in-place orders, successive global lockdowns, and governments closing their borders caused the sector’s shares to plummet. However, there is now a flood of demand to turn around the industry’s fortunes. Ultimately, this has resulted in more jobs on cruise ships being offered.
Which Countries are Hiring jobs on cruise ships?
While the hiring procedure and job availability may vary, several countries constantly stand out for their contributions to the cruise ship industry. The United States, the Philippines, Greece, Indonesia, India, Jamaica, and South Africa are among the prominent countries recognized for employing cruise ship crew. Because of their rich maritime heritage and qualified workforce, these countries are frequently recruiting hubs for crew members.
The majority of the largest cruise companies globally hire personnel from all over the world. Up to 60 different nationalities could be present on any particular ship. Many Cruise lines work with hiring partners in the nation or region to discover, screen, and even choose workers for cruise ship roles.
How many employees can work on a Cruise ship?
Cruise ships are big vessels that can transport hundreds of people and a large crew to offer a safe and comfortable journey. The number of staff on board varies depending on the size of the vessel, the amenities supplied, and the services given. In general, most cruise ships will have 500 to 2000 personnel working in various areas. According to ITF Seafarers, Many cruise ships have crews of over 1,000 people, with three or even four guests for every crew member.
These numbers continue to grow as they contribute to the number of people employed in the cruise line industry worldwide. According to Statista, employment in the cruise line industry in the United States alone increased by around 76 percent in 2021. During this year, the industry employed around 15 thousand people. This figure was expected to reach over 23,000 by 2022.
Globally, the number of people working on cruise ships is approximately 200,000, with a staff turnover rate of 25-35%. Many people are driven to the sector because it allows them to travel to exotic locations, meet new people, and earn money simultaneously. These employment numbers are expected to rise. According to the CLIA State of the cruise industry report, the cruise industry is expected to support over 1 million employees in 2023.
Common Jobs on Cruise Ships
There are numerous job opportunities on cruise ships. The most common jobs found fall into departments or areas such as housekeeping, food and beverage, customer service, engineering, entertainment and recreation, medical services, finance and administration, marketing and security and safety workers.
Hotel Department
These jobs are frequently called “cruise staff” and deal with anything related to passenger entertainment. Hosts and hostesses, cruise directors and employees, disc jockeys, performers, swimming instructors, and shore excursion workers are all part of this department. These are the most attractive positions on the ship and are likely the most sought-after employment in the cruise industry.
Hospitality or Service Department
Most cruise ship staff are hospitality professionals responsible for delivering outstanding customer service throughout their voyage. Some common roles in this department are Bartenders, Chief Cabin Steward, Servers, Chefs, Housekeepers, Hotel Manager and Guest Relations Personnel.
They are responsible for managing the restaurants, bars, and passenger cabins, as well as shipboard retail concessions like gift shops and ensuring that every guest has a pleasant experience.
Personal Care Department
The services found under this department are Fitness, beauty, and spa. Common roles in this department are Beauty Therapist, Fitness Instructor, Manicurist and Massage Therapist. These roles are significant to the tourists who have joined the trip to enjoy luxury pampering. As the demand for these services grows, more cruise ships are modernizing their spa and fitness facilities to have the most sophisticated spa and wellness programs available.
Medical Department
The medical department provides medical care to both passengers and crew. Medical teams on cruise ships consist of doctors, nurses, and medical assistants who provide health and medical services to passengers and crew.
A clinic or infirmary is available on cruise ships, where the medical team performs routine activities similar to those of a general practitioner on land. Their responsibilities include treating minor illnesses and reacting to emergencies. The medical team also contributes to ship health management by monitoring the conditions of passengers and crew and considering variables such as public health standards and disease prevention.
Deck Crew Department
This department’s responsibilities include assisting with preparing and maintaining a cruise ship. The common roles found in this department are deckhands, maintenance workers, engineers, and officers. These workers operate machinery, fix machinery, and load and unload goods or luggage. They may relay critical information to crew members and assist with watch-keeping tasks. When executing their responsibilities, they often use a variety of ropes, knots, radios, and navigational devices. Other responsibilities could include assisting in crises and using safety equipment.
Engineering Department
This department falls under the deck department. The engineering department is equally vital because it maintains all vessel components, including power generation systems and mechanical equipment, while ensuring that safety regulations are fulfilled at all times. Security personnel also play a vital role in keeping everyone on board safe by performing regular patrols throughout the vessel or responding immediately in the event of an emergency.
Administration department
These are often onshore jobs where people work in the main office planning cruises or completing normal office duties. These positions include secretaries, booking agents, sales/marketing personnel, and secretarial workers.
Requirements
While particular position requirements and experience vary depending on the job you want, there are some basic requirements that all employees must meet to work on a cruise ship. The following are some of these basic requirements:
- You must be at least 21 years old. Candidates over 18 are sometimes accepted for certain positions (daycare). This varies by cruise line, so checking their career websites or job postings is important.
- You must possess a valid passport;
- You must have the necessary visas or work permits, depending on where you are from and the countries to which you will be travelling;
- Have a basic safety training certificate.
- Pass a medical examination.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Have no visible tattoos or piercings
Related: Work Visas for Australia – A Complete Guide
Qualifications
- Language Proficiency: Because English is frequently used as the major language on cruise ships, a solid command of the language is required for successful communication with passengers and co-workers.
- Experience in a similar industry, such as hospitality, entertainment, or marine operations, can considerably increase a candidate’s chances of landing a job on a cruise ship.
- Certificates: Certain tasks, particularly those involving safety and navigation, necessitate certain certificates and licenses to assure the safety of passengers and crew.
- Customer Service Skills: Roles that require engaging with passengers require excellent interpersonal skills, a friendly approach, and a customer-centric mentality.
- Adaptability: Life on a cruise ship can be fast-paced and unpredictable. Adaptability and a positive attitude in the face of difficulties are highly regarded characteristics.
Conclusion
Cruise ships offer numerous work opportunities worldwide, and the industry has experienced significant transformation in recent decades. Despite facing challenges like the pandemic, the industry is now experiencing a surge in demand, with countries like the US, Philippines, Greece, Indonesia, India, Jamaica, and South Africa employing cruise ship crew. Crew sizes vary, but most cruise ships have 500-2000 personnel, with crews of over 1,000 people.
- Jobs on Cruise Ships - September 1, 2023
