Is a cruise ship career for you?

So, you’re so in love with the cruising lifestyle that you think a job on a cruise ship would be just the thing. Certainly, the idea of living at sea, travelling from one port to the next has its appeal and is a great way to see the world, meet people and experience new cultures. However, there are a few things to consider before embarking on a cruise ship career.

• Got your sea legs?
  Even if you love the ocean with a passion, you still may be one of those people who suffers from seasickness. It’s a fact of life, and even some of the seasoned cruise ship pros still suffer from it from time to time. Because of this, crew quarters are usually located at the bottom the ship which is the area of the ship least effected by the movement of the ocean. However, these areas of the ship have few windows and are often quite confined, so if you’re claustrophobic, or just the type of person who needs a little more space, a cruise ship career may not be for you.

• A long way from home
  If you agree with the belief that there’s no place like home, then it’s worth noting that a job in the cruise industry typically involves months away at sea, with little chance to see your family and friends. Sure, it’s possible to stay in contact with everyone via the internet, but even for staff, there is often a fee for internet use. If you’re single, with few ties, then a cruise ship career would be perfect.

• A hard day’s night
  No matter which type of job you go for on a cruise ship, it’s not the type of job which offers a reliable nine to five. Your weekly hours can vary quite a bit, and it’s possible that you may have to work seven days a week, with some daily shifts lasting up to 14 hours. The plus side to this is that, between work contracts you can enjoy a couple of months off, sometimes double that, depending on the nature of the contract.

• People are people
  If there’s one thing there’s no shortage of on a cruise ship, its people. Whether that’s the passengers or your fellow crew members, you’re going to be spending the majority of your time around others, so being a ‘people person’ is essential on a cruise ship. If you’ve a past job history in entertainment, hospitality, retail, catering, or PR, you’ll make a good candidate, but above all, an outgoing confident attitude is essential.

If after weighing up all the pros and cons, you think that a cruise industry career is perfect for you, be sure to read my next blog, which will tell you everything you need to know about applying for a cruise ship job.

By Simon Brotherton
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