Crash Course: Getting a Job on a Cruise Ship

We’ve spent a combined total of almost 8 years working on board cruise ships of all sizes and shapes, sailing across every ocean and visiting six of the seven continents during our contracts. Sure, life on board a cruise ship is demanding and sometimes frustrating, but we’re certain that once you get a little taste of the travel, of the friendships and networking, of the opportunity to save a boatload of money in a short period of time, you’ll understand why we recommend such employment to as many people as possible.

Of course, the focus of this guide is how to actually go about getting a job on board a cruise ship and we’re about to give you a crash course on how to do just that. Follow the advice in this guide and you just may find yourself in the midst of ship life before you know it.

The Authors: Derek (Earl) Baron and Liz Aceves

Imagine traveling the world, making friends and having the time of your life, all while saving money… Imagine hanging out with other people from 60 different countries on the same ship or spending your days off at far-flung locales around the globe…

Many people wonder how they can travel with little savings or without having to wait until retirement. Why wait to travel when you can do it now, when there’s so much to see in the world?

This guide is 91 pages of practical information about getting and choosing the right job on a cruise ship.

Table of Contents:

PART 1: Introduction to Ship Life……….. 6
• The Pros & Cons of Ship Life
• The Three Main Departments
• Which Position Should You Choose?

PART 2: Pre-Application Preparation…… 19
• Basic Requirements
• Application Material
• Creating the Perfect Cruise Resume
• The Perfect Cover Letter

PART 3: It’s Time to Apply!……………….. 35
• Application Instructions
• Helpful Hints When Applying
• Post-Application Follow-Up

PART 4: The Job Offer…………………….. 43
• The Final Steps: Paperwork

CHARTS & GUIDES…………………………. 51
• Job Descriptions
• How to Apply – Cruise Lines
• How to Apply – Concessionaires
• Frequently Asked Questions

This guide can’t promise to get you a job on a cruise ship — no one can promise that — but if you’re interested in finding out what it takes, how to increase your chances and what to expect, then this book will give you all that plus more.