Certain recruitment agencies should adopt a more truthful approach when presenting details about the life and work on a cruise ship. It is understandable, to some extent, that these agencies have an interest in obtaining a percentage fee for every successful applicant. I was fortunate enough to have a reliable agency when embarking on my own cruise ship venture, as they provided me with genuinely accurate information. However, there are instances where potential candidates are shown images of idyllic locations and pristine sandy beaches, and they are led to believe that substantial salary packages await them, rather than being presented with a realistic portrayal.

Reflecting back on my first contract aboard a cruise ship, I recall feeling uncertain and unprepared. I was unsure which essential items to pack in my suitcase and whether I should bring any medication in case of illness. I was also curious about which specific ship I would be boarding and what other job opportunities were available onboard, apart from my own.

I will always remember my first contract. I did not have an idea what to expect. Which staff to bring in my suitcase? Do I need to bring some medicine with me in case I get sick? Which ship will I board? What kind of jobs exists on the cruise ship besides mine?

Well, let's put it this way. Wheater you get a lot of information or not prior to your first contract, you will learn on your own; you will have to experience it on your own. Before I joined the ship for the very first time, I heard from my friends about ship stories, what happens on the ship, which ports I could visit... Still, this was all someone else's experience. Regardless of the information that you will have before joining the ship, you will still have to experience something unexpected. Get ready for it; it's inevitable to learn a lot of things in a short period of time upon joining the vessel. 

I will go through some basic questions you might have regarding cruise ship machinery and potential jobs you could apply for. 

Cruise ships offer a wide variety of employment opportunities. Some positions often available are bartenders, shore excursion directors, retail clerks, youth coordinators, child care staff, musicians and entertainers, casino staff, cruise staff, restaurant staff and hosts, merchant marines, able seamen, and engineers.

How much can I earn working a cruise ship job?

 Earnings and benefits vary according to your position, the company you work for, the ship's size, and its clientele. Many people who work on cruise ships save most of the money they earn because they have so few expenses. Your room and board is usually provided for free. Most companies also offer a generous benefits package that often includes: medical and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K plan, profit sharing plans, travel benefits for you and your family and vacation time, etc.

Monthly wages range from $1,500 to $8,000 or more.

Again it is important to remember that you can save most of the money you earn unless you spend too much time in the bars or the casinos or spend too much when you are in port. Another perk is that some cruise ships even have bar allowances for their staff, so this will limit your bar expense.

 What are the living conditions like aboard a cruise ship at sea?

 While it is true that accommodations are sometimes cramped, especially on smaller vessels, and you'll be sharing your cabin with little or no privacy, most find the experience similar to their first year in a college dorm, but without the homework. Usually, staff have their own dining room, away from the passengers, and on days off, employees can hang out by the pool, sunbathe, or use the spa. Some ships provide extra amenities for employees, such as televisions for each room, a special crew bar and lounge, and special recreation lounges near the crew quarters. For the funny way of dividing the crew members, it will mainly depend on if you are "crew" or "staff," which will influence the quality of your accommodation on board the ship. If you are a crew member like I used to be(bar staff, housekeeping, dining room staff), you will get the cabin size of the shoe box. Get used to it, and expect the smallest cabin in the world. 

What are some of the places you may get to see as an employee?

 The ports of call and the sheer number of destinations reached by cruise lines today offer cruise employees an unparalleled opportunity for travel. For instance, last year, a Princess Cruises cruise ship traveled from Acapulco through the Panama Canal, around the Caribbean, and across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Then headed down to North Africa, around the British Isles, through the Baltic Sea, and back across the Atlantic to New York.

Today, cruise ships are sailing all over the world, so you have the opportunity to visit a number of exciting destinations.

How much time do you spend off the ship?

 The amount of time you spend off the ship depends on three main factors 1.) The contract you hold with your employer, and 2.) The amount of time your ship allows passengers to visit ports. 3.) Your position on the cruise ship. Crew members working in departments and in slow or closed positions when a ship is in port generally have more free time in each port.

When your ship stops at ports, most crew members are allowed (and in most cases encouraged) to get off the ship and explore. Generally, crew members are allowed to be out in port until one hour prior to departure (of course, unless they are on duty).

Most cruise line contracts typically require a four to eight-month commitment for new employees. Some cruise lines allow you to take a limited vacation time during a contract, while others do not. If this is important to you, it should be discussed prior to accepting the position.

 Who can apply to work on a cruise ship?

Everyone can apply to work on the ship. In your respectful country, a licensed agency performs interviews for different kinds of jobs. 

Most cruise ships are foreign-flagged and do not need to operate under the strict US labor laws. So cruise lines are free to hire people from all over the world to fill their positions. Because most cruise ship passengers speak English, cruise lines generally like to hire a crew with a good command of the English language for positions with a high degree of passenger contact. This would include cruise staff, casino staff, gift shop, and other salespeople, hosts, hostesses, disc jockeys, fitness instructors, lecturers, youth counselors, art auctioneers, cosmetologists, hair stylists, massage therapists, doctors, nurses, purser department.

On most cruise lines, the crew can be very diverse, with crew members from 70 or more different countries.

There are a handful of cruise ships that are flagged in the United States and hire almost all their crew from the United States. These cruise ships usually sail around Hawaii, Alaska, the Great Lakes, or on US rivers.

Are crew members allowed to use guest amenities?

Most of the cruise lines will allow their crew to use guest amenities on their time off. That mainly depends if you are a "crew" or "staff" member. Those different positions come with different sets of privileges. However, passengers always take priority when using the pool, gym etc. Most cruises will also offer their crew a mess or recreation area/ dining hall and, in some cases, a crew bar where drinks are sold considerably less than in passenger bars.

 What happens if I decide to end my contract? 

If you decide that cruise life is not for you and break your contract, you will have to pay for all costs to get yourself home.

 What kind of training regarding safety and emergency protocol will I receive?

Crew members will be required to attend a safety course following embarkment on the ship. Instruction on lifeboat/raft safety, fire drills, and understanding of fire-safe and watertight doors will be taught. You will encounter routine emergency drills throughout your employment on the ship.

What happens if I somehow miss the ship when I am at the port?

This is never a good idea and could result in a demotion or loss of a job. Most companies require their crew to be on board an hour prior to departure. Pay close attention to the sailing schedule and keep an eye on time. However, If you do miss the ship for some good reason, your cruise line's agents will help you find the ship and board again. However, there may be some expense to you.

Can I apply for a specific ship with a cruise line?

The best course of action is to apply to the various cruise companies of your choice. After you have made a strong impression on the company and they indicate they would like for you to work for them, politely request a ship you would like to work on.

Can I work on the same cruise ship as my spouse or friend?

Yes, this may be possible. However, you don't want to make many requests before you are hired. We recommend that you and your spouse/friend each apply to the same set of companies. But you should each apply separately, and then during the mid to later stages of the interview process, you should let your recruiter/human resources representative know that your spouse/friend is also interested in working on the same ship. If a position is available that they are qualified for, many companies will try to make things work out.

Please note that companies are more likely to accommodate married couples, but often they can help arrange it so you can work with a friend as well.

Can I live with my spouse on the ship?

Yes, this is usually possible. It will be important to let the company know that you are on the ship with your husband/wife prior to making room assignments so the company has plenty of time to plan accordingly.

 How can I remain in contact with family and loved ones at home?

 Many cruise ships do offer internet connections for laptop computers and also have a computer lounge for those without computers (however, there may be a fee for both of these options). If the cost is more than you want to pay, it is common for crew members to visit one of the many internet cafes that are in each of the ports of call.

You may keep in touch with people from back home through e-mail, cellular phones, phone cards, and mail. Mail goes to the company agents in various ports and is delivered to ships when they dock there and distributed on board. The internet offers many ways to stay connected with the world when you are away. Online banking, shopping, and correspondence can keep your life running.

If Hired, will the cruise line provide the uniforms and do I need to pay?

 It depends on the cruise line. Some companies will pay for crew members' uniforms, and some will require their crew members to purchase their uniforms. Almost all of cruise lines require their crew members to purchase their own shoes that are following uniform regulations. Make sure you determine the company policy on uniforms before accepting a position.

I have never been at sea for very long; what happens if I get seasick?

Most cruise ships are large, and seasickness is usually not a problem. There is some generic over-the-counter medicine that can help you with seasickness. Most people find that getting some fresh air on a deck that is in the middle of the ship and lower will be a little less rocky. Additionally, many find that their seasickness disappears after their body has had time to adapt.

I got used to it. It takes a few months, but you will be fine after that. Smooth sailing to all of you! God Bless You!