Cruise lines are seeking individuals who have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with the public. They want to hire a staff that is enthusiastic, friendly, and outgoing. The ship lines know the importance of making a positive and lasting impression on passengers. Appearance is therefore of the utmost importance. Employees must be clean and well groomed at all times. Cruise lines are looking for hardworking individuals who enjoy being around people and take pride in themselves and their work.
Contract lengths can vary, but normally most run about six months. Contracts can be renewed, and career advancement is possible. Most of the positions available are entry-level as most cruise lines promote from within based on job performance. In general, the salary range is between $1,000 and $1,700 per month. Restaurant and house staff wages are based on gratuities (tips), which can amount to about $300 to $600 per week.
The experience will put you in contact with crew members who represent nationalities from all over the world. Appreciating other people’s differences and values will make your job more rewarding and might create some lasting friendships even after the voyage is over. The captain is the master of the ship and is in authority at all times. All shipboard employees must abide by strict master’s rules and regulations.
As an employee, your responsibilities will depend on the position you are hired for. In addition to these duties, you will be required to participate in any training/safety drills and gangway duty. Teamwork is of the utmost importance. Of course, there are policies you would have to follow. The public facilities are for the passengers to enjoy. Use of these facilities by employees is usually limited or restricted. Excessive drinking or socializing is not tolerated either on or off duty.
Usually, employment can be obtained within days or months from the time your application is accepted by the ship line, depending on the current demand for the position you are seeking. Benefits include room, board, and all meals. Many companies also provide you with emergency medical insurance when you are officially signed on as an employee. Expenses are minimal, which makes it possible for you to save a considerable amount of money if you watch your spending habits. Generally, the expenses that you would incur would be for laundry, dry cleaning, alcoholic beverages, and personal items.
When you are off duty, you can relax in your cabin or socialize with other crew members in designated areas. Visiting exciting destinations in far-off places is only one of the benefits of working on board a luxury liner. When the ship is in dock and you are off duty, you have shore leave to explore the local surroundings in places you may never have set foot in otherwise. This can include towns and beaches in remote, romantic destinations in some of the most beautiful parts of the world. Working on board a cruise ship could be a thrilling experience that changes your perspective and supplies you with lasting friendships throughout your lifetime.
