Working on cruises can be a challenging but equally rewarding profession. If you have the stamina and talent to withstand the long months at sea and the demanding routine on board, you will have access to a series of benefits.
After all, this is an opportunity to travel around the world, while practicing other languages, meeting new people and attending parties.
And this is the best time to invest in a career in Tourism. At a time when the Tourism revenues reached a new record, totaling 25 million euros in Portugal.
But is it worth working on cruises? What's it like to be part of a crew? Find out everything you need to start the career of your dreams.
What are the benefits of working on cruises?
Despite the physical and emotional strain that this profession entails, there are many people who are willing to work on cruises. Which is no surprise considering the advantages it offers, namely:
- Attractive salary (between €1,300 and €1,500, potentially exceeding €4,000);
- Minimum expenses (food and accommodation are covered by the company);
- Insurance and health care on board;
- Access to shows, parties and other amenities;
- Cultural exchange environment;
- Opportunities for career development and promotions.
If you imagine learning sports activities, such as kayaking or scuba diving, coming into contact with different cultures, developing professionally and giving your best every day to serve passengers on board, this is the right career for you.
What is the work routine like on board a cruise?
In short, you can expect a lot of work, missing your family, parties and a hectic pace. Working on cruises involves being on board for between 6 months and 1 year.
There is not a complete day off, but you will have several hours during the day to rest. For example, a room attendant can work from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and only resume between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
In your spare time, you can have fun and take advantage of some of the amenities offered by cruises to motivate workers. For example, bathing in the jacuzzi, watching shows, using the gym, having a drink at the bar and strolling through the cities visited.
Discover the main requirements for working on cruises
Each cruise company has its own recruitment process. You usually need to fill out an online form and send your CV, or alternatively, apply through a recruitment agency.
If the application is approved, you must then complete a preparation course on life on board, which, as a rule, covers survival techniques and first aid. Upon passing this training, you proceed to the final interview and medical examinations.
But, first of all, you must meet the basic requirements, which are essential for you to be able to work on cruises. These are the requirements that most companies must meet:
- Be fluent in English or other languages (Knowing how to communicate in English is essential for dealing with tourists. Depending on the company or job position, a second language may also be required.)
- Be over 18 or 21 years old (You must be at least 18 years old to work on cruises, although the vast majority of companies set a minimum age of 21. There is also an age limit for applying: 45 years old.)
- Be in excellent physical shape (In addition to having your vaccinations up to date, not suffering from severe allergies or other dependencies, you need to be in good physical and psychological shape to withstand the stress of the profession.)
- Enjoy customer service (If you are not a sociable person or do not like serving others, then this profession is not for you.)
- Clean criminal record (Presenting a criminal record without a prior record is another requirement of cruise companies.)
7 types of professions with greater employability on cruises
The cruise sector requires a large number of professionals from various areas to serve the hundreds of passengers staying on board. Discover the types of jobs on cruises and invest in a career with a future!
1. Deck Crew
This type of profession is essential for everyone who wants to work on cruises, as ensures navigation, maintenance of the ship, supervision of passengers when boarding and disembarking, and the safety of everyone on board.
The deck crew team is made up of the Captain, Second Command, Radiotechnical Officer (which monitors weather and traffic) and the Security Officer.
2. Hotel management
It is a role very similar to the one performed in work in hospitality, since on cruises it is also necessary supervise the accommodation, comfort and installation of guests on board.
To do this, it is necessary to manage the main operations and make connections between the various teams and elements. This professional can also be in charge of hiring and firing and help passengers with queries and complaints.
3. Guest Service
Guest services professionals are responsible for respond to passenger queries and improve their experience.
Examples of roles in this area include receptionists, concierge staff, housekeepers and event managers.
4. Cleaning and maintenance
For those who want to work on cruises, this is a job accessible to all age groups and backgrounds. These professionals are in charge of maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards in common and guest areas.
Despite being considered an entry-level position, it can serve as a solid foundation for building a career and advance to professions such as laundry master, cleaning specialist and housekeeper.
5. Kitchen and living room
The provision of food and beverages is a fundamental area of cruise service. In this area we find the cooks, waiters, waiters, kitchen assistants, storage staff, bartenders, between others.
For some of these professions, especially chefs, it will be necessary to take a degree or specialized course.
6. Activities for guests
Depending on the type of cruise, different entertainment activities are available to guests. Therefore, among the crew, masseurs, personal trainers, salespeople, beauticians, hairdressers, tourist entertainers and children's assistants.
Furthermore, it is possible to be accurate singers, artists, DJs or copyists, if the cruise offers live shows or houses a casino.
7. Healthcare professionals
Typically cruises can sail at sea for between 6 months and 1 year, so they usually have a medical department on board.
If you have medical training, you can invest in a career in the field. Cruises look for doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and administrative.
Find cruise vacancies on the Employment Exchange Platform
The Employment Exchange partners with the best companies in Tourism and Hospitality to bring you the best opportunities.
Look for the latest vacancies in the sector on the Recruitment Platform and apply for the best offers for internships and full or part-time contracts.
Search according to your professional area or desired position, and chat directly with recruiters via chat to monitor your application.
