If you are one of those people who is not attracted to the regular 9-5 job, you might be wondering how to get a job on a cruise ship. You are not alone. People from all walks of life dream of getting a job that will pay them to sail the high seas. Of course, working on a cruise ship is not all fun and games. It can be hard work, too; however, most folks find the hard work more than worth it. In fact, being willing to work hard is probably one of the most important tips when it comes to getting a job on a cruise ship. Having a good attitude is also very important. When you work on a cruise ship, you will encounter all different kinds of people, some of whom will be from different cultures and different parts of the world. Being a people person definitely helps.
Knowing English is also important. Even though many cruise ships are registered in different countries, many of the largest ones are owned by American and UK companies. While English does not have to be your first language, you will have to speak it very well and be able to understand it perfectly. Being able to understand and communicate in English is a matter of safety: both yours and the safety of the passengers. So if English isn’t your first language, make sure you brush up on it before applying to get a job on a cruise ship. Also, you will need a valid passport. This is crucial, because without one you will not be offered a job. An expired passport won’t work; so if yours is expired, get it renewed before you apply.
Before you begin applying, update your resume. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, because you will still have to fill out the cruise line application, but having a resume already prepared will make a good impression. Another thing to be aware of if you are wondering how to get a job on a cruise ship is to try to apply to the correct department. For instance, if you are interested in working as wait staff, don’t apply to the gift shop or the medical clinic. Ideally, try to find the name of the person in charge of hiring for the department you wish to work for. If you can’t find their name on the cruise line’s website, then make a phone call to the company and ask who is in charge of that department.
Resources you will need:
1. Cruiseworking is where you should go if you already have made your decision to work on a cruise ship.
You built your resume online on their website and they will forward it to the right contacts in over 300 cruise lines. There is a small fee for this service, but you know your resume will end in the right hands.
2. If you need to research more before applying for a cruise job, then read the ins and outs from Robert Winkler on "Hot Cruise Jobs". Robert have worked on cruise ships for years, starting as a bus boy in the kitchen and ending as a human resource manager for Carnival Cruise Lines. I have read a lot of his information and it can strongly recommend it.