How I Landed My Dream Job on a Cruise Ship

It all started on a sea day.

I was on a family cruise during university, sitting in an origami class when the thought struck me: “Wait… someone actually gets paid to do this?” I couldn’t believe it — teaching crafts on a cruise ship? That had to be the coolest job in the world.

For a small-town Aussie girl, working on a cruise ship felt more like fantasy than a real career option. But that moment planted a seed. I didn’t know how or when, but I was determined to make it happen.

Fast forward a few years — and not only did I land a job on a cruise ship, I ended up working for Disney Cruise Line, transforming little ones into princesses, and eventually stepping into a leadership role that combined my love of Disney, design, and adventure.

This is the story of how I turned a wild daydream into a real life dream job at sea.

From Disney College Program to Dream Job at Sea

After graduating university, I took a gap year to work at Walt Disney World as part of the Disney College Program. That year was life-changing. When it ended, I found myself feeling lost. I had grown so much, and I knew I couldn’t just go back to the life I had before.

I wanted more adventures. More Disney. More magic.

That’s when I started looking into other Disney jobs — and stumbled across Disney Cruise Line (DCL). Why hadn’t I thought of that before?! I couldn’t believe it when I saw a job opening for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. It felt like the perfect fit and a great foot in the door.

So, I applied.

Within weeks, I had an interview, received an offer, and was crying tears of joy over my acceptance email. The dream was happening.

*My Disney Cruise Line acceptance email!*

The Hiring Process

When I applied in 2019, the application process was relatively straightforward:

I applied directly through the DCL website.
I completed a video interview.
I passed a medical exam and obtained a seafarer’s visa (which included a visit to the Australian Embassy in Sydney!).

Within a few months, I had packed my bags and boarded a plane to start my next big adventure — life at sea!

Important Note: The process may have changed since 2019. Depending on your country, you might need to apply through an official recruitment agency. Always refer to the official DCL careers page for the most accurate, up-to-date info — and beware of third-party scams.

My First Week as a Disney Cruise Line Crew Member

Before boarding the ship, new hires complete a few days of training on land:

You attend Traditions, the magical Disney orientation (for me, this was my second Traditions class, and it was just as special!).
You complete Personal Survival Techniques Training (aka “Wet Drill”), where you learn to flip life rafts, swim with a lifejacket, and wear an immersion suit. It’s intense — and surprisingly fun!

After training, it was embarkation day. I had my red “Earning My Ears” tag on and was buzzing with excitement. That first week onboard was a blur of ship tours, HR and safety trainings, and — the best part — putting on my fairy costume for the very first time.

Disney Crew Member traditions book with mickey mouse ears and name tag

Working in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

My first contract was onboard the Disney Dream, which has over 1,500 crew members across various departments: Dining, Housekeeping, Deck, Entertainment, and more.

I worked in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique as a Fairy Godmother in Training (now known as a Fairy Godmother’s Apprentice). My job was to transform little ones into princesses and royal knights — doing hair, makeup, and telling magical stories. On Pirate Night, we switched roles to become pirate crew, giving guests scars, black eyes, and pirate names. It was messy, chaotic, and completely adorable.

There were days I ended up covered in pixie dust from head to toe — and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Fairy Godmothers Apprentice holding a magic fairy wand on a Disney Cruise Ship

Moving Up: From Fairy Godmother to Entertainment Integration Manager

At the end of my first contract, a short-term management opportunity opened up. I applied — and got the role!

After the pandemic pause, I returned to Disney Cruise Line in a new position as an Entertainment Integration Manager. It’s a behind-the-scenes role overseeing all digital and printed communications onboard — think daily schedules, announcements, and graphics — and it was a perfect fit with my background in graphic design.

It might not be the origami job I first dreamed of, but it turned out to be something even better.

Life at Sea: The Reality of Working on a Cruise Ship

Cruise ship life is like nothing else. I’ve now spent six years working onboard, and while it’s easy to take things for granted — like waking up in a different country every day — I still have moments where I pinch myself.

That said, it’s not always glamorous. Ship life is fast-paced, physically demanding, and emotionally tough at times. You work long hours, live in tiny crew cabins, and spend months away from family.

But for many of us, that first “one contract” turns into ten — and a full-fledged career.

Disney Cruise Line Funnel with ship officer smiling next to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in captain outfits.

Disney Cruise Line officer waving with a mickey glove while standing on deck with ocean and Port Canaveral in the background.

Working for Disney Cruise Line changed my life. It took a childhood dream and made it my day-to-day reality. I’ve made lifelong friends, grown professionally and personally, and found a second home at sea.

If you’ve ever dreamed of working on a cruise ship — or with Disney — go for it. That crazy dream might just be more possible than you think. ✨

Disclaimer: Disney Cruise Line is the only cruise line I’ve worked for, so I can’t speak of the experience with other cruise lines. All opinions in this post are my own and not affiliated with Disney in any way.