Career Guide · Updated 2025
How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship
Cruise ship careers offer high earnings, international work exposure, free food and accommodation, and the opportunity to travel the world — but getting selected requires eligibility, training, and a structured application approach.
Overview: Is a Career on Cruise Ships Right for You?
Working on a cruise ship is very different from working ashore. Contract periods range from 4 to 10 months, and working hours can be 10–12 hours a day, 7 days a week. But the rewards — international exposure, tax-free salary, and career growth — make it worth it for many.
This guide explains the roles available, minimum requirements, salaries, training, and how to apply through approved recruitment channels.
In this guide:
1. Cruise Ship Job Categories
Cruise lines hire people from hospitality, marine background, wellness, entertainment and technical fields. Most roles fall under these groups:
🛳 Deck & Navigation
- • Deck Cadet
- • OOW
- • Chief Officer
- • Captain
⚙️ Engine & Technical
- • Engine Cadet
- • ETO
- • 4/E, 3/E, 2/E, Chief Engineer
🏨 Hotel & Guest Services
- • Front Desk
- • Housekeeping
- • Guest Services
🍴 Food & Beverage
- • Chefs
- • Bakers
- • Bartenders
- • Restaurant staff
🎭 Entertainment & Recreation
- • Performers
- • Youth Staff
- • Activity Coordinators
🩺 Spa, Fitness & Medical
- • Doctors
- • Nurses
- • Massage Therapists
- • Fitness Trainers
2. Eligibility & Minimum Requirements
- Minimum age 18–21 years depending on position
- Good spoken English (mandatory)
- Passport valid for at least 6+ months
- Medical fitness certificate (as per STCW/MLC standards)
- No major criminal history
Technical and officer roles require maritime qualifications. Hospitality roles require experience in hotels, restaurants, or customer service.
3. Salary Expectations & Benefits
Cruise salaries vary by cruise line, experience, and position. Roles are generally classified into:
💼 Tipping Roles
Lower base salary, high tips. Examples: Waiters, bar staff, cabin attendants.
🧭 Non-Tipping Roles
Fixed salary (typically higher). Examples: officers, engineering, spa therapists, medical crew.
Accommodation, meals, utilities, uniforms and travel are usually covered — helping crew save more compared to land-based jobs.
4. Required Training & Documents
- Passport
- STCW Basic Safety Training (mandatory for maritime roles)
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (for some cruise lines)
- Police clearance (PCC)
- Medical certificate (MLC compliant)
5. How to Apply for Cruise Ship Jobs (Step-by-Step)
- 1Research cruise companies and roles you qualify for.
- 2Prepare CV/resume tailored to cruise standards.
- 3Apply via official cruise line websites or approved recruitment agencies.
- 4Attend interview and possible skills test.
- 5Complete medical and STCW training.
- 6Receive contract → Visa processing → Join ship.
6. Life Onboard: What to Expect
Cruise ships operate 24/7, so roles require stamina, customer service attitude, professionalism, and teamwork. Crew typically live in shared cabins, dine in designated mess areas, and have access to entertainment and fitness facilities.