Working on Cruise Ships: How to Apply for a Cruise Ship Job?

“How do I get a job on a cruise ship?” “How much do cruise ship employees earn?” “Is it easy to get hired?”

These are some of the most common questions from those eager to experience life at sea and work on a cruise ship. In this article, I’ll share basic information about applying for cruise ship jobs.

First, let me clarify that I am not a recruitment agency. Adventour Begins (www.adventourbegins.com) is my personal blog, where I share insider tips and insights about cruise ship jobs and life onboard, based on my experiences as a former Shore Excursions Staff member.

While I no longer work on ships, my years at sea have given me a wealth of knowledge to share!

Working on Cruise Ships: Introduction

Quick Introduction – My Story

Before applying for a cruise ship job, I already knew which position I wanted—Shore Excursions Staff—because I had prior experience in the tourism industry.

At the time, I was working a land-based job at an incoming tour agency in my home country but decided to pursue something more dynamic, better paid, and filled with opportunities to gain new experiences and travel the world.

I was fortunate to secure the Shore Excursions Staff position just one month after applying, and that’s where my incredible journey at sea began. If you’d like to learn more about my former role, check out Life of Shore Excursions Staff: Job Description and Daily Duties

Things to Consider Before You Apply for a Cruise Line Job

There are many ways to apply for a cruise ship job, but before you take the leap, I encourage you to think carefully about whether life at sea is truly for you. While it may seem fun—and it often is—it’s also hard work, and many people give up shortly after they start.

Why? Life at sea is challenging, demanding, and sometimes overwhelming. Not everyone is ready to trade the comfort of life on land for the 24/7 reality of ship life, with no days off during the length of the contract.

Over time, you’ll start to miss the simple pleasures of home—like a quiet morning with coffee in your living room, a weekend trip to the countryside, or just the freedom to plan your day with loved ones. These small luxuries become glaringly absent after months onboard.

Most crew cabins are double-shared and windowless, which can take a toll. I remember once dreaming for nights on end about waking up to the sunlight and the sound of birds—a small thing I never appreciated until it was gone.

Life at sea will make you value those seemingly insignificant comforts. And, of course, being apart from family and friends for months at a time is one of the toughest aspects of the job.

If you’re curious about what to expect when you join as a new hire, check out the articles below. They’ll give you a deeper understanding of cruise ship life and help you prepare for the adventure ahead.

• 10 Things To Know Before Applying For Cruise Ship Jobs
• New Hire? This is How the First Day on a Cruise Ship Looks Like
• 11 Things You Would Never Expect to be Part of Your Cruise Ship Job
• Crew Life on Cruise Ships: Ship Life & Crew Areas

How to Get a Job on Cruise Ships?

1. Apply Through a Recruitment Agency

One of the most common ways to apply for a cruise ship job is through a recruitment agency. Large cruise companies partner with licensed recruitment agents and hiring partners worldwide to process applications, arrange interviews, and facilitate hiring.

However, cruise companies don’t have agents in every country, so recruitment agencies often cover entire regions. For example, I’m from Belgrade, Serbia, but I applied through the Croatian agency Uspinjaca for a position as Shore Excursions Staff with Royal Caribbean International.

Another agency I contacted, Safe Cruise in Belgrade, only hired for Princess Cruises and a few other lines that didn’t have the position I wanted, so I opted for Uspinjaca.

If you’re unsure whether there’s a recruitment agency in your country, use Google to search for options in your region (e.g., “cruise ship jobs recruitment agency India”). You’ll find lists of agencies and websites to start your application process.

Some websites that recruit worldwide include:

• AllCruiseJobs.com
• Cast-a-Way

These platforms often list vacancies, and once you contact them, they’ll guide you through the next steps.

1.1. Things to Consider When Applying

• Job Openings: The availability of positions depends on the cruise line’s current needs and your qualifications. Sometimes, you might wait months for an interview if there are no immediate openings for your desired position. I know people who waited over a year just to secure an initial interview.
• Be Specific: Agencies might try to persuade you to apply for different roles based on demand. For example, instead of Assistant Waiter, they might steer you toward a Dishwasher position in the same department. Be clear and firm about the job you want, and double-check all details before proceeding.

1.2. Helpful Resources

For more details, see my article Food and Beverage Department – Working as a Cruise Ship Waiter, which includes a list of hiring agencies in India. You can also explore platforms like Jooble.org for cruise ship job listings.

The process of applying for a cruise ship job can be long and exhausting, but with persistence and preparation, you can secure the position you’re aiming for. Good luck!

2. Apply through a Concessionaire Company

Concessionaire companies are independent organizations that recruit employees worldwide to work in specific departments onboard cruise ships.

These companies typically handle hiring for areas like Spa, Sales, and a few other onboard services. Unlike cruise lines, concessionaire companies operate as separate entities with contracts to manage their own businesses onboard.

2.1. What Are Concessionaire Companies?

Concessionaires work independently of cruise lines but partner with them to rent spaces or manage specific venues onboard ships. For example:

• The spa services you use on a cruise ship or the shops where you make purchases are run by concessionaire companies, not the cruise line itself.
• While employees in these departments are hired by concessionaires, they must follow the cruise line’s rules and hold the same crew member status as other employees onboard.

2.2. How Do Concessionaire Companies Operate?

Concessionaire companies provide comprehensive training for future cruise ship employees, guide them through the hiring process, and prepare them for life and work at sea.

One of the largest and most well-known companies in this field is the London Wellness Academy (LWA), formerly known as Steiner Training, based in North London. LWA specializes in recruiting and training spa professionals for careers onboard cruise ships, offering a pathway to work in world-class wellness centers at sea.

2.3. The London Wellness Academy (LWA) Training Process

The London Wellness Academy trains all new hires at its dedicated academy in London. Their rigorous program equips candidates with the skills needed to provide exceptional spa services onboard.

Upon completing and passing the training, graduates are placed on a waiting list to be assigned a contract and receive further instructions about their deployment.

LWA has trained over 50,000 professionals from 87 countries and partners with over 22 cruise lines. For more details about their training programs and application process, visit their website: London Wellness Academy

2.4. Why Apply Through a Concessionaire?

Applying through a concessionaire company can be a great option if you’re looking to specialize in areas like spa services or retail, as these roles are managed exclusively by these independent companies.

While the recruitment process may differ slightly from applying directly to a cruise line, the experience onboard and the crew benefits are comparable.

3. Apply for Cruise Ship Jobs Online (via the Cruise Line’s Website)

Another straightforward way to apply for a cruise ship job is directly through the cruise company’s official website. Most cruise lines have a dedicated Careers section, typically found at the bottom of their homepage. Here, you can upload your CV, complete an application, and apply for the position you’re interested in.

Alternatively, you can search for a specific cruise line’s career page by typing the company name along with the word “careers” into a search engine (e.g., “Princess Cruises careers”). This method ensures you’re applying directly to the company and allows you to view current job openings tailored to your preferences.

• Royal Caribbean Group Careers (Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, Pullmantur, Tui Cruises, Silversea) https://jobs.rclcareers.com/ 
• Princess Cruises  https://www.princess.com/careers/
• Carnival Corporation (Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, HAP, Princess Cruises and Seabourn in North America; P&O Cruises and Cunard in the United Kingdom; Costa Cruises in Southern Europe; AIDA Cruises in Germany; and P&O Cruises in Australia) https://jobs.carnival.com/
• MSC Cruises Careers  https://www.careers.msccruises.com/#/
• Norwegian Cruise Line https://careers.norwegian.com/
• Disney Cruise Line https://jobs.disneycareers.com/disney-cruise-line
• Viking Cruises river ships https://www.vikingcareers.com/; and cruise ships – https://www.vikingcruises.com/
• Costa Cruises https://career.costacrociere.it/
• Oceania Cruises https://www.oceaniacruises.com/
• Virgin Voyages https://www.virginvoyages.com/
• Cunard https://www.cunardcareers.co.uk/
• P&O Cruises https://www.pocruisescareers.co.uk/

If there are vacancies for your desired position, an HR representative from the company will contact you with instructions on the next steps. However, if no openings are available, it may take a while before you hear back—or you may not receive a response at all.

I’ve spoken to people who applied online and never got a reply, likely because the company didn’t need staff for that position at the time.

Some applicants have also found success through LinkedIn, which is an excellent platform for connecting with company representatives and being discovered by them. I know several crew members who were contacted by cruise lines after uploading their professional resumes on LinkedIn.

If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile, create one, make it polished and professional, and start networking—you might just land your dream job!

4. Apply for a Cruise Ship Job at a Cruise Job Fair

In some countries, you can attend cruise job fairs to apply for various positions. These events are typically held once a year, although the frequency depends on the business needs of cruise companies.

Job fairs take place in cities worldwide and offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, speak with industry professionals, and gain insights from those with firsthand experience in cruise ship life.

At these events, you’ll meet hiring partners face-to-face, allowing you to ask detailed questions and receive valuable information about the roles you’re interested in.

Tips for Attending a Cruise Job Fair:

• Be Prepared: Bring a professional resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation.
• Look Professional: Present yourself confidently and dress appropriately to make a positive impression.
• Do Your Research: Familiarize yourself with the cruise lines and positions you’re interested in beforehand.

The more professional and prepared you appear, the better your chances of being contacted by hiring partners. For more information and to find upcoming events, visit the official website: Cruise Job Fair

5. Switching Cruise Ship Departments: How to Apply for a New Role While Onboard

If you’re looking to switch departments while working onboard, here are a few tips to help you navigate the process.

5.1. Apply Through Official Channels

You can always use the regular application process outlined in this article. Update your CV with your onboard work experience, as this can give you an advantage when applying for a new department.

5.2. Take Advantage of Being Onboard

Being already onboard gives you a unique opportunity to network directly with the department you’re interested in. Here’s how:

• Reach Out to the Supervisor: Identify the manager or supervisor of the department you want to join (e.g., the Shore Excursions Manager if you want to join the Shore Excursions Department).
• Request a Meeting: Arrange a meeting to discuss your interest in switching departments. Supervisors are usually approachable and willing to offer advice.
• Seek Guidance: Many supervisors can provide insights into the role and may even connect you with the cruise line’s HR team, allowing you to send your application directly.

5.3. Why This Works

Supervisors appreciate proactive and motivated crew members, and being onboard allows you to demonstrate your interest and commitment face-to-face. This approach often yields quicker results than traditional methods.

5.4. Final Tip

Don’t hesitate to make the most of your position onboard. Networking and showing initiative can open doors you didn’t expect—and might lead you to your dream role sooner than you think!

The Cruise Ship Hiring Process: What to Expect

1. Online Job Interviews

After submitting your CV, the recruitment company—or the cruise company directly, depending on how you applied—will contact you to arrange an initial interview with HR representatives from the cruise line’s headquarters.

If you’re applying through a concessionaire company, they will manage the entire hiring process on your behalf.

The timing of your interview depends on the company’s current hiring needs for the position you applied for. As mentioned earlier, this process can take anywhere from a week to several months, depending on job availability.

I was fortunate that the recruitment agency arranged my initial online interview just two weeks after submitting my CV, cover letter, and a copy of my passport (all required for the application).

My first interview was with an HR representative from Royal Caribbean’s Miami headquarters and lasted over an hour—partly because I tend to talk a lot (I may have monologued for 45 minutes!). Despite this, I was immediately informed that I had passed and would proceed to a final interview with the hiring manager for the Shore Excursions Department.

After your initial interview, you’ll typically be informed within a few days—or even immediately—whether you’ve passed. If successful, a final interview will be arranged with someone responsible for hiring within your desired department.

The timing of the final interview can vary, happening anywhere from a few days to a few weeks later, depending on how urgently they need to fill the role.

In my case, the final interview happened just three days later and was conducted over the phone instead of online. The HR representative asked detailed questions about my previous work experience and hypothetical scenarios, such as how I would handle specific guest behaviors or resolve problems.

Final interviews are generally more in-depth and focus on assessing your overall experience, problem-solving abilities, and how you would react in various situations. It’s the final step before securing your role, so preparation is key!

What if I Don’t Have Any Job Experience?

If you don’t have prior experience in your field, don’t stress. While qualifications are important, cruise lines also hire applicants with little or no job experience.

Working on a cruise ship is vastly different from land-based jobs, so every new hire—regardless of experience—must go through comprehensive training. This includes not only job-specific training but also learning about ship life and how things are organized onboard.

If you’re feeling nervous about your lack of experience, don’t worry. Everyone starts as a beginner, and you’ll quickly find that you’re not alone. Onboarding programs are designed to help new hires adapt, and the team-oriented environment onboard ensures that there’s always someone willing to guide and support you.

For a closer look at what to expect as a new hire, check out: New Hire? This is What Your First Day on a Cruise Ship Looks Like

2. Required Documents to Join a Cruise Ship

After passing the interview, the next step is to prepare the required documents to join the ship. This process can take some time, depending on your situation and the cruise line’s requirements.

In my case, I was lucky to receive a joining date just a few days after passing my interview. I had to join the ship a month later, which gave me a 15-day notice to quit my previous job (important tip: don’t quit your current job until you have a confirmed joining date!). With only two weeks to prepare, I had to move quickly to collect and submit the required documents.

All accepted crew members must create a profile on the cruise line’s online platform to upload their documents by the deadline, usually two weeks before joining the ship. Below is a list of the main documents you’ll need:

2.1. C1/D Visa

If the cruise company’s headquarters is in the USA and you’re not a US or Canadian citizen, you’ll need a C1/D Visa. The company will send you a Letter of Employment with your ship’s name and joining date, which you’ll use to book an appointment at the US Embassy in your country.

Once approved, you’ll receive the visa. The cost varies (mine was around €150) and may or may not be reimbursed by the cruise line after joining.

2.2. Pre-Employment Medical Check

Cruise ship employees must pass a medical examination to ensure they’re physically and mentally fit for work. Your primary responsibility onboard is safety—both in daily operations and emergencies—so this step is critical.

The requirements and costs vary by company. Medical exams can cost between $200 and $1,000, and in most cases, you’ll need to cover the cost upfront.

The company will provide a list of approved clinics, and you must choose one from that list. In some cases, you may need to travel to another city or even another country for the tests.

Tests typically include dental, ORL (ear, nose, and throat), blood and drug tests, chest X-rays, and more. Results are normally valid for two years, after which you’ll need to retake the tests. Once completed, you’ll upload the results to your profile.

Crew members’ medical insurance is covered during their contract, and onboard medical facilities are available free of charge.

COVID-19 Update: Due to the pandemic, additional medical requirements may include proof of Covid-19 vaccination. Check the “Careers” section of your cruise line’s website or your profile for updates.

2.3. Criminal Background Check

You’ll need to provide a criminal background check from your local police department, proving you have no criminal record. The process is straightforward and usually takes a few days. The document must be translated into English by a certified translator before submission.

 

 

2.4. Other Documents

Depending on your country and the cruise line, additional documents like a Seaman’s Book may be required. These requirements vary, so follow your cruise line’s instructions closely.

3. Training Sessions

Before joining, you’ll be required to complete various training sessions, either online or in person:

• Online Courses: These include safety and security training, crowd management, and other ship-specific requirements.
• In-Person Training: Some roles, like spa positions managed by concessionaire companies, require attending an academy or training program, often in another country. These sessions may be at your own expense.

Once onboard, you’ll undergo additional, intensive training during your first two weeks. Preparing for your cruise ship role is a mix of excitement and stress, but with good organization and attention to deadlines, you’ll be ready for the adventure that awaits!

4. Ready to Join the Ship?

After submitting all the required paperwork, you’ll receive your flight ticket along with detailed instructions for joining the ship. Whether the company covers the flight cost or you have to pay for it depends on the cruise line’s policy.

Cruise companies are very thorough and will provide a clear list of items to bring for work. For example, while uniforms are usually provided onboard, you might need to bring specific items like shoes. The requirements depend on your role, department, and the company you’re joining, so pay close attention to the details provided.

When packing, don’t forget your essential documents. Although you’ve already submitted them online for approval, you must bring physical copies of the following:

• Contract
• Passport
• Medical results
• Certificates
• Seaman’s Book (if required)
• Any other documents specified by the company

These are crucial, so double-check your checklist before departure. For packing tips and what to bring, check out this recommended article: Life Onboard a Cruise Ship: 18 Crew Cabins Must-Haves

To Sum Up

In this article, I’ve done my best to outline the cruise ship job application process for prospective applicants. It’s helpful to have a clear idea of what to expect, as the process can take time and sometimes be quite stressful.

Keep in mind that requirements vary not only between companies but also between positions. For example, roles in the Marine Department—especially senior officer positions—require specialized education, extensive work experience, and advanced training.

If you’re considering applying for a cruise ship job, I strongly recommend doing thorough research on the specific position you’re interested in. Connecting with someone who has firsthand experience in that role can also provide invaluable insights and guidance.

Finally, I encourage you to approach the process with patience and determination—it’s a unique and rewarding career path for those ready to embrace the challenge.

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Related articles:

• Crew Life on Cruise Ship: Ship Life and Crew Areas
• Inside Crew Cabins on Cruise Ships – Full Review
• Food and Beverage Department – Working as a Cruise Ship Waiter?
• Why Shore Excursion Staff is One of the Best Cruise Ship Jobs?
• Life of Shore Excursion Staff – Job Description and Daily Duties
• Security Jobs onboard Cruise Ships – What You Need to Know
• 11 Things You Would Never Expect to Be Part of Your Cruise Ship Job
• New Hire? This is How Your First Day on a Cruise Ship Looks Like
• Life Onboard a Cruise Ship: 18 Crew Cabins Must-Haves
• Life of a Cruise Ship Photographer – Crew Member’s Story
• Working as a Guest Services Representative on a Cruise Ship
• 10 Things To Know Before Applying for Cruise Ship Jobs

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