Work on cruise ships. Requirements, opportunities and tips to embark.

Working on cruise ships is the dream of many, the idea of earning money while waking up in a different city every day is a unique experience. This job will take you to explore the world, immerse yourself in fun, meet people from all countries and cultures, learn languages and discover unimaginable places. In addition, you will have the opportunity to develop your role on board the ship, improving your professional skills and making this experience even more enriching.
In this article we will talk about the main requirements to be able to work on a cruise ship, the different jobs that you can find on these ships and their respective salaries.

Requirements to Work on a Cruise Ship

Working on a cruise ship can be an exciting experience, but there are several steps and requirements you must meet to secure your place on board. Here I present a practical guide with the main steps you must follow:

• Proficiency in English and other languages:

Good command of English is essential to work on cruise ships. During selection, your ability to communicate in this language will be evaluated, as it is the official language on board and is used for instructions, training and daily communication. Furthermore, having knowledge of languages other than English can be a plus in personnel selection processes.

• Minimum Age to Work on Cruise Ships:

On cruise ships, the minimum working age may vary. Although it is generally required to be over 18 years old, some companies may require you to be over 21 years old due to international regulations for different jobs.

• Mandatory vocational training courses:

Having specific training related to the position is essential, as in any other job. In this case, maritime training is a fundamental requirement to access any position on board. The studies are not only linked to work, but also to responsibilities on board, covering critical situations such as emergencies, fires, abandonment, medical care and crowd control.

• Personal interview:

Passing an interview with the shipping company or recruitment agency is crucial. You can face interviews in person or, in some cases, by telephone or internet. Be prepared to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.

• Medical Certifications and Other Procedures:

After the interview, a thorough medical examination will be required. This process will include specific medical certifications, such as physical and mental health testing, as well as medical background review. You must also complete other procedures, such as the ISM medical examination, which certifies a state of health suitable for boarding. Obtaining the International Maritime Booklet, which records boardings and disembarkations, is also essential.

• Request a Work Visa and Additional Documentation:

Once the previous steps are completed, the shipping company will require you to apply for the corresponding work visa, commonly known as a Sailor visa (C1D). The company will provide all the documents accrediting the contract so that you can start the procedures at the embassy, including a possible interview and presentation of documents. Make sure you have a valid passport with at least 1 year validity before boarding. Additionally, the shipping company could request a criminal record certificate from your country of origin or from any other place where you have resided for more than 6 months.

• Total availability:

In the world of cruising, total availability is key. Vessels operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your willingness for replacements, itinerary changes or crew expansions can make a difference. Collaboration and flexibility are essential for the proper functioning of the cruise and to provide the best experience to passengers.
Meeting these requirements will prepare you to begin your career on board a cruise ship.

What are the different cruise ship jobs and their salaries?

In the world of cruising, it opens the doors to an incredible variety of jobs, there are literally thousands of different roles. These would be the most important categories and the related salaries depending on their level.

• Deck Crew:

As a member of the deck crew, your responsibility is to maintain the safe and efficient operation of the ship, covering tasks such as navigation, deck management, and mooring and unmooring operations. Deck crew salaries can vary significantly, from a deckhand earning between $1,500 and $2,000 a month to a captain who can earn up to $10,000 a month, depending on experience and ship size.

• Hospitality and Restaurant Staff:

Working in the hospitality section or in the restaurants of the cruise involves serving passengers so that they enjoy their gastronomic experience. You can play roles such as waiter, bartender or customer service staff. In this area, salaries vary, with a Restaurant Attendant earning between $1,200 and $2,000 a month, plus tips, while a Waitress could earn between $4,500 and $8,000 a month, also with tips.

• Cleaning and Maintenance Personnel:

Cleaning and maintenance are essential in a closed environment. Being part of the cleaning team means helping to keep common spaces and cabins impeccable, ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for passengers. For a Housekeeping Assistant, salaries range between $1,200 and $2,000 per month, while a Maintenance Officer could earn between $4,000 and $7,000 per month.

• Reception and Administrative Staff:

Being part of the reception team involves managing passenger queries and needs, as well as performing administrative functions. An Administrative Assistant could have a monthly salary between $1,500 - $2,500, while a Hotel Manager, depending on the hierarchy and size of the ship, could earn $5,000 - $8,000 a month or more.

• Onboard Experience Team:

This team is essential to creating a positive experience, including professionals who organize entertainment, wellness and spa, as well as the onboard shops. An Entertainment Assistant could earn between $1,500 and $2,500 per month, while an Entertainment Director, depending on experience and responsibilities, could earn between $5,000 and $8,000 per month.

What courses are necessary to work on cruise ships?

As we talked about before, one of the main requirements to work on this type of boat is to have a series of professional courses.
The course par excellence is the Basic Training in maritime safety , which is necessary to work on any vessel and its duration is about 70 hours. This course is usually followed by Passenger Ships , which lasts 32 hours, and Basic Maritime Protection training , which lasts only 8 hours, and are the most in demand in this market. You can do them separately or also in a crew pack , to have all the training you need in just one month.
Later, depending on your responsibilities within the ship, they may also ask you for the Non-Fast Rescue Boat course and the Initial Specific Health Training course of 24 and 22 hours respectively.
All of these courses have the STCW agreement (Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping), one of the most important internationally, which by regulation must be renewed every 5 years.
Luckily in Sailwiz you can find all the courses and their updates anywhere in Spain and with dates throughout the year. Additionally, with the reservation of your first course you can accumulate miles to exchange for discounts on future courses.