When doing your research, determine which job appeals to you. Don't just send in an application for "any position available". The cruise line will think that you are only doing this for fun and they probably won't take your application seriously. Always remember that ideally cruise lines want serious, committed people who will hopefully stay around for a while. It costs good money to keep finding and training new hires that only stay for one contract. Okay, maybe in your eyes this job is only for a year or two whilst you save a bit of money, see the world and think about what you REALLY want to do with your life? and that's fine. But don't mention that to the cruise line!

Try to make sure that all your skills and experience are targeted and worded to meet the requirements of a specific job. For example, if you apply to one cruise line for a job as a Casino Slot Technician, then everything on your resume will be tailored to back this up and strengthen your case. If at the same time you also apply to a different cruise line for a job in the onboard Gift Shops, then you will adjust your resume by rearranging and rewording it slightly to now back this position up.

Some jobs require specialized experience or education, especially for positions such as aerobics instructors, photographers, and youth counselors. Others, including general cruise staff and retail positions, don't. All, however, demand excellent customer service skills. Your best bet to break into this industry is to use the experience that you already have and market it to your advantage. But really you should be willing to accept any position that you qualify for. Once you've got a job on a cruise ship, you can always use your contacts to move into the areas you really desire.

Other jobs are often only available to those who have worked on cruise ships previously. For example, bar tender, purser, and tour staff are very popular jobs on board. Cruise ships like to reward employees who have demonstrated the skills needed to work with demanding passengers by filling these jobs from within the current list of outstanding crew members.

Therefore, just because you worked as a bar tender or a waiter ashore does not necessarily mean you will be able to easily secure one of these jobs on board. You may have to start out as a room steward (or stewardess) and work up to waiter, bar tender or office staff.

Jobs in the engine room or on deck are also sometimes difficult to obtain unless you are of the same nationality as the ship's officers. When doing your research, determine what the nationality of the ship's crew is. If your background doesn't match, it will be difficult to get a job in the engine room or on deck. Most ship's officers are Norwegian, Greek, or Italian, with a handful of British and American ships. In addition, many of the technical crew jobs in the engine room or on deck are staffed with Filipinos.

The cruise lines are very particular about the job application process. If your resume/CV or application package is inaccurate, incomplete, poorly written, or goes to the wrong person, you have wasted your time and money. Each different cruise line job may require a different contract or a different application process. Be sure to read carefully when applying.

Also, beware that there is a lot of incorrect and outdated cruise ship job information available for free and for sale. Don't purchase anything without checking it out first. What motive does the website have for giving away free information? And do they continually update it? What's more, the author of a book must be able to prove his or her credentials. It goes without saying that they must have actually WORKED onboard a cruise ship before and have some kind of track record in helping people get jobs on cruise ships. The information they are selling must also be accurate and up-to-date.

Since most cruises ships cater to Americans and other English-speaking travelers, it is important that you speak English. All cruise ship workers need a valid passport and if you're not an American or Canadian citizen then you'll also need a Seafarers visa. This visa is for seamen and allows you to work in United States' ports for a limited number of hours/days.

In summary, finding a job on a cruise ship can require a lot of research and time to seek out the position and company that's right for you. It also requires the applicant to properly complete the necessary paperwork and to have the correct work visas and passport. Cruise ship jobs can be hardwork. But I've always found that the benefits far outweigh the negatives. After all you do get PAID to see the world and get to meet and make friends with people of all different nationalities. Friendships that might last a lifetime!

Copyright (c) 2006 Neil Maxwell Keys