CRUISE SHIP JOBS THAT ARE AVAILABLE

Art Auctioneers
In keeping with the constant changing of the cruise industry more cruise lines are opting to add art auctions to their ongoing list of entertainment and services offered on board. There are several concession companies or art galleries who run the art department on board a good percentage of these ships. The remaining of which are run in-house by the cruise lines. The auctions are run in a similar way to land based auctions, with the art director giving a brief talk on each piece prior to starting the bidding. Learn more

Beauty Salon

Spa and fitness centers are now becoming one of the most prevalent elements of cruising. Salons and spas on board most of the luxury cruise ships offer passengers full service treatments ranging from aroma and aqua-spas, body wraps and mud baths, to facials, massages and hair do's. The majority of onboard salons are run by concessionaire companies, who are responsible for hiring hairdressers, beauty therapists, masseuses, physiotherapists, aerobic and fitness instructors. Learn more

There are a few cruise lines which still employ concessionaire companies to operate the casinos aboard their ships, however most lines manage their own casino operation; known as 'in-house'. In both cases he department is generally run in the same manner, consisting of casino managers, dealers/croupiers, cashiers and slot technicians. In compliance with international custom laws, the casino is only allowed to open while in international waters; usually three miles out to sea. Subsequently the staff only work while at sea and have port days off. Learn more

Computer Specialist

CS are responsible for operating and maintaining all aspects of the onboard computer systems, both hardware and software. The entire hotel department is operated by an internal computer system and candidates are required to have thorough knowledge of network operating systems management, configuration, techniques and topologies. Experience with the major software applications is also a must.

Internet Cafe's and computer centers are becoming increasingly more popular onboard cruise ships worldwide. The way in which they operate varies according to the cruise line or concessionaire running the facilities. The computer labs are overseen by a computer officer or Internet cafe manager and in some cases have as many as 5 lecturers helping out.Internet service onboard a ship is transmitted via satellite, resulting in a much higher cost involved in collecting regular e-mail.The computer centers do however offer a lot more than just Internet services. Basic computer skills are taught, classes are given and equipment is freely used by passengers. A thorough knowledge of computers, computer & Internet services and major software applications is required. Learn more

Counselors

This is traditionally the only seasonal job available, although nowadays more cruise lines are gearing themselves towards the family market resulting in a demand for more full-time counselors. The need for child counselors is perhaps on a more full time basis, while youth activity positions are more seasonal.
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Clergy

Ships that are at sea or in a foreign port on a Sunday generally provide the passengers with on board church services. This is especially true for religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter. If the need arises, Rabbis are also employed for the Jewish holidays. This is not normally a paid position, but rather a working vacation in which the clergymen render their services for the opportunity to cruise. Learn more

Cruise Staff

The cruise director (CD) heads the entertainment department. He/she is responsible for the supervision of the entire cruise and entertainment staff and is assisted by the assistant cruise director. They are responsible for all the passenger activities, shows, functions, and port and disembarkation talks.

The cruise staff have a variety of different tasks. Their main involvement being in passenger activities, entertainment and social functions. As part of the cruise staff, you'll have the most interactions with the passengers and will be constantly in the public eye while you're socializing, organizing and entertaining.
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DJ

DJ’s are required to run the onboard disco, playing a diversity of songs and catering to a variety of passengers. Theme nights frequently scheduled calling for different types of music: Country Western, 50’s & 60’s. DJ’s are generally required to bring their own library of music and are expected to have a broad music base catering to all types of passengers. As the DJ is considered part of the cruise staff they are sometimes required to perform staff duties during the day or work back-stage assisting the production staff during shows.
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  Entertainers/ Dancers

There are two types of entertainers found on board the ships. The first of which is the production cast who is either hired through a production company or directly by the cruise line entertainment department. Nowadays the entertainment is of increasingly high quality, resulting in the need for talented, professional singers and dancers. They are recruited to do the 'Vegas' type production shows on board and travel as a dance team to their respective ships, remaining together for the duration of their contracts. Learn more

Guest Entertainers

The remaining on board entertainment consists of guest entertainers and specialty acts who are hired to perform their shows for a few weeks aboard a variety of ships. Specialty acts consist mainly of comedians, jugglers, magicians and singers and are hired either through agencies or by the cruise line entertainment departments. Learn more

Fitness

Due to the increasing number of fitness facilities found aboard cruise ships, a professional fitness staff is needed to run the comprehensive exercise programs offered. Specialty programs in yoga, aqua aerobics, step and dance classes, water sports and even nutrition are being offered on more cruise lines these days, all of which require the expertise of fitness instructors. Instructors are generally hired through beauty salon concessionaires who are responsible for all fitness, health and beauty on board. However, there are several cruise lines that hire instructors independently of the salon. Learn more

Food and Beverages

This department is run under the supervision of the food and beverage manager. With the help of the assistant F&B manager, they are  responsible for overseeing all the on board dining, special functions and cocktail parties, as well as the ordering and maintaining of provisions and stock for both passengers and crew. Waiters, bartenders/stewards, kitchen, provision and galley staff all fall under this department. Learn more

Bar Staff

In addition to regular bartending duties, bartenders are responsible for all aspect of the lounge & bar to which they are assigned, including stocktaking and cleaning. Applicants are required to have previous beverage-related experience or training, know all cocktail/bar mixes and the proper glass & garnish for each drink. All food and beverage staff are also required to comply with the United States Public Health Sanitary regulations.

Bar Waiters are responsible for drink services in lounges, at pool areas and dining rooms and are responsible for keeping work stations clean, orderly and properly set. Waiters must also learn the bar menu and know garnish for each drink. Learn more

Dining Staff 

A waiters responsibility is to serve the passengers needs in a friendly and positive manner using the basic service procedures found in any first class restaurant. Essential duties include the serving of non-alcoholic beverages, learning the names and ingredients of foods being served and attending all training meetings. Most cruise lines require that dining room waiters commence as assistant waiters, depending on experience - although promotion to waiter is very realistic and attainable within a single contract.  Waiters may be required to participate in various theme evenings parading through the dining room and singing songs, greeting guests and escorting them to their seats. The dining room is overseen by the Maitre d', his assistant and a couple of head waiters. Learn more

Galley Staff

Together with the management team, the Executive chefs directly oversee the operation and maintenance of the main galley and storage areas, satellite food preparation areas, crew galley, cafes, outer island preparation kitchens (when ship is in port) and bell stations. They are also responsible for ensuring that company and health food policies and procedures are carried out in an efficient manner. Chefs are required to have previous progressive food preparation experience in first class hotels/restaurants/cruise ships.
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Gentlemen Host

Gentlemen Host Program ® or dance hosts were introduced into the cruise industry to counteract the high female/male ratio found on board many ships. It provides unescorted female passengers with companionship as well as dance and social partners. In  most cases host positions are unpaid, instead they trade their services for a free cruise. Arrangements are generally made through agencies who specialize in booking guest lecturers and dance hosts. Host are required to be proficient in basic ballroom dancing. Learn more

Gift Shop

The gift shop personnel are responsible for the running of the on board shops, which generally consist of a boutique, a cosmetic and fragrance counter, and a souvenir and gift shop. Concessionaire companies who hire applicants with experience in retail, sales, and customer service run most of the shops. Learn more