There are plenty of employment opportunities with the cruise lines based on cruise ship launches for 2009, alone. In addition, many cruise lines are introducing some new onboard positions that enhance passenger services. Here is some key information in finding, and then applying for the latest employment opportunities on cruise ships.
Which Cruise Lines are Hiring
- According to Cruise Critic, a website devoted to cruise reviews and cruise news, there are 12 new ships scheduled to launch in 2009 and another 14 cruise ships to launch in 2010. Although there may be an economic downturn, the cruise lines continue to expand their fleets.
- When conducting a job search, consider that the new cruise ships will require thousands of new crew. For example, the Celebrity Equinox, Carnival Dream, and Oasis of the Seas, will require a combined total of 4,500 crew members at any given time.
- Most cruise lines have employment links on their websites that specify the cruise ship jobs that they are recruiting for. In addition, both Royal Caribbean International and Holland America Line have special websites to recruit for their onboard entertainment jobs. The sites list numerous jobs, job descriptions and RCI even includes audition dates.
Cruise Ship Jobs Available
- Information Technology Cruise Jobs – IT cruise ship jobs take on a variety of titles. Holland America Line has an onboard job called a Techspert, teaching passengers digital workshops from photo editing to blogging. On Princess Cruises, onboard IT cruise jobs also include an Internet Cafe Manager and a Computer Officer (behind-the-scenes tech support).
- Sales Jobs on Cruise Ships – There’s more to sales on a cruise ship than the retail shops and boutiques. Other onboard cruise jobs in sales include Onboard Future Sales (selling future cruises to passengers), Art Auctioneer and Port and Shopping Guide.
- Youth and Teen Counsellors – Onboard children’s centers are getting bigger and more elaborate as more of the cruising public are bringing their families onboard. This equates to the need for more youth and teen counsellors to look after the kids.
Cruise Line Recruitment Agencies to Find a Cruise Job
Many cruise lines rely on crew recruitment agencies to review resumes and conduct initial interviews. The recruiters present the applicants to the cruise lines after checking the applicant’s experience, references and criminal record. But beware of cruise ship job scams, too. For a directory of reputable cruise line agencies and contact information, check out the website, WorkOnCruiseShips.
Just because there are numerous cruise ship jobs available, that doesn’t mean that they are easy to get. This is a world-wide competition. Make sure to apply for a specific job by preparing a resume specialized for the cruise industry and a cover letter that grabs the attention of the employer.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
