Getting paid to travel the world sounds like a dream come true, especially aboard one of the most luxurious cruise ships around the globe. For many members and employees working on a cruise ship, this is just one of the many perks of the job.
With numerous people taking cruise vacations every year to relax and see the world, it is no wonder that the industry generates thousands of jobs. These fantastic opportunities make many people want to work and apply for cruise ship jobs.
Working on a cruise ship might be a great idea for those who want to see the world from a different perspective or those who just want a change of pace and lifestyle. Below are some topics that will further provide information on the industry and how to get the job.
- Different Types of Jobs Available on a Cruise Ship
- Life on Board – The Reality of Working at Sea
- Get to Know the Major Cruise Ship Employers
- Employment Application Process
- Visa and Work Permits

Different Types of Jobs Available on a Cruise Ship
Think of cruise ships as a melting pot not only of cultures and nationalities but also of various jobs and opportunities. There are jobs for those who are experienced and qualified professionals, but that does not mean that there are no entry-level positions because there certainly are.

Some positions that require experience and a host of qualifications include captain of the cruise ship, cruise director, shore excursions manager, bartender, entertainer, youth staff coordinator, doctor, firefighter, lifeguard, fitness instructor, photographer, and many others.
Meanwhile, for people looking for cruise jobs that do not require much experience or no experience at all, cleaning and service-related jobs will be the norm. These positions include cabin stewards, ordinary seamen, gallery cleaners, pot washers, bell staff, engine wipers, laundrymen, and the like.
Other opportunities include gift shop positions, lecturers, sales and marketing positions, engineering department crew, disc jockeys, casino staff, cruise staff, and customer service representatives.
Duties and Responsibilities that Come with the Job
Just as the jobs on cruise ships vary, the duties and responsibilities of these individuals and departments also change. Those in the service and hospitality department are usually tasked to provide service to passengers. These can include cleaning cabins, doing laundry, as well as serving food and beverages.
On the other hand, those in personal care and medical care departments are mainly tasked with providing holistic and personal care to passengers, especially when related to their health. Meanwhile, those working in the deck and engine rooms are typically responsible for running and maintaining the ship as smoothly as possible.
Those who work corporate jobs on cruise ships also interact with passengers, particularly those who work in sales, bookings, and reservations.
Life on Board – The Reality of Working at Sea
As mentioned, one of the main perks of working on a cruise ship is traveling and seeing different parts of the world. Many are allowed to go ashore and enjoy different ports.

It also goes without saying that meeting new people, forging professional relationships, and earning good pay come with the job. Usually, members on cruise ships also enjoy similar perks as passengers, with almost everything being free except for when they go ashore and explore.
However, life on board can be quite demanding as well, especially when people are required to work long hours, usually around eight to 20 hours a day depending on the task. Most cruise ship employees work seven days a week for the duration of their contract, which could be around two to 11 months depending on the trip and the company.
Remember that since cruise ships are at sea for months at a time, employees and crew members will have to deal with different kinds of weather. The lodgings are also in close quarters with other members, so consider this.
Wages/Salaries for Working on Cruise Ships
Since the responsibilities and tasks vary from one position to another, the salaries of cruise ship members also vary accordingly. For example, the average cruise ship worker’s salary is around $48,404. However, this can also vary depending on the country and the cruise ship lines. In 2018, three of the major cruise companies revealed the median annual earnings of their employees.
Employees at Carnival Corporation earned around $16,622, those at Royal Caribbean Cruises earned around $19,396, and those at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings earned around $20,101. Physicians earned the most, around $7,000 to $12,000 monthly.
On the other hand, nurses on cruise ships can earn around $4,200 to $6,100 per month. Ship performers and entertainers can earn around $1,400 to $3,800 monthly. Chief engineers can get $9,000 monthly, while captains can command a salary of $8,200 monthly. On top of their salary, cruise ship members also receive medical care and insurance, free room and board, meals, and other benefits.
Get to Know the Major Cruise Ship Employers
Some of the largest cruise ship operators and companies in the world include Carnival Corporation, which has many brands and companies operating under it, and Royal Caribbean Cruises, which has two major brands under its name: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

Holland America Cruise Line is also a major player in the industry, alongside Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Disney has its own cruise ship, the Disney Cruise Line. Princess Cruises is also widely known in the cruise industry.
These major operators are some of the best companies to work for today primarily because they command some of the highest numbers of employees, ensuring prospective job applicants that they have a more permanent place to work in.
Choosing the Right Company
Choosing the right cruise company is essential as this determines applicants’ permanence and job safety. Individuals interested in working on a cruise ship should first identify employment and career opportunities that can further their growth.
To do this, applicants should take the time to consider the role they intend to apply for, the duties that come with the job, and of course, the progression opportunities. They should also consider the pay and if it is commensurate with the position.
Moreover, cruise ship applicants should also determine if the cruise line culture is right for them, especially as each company may have a different culture.
Employment Application Process
To apply for cruise ship jobs, individuals should visit the different web pages of cruise ship companies. Each of the respective cruise lines has a corporate website with a careers page that individuals can easily explore and apply for online.

After filling out the application form, applicants can proceed by following the online application instructions. This usually entails submitting a cover letter and resume tailored to the particular job and company.
Alternatively, individuals can also check out cruise ship-focused job search platforms such as CruiseJobFinder and AllCruiseJobs.
Eligibility Requirements and Qualifications
To work successfully on a cruise ship, applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a valid passport, and have a working visa. Individuals aged 18 and over might be accepted for certain positions.
For those interested in working on a cruise ship, the usual requirements would be to speak at least two languages, such as English and another language like Spanish, German, Scandinavian, Japanese, French, and the like, particularly for those in passenger-facing positions.
In addition, applicants must have a valid basic safety training certificate to qualify. They must also pass a medical examination and the required criminal background check to gauge their fit for the targeted position.
Visa and Work Permits
For individuals to successfully work on a cruise ship, they must first be eligible to work where the company is registered. At the same time, given that these cruises go from one port to another, all members must obtain visas for these respective countries.

As a general rule of thumb, cruises based and registered in the United States only allow U.S. citizens and green card holders to work for them. Meanwhile, cruise lines that typically traverse European waters opt for European citizens to work for them.
Those who work on cruise ships departing from a United States port must have a C-1/D visa. This needs to be applied for after obtaining the job offer from the particular cruise line that individuals have applied for.
Tips for Getting a Job on a Cruise Ship
Looking at the cruise line’s careers page is not the only way to get a job directly with the company. Those who want to broaden their horizons can also work with recruitment agencies.
Now may be the best time to learn a new language for those still preparing for their applications. Not only does this give an edge against other competitors, but it also serves as an advantage when talking to other people and widening networks.
The Takeaway
Many people certainly dream of working on a cruise ship, as it is said to be a very fun job. With this guide, visiting new places, having enriching experiences, and getting paid well can now be possible in no time.