Food and Beverage Department
Entry-level employees in the Food and Beverage department are usually citizens from the flag country or personnel hired through Recruitment Agencies in non-industrialized countries. However, if this is your area of expertise, luxury cruise lines such as Cunard Line or Seabourn Cruises will accept applications. When applying, be sure to elaborate on your food and beverage knowledge, list the relevant diplomas […]
Galley Positions
As with the Food and Beverage Department, many of the entry-level jobs in the Galley Department are held by citizens of the flag country or personnel hired through agencies in non-industrialized countries. The higher paying positions available to Canadians, Americans and British include Executive Chef, Assistant Executive Chef and Sous Chef. When applying, be sure […]
Bar Department
The Bar Department employs personnel from a variety of countries; however citizens from non-industrialized countries fill most entry-level positions. To work in this department, beverage-related training and experience is a must. When applying, be sure to emphasize excellent customer service skills and an outgoing personality. Positions within the bar department include: Bar Manager The Bar […]
Deck and Engine Department
The Deck and Engine departments are responsible for the maintenance, navigation and engineering of the ship. Individuals interested in working in the Deck or Engine department should look into attending a marine training school that will teaches the elements of seafaring. Deck DepartmentThe job positions within the Deck department require knowledge of ship radios, Morse […]
Ship Rules
Ships rules are in place for safety. When you join the ship, you will be subject to military-style regulations. This can include cabin inspections and searches for drugs or other illicit substances by customs and immigration officials. Disobedience of the rules and regulations is very serious and will result in a verbal or written warning. […]
Shipboard Relationships
It is likely that you will make lots of friends onboard the ship. You may even meet that special someone. Please know that many crew members that are married or otherwise taken may welcome a romantic friendship. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “never trust a sailor”. Many relationship-committed crew members become lonely and seek companionship. […]
Immunizations
Before COVID, you generally did not need any immunizations to work onboard a ship. Times have changed. If any vaccinations are required, the cruise line will tell you which one(s). When onboard, it is common practice to be called into the infirmary for a flu shot. This is not mandatory, but recommended. The Norwalk virus, […]
Medical Coverage
Medical care will be provided from the time you sign on the cruise ship until the time you sign off. A physician and nurse are available for all crew members. Should you require services such as an x-ray or blood work, the ship’s physician will recommend that you go ashore to a hospital or medical […]
Meals
Beginning with the finer dining is the officer’s mess. The ship’s Captain and department heads usually have reserved seats at the Captain’s table. Other officers may sit at any table of their choosing. In the officer’s mess you will typically find a well-dressed buffet or have the opportunity to order from a menu. A trainee waiter […]
Laundry
Uniforms supplied by the company will be cleaned free of charge. Washing machines and dryers will be available to wash your personal clothing, but you will need to bring your own laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Most female crew members use their own sink to wash delicate or intimate items. These items have been known […]