Fresh Profile: Cruise Ship Jobs

Published on 2008-08-01

If you've ever been on a cruise ship or seen one on the big screen, you know that it operates like a huge city on the sea. Cruise ships are all about providing guests with the best vacation experience possible. Chances are you can perform the very job you are searching for today on a luxury cruise ship - with the added perk of an ocean view.

Travel jobs on cruise ships offer many benefits. Employees are able to travel the world and get paid for it. For those who love meeting new people and tackling a new adventure, working on a cruise ship is ideal. Employees don't have to pay for food, lodging or gas, and with tips included, they are usually able to save funds. However, along with the many perks of working at sea there come many challenges. No matter what the length of your contract, you are expected to work seven days a week to maintain a customer-oriented organization.

To make sure this floating metropolis is fully equipped, cruise ship jobs encompass every occupation imaginable. Within the food and drink industry alone, ships offer numerous dining rooms, restaurants, and bars that require experienced staff. Restaurant jobs on board include waiters/waitresses, chefs, cooks, bartenders and hosts. In other words, your experience at Chicago restaurant jobs could help you travel the world!

Ships offer a variety of health-related facilities, including fitness centers, spas, and medical clinics. Fitness jobs for instructors or trainers are available in some of the best centers, which usually feature top-of-the-line equipment. Other areas on board offer entertainment, childcare and teaching jobs. Entertainment jobs are available for dancers, musicians and vocal performers. Positions in information technology are also available; these jobs deal with maintenance and support of the computer systems on board. There are numerous director, supervisor and management jobs available within the cruise ship industry. From hotel manager to shore excursions manager, the list is endless for high-paid positions on a cruise ship.

Even if you don't plan on remaining in the cruise ship industry, the unique experience can help further your career. Jobs on cruise ships can fit any schedule. Positions are usually on a contract basis, from six to nine months at a time, with anywhere from one to two months off at a time. Holidays or busy seasons require temporary staff that can work on one to two-month contracts. Year-round employment is also available.

To apply for job opportunities on a cruise ship, it is recommended to send your employment package directly to the cruise line and follow up by completing an application online. The major cruise lines are Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises and Carnival. There is a high turnover rate within the industry, so cruise ships are always hiring. Competition and pay is considered to be almost the same as for land-based jobs.

Whether you are a teacher who would like to travel and earn money during your summer vacation or a chef who would like to work year-round at sea, begin your cruise ship job search at Fresho.com.