Who does all the work while you cruise?

From time to time I am asked by clients why there are so many staff on board ships? The answer is easy, it is a 24/7 business that require a lot of different skilled staff.

Working on board a cruise ship does require hard work and discipline. It is common for employees to work 6 days a week and sometimes 10 hour days. They usually share their accommodation (cabin and bathroom) with other crew members and are required to maintain a certain level of behavior in public places. Contracts are between 4 to 6 months in length and for good employees there is usually an offer to renew.

However, for persons that are not afraid of a little hard work and getting to know people, working on board a cruise ship can be an experience of a lifetime and in some cases life changing. The benefits of working on board a cruise ship are endless. Which is why it is the most sought after employment in the tourism industry.

Although staff will be working hard, they will have many opportunities to visit various countries and experience the life of other cultures. In addition to exploring eye capturing destinations and taking in the sights and sounds, they will have the chance to earn an attractive salary. And what’s more is they’ll be able to save money, unlike you! Since their accommodation and food are always paid, the only money they will need to spend will be for their personal use.

Below is a list of different (non officer) functions available on a cruise ship.

Able Seaman Entry Level
Activity Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
Aerobic/Fitness Instructor

Assistant Bar Manager
Assistant Cabin Steward Stewardess
Assistant Casino Manager
Assistant Chief Housekeeper
Assistant Cruise Director
Assistant Food and Beverage Assistant
Assistant Head Chef
Assistant Hotel Manager
Assistant Laundry Supervisor
Assistant Pastry Chef
Assistant Production Manager
Assistant Salon Manager
Assistant Shop Manager
Assistant Shore Excursion Manager
Accountant
Bar Manager
Bar Supervisor
Bar Waiter Waitress
Bartender
Bell Boy
Bell Captain
Busboy
Butcher
Cabin Steward Stewardess
Cashier
Casino Dealer
Casino Manager
Chief Housekeeper
Cleaner
Comedians
Computer Systems Hardware Technician
Computer Technician
Computerized Accounting
Controller
Cosmetologist
Crew Purser
Cruise Director
Cruise Staff
Dance Host
Dining Room Manager
Disc Jockey
Dishwasher
Doctor
Electrician
Engine Mechanic
Engine Mechanic
First Cook
Floor Supervisor
Florist
Food and Beverage Manager
Gift Shop Manager
Guest Entertainer
Guest Services Coordinator
Hair Stylist
Head Chef
Head Room Steward
Head Waiter Waitress
Host/Hostess
Hotel Assistant
Information Systems Manager
Laundry Staff
Laundry Supervisor
Locker Attendant
Lounge Performer
Machinist
Maitre d

Massage Therapist
Nail Technician
Night Auditor
Nurse
Passenger Service Director
Pastry Chef
Photographer
Plumber
Pool Attendant
Prep Cook
Production Manager
Radio Officer
Receptionist
Restaurant Manager
Retail Sales Person
Safety Officer
Sales Person
Salon Manager
Scuba Diving Instructor
Second Cook
Security Officer
Shore Excursion Manager
Show Dancer
Singers/Band
Slot Technician
Sound Light Technician
Sous Chef
Stage Manager
Third Cook
Video Technician
Waiter Waitress

Note that normally all cruise staff are hired via specialised agencies, like for example http://www.cruiseshipjob.net/