Quick heads-up: I know you’re eager to learn how to score a job on a cruise ship, where you can travel the globe and earn a paycheck at the same time. That’s why I’ve brought in the perfect expert to guide you.

Amanda Hathorn-Geary spent ten years at sea, working her way up from a crew member to HR Manager, where she was in charge of hiring new crew members just like you (so she knows the ropes!). Now, she’s dedicated to helping travelers and aspiring seafarers land the best cruise ship jobs available.

In this invaluable free resource, Amanda shares her insider tips on securing a cruise ship job, even if you’re starting with zero experience.

This article is part of an ongoing series designed to help you land amazing travel jobs and seasonal gigs, so you can see the world while getting paid for it.

Each piece in this series is penned by an expert who’s lived the experience, giving you an authentic look at the job and the unique lifestyle it offers.

In short, you’ll get the unfiltered truth about this kind of work, not just the dream.

So without further ado, here’s Amanda!

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 1)

Becoming A Cruise Ship Crew Member

Getting paid to travel the world on a cruise ship! Sounds like a dream, right?

Get ready to be amazed because, for cruise ship crew members, getting paid to explore global ports is just one of the MANY incredible perks that come with the job.

While there are certainly days filled with white sand beaches and sipping on $1 cervezas, it’s important to remember that cruise ship crew members work just as hard as they play.

Whether it’s the Cruise Activities Staff making sure passengers have an unforgettable time with fun events like karaoke, pool games, or bingo, or a bartender crafting the perfect signature cocktail, the primary duty of any crew member is to create an exceptional vacation experience for every guest onboard.

If the idea of delivering top-notch customer service while exploring new ports around the world sounds like your kind of adventure, then life at sea might just be your perfect match.

My Background

I can truly say that I was born with ‘sea legs,’ having spent my early years (from babyhood through toddlerhood) on the ocean.

My father was a Captain on cargo ships, and my mother and I often joined him during his contracts. We mainly traveled along the southern coast of the U.S. down to South America, passing through the Panama Canal while delivering goods like Del Monte bananas.

In the early eighties, my family transitioned off cargo ships, with my father becoming a Marine Lawyer in the UK and my mother starting her own Marine Recruitment firm in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Initially, she placed Deck and Engine Officers with various shipping companies and later expanded into cruise ships, recruiting for major lines like Princess Cruises, Cunard, V-Ships, P&O Australia, and Holland America.

When I entered university, an opportunity arose with Princess Cruises to work onboard as a Seasonal Youth Activities Staff during my summer break. I jumped at the chance!

After an intensive interview with the head of recruitment for Princess, I landed the job and spent about 4-6 months each year working onboard during school breaks. This was the start of my 10-year career at sea.

Working On A Cruise Ship: Building My Life At Sea

After graduating from university (with 3 BAs and a Teaching Degree), I applied for a promotion with Princess Cruises to become an onboard Professional Development Crew Trainer. That’s when my full-time career at sea truly began.

For the next three years (years 5 through 8 onboard), I worked as a Crew Training Officer. Eventually, I was promoted to onboard Human Resources Manager with P&O Australia (a Princess Cruises affiliate) during my final two years at sea.

After a decade working onboard (13 years if you count my baby years at sea), I took a break in 2010 to spend a full season snowboarding in Revelstoke, BC, one of Canada’s snow capitals. It was during this time that I met my husband, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Until 2015, I stayed connected to the cruise ship industry by helping major cruise lines recruit candidates across Canada and internationally through online hiring methods.

During my years onboard and in shore-side recruitment, I noticed a significant lack of reliable information online for those interested in breaking into the cruise ship industry. So, in February 2015, I started my own company to provide prospective candidates with up-to-date and accurate cruise ship employment information, as well as services like cover letter creation, resume writing, and interview preparation. Today, my clients are working their dream cruise ship jobs all around the world!

The Job

Working on a cruise ship is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, with perks like port time in Tahiti one day and an overnight in Maui a few days later. But at the end of the day, it’s still a ‘job.’

If you come onboard expecting weekends off and the chance to see every port, you might be disappointed. Be prepared for 7-day workweeks, lots of split shifts, and the need to be ‘on’ all the time, even when off duty in passenger areas. But most of all, get ready for one of the BEST experiences of your LIFE!

If you love to travel, save money, and work with amazing people, then working on a cruise ship could be one of the best career decisions you’ll ever make.

The Choice

It wasn’t until I gave land life a try (for five months after finishing my university degrees) that I realized a life at sea was truly for me. From 2000 to 2005, I worked seasonally onboard ships for about 4-6 months each year.

However, in 2005, I took the plunge (pun intended) and accepted a promotion to Crew Training Officer, working full-time on ships until 2010. While an unconventional career, working onboard cruise ships has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I know.

Cruise Ship Jobs: The People You’ll Meet

One of the best parts of working on cruise ships is the fascinating people you meet and the lifelong friendships you build while out at sea.

“I decided to pursue a life at sea after living abroad in Korea for a few years,” says Alana Delia, who has been a Royal Caribbean International crew member for over three years. “I was feeling displaced back home and realized that staying in one place wasn’t for me. One night, the idea of working aboard a cruise ship hit me, and I immediately applied. I’ve never looked back!”

“I wouldn’t trade my experiences at sea for anything in the world!” says Richard Mourant of Richard Mourant Adventure Photos, who worked onboard with Princess Cruises for just over 12 years.

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 2)

Do You Have What It Takes?

Heather Hathorn, owner and operator of Page Marine Crews, has spent years working onboard and over 30 years recruiting within the marine industry. She emphasizes that there are three key questions you should ask yourself before deciding to pursue a life at sea:

Do you enjoy meeting and working with diverse groups of people?
Are you flexible and adaptable?
Do you thrive in an ever-changing environment?

Throughout her extensive experience in marine recruitment, Heather has identified common traits among candidates who excel in cruise ship jobs.

“They possess high energy and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service at all times,” she says. “They love to travel, embrace new cultures, and seize every opportunity for new experiences.”

To succeed onboard, it’s essential to come with an open mind and be ready to work hard. Know that good people will cross your path, helping you transition smoothly to life at sea. Approach the job with a “can do” attitude!

– Alana Delia

Cruise Ship Jobs: Getting Started

Before embarking on a cruise ship career, it’s crucial to decide if life at sea is right for you. Be honest with yourself about the potential challenges and whether you can thrive in such an environment.

Gather Information: There is plenty of information online about cruise ship employment. Start by visiting the main web pages of cruise lines and exploring their employment sections.
Determine Your Fit: Assess your past work, volunteer, and educational experiences to identify which onboard positions suit you best. If you’re unsure, consult with a Cruise Ship Employment Specialist.

Choosing a Company

Each cruise line offers a different experience, catering to specific markets, providing varying levels of customer service, and offering different crew amenities and benefits. Select cruise lines that align with the type of service you want to deliver and the experience you seek. Larger lines may offer broader travel options, while smaller lines may provide a more tight-knit crew atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Tailor your resume specifically to each cruise line you apply to. Use keywords and phrases that resonate with each company’s values, as found during your research. This demonstrates your genuine interest in working for that particular cruise line.

The same goes for the job title you’re applying for—different cruise lines may use various titles for the same role. For example, Cruise Staff may also be known as Animation Staff or Activities Staff. Ensure you use the correct terminology for each application, which can usually be found on the cruise line’s career page.

Requirements and Training

Certain positions, such as those in Bridge/Deck or Technical roles, require post-secondary training at a certified Marine School. However, for most other roles onboard, cruise lines typically seek candidates with 1-2 years of relevant experience in a similar role on land, rather than requiring post-secondary education. For instance, if you’re applying for an onboard retail sales position, cruise lines prefer candidates with 1-2 years of high-end retail sales experience. Additionally, consider pursuing cruise-specific training through a Tourism/Hospitality School or an online Cruise Ship Program.

Onboard Hierarchy

Cruise ships generally have three main crew categories, though specific roles may vary by company:

Officer Category: Includes Deck Officers, Technical Officers, and Hotel Managers, as well as positions like Hotel Director, Cruise Director, Human Resources Manager, and others. Some entry-level roles, like Pursers (Hotel Front Desk), Cruise Activities Staff, and Entertainers, also fall under this category from day one.
Staff Category: Encompasses non-supervisory/non-managerial roles in departments like Retail/Gift Shop, Photo/Video, Spa/Salon, Casino, Youth Activities, and Entertainment.
Crew Category: Includes positions in larger departments such as Housekeeping, Food and Beverage, and Security.

How to Get Promoted on a Cruise Ship

One of the best aspects of working on a cruise ship is that promotions are based on performance rather than seniority. Advancements are often determined by mid-term and end-of-contract evaluations. Participating in ‘Career Path Transfer Programs,’ professional development training, and job shadowing can also enhance your chances of promotion.

Typically, new hires start at the crew or staff level and then progress to supervisory/managerial or officer roles. The good news is that promotions can happen quickly, especially given the continuous expansion of cruise ship fleets.

The Reality of Working at Sea

Many new crew members, or ‘fresh fish,’ are often unaware of the challenges they may face when starting a cruise ship job. It’s common to feel overwhelmed during the first few weeks as you deal with jet lag, learn a new job, adjust to a new living situation, and complete mandatory emergency training. It’s a lot to handle. However, if you can get through the first 30 days, you’ll begin to see and appreciate the benefits of working on a cruise ship.

“New crew should approach the job with the understanding that it’s a unique role with many cool perks, like exploring ports around the globe. But remember, it’s not for everyone,” says Alana Delia.

“It will take time to adjust to the new work, environment, and people,” she adds. Cruise ship life is all-encompassing, so give yourself at least 2-3 weeks to find your groove and establish your routine. While you’ll have set work hours, how you spend your off-time is up to you. Since you’ll be surrounded by people almost 24/7, it’s crucial to carve out “me” time—whether it’s getting outside on deck or joining a free passenger tour ashore, like ATVing in Alaska!”

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 3)

Crew Culture

If you ask any crew member why they keep returning to work onboard, contract after contract, you’ll likely hear one or more of the following reasons:

The travel.
The money.
The community—arguably the most important, as you’re both working and living alongside your fellow crew for the entire duration of your contract.

Ultimately, it’s the lifestyle that keeps them coming back—most just don’t want to give it up!

The Community

There are few jobs where you get to work AND live with over 50 nationalities simultaneously! As a crew member, you become part of a microcosm of the entire world. Many new crew members fondly recall how warmly they were welcomed onboard.

“The best part about living in a cruise ship community is having an amazing support team for the people you work with! We all work towards a common goal, so it’s always fun at work, but it’s also a blast when you get to go out in port with your friends as well,” says Michelle Hughes, Media Manager at Carnival.

In the end, all veteran crew members remember what it was like to be the ‘newbie.’ As a result, every ‘new guy’ is welcomed onboard with open arms, regardless of race, creed, or sexual orientation. After all—you’re all in the same boat!

The Camaraderie

Working on a cruise ship ensures that you’ll quickly form some of the best and longest-lasting friendships of your life. You’re all there for many of the same reasons—to travel the world, earn and save money, and be part of a global community. There’s something truly special about living and working in a little floating city that brings everyone together.

After a few contracts, you’ll realize that you have friends with homes scattered across the globe! During your vacations from the ship, it’s hard not to find a corner of the world where you don’t have a shipmate to stay with. Working at sea isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life.

“I have friends ALL over the world now! If I want to go anywhere, I can just pick up the phone!” says Caylon Wade, Cruise Activities Staff with Royal Caribbean International. Follow his adventures at sea on Instagram @caylonwade.

Work Hours at Sea

During my first contract as a seasonal Youth Activities Staff, I worked about 7-10 hours a day, with 1-2 half days off or one full day off per week in port. If I had a full day off on the ship, I would still be scheduled to work that night when the ship set sail—so it was essentially a 7-day workweek.

Some weeks, I worked with 3-7-year-olds, other weeks with 8-12-year-olds, and occasionally with 13-17-year-olds. At times, I was also assigned to supervise pool areas or assist the Cruise Staff with hosting activities for adult passengers.

When I moved up to roles like Crew Training Officer and later HR Manager, I gained the flexibility to design my schedule. I made sure to work around port days and experience every destination the ship stopped at. One of the most important lessons I learned during my decade at sea was to always expect the unexpected and to remain flexible with any tasks that came my way. All your hard work onboard is rewarded when you take the time to enjoy and explore the places your ship brings you.

“Your time off is truly like a mini holiday!” says Gemma Mckeown, Youth Staff at Carnival.

Whether you’re escorting FREE passenger tours as crew or sightseeing on your own, make sure to savor the freedom and excitement of being paid to visit places and do things that many people can only dream of experiencing in a lifetime.

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 4)

Cruise Ship Jobs Pay And Cost Of Living

One of the biggest perks of working onboard a cruise ship is that your room and board are covered by the cruise line. This means your living expenses are practically nonexistent, aside from minimal costs like crew internet and satellite phone cards ($10-$20 for 2-5 hours of usage) and your crew bar tab (with drinks in the crew bar averaging around $1-2 each).

Working on a cruise ship is one of the fastest ways to save almost all of your earnings! You don’t have the typical bills that most people on land do—no rent, food, utilities, gas, or car payments. Many crew members who make a career out of working at sea manage to pay off significant amounts of student debt quickly and even buy homes or businesses outright when they return to land life.

“It doesn’t cost you anything to work onboard. I loved it! I spent seven years out there, traveled the world, and met my fiancé! Working on ships bought me a house!” – James Taylor, Casino Dealer/Manager for both Carnival and Royal Caribbean International

The Pay

Most new-hire crew members start with a salary in the range of $1,000-USD 1,500 per month. While this may sound low compared to land-based jobs, it’s important to consider that you’ll be saving most, if not all, of this amount each month. When you factor in the savings potential, working at sea starts to make a lot more sense.

If candidates ask about the starting salary during the interview process, I often pose this question:

“Can you honestly say that after paying all your monthly expenses on land, you save—free and clear—more than USD 1,000?”

Most of the time, the answer is ‘No.’

Then, I remind them that they’ll be saving this amount every month for six months, which is the typical length of a cruise ship contract. That’s a nice little nest egg to come home with, right? And when you move up to supervisory or managerial roles, salaries can triple, quadruple, or even more.

To give you an idea, I started my 10 years at sea as a Youth Activities Staff member earning around USD 1,200 per month. Five years later, my salary had tripled when I was promoted to Crew Training Officer. By the time I wrapped up my career at sea, I was earning nearly six times my starting salary.

The Costs – Documents & Uniform

As a new crew member, there are several documents and items you’ll need to organize and pay for before joining your assigned ship:

Passport: Ensure your passport is processed, up-to-date, and ready before you even begin the cruise line application process.
C1D1 Visa: If you’re from a country other than the US or Canada, you’ll need a C1D1 Visa to work for a cruise line headquartered in the USA. Once you receive an ‘Offer of Hire Letter’ from your cruise line, you can schedule an appointment at your local US Consulate to obtain the visa. Costs vary by country of origin.
Pre-Employment Medical Check: This is required only after you’ve been offered employment. Medical requirements vary by cruise line, as do costs. Typically, cruise line medicals are valid for two years and provide free medical coverage while you’re onboard. However, it’s wise to maintain your medical coverage for use when you’re on leave, as the company won’t cover your medical needs during vacations between contracts.
Pre-Employment Criminal Records Check: This is also required after you’ve been officially offered employment. The requirements and costs vary by cruise line, and criminal checks are usually valid for one year.
Uniform: Once you’re hired, your cruise line administrator will inform you of any uniform requirements. In most cases, the cruise line provides your uniform, except for shoes, which you’ll need to purchase yourself along with the correct colors of socks, nylons, etc.
Theme Night Costumes: For certain roles, such as Cruise Activities Staff, you may need to provide your costumes for theme nights. Your administrator will let you know if additional outfits are required beyond the standard-issue uniform.

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 5)

Preparing For The Unknown

A crew member’s life is lived primarily on the water. Those who have chosen a career at sea may or may not have a primary residence. They often spend their 8-10 weeks off in between contracts traveling or visiting/staying with family.

It is a good idea before departing, to assess for yourself what it is that you truly want to focus on for the duration of your contract. Will it be the travel? Saving money? Or, just having a good old time? Honing in on your goals before departure will help you stay motivated during your time away at sea.

Necessary Certifications

As noted above, most cruise lines do not require any post-secondary training for their non-deck or technical-related positions. Prospective crew will want to focus on gaining the right kind of experience before applying. i.e., 1-2 years of relevant and related shore-side experience and perhaps some additional cruise-specific training.

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 6)

Getting A Job With A Cruise Line

Some cruise lines prefer direct applications to their main offices, while others might direct you to apply through official hiring partners in your home country or specific concession agencies. You can find detailed application instructions in the career or employment sections of each cruise line’s website.

Make sure to have all your documents ready when applying—such as your passport, resume, and references. Submitting everything in one go can expedite the process and improve your chances.

– Alana Delia

Success in the cruise ship application and interview process often hinges on thorough research into life at sea beforehand to determine if it’s the right fit for you. I knew exactly what to expect, thanks in part to advice from Amanda, which helped me approach the process with a positive attitude.

– Michelle Hughes, Media Manager, Carnival.

Taking the Leap

The first step to landing a cruise ship position is to connect with people who are currently working onboard or have done so in the past. Reach out to friends, family, and crew forums, and explore YouTube for insights on cruise ship jobs and employment.

Contact your country’s official hiring partners and consult with a Cruise Ship Employment Specialist. These experts not only have onboard experience but also extensive knowledge of the recruitment process.

“The service Amanda at Get a Life at Sea offers—from sharing industry knowledge to identifying target employers and customizing resumes and cover letters—is exceptional! Her positive encouragement is invaluable. I highly recommend her services to anyone navigating this career path. Amanda is like a guide for those finding their way in the wilderness!” – Dean Davis, Human Resources Manager, Carnival.

The Cruise Life

Working on a cruise ship opens doors to travel opportunities across every continent. Popular cruising destinations include the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, the South Pacific (including New Zealand and Australia), South America, South Africa, and even Antarctica.

Not only does working onboard fund your travels, but it also allows you to save nearly all of your earnings while immersing yourself in a unique and multicultural environment. Plus, you’ll visit ports that passengers often spend years saving up to experience. Your life at sea could very well be better than most people’s vacations.

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 7)

What Is It That Keeps Crew Coming Back?

For me, working on a cruise ship wasn’t just a job or a career—it was a lifestyle! Your home becomes wherever the anchor drops.

But don’t just take my word for it… Michelle Hughes continues her role as Media Manager with Carnival because, as she puts it, “Each port brings something new and exciting!”

James Taylor, a Casino Manager with Royal Caribbean International, shares, “My favorite tours were in Alaska, where I saw wild grizzly bears and enjoyed a heavily discounted helicopter tour for dog sledding on a glacier!”

Anita Wing Lee, a Seasonal Youth Staff member with Princess Cruises, says, “My favorite part of working onboard was waking up in a new city almost every day and making friends from around the globe.”

Gemma McKeown, Youth Staff with Carnival, adds, “On land, time off often feels like another task. On a ship, your time off is truly your own, whether you’re hitting the beach or going on a shore excursion!”

Caylon Wade, Cruise Activities Staff with Royal Caribbean International, exclaims, “Traveling the world is pure bliss! It’s awesome!”

Richard Mourant, Photo Manager with Princess Cruises, concludes, “It’s one of the most amazing experiences available right now. I encourage everyone to give it a try!”

About the Author

Amanda spent over a decade sailing the world, holding various onboard roles with cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Cunard, Royal Caribbean International, and P&O Australia. After leaving ships in 2010, she transitioned to shore-side cruise ship recruitment, working with one of Canada’s leading cruise line partners for six years.

From 2015 to 2020, Amanda ran her own business offering cruise ship employment information, consultation, and resume design services. She guided many adventurers through the cruise line application and interview process, helping them get paid to explore the world.

Amanda now lives in Revelstoke, BC, Canada—the ski capital of North America—with her Mountain Guide husband, Alex, and their 3-year-old son, Dax.

Frequently Asked Question

What qualifications do I need to work on a cruise ship?

Most cruise ship positions don’t require formal qualifications beyond relevant experience. For technical roles like Deck or Engine positions, post-secondary training from a certified Marine School is often necessary. For other positions, such as retail or guest services, 1-2 years of related experience is preferred. Additional training in tourism or hospitality can be beneficial but is not always required.

How do I apply for a cruise ship job?

You can apply directly through the cruise line’s official website or authorized hiring partners in your home country. Some cruise lines may also use specific concession agencies for recruitment. Be sure to check the career or employment section of each cruise line’s website for detailed application instructions.

What documents are required for a cruise ship job?

Key documents typically include a valid passport, a C1D visa (for non-US and non-Canadian applicants), a pre-employment medical check, and a criminal records check. Uniform requirements and additional items like theme night costumes may also be needed depending on your role.

How much can I expect to earn on a cruise ship?

Salaries for new hires usually range from $1,000 to USD 1,500 per month. While this might seem low, most of your living expenses are covered by the cruise line, allowing you to save a significant portion of your salary. For higher-level positions, salaries can increase significantly, sometimes tripling or quadrupling.

What are the working conditions like on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship jobs require a high level of flexibility. Expect long work hours, often including split shifts and working 7 days a week. You will be living and working closely with the same group of people for the duration of your contract. However, the lifestyle also includes travel and unique experiences in various ports around the world.

How can I increase my chances of getting hired?

Research the cruise line and understand the specific requirements for the role you’re applying for. Tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect the cruise line’s values and terminology. Demonstrating a positive attitude and readiness to adapt to the cruise ship environment can also improve your chances.

What should I expect during the first few weeks on board?

The initial weeks can be challenging as you adjust to a new job, living environment, and emergency training. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but persistence is key. Once you get past the adjustment period, you’ll start to enjoy the benefits of ship life, including the opportunity to explore new destinations and build lasting friendships.

Conclusion

Embarking on a career with a cruise line offers a unique blend of adventure, opportunity, and personal growth. Working on a cruise ship isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. From traveling the world and experiencing diverse cultures to saving money and building lifelong friendships, the cruise ship lifestyle provides an unparalleled experience. To succeed, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements and prepare thoroughly. Whether you’re applying directly through a cruise line or an authorized partner, having your documents ready and researching the role will set you up for success. Remember that while the work can be demanding, the opportunity to see new places, meet people from around the globe, and save a significant portion of your earnings makes it a rewarding endeavor.