Working on a cruise ship can be a unique and fulfilling career path that offers adventure, travel opportunities, and the chance to meet new people from all over the world. However, it's important to have a clear understanding of what working on a cruise ship entails before committing to this career choice.

Types of Sea Jobs on a Cruise Ship

Cruise ships are complex operations that require a wide variety of skilled workers. Here are some of the most common types of jobs on a cruise ship:

Deck and Navigation Crew: These are the people responsible for the safe navigation of the ship. They include positions such as the captain, first officer, navigation officer, and deckhands.

Hospitality Staff: These are the workers who keep passengers happy and comfortable during their stay on the ship. They include positions such as housekeeping, food and beverage, and entertainment staff.

Medical Staff: Cruise ships typically have at least one doctor and one nurse on board to provide medical care to passengers and crew.

Engineering Staff: These are the workers who keep the ship's mechanical systems running smoothly. They include positions such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers.

Administrative Staff: These are the workers who keep the business side of the ship running smoothly. They include positions such as human resources, finance, and marketing.

Security Staff: Cruise ships employ security personnel to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Retail Staff: Cruise ships often have shops and boutiques on board, which require sales staff.

Spa and beauty staff: This includes massage therapists, hair stylists, and other roles involved in providing spa and beauty services to passengers.

What's the Percentage of Sea Jobs per Staff Category?

The percentage of jobs within a cruise ship for each staff category can vary depending on the specific cruise line, ship, and season. However, here is a rough breakdown of the percentage of jobs within a cruise ship for some of the common staff categories:

Deck and Navigation Crew: Approximately 15-20% of the ship's crew.

Hospitality Staff: Approximately 40-70% of the ship's crew.

Medical Staff: Approximately 1-2% of the ship's crew.

Engineering Staff: Approximately 15-20% of the ship's crew

Administrative Staff: Approximately 5-10% of the ship's crew.

Security Staff: Approximately 5-10% of the ship's crew.

Retail Staff: Approximately 5-10% of the ship's crew.

Spa and beauty staff: Approximately 5-10% of the ship's crew.

Additionally, some cruise lines may offer more specialized or niche roles, such as photography or scuba diving instructors or other roles, which would have a smaller percentage of the ship's crew.

General Requirements for Working on a Cruise Ship

The requirements for working on a cruise ship can vary depending on the specific job and cruise line. However, some general requirements include:

Minimum Age: Most cruise lines require applicants to be at least 21 years old. Some positions, such as entertainment staff or youth counselors, may require applicants to be at least 18 years old.

Education: Some jobs on a cruise ship, such as medical staff or engineers, require a degree or certification. However, many entry-level jobs, such as housekeeping or food and beverage, do not require a degree.

Valid passport: You need to have a valid passport that allows you to travel to different countries.

Fluent in English: Most cruise ships require their employees to speak English fluently. Some positions may require knowledge of additional languages as well.

Relevant work experience: Depending on the job, you may need to have relevant work experience or qualifications. For example, to work as a chef, you may need to have a culinary degree or experience working in a professional kitchen.

Good health: Cruise lines may require a medical examination to ensure that you are in good health and able to work in a physically demanding environment.

Background check: A background check may be required to ensure that you have no criminal history that could jeopardize the safety and security of the passengers and crew.

Flexible schedule: Most cruise ship jobs require long hours and working on weekends and holidays, so a flexible schedule is often necessary.

Positive attitude: A positive and friendly attitude is important for providing excellent customer service and creating a welcoming environment for passengers.

The requirements, the number of sea jobs on board, or the type of sea jobs when working on a cruise ship can vary depending on the company, the cruise line, and the specific role.

Living Conditions when Working on a Cruise Ship

Accommodations

If you're considering working on a cruise ship, it's essential to understand the living conditions and lifestyle. Accommodations for seafarers are usually small, functional cabins designed for one person. However, some cruise lines are investing in larger and more comfortable cabins to make life at sea more bearable.

The accommodation on a cruise ship for seafarers is quite different from that of passengers. Seafarers usually have small cabins that are functional but not luxurious. The cabins are small because they are meant for one person only, and space on a ship is always at a premium. However, many cruise lines are now investing in larger and more comfortable cabins for seafarers, which makes life at sea more bearable.

Seafarers on a cruise ship usually have their own cabins or staterooms. The cabins may vary in size and amenities depending on the type of cabin, rank, and length of contract. Typically, the lower-ranking crew will share cabins with one or more crew members of the same gender, whereas higher-ranking officers usually have their own cabins. Cabins are usually compact, with a twin bed or bunk bed, a small desk or dresser, and a private bathroom. Some cabins may have a porthole or a window, but most have no view of the outside.

Amenities

Cruise ships offer a range of amenities to keep the crew comfortable and entertained. Seafarers can take advantage of gyms, swimming pools, libraries, and internet cafes, among other amenities. These facilities are often shared with the guests, but some ships have separate areas reserved for the crew. For instance, some ships have crew-only lounges, cafes, or bars, where seafarers can socialize and relax without the guests' presence. Other amenities that are exclusive to the crew include a crew mess hall, laundry room, and medical center.

Food and Beverage

One of the perks of working on a cruise ship is the availability of food and beverage round the clock. Seafarers are provided with three meals a day, and some cruise ships offer snacks and refreshments throughout the day. The food served on cruise ships is usually of high quality, and there are a variety of options to choose from. The menus are designed to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.

Seafarers are also allowed to bring their food and beverages on board, subject to the ship's regulations. However, they are not allowed to consume alcohol on board unless they purchase it from the ship's bar.

Working Conditions

Working on a cruise ship can be demanding, and seafarers are expected to work long hours. The work schedule usually consists of four to six months on board, followed by a two-month break. During their time on board, seafarers work for seven days a week, with no days off. The working hours can range from 8 to 12 hours per day, depending on the ship's itinerary and workload.

Seafarers are required to wear uniforms while on duty, and they are expected to always maintain a high level of professionalism and discipline. They are also required to attend regular safety drills and training sessions to ensure they are prepared for emergencies.

Recreation and Entertainment

Cruise ships are like floating cities, and there is no shortage of entertainment options. Seafarers have access to various recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and sports courts. There are also organized activities such as trivia games, talent shows, and karaoke nights.

Seafarers are also allowed to go ashore during port calls, subject to the ship's schedule and regulations. They can explore the port city, go shopping, or participate in organized shore excursions. However, seafarers are required to be back on board before the ship departs.

Overall Lifestyle

Working on a cruise ship as a seafarer can be an exciting and rewarding experience. You'll have the opportunity to see new places, meet people from all over the world, and gain valuable skills and experience. However, it's important to remember that life at sea can also be challenging, with long periods away from family and friends and the need to adapt to life in a confined space. Seafarers may experience homesickness, cultural shock, and loneliness, especially if they have limited opportunities to interact with the guests or explore the ports of call. However, many seafarers report that they form close bonds with their fellow crew members, which can help to alleviate the isolation. It's important to be prepared for the unique lifestyle that comes with working on a cruise ship.