Jess at Sea

Have you ever dreamed of waking up in a new country each week, meeting people from all over the world, and getting paid to travel? Working on a cruise ship could be your ticket to that lifestyle – and landing a job at sea might be easier than you think.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or looking for a fresh start, here’s your step-by-step guide to getting a cruise ship job – from choosing the right position to boarding your first vessel.

Step 1: Understand the Reality of Cruise Ship Life

Before you start applying, it’s important to be honest about what cruise ship work is really like. Yes, you’ll see amazing places and meet incredible people – but it’s also long hours, tight living quarters, and months without a day off.

Ask yourself:

• Can I share a small cabin with a roommate?
• Am I okay working 10+ hours a day, 7 days a week?
• Can I follow strict rules, adapt quickly, and handle life at sea?

If you’re still saying “YES!” – then you’re ready to take the plunge.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Cruise Ship Job

Cruise ships are like floating resorts – and they need staff for nearly every type of role imaginable. Think of it as a floating hotel, with departments ranging from hospitality to entertainment, operations to retail.

Common Cruise Ship Jobs:

• Waitstaff & Bartenders
• Housekeeping & Laundry
• Front Desk/Reception
• Cruise Staff & Entertainment
• Childcare & Youth Programs
• Spa, Fitness & Beauty
• Gift Shop/Retail Staff
• Deck & Engine Crew
• Security
• IT & Communications

💡 If you have experience in hospitality, customer service, fitness, performing arts, or childcare – you’re already qualified for many entry-level positions!

Step 3: Prepare a Cruise-Ready Resume

Your resume should reflect adaptability, customer service, and any international or hospitality experience. Keep it to one page and include:

• Languages spoken
• Hospitality or tourism background
• Any experience working in fast-paced or multicultural settings
• Relevant certifications (like STCW, CPR, bartending, lifeguard, etc.)

💡 Pro Tip: Tailor your resume for each cruise line. Focus on teamwork, flexibility, and a strong work ethic.

Step 4: Find Legitimate Cruise Line Jobs (and Avoid Scams)

Cruise lines often recruit through licensed hiring partners, especially outside the U.S. and Europe. You can either:

Apply directly on official cruise line websites:

• Disney Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Norwegian

Or find a certified recruitment agency: check the cruise line’s official website for country-specific hiring partners. Always verify the agency’s legitimacy.

🚨 Red Flag: Never pay to “secure” a job. While some costs (like visas or medical exams) happen after hiring, you shouldn’t pay upfront for job placement.

Step 5: Acing the Cruise Ship Interview

Interviews usually happen online – via Zoom or Skype – and often include scenario questions.

Prepare to answer:

• Why do you want to work on a cruise ship?
• How do you handle long hours or stressful situations?
• Tell us about a time you worked in a team or resolved a conflict.

📌 Tips:

• Show your willingness to work hard and adapt
• Dress professionally (even for virtual interviews)
• Smile and stay positive

Step 6: Complete Your Medical & Visa Requirements

Once you’re offered a position, you’ll need to go through onboarding procedures, which typically include:

• Seafarer’s Medical Exam (to ensure you’re fit for shipboard life)
• Background Check
• Visa applications (like the C1/D crew visa for U.S. ports)
• STCW Training (required for many onboard roles)

Your recruiter will guide you through each step.

Step 7: Pack Smart & Prepare to Sail

Once you receive your joining date and port assignment, it’s time to pack!

What to Bring:

• A few personal comforts (photos, snacks, journal)
• Basic uniforms (if not provided)
• Comfortable off-duty clothes
• Cabin essentials (magnetic hooks, power strip, toiletries)

Check out my full packing for a cruise ship guide here!

Then it’s time to say goodbye to land life – and hello to an unforgettable adventure!

Cruise Ship Jobs Can Change Your Life

Getting a cruise ship job isn’t just about travel – it’s about transformation. You’ll build lifelong friendships, see parts of the world you never dreamed of, and grow both personally and professionally. Check out the story of how I landed my dream job at sea here!

I know because it changed my life. If you’re ready to work hard, stay flexible, and embrace the adventure, then life at sea could be the start of something incredible.

---

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.

🚢 More Ship Life Posts

Check out these posts about life at sea: