How to work on a cruise ship: Requirements and training

For many people, working on a cruise ship is the dream job, having the opportunity to sail around the world and meet hundreds of people and cultures is very exciting. Not to mention that it is a very well-paid job that can allow good economic stability.

If you are reading this, it is because perhaps you also want to work on a cruise ship, in case you have no idea how to get it, throughout this article we will tell you what the basic training required and what requirements you must meet to can work professionally at sea.

What is it like to work on a cruise ship?

If you really want to get a job on a cruise ship, it's not a bad idea to get an idea of what the jobs and functions on board are like, so you can decide if it's really the type of job you want.

First of all, you must keep in mind that since it is a type of recreational boat in which thousands of people from different parts of the world travel, most of the time you will always be busy (regardless of your functions), although you will also have the right to free hours that you can use for your personal leisure both inside and outside the ship (in case of being in a port).

On the other hand, trips last between weeks and months, so you will have to live on the boat. You will then be assigned a cabin that can be individual or shared and that may or may not have a bathroom inside. The crew will take care of clean and provide bed linen and toiletries at no additional cost.

For its part, The cruise company will cover all expenses related to food inside the boat, that is, you will not have to pay anything to eat or drink whatever you want. Regarding health, within the cruise there are health care services that you can use every time you need.

What jobs can you find on a cruise?

Cruises offer a world of job possibilities, so depending on your skills, knowledge and talents, it is possible for you to get any of these jobs:

1. Officials
2. Administrative staff
3. Engineers and technicians
4. Lifeguards
5. Life jacket
6. Chef
7. Kitchen assistant
8. Waitress
9. Cleaning and maintenance staff
10. Tour guide
11. Coaches
12. Hairdresser
13. Manicurists
14. Masseuses
15. Animators
16. Singer
17. Musician
18. Photographers
19. Decorators
20. Artists
21. Dancers
22. Health personnel

Although in this article we have focused on cruises, there are different types of boats in which to work, both on your own or hired as an employee.

What do you have to do to work on a cruise ship?

Depending on the cruise company of which it is concerned, each of them will require a series of specific requirements, however, those requested as a general rule are the following:

• Be of legal age.
• Have a high level of English (it is usually the official language spoken on board among the crew).
• Pass the selection interview.
• Have a valid passport and personal identification in order.
• Have medical certificates indicating that you are in good health.
• Present the STCW Certificate (Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping). The course to obtain this certification can be taken in any port in the world and consists of training that will allow crew members to resolve different risk situations on board.
• Have Sailor work visa (This is obtained after being confirmed as part of the cruise staff). On some cruises, depending on the country, it may be necessary to extend it to a work permit.
• Experience (this will depend on the job you are going to apply for).

Basic maritime training necessary to work on a cruise.

Just as shipping companies and companies demand a list of requirements to work on a cruise ship, they also demand a series of courses and basic maritime training that are mandatory and necessary to exercise on board:

Basic Maritime Safety Training (STCW) 

It's about a basic training course composed of a theoretical module and a practical module. In each of these, those interested are taught to resolve risk situations that may arise inside a boat. After completing the training you receive the STCW certificate what's wrong with it 5 years validity. 

Basic Training in Maritime Protection

The objective of this course is for those interested to know and apply the Maritime protection rules for situations that may arise during navigation, such as pirate attacks or the presence of thieves.

See Basic Protection Course in Maritime Training

Passenger Ships Course

It is a training that serves to provide those interested with the knowledge that will allow them to have the ability to control and manage the behavior of passengers on a ship, in the event of risk or emergency situations that take place on board.

See Passenger Ship Course

Tips for working on a cruise

If you want to be part of the crew of this type of boat and live an enriching and multicultural work experience, then be sure to take these into account. tips for working on cruise ships that will be very useful to you:

• Check the official websites of the shipping companies and cruise companies and in the jobs section check the vacancies and the email to which you can send your resume.
• Don't forget to check the working conditions and remuneration offered by each company, to decide if it is convenient or not for you.
• Opt for a job on board where you have experience or good skills.