The lowest job on a cruise ship is usually a general entry-level position such as a Waiter or Room Steward. As a Waiter, you would be responsible for taking orders, serving food and drinks, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
As a Room Steward, you would be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the cabins, and providing hospitality services to the passengers. Both of these positions are often viewed as the starting point for a career in the hospitality industry.
A positive attitude, customer service skills and willingness to learn are often the best attributes for someone entering a cruise ship job in a junior position.
Do cruise workers get paid hourly?
Cruise workers do not get paid hourly as with many other jobs. Most cruise workers are considered contracted workers and typically earn salaries. Salaries will differ depending on the position, as some ship employees work longer shifts and more days than others.
Generally, the more experience and responsibilities of a position, the higher the salary. Contracts tend to be fixed-term and last several months with the option to re-apply after the contract ends. Cruise workers may receive extra pay for overtime if they are asked to work additional hours and may also receive tips from passengers, depending on the position.
Salaries vary widely onboard cruise ships, with some positions offering a lower salary but with the perks of free room and board, free travel and great discounts on services, such as laundry or spa treatments.
Which cruise ship pays best?
The best paying cruise ship really depends on the type of job one is looking for. For example, captains and staff officers usually receive the highest salaries, while hospitality workers such as chefs or waiters tend to be some of the lowest paid on a cruise ship.
Typically, the most satisfying cruise ships to work for come with the best salaries. Cruise companies such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland America Line pay their employees well and offer attractive benefits.
In addition, these lines are some of the most forward-thinking and progressive in the industry, offering their employees unique opportunities for career advancement.
Another factor to consider is the size of the cruise ship. Larger cruise ships typically pay crew members more, because the cruise line requires a larger staff to manage the ship’s operations.
Finally, the luxury cruise line market pays some of the highest salaries in the industry. Employees with experience in luxury hospitality management will be able to leverage their expertise for a higher rate of pay.
For example, the Regent Seven Seas brand pays their crew members some of the highest salaries in the industry.
Do cruise ship employees get free food?
Yes, cruise ship employees typically receive free food, but the exact details may vary depending on the company and the employee’s position. Most common, crew members receive free access to the cafeteria, known as the “crew mess”, which is usually open 24 hours and provides meals throughout the day.
Many cruise lines provide three meals a day to their crew, with different menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu options vary, but generally include a selection of international dishes, including vegetarian options.
Additionally, crew members typically have access to snacks, coffee, and other beverages throughout the day.
Depending on the company and job type, some staff and crew members may even receive a monthly food allowance. For example, culinary staff members typically receive a higher food allowance than other crew members, such as housekeeping staff.
Some cruise lines may even provide staff members with additional snacks and meals for special occasions or events.
Overall, cruise ship employees typically have access to free food and snacks, but the details may vary depending on the company and employee’s job.
How many hours a day do cruise ship workers work?
Cruise ship workers typically work 8-12 hours per day, 7 days a week. However, depending on the cruise line, job, and rank of an employee, the number of hours worked can vary. For many hospitality positions, such as in the food and beverage department and housekeeping, employees may be required to work 10-12 hours per day for 5-7 days a week.
Other departments that require closer attention, like Engineering, Deck and Security officers, may be required to work longer shifts of 12-14 hours. The exact number of hours any one person works during a shift also depends on the ship’s itinerary and duration of the cruise.
For example, on embarkation and disembarkation day, as well as days when the ship is at sea, cruise staff may be required to work longer hours and extra shifts to ensure that the passengers have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
As such, workers must be prepared to work a variety of hours each day, and may be asked to work late into the night, on weekends or on their days off.
What is the cruise ship line to work for?
The cruise ship line you should work for depends on a variety of factors, such as your preferences, experience, and qualifications. Some of the most popular cruise ship lines to work for include Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Each of these cruise ship lines has their own unique offerings, benefits, and employment opportunities.
Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest cruise company in the world and one of the most popular cruise lines to work for. You can find a variety of job opportunities within the company, including wait staff, housekeeping, restaurant staff, technicians, deck crew, and even cruise directors.
Carnival Cruise Lines also offers benefits such as medical and dental insurance, 401(k) options, and onboard entertainment.
Royal Caribbean is also a popular choice for crew members. Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of job opportunities, from engineers and mechanics to entertainers and chefs. Besides an attractive benefits package, Royal Caribbean also offers generous wages and flexible hours, making it perfect for those looking for more stability.
Holland America Line is another popular cruise line. Here, you can work as a shipboard musician, cook, waiter/waitress, or activities director. Holland America Line also offers medical and dental insurance, paid vacation time, and competitive wages.
Princess Cruises is known for its luxury experience onboard, so it’s a great option for those looking for a higher-end experience. Here, there are a variety of positions available, including restaurant waiters/waitresses, retail staff, housekeeping staff, technicians, and more.
MSC Cruises is a family-friendly cruise line and is perfect for those looking to explore different cultures. You can find a wide range of job opportunities here, from waitstaff and bar tenders to engineers and mechanics.
Plus, MSC Cruises offers competitive wages and benefits.
Costa Cruises is a popular choice for those looking for a more Mediterranean experience. Costa Cruises offers a variety of job opportunities, from entertainment staff to medical staff, and pays competitive wages and bonuses.
Finally, Norwegian Cruise Line is perfect for those looking for more of a fun and adventurous experience onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line offers waitstaff, bartenders, housekeeping staff, technicians, and more.
Plus, there are tons of onboard entertainment opportunities here, such as rock-climbing walls and ropes courses. Norwegian Cruise Line also offers competitive wages and benefits.
Ultimately, the cruise ship line you should work for depends on your skills, interests, and preferences. Different cruise lines offer different experiences and opportunities, so explore the options available and find the best fit for you.
Is working on a cruise ship worth it?
Working on a cruise ship can be a great opportunity for some people but it may not be worth it for others. The pay on a cruise ship is typically low but the benefits and amenities that come with the job can make up for it.
On top of the low pay, there are often long working hours and you’ll be away from your home for long periods of time.
If you are able to enjoy the lifestyle and the feeling of travelling, then working on a cruise ship can be very worth it. Not many people get to travel the world while they work and you’ll get to meet and interact with people from all over the globe.
Not to mention, you’ll get access to amazing amenities and discounts. Plus, you’ll be able to learn language and cultural skills, as well as, managerial and problem solving skills.
It is ultimately up to you to decide whether or not working on a cruise ship is worth it. Taking into account the pay, the hours and other factors, you can make an educated decision on if it’s the right fit for you.
What qualifications do I need to work on a cruise ship?
The qualifications that are required to work on a cruise ship can vary depending on which company you work for, the particular role you will be carrying out and the country that the ship is registered in.
In general, the basic qualifications needed to take on a role on a cruise ship are:
• A valid passport, or other valid travel documents such as a UK ID card.
• A minimum age of 18 or 21, depending on the country of registration and the role that you are applying for.
• Basic English language skills, to be able to understand and communicate instructions with other crew members and passengers.
• Relevant work experience in the seafaring, hospitality or customer service industry, depending on the type of role you are applying for. For example, managerial and entertainment roles may require experience in the relevant fields.
• Qualifications in areas such as safety, marine operations, fire safety, first aid, food safety and hygiene and physical wellbeing may be required for certain roles.
• Some roles, such as medical personnel, may require a relevant qualification, certification, licence and/or board accreditation.
• Criminal background checks may be necessary for certain roles.
It’s important to note that some countries may require additional qualifications, such as health checks and training courses related to the specific role that you are applying for. Be sure to check with the recruitment team of the cruise line before applying, to find out exactly what qualifications you need to work on their ship.
How much do jobs on cruise ship pay?
The amount you can expect to make working on a cruise ship can vary greatly depending on the role, and the company you work for. Generally speaking, positions on board are paid between $1,000-$3,000 per month, plus a separate daily wage.
Jobs that require higher qualifications, such as musicians and wait staff, may be paid slightly more, with some of the higher positions fetching as much as $5,000 per month or more. Bonuses are sometimes awarded after certain contracts or during special occasions.
In addition to salary and bonuses, some staff members may receive commission for sales or performance, as well as tips earned from passengers. All of this income, along with food and accommodations, are considered “perks” of working on a cruise ship.
However, bear in mind that many companies may also require that employees purchase their own uniforms and pay for monthly medical examinations. Therefore, before working on a cruise ship, you should always figure out exactly what the total cost of working for the particular company will be.
Is it hard to work on a cruise ship?
Working on a cruise ship can come with both its rewards and its challenges. While it can be exciting and rewarding to experience many of the world’s most beautiful destinations, cruise ship life can also be difficult at times.
The hours can be long and sometimes erratic, with workers often having to adjust to different working schedules based on the itinerary of the cruise. Cruise ships can be noisy, crowded, and chaotic, and there may be times of extreme weather or challenging working conditions while at port.
For those who are able to adjust and embrace a new way of life, the experience of working on a cruise ship can be fulfilling.
What is the minimum experience and qualifications for a cruise?
The minimum experience and qualifications for a cruise will vary by company, cabin type, and other factors.
For a basic cruise line, cruise staff members typically need to have at least one year of hospitality experience, GED/High School Diploma, and professional training certification in customer service and/ or housekeeping.
Additionally, they may need to have experience in the specific areas they will be working in, such as bartending, cooking, and hospitality services. Cruise staff members may also need to pass a physical/drug screening, criminal background check and possess valid government-issued documentation.
For more advanced positions, such as Cruise Managers, Cruise Directors, and Ship Officers, a college degree and prior cruise-ship experience are a plus. Cruise Managers typically must have at least one year of experience in the hotel, travel, or tourism industry, as well as supervisory experience, numerical and analytical skills, and fundamental accounting and budgeting knowledge.
Cruise Directors must have at least two years of experience in management, be knowledgeable in public relations, entertainment, and cultural customs, as well as possess sales, marketing, and managerial background.
Ship officers are usually required to have a current navigational officer’s certificate issued by their country’s maritime agency, as well as experience in the same type of vessel and passenger class.
Candidates for Ships Officers must also have one to three years of experience in their respective position, and must pass a series of professional certification tests.
With any position aboard a cruise ship, it is also important that staff demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure and adapt to changes in weather and other conditions.
What are some of the pros and cons of working on a cruise ship?
The Pros of Working on a Cruise Ship:
1. Opportunity to See the World: One of the primary benefits of working on board a cruise ship is the opportunity to see various parts of the world. Not only do you get to be a part of the ship’s journey, but you also get to enjoy the sights and sounds of some of the most breathtaking places around the world.
2. Make New Friends: Working on a cruise ship can be a great way to make new friends from all over the world. Not only do you get to mingle with other crew members, but you also get to meet passengers from various countries and cultures.
3. Mental Stimulation: Working on a cruise ship not only provides physical stimulation as you traverse the world, but mental stimulation as well. You get to learn new languages and customs while trying to navigate through different cultures and atmospheres.
4. Career Advancement: Working on a cruise ship can be a great way to boost your skill set and increase your marketability in the job market. Cruise line employers are eager to offer employees more challenging and lucrative positions such as shore excursion guide, onboard services manager, key account manager, and marketing manager.
5. Generous Compensation: Cruise line companies often provide generous compensation packages beyond just salary. Such packages often include per diem bonuses, overtime pay for extended hours, discounts for crew members on products and services, and flexible vacation schedules.
The Cons of Working on a Cruise Ship:
1. Long Hours: Working on a cruise ship often entails long and hectic hours due to the unpredictable nature of the business. During peak tourist season, crew members may be expected to work up to 12-hour shifts or longer without any overtime pay.
2. Lack of Privacy: It can be difficult for crew members to find the time and space for privacy and personal activities. Cabins are often small and shared with other crew members, and viable leisure options may be limited during ports of call.
3. Communicable Illness: It can be difficult to avoid communicable diseases such as the flu, colds, and stomach ailments when living in a confined environment such as a cruise ship.
4. Limited Opportunities: Depending on the type of position, you may have a limited opportunity for lateral or upward career movement on a cruise ship. This lack of promotional opportunities can make it difficult to advance your position within the company.
5. Isolated Setting: Working on board a cruise ship can be a lonely and isolated experience. Some crew members have difficulty adjusting to the sense of detachment from family and friends back home.
