Providing excellent customer service and product knowledge are essential when working in the Duty Free Shops on board. This position requires strong team work and flexibility due to the variety goods available on board the vessel. Essential duties and responsibilities include greeting customers, selling merchandise to customers, stocking shelves, counters or tables with merchandise, setting up advertising displays, table sales and daily promotions. The types of merchandise available on board a Cruise Ship include:

 Fragrance and Cosmetics for men and women
 Crystal, porcelain and gift ware
 Jewelry - fine and costume
 Souvenir items
 Liquor
 Toiletries and sundries
 Designer Boutique
 Clothing - sportswear, formal and souvenir wear

Previous experience working in any of the above merchandise are a definite asset.

A minimum two (2) years retail experience is advantageous, though not essential.

Group Coordinator

The Group Coordinator is a key contact aboard the ship for VIP group leaders and passengers with special needs. The basis of this job is to coordinate and ensure that all group functions onboard the vessel proceed smoothly, professionally and efficiently. The Group Coordinator works directly under the Hotel Manager and coordinates with all department heads, managers and supervisors to ensure that all proceeds smoothly with the group functions onboard. Her/His main objective is to assist the groups with any onboard functions that occur and to provide information or the proper contact for any port of call functions.

Previous experience as a Group Coordinator/Administrator or Trip Director or experience in Public Relations is required.

Cruise Staff

Cruise Staff members coordinate and participate in passenger activities such as: Bingo, Arts and Crafts, Masquerade, Horse Racing, Sport Activities. Cruise Staff sozialize with the passengers to ensure they have a fun-filled cruise experience. Cruise Staff also participate in duties such as: directing guests to and from their cabins and answering any questions they may have, assisting in compulsory life and safety precautions, staff introductions and coordinating the flow of passengers through reception lines at different events, passenger directions on/off vessel in various ports of call, coordinating tour counts, tour departures and assisting in the coordination of audio/visual equipment for shows. A Cruise Staff Show may be an essential part of the fun-filled cruise requiring talented staff members.

Requirements: Strong public relation skills, entertainment talent (s)

A basic demo tape of talent is required. e.g.: vocal acts, dance routines, comedy, magic, singing talent, fitness instruction, etc.

Youth Staff

Youth Staff members coordinate, implement and encourage participation in a wide array of fun and interesting onboard activities for children ages 2 to 17 usually divided by age groups. Activities can include games, contests, scavenger hunts, sports and fitness instruction, arts & crafts and kids parties. They also provide supervision in designated areas while parents are enjoying activities. Children are to be supervised by Youth Staff at all times as well as ensure the overall safety of the Youth Program. Youth Staff may also be required to occasionally assist with Cruise Staff Activities.

Requirements: College Seniors or Certified Teachers in Education/Recreation and/or Day Care or major background in working with children 2 to 17 years of age.

Assistant Purser

The Assistant Purser ( "Junior Officer" ) represents cruise line policies and procedures and is a key "front line" contact for the passenger. Similar to duties at the front desk of a fine hotel, the Assistant Purser provides guest services, information, exchanges travelers checks and foreign currency, posts mail, provides safety deposit box service, provides banking services for passengers, assists with resolving guest complaints and any additional duties that may be assigned by the Chief Purser.

Requirements: High School Degree or equivalent; one(1) to two(2) years front desk, hospitality desk, strong customer service skills/public relations experience or a combination of each. Additional languages are a definite asset.

Casino Cashier

This job consists of receiving and paying out money and keeping records of exchange transactions in the shipboard casino. Persons in this position will provide customer assistance through the exchange of various types of monetary notes, coins, credit and casino chips and helpful information. Cashiers are responsible for smooth, efficient and accurate monetary exchange. Persons holding this position are required to maintain cage security as well as accuracy of various reports regarding authorization forms, reconciliation of transactions and exchange summary reports. Cashiers must also provide excellent customer service by assisting and providing helpful information.

Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent. Minimum one(1) to two (2) years experience in monetary exchange (e.g. Bank Teller).

Casino Dealer

Dealers are responsible for conducting a variety of casino games according to the rules of the game and Casino Operations policies. Dealers ensure that wagering is carried out properly and bets are handled appropriately. Dealers are responsible for the accurate exchange and recording of monetary transactions at the table. They must ensure appropriate pace of the game through the handling of cards, dice, chips, money and other gaming equipment. Dealers must consistently inform players of the rules and what is occurring as the game progresses. Courtesy and helpfulness to players are fundamental requirements of the position. They must adapt to the special requirements of a living/working environment onboard.

Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent. Two years dealing experience in Blackjack and American Roulette. Dice and other Casino games are an asset.

Casino Slot Technician

Slot Technicians are responsible for seeing that slot machines, money changers, coin-handling equipment and video games are functional, well maintained and regularly serviced. They have customer assistance responsibilities to passengers, explaining games and jackpot payouts; a strong "floor presence" is therefore necessary. Slot technicians are responsible for efficiently assisting the head slot technician to ensure all machines are functional and ready for play, and preparing requisitions for spare parts and orders.

Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent. Training in repair of electrical  equipment.

Sound/Light Technician

The Sound/Light Technician provides professional sound and light support for the onboard entertainment shows and other passenger activities. He/She sets up, runs and maintains the sound/light equipment and may run the in-house video system if a video technician is not on staff.

Sound Technician must have experience in the following: mixing front of house systems as well as monitor mixes simultaneously, experience with multiple wireless microphones, some degree of ability at troubleshooting and minor repairs of broken equipment, ability to mix all styles of bands from rock to big band and large vocal ensembles.

Light Technician must have the ability and experience to program and manually run modern light consoles, experience in programming robotic lights e.g.: roboscan, veri lights, wybron color mover.

Requirements: Should have a minimum of three years technical experience. Must be proficient in all aspects of their job i.e. audio engineering, lighting control, design and rigging maintenance in a theatrical background.

Videographer

The Videographer is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship's broadcast booth. This includes the operation of the satellite, programming the broadcast room such as playing of movies, tuning in local TV and radio, updating the Comsats news service, in-room music and the dining room when necessary. The videographer is also responsible for shooting and editing videotapes for both onboard productions and fleet wide training tapes. The videographer may be asked to travel to do on location shootings for the above.

The Videographer must have experience and ability in troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing videowalls, creating custom videowall programs for star acts, groups, etc., creating graphics for the cruise events and information channel, video tape editing in various formats, videography in field and studio situations, live TV Directing, call and switch live Multiple Camera programs, an understanding of satellite broadcasting and tracking and understanding of computers with respect to Video Production.

A VHS demo tape is required from all applicants of previous work (inclusive of shooting, editing and post-production).

Stage Staff

The primary function of the Stage Staff is to support and supplement Cruise Staff activities and entertainment programs as administered by the Assistant Cruise Director or Stage Manager. Stage Staff duties include set up and break of various events such as: Bingo sessions, Horse Racing, Sports Award presentation, various musical band presentations, group meeting, theme night productions, etc.

Stage Staff operate the spot lights for the production shows, celebrity star times, Cruise Staff Welcome and Farewell shows and show band presentations as required. Stage Staff stock and maintain a working inventory in the various prize lockers, assist with the monthly loading and stocking of all Cruise Staff supplies from shoreside, deliver and distribute all departmental paperwork such as: mail, printing, memos, etc.

Requirements: Previous experience in set-ups/set-downs of musical events, basic technical knowledge (spotlight operation, camera operation), scene changes, handling props.

Disc/Video Jockey

The Disc/Video Jockey works in the ship's Night Club playing "top 40s" music and videos, as well as performing cruise staff duties when assigned. The employee must provide excellent customer service accommodating all passenger music requests. The Disc Jockey may also be required to be Master of Ceremonies for Bingo Sessions, Water Games, etc.

Requirements: Previous experience as a Disc/Video Jockey with knowledge of current Top 40 Music as well as music from the 50s to the 2000s.

Social Host/Hostess

The Social Host/Hostess is the public relations liaison between the guests and the cruise line. The principle role is to circulate throughout the public areas of the ship.

Shore Excursion Assistant Manager

Under the direction of the Cruise Director, the Shore Excursion Assistant Manager is responsible for providing the best possible shore excursion service and for increasing shore excursion sales. Duties and responsibilities include Tour talks for each port of call, Tour sales, Accounting & Bookkeeping of Tour sales, Coordinating with tour operators, tour agents, communicating with the Shore Excursion Manager to maintain quality control regarding individual tour operators and their operations, resolving any passenger problems encountered, meeting and greeting passengers, embarkation duties including escorting passengers to and from the airport and ship. This position requires that the employee become knowledgeable of all on board services and facilities as well as a strong knowledge of all ports of call.

Minimum requirements: Previous Shore Excursion and/or Tour Operations, Tour Director/Guide experience with excellent Customer Service abilities. French and/or German languages are a definite asset for this position.

Guest Relations Officer

To assist the Guest Relations Manager in all aspects pertaining to the Guest Relations Department. The Guest Relations Officer is also to provide a high profile of quality guest services. He/she must be capable of handling all complaints and problems to the guest's satisfaction. Duties and responsibilities include sales of stamps, postcards, cookbooks and mini-menus as requested keeping accurate accounting records of sales, signing guests up for all galley tour visits, registering repeaters, VIP, and travel agent parties and forwarding all invitations to the guests, maintaining lost and found area and records, reporting any cabin change requests, solving any guest complaints or problems, making ship announcements in several languages as directed, validating guest's ship Credit Card for all ship purchases, cashing traveler checks and currency after banking hours.

Minimum requirements: Previous experience as a Guest Relations Officer/Staff and/or strong Public Relations/Customer Service experience. Additional languages are a definite asset for this position. The employee must become knowledgeable of all island information to be able to answer any guest questions as well as all general information concerning the ship's operation to be able to accommodate, answer, and recommend guest inquiries.

Photographer

This job exists for the purpose of persuading passengers to pose for pictures and operate a still camera and a variety of photographic accessories to photograph them using color film. This position is necessary to ensure quality photographs are available to all passengers throughout the cruise including embarkation, dinners and special events. Photographers are responsible for photographing passengers at a variety of events according to established schedules and policies. Photographers ensure that photographs have proper composition, color and balance. Persons holding this position must staff photo gallery to assist passengers with selection of photographs, film and batteries. Courtesy and helpfulness are fundamental requirements of this position.

Minimum requirements: Ability to operate a variety of photographic accessories including cameras, flashes, film, lights and lenses. Must have exceptional hand and finger dexterity in order to capture passengers on film and make necessary adjustments to photographic equipment. Excellent customer service is essential.

Fitness Staff

The Fitness Staff provide all fitness and sports activities for the passengers. Aerobic instructors must be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additional Cruise Staff duties may apply.

Minimum requirements: Certified Aerobic/Fitness Instructor, Strong Customer Service Skills, Certified in CPR and First Aid.

Bar Utility

The Barboy is a trainee position to be promoted into other positions in the Beverage Department. The employee assists the Bartender in keeping the bar and pantry clean and organized.

Minimum requirements: High School Education or vocational school; a minimum of one (1) year beverage-related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Bartender

The Bartender must provide fast, professional and courteous service to all guests. As a member of the Beverage Staff, you will need to serve several passengers at your station at one time. The employee must handle their orders smoothly, efficiently and pleasantly.  All Bartenders must comply with the United States Public Health Sanitary rules. Very importantly, you must know your cocktail/bar mixes and know the proper glass and garnish for each drink. You will learn the procedures for ordering supplies and beverages maintaining the indicated stock.

Minimum requirements: High School Education or vocational; a minimum of three (3) years beverage-related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Working in 4 and 5 Star Hotels are a definite asset.

Bar Wait Staff

Bar Wait Staff are responsible for drink services in lounges, at pool areas and dining rooms. Keeping work stations clean, orderly and properly set as per Cruise Line procedures. You must learn your bar menu and know the proper glass and garnish for each drink. All Bar Wait Staff must follow U.S. Public Health Procedures.

Minimum requirements:  High School education or higher; a minimum of one (1) year beverage-related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Wine Steward

This position exists to serve and suggest wines to passengers. A Wine Steward must know his/her wine list, know the character of each wine and be able to discuss and suggest wines to passengers who ask for advice. Wines must be served at correct temperatures and in the proper manner. All Wine Stewards are required to carry their sommelier cup. Essential duties include wine deliveries, booking, cabin and dining room service, may be required to assist in Wine Seminars. Extra duties may apply.

Minimum requirements: High School Education or better; a minimum of five (5) years beverage-related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education or experience.

Assistant Waiter

An Assistant Waiter assists the Waiter to service the passengers' needs in a friendly and positive manor using the basic service procedures found in any first class restaurant. Essential duties include serving all non alcoholic beverages to the passengers and constantly providing refills, learning the names and ingredients of all salad dressings and sweet rolls, becoming familiar with all of the vegetables being served, attending all training meetings, assisting the Waiter in providing excellent service. 

Your goal should be promotion to Waiter as soon as possible by being an excellent Assistant Waiter.

Minimum requirements: High School Degree and apprenticeship or diploma in Hospitality Management; or six to eight years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Dining Room Waiter

Most Cruise Lines require that all Dining Room Waiters commence as Assistant Waiters using the basic service procedures according to Cruise Line standards. Promotion from Assistant Waiter to Dining Room Waiter is a very realistic goal if you want to succeed. It is your responsibility to utilize the training and make it work providing excellent service. As a member of the Food Team, you will play an important part in a passengers' enjoyment of their cruise experience working with your fellow Food Team members to achieve the same goal in preparing the best meals possible. As a Dining Room Waiter you may be required to participate in various theme evenings parading through the dining room and singing songs, greeting guests and escorting them to their seats taking food and beverage orders.

Minimum requirements: See Assistant Waiter Description

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What kind of employees are the cruise lines looking for?
A. The cruise lines are looking for individuals who have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with the public. They are looking for staff who are enthusiastic, friendly and outgoing. It is important to make a positive and lasting impression with the passengers. Appearance is important. Employees must be clean and well groomed at all times. In short, they are looking for hardworking individuals who enjoy people and take pride in themselves and their work.

Q. How long are the contracts?
A. Contracts vary, but are normally 6-9 months. Contracts can be renewed. Career path advancement is possible. Most positions are entry level, as most cruise lines promote from within based on job performance.

Q. What will I earn?
A. Salaries are competitive with those in the marketplace. In general the range is between $1,000.00 and $1,700.00 US per month. Restaurant and House Staff wages are based on gratuities and can expect to earn $300.00 - $600.00 US per week.

Q. Who will I work with?
A. You will work with crew members who represent nationalities from all over the world. Appreciating and understanding other peoples' differences and values will make your job more rewarding and create some lasting friendships. You will report to your Hotel Manager and your Department Head. However, the Captain is the Master of the ship and is in authority at all times. All shipboard employees must abide to strict Master's Rules and Regulations.

Q. What will my responsibilities be?
A. Your responsibilities will depend on the position you are hired for. In addition to these duties, you are required to participate in training/safety drills and maybe gangway duty too. Team work is important and vital.

Q. What are some of the policies I will have to follow?
A. Officers are responsible for the smooth sailing and operation of the ship. There are rules and regulations that are set out for all employees as these policies are necessary to maintain the safety and well being of all on board. The public facilities are for the passengers to enjoy. Use of these facilities are limited or not permitted. Usually, staff status allows access and use of the public rooms and bars/lounges. Crew (usually) are not permitted in these areas when off duty. You are expected to behave and dress professionally on and off duty. Excessive drinking or socializing is not tolerated either on or off duty. You are not permitted to mingle with the passengers when you are off duty, though this varies from line to line...some encourage the staff to frequent the nightclub to give it atmosphere!!

Q. If I am hired, what documentation will I require?
A. If you are Canadian or US citizen, you require a valid passport. If you hold another international passport, you also need to obtain a C1-D Visa. You will be required to have a complete pre-employment physical prior to joining the vessel. The cost is at your own expense, though some concession companies will foot the bill if you are employed by them.

Q. Am I responsible for my airfare to join the ship?
A. Some companies will pay your transportation to meet the ship, others expect you to cover the cost of your transportation. In the event that you break your contract or are terminated, the cruise lines will deduct the expenses they incurred for your transportation.

Q. How long will it take to obtain a position?
A. Employment can be obtained within days or months from the time your application has been accepted by the Cruise Line or Agency dependent on the current demand for the position you are seeking, so if at first you don't succeed, keep trying, it is often a case of being in the right place at the right time.

Q. What benefits will I receive?
A. Benefits include your room, board and all meals. Most companies also provide you with emergency medical insurance when you are signed on the ship as an employee. You have access to the ships Doctor, and they have special hours for the staff and ships crew. Dental is often not covered.

Q. What expenses will I incur on board?
A. Your expenses are minimal, making it possible for you to save a considerable amount of money. Of course the amount you save will depend on your own spending habits. Generally, the expenses that you incur are gratuities to the waiter and cabin steward ( approx. US $10.00 each per week ); laundry, dry cleaning, alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature. Employees may be required to purchase a uniform.

Q. What taxes will I be responsible for?
A. No taxes are deducted from your salary if you are not a US resident/citizen. Canadian residents are obligated in reporting their income to Revenue Canada.

Q. What hours will I work?
A. Working on board a cruise ship is not a holiday. You will work long hours. You can expect to work seven days a week, approximately 8 - 14 hours a day. Your schedule will vary from day to day. Some days you may not work at all, others you may work a lot!! It all depends on your position, the ships itinerary and your dept.head.

Q. What will my living quarters be like?
A. The ship is a floating hotel and space is limited. Cabins are small and simple. You will share accommodations with 2 - 4 crew members. It is important that you get along with others and that you exercise patience and diplomacy. If you value your private time and enjoy being alone, ship board life is not for you, however, a lot of fun can be had in a cabin!!!

Q. How will I spend my off duty time?
A. When you are off duty, you can relax in your cabin or socialize with other crew members in designated areas. Staff and crew are not, on the most part, permitted to socialize with the passengers. Staff and crew have limited, if any, access to public areas. When the ship is in port, and you are not on duty, then you should be able to get off the ship and go exploring!

Q. Will I visit the ports?
A. Visiting exciting destinations is only one of the many benefits of working on board a luxury cruise liner. When the ship is in dock and you are off duty, you will have some shore leave.

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