Benefits

·  Your income level in the cruise industry is dependent upon the cruise line who hires you and what your job description will be. However, you will earn a competitive salary, paid in US Dollars, in cash and tax free, and with room and board included. Again, your income level is negotiated between you and the cruise line who hires you, but keep in mind that the better your resume looks, the higher your pay could be. Contracts are often renewable (depending on the position and the employing company), with 6-8 weeks vacation time between contracts.

·  Full medical cover whilst onboard ship.

·  Uniforms, meals, linen, crew bar, internet facilities, etc., are all privileges enjoyed onboard most luxury cruise liners.

·  Some facilities are available at drastically reduced rates for crewmembers only, as well as discounts for close family members to cruise as guests onboard the ships.

Requirements

Ships are like floating resorts/hotels, so positions are mainly Hotel and Hospitality oriented.

·  You need a minimum of 18 months - 2 years recent or current experience, regardless of which position you apply for (no more than 1 year ago).

·  Entry-level Management positions require at least a few years experience in only 4/5 star hotels/restaurants and/or Hotel Management/Catering Diploma. Qualify yourself by gaining relevant experience(s) on land at any hotel/catering establishment and/or do a course in the field of Hotel Management, or Food & Beverage Service/Housekeeping Management or Hospitality Management or relevant field of interest.

·  Professional appearance with an outgoing, friendly, hardworking, loyal and spontaneous character is of great importance.

·  All applicants must be 21 years of age or older – however, there are ferries in Europe and Scandinavia that hire at 18 and 19. NCL America (Hawaiian Islands) hires at 19, but you must be a US citizen or have a US work permit.

·  You will have to work seven days a week. That is, you may only have hours off instead of a full day.

·  In most cases the new hire is responsible for the cost of a one-way airline ticket to join the ship in a port of call mainly around USA, Europe and South America. Most of the companies and positions also provide return flights for employees to their home country, as well as all subsequent re-joining and returning fares to the port of embarkation.

·  A C1/D - Seaman’s Transit Visa is necessary (costing US$100) which can only be applied for upon receipt of the official Letter of Employment. If one has to join in Europe or anywhere else, new hires may be asked to get the additional relevant visa, i.e. Schengen Visa, before departure to enter the country, transit and board the ship.

·  A pre-employment medical exam needs to be done, only after receiving the original Letter of Employment, with your joining date. Please keep in mind that you have to be 100% fit! Any illnesses or medical problems such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, hepatitis, back or joint problems, hernia, HIV, chronic medication, epilepsy, etc, will disqualify you for employment.

·  Agencies usually require you to be interviewed and for you to provide documents at the same time, i.e. copy of passport, photos, copy of your qualification(s), written English references and criminal background check. If you are successful and approved for employment, you should depart within a 1-6 month period after the final interview, giving you enough time to prepare yourself mentally and financially. Scheduling is handled solely by the cruise ship company.