Ever had that moment on a cruise where you looked around at the smiling staff, the endless sea views, and thought… “How do I get a job doing this?” You’re not alone. Lots of cruisers catch the sea bug and start imagining what life would be like working aboard a floating city.
Here’s the good news: over 250,000 people work on cruise ships around the world—and you can join them, even without any prior experience.
After digging deep (I’m talking hours of research), I’ve put together a full guide to help you land your first cruise ship job.
Whether you’re fresh out of school or simply craving a new adventure, there’s a path to earning your place on deck.
Yes, It’s Tough—But Not Impossible
Let’s get this out of the way: getting hired on a cruise ship isn’t easy. These jobs are highly sought after, and competition is fierce. After all, who wouldn’t want to travel the world, meet new people, and get paid to do it?
That said, cruise lines are constantly hiring. With dozens of ships sailing year-round, staff turnover is frequent, and that means openings pop up often.
Your best bet? Start with an entry-level role to get your foot in the door. Many crew members start in more basic positions and work their way up to better-paying, more specialized jobs.
Just keep in mind: life onboard isn’t all sunsets and shore excursions. Most crew work 7 days a week, with long hours. But many say the friendships and the thrill of ship life more than make up for the demanding schedule.
Meet the Basic Requirements First
Before you start firing off applications, there are a few non-negotiables you’ll need to check off:
- ✅ Be at least 18 or 21 years old (depends on the cruise line and job)
- ✅ Fluent in English (some lines require multiple languages)
- ✅ Valid passport
- ✅ Any necessary visas or work permits (like a C1/D visa for U.S. ports)
- ✅ Pass a medical exam
- ✅ Complete basic safety training (STCW certification)
- ✅ Clean criminal record
- 🚫 No visible tattoos or piercings in guest-facing roles (though policies vary)
Being multi-lingual is a big plus—cruise lines often prefer staff who can communicate with international guests.
And while cruise lines lean younger for most roles, age isn’t a deal-breaker. As long as you’re energetic, professional, and up for the challenge, you’ve got a shot.
It’s also worth noting that many cruise ship employees come from Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.
For instance, Royal Caribbean employs over 11,000 Filipino crew members, alongside many Indonesians and Malaysians. It’s a global community at sea.
How to Apply for a Job on a Cruise Ship
First, understand that cruise lines don’t all hire the same way. Some prefer you to apply directly through their careers page, while others work with authorized recruitment agencies based in different countries.
Start by visiting the official career page for the cruise line you’re interested in. You’ll typically find instructions on how to apply and whether they work with external recruiters.
These pages often list current openings, so you can search by department, location, or experience level.
Once you find a role that fits, follow the instructions to submit your application—this usually includes:
- A resume/CV tailored to the cruise industry
- A cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications
- Any other documents requested in the job post (like certifications or ID)
Even for entry-level positions, you must have a polished, professional resume. Saying “no experience needed” doesn’t mean “no application needed.” Take it seriously, just like any job.
Warning: Watch Out for Job Scams
Unfortunately, there are fake “recruiters” out there preying on eager job seekers. They’ll claim to represent cruise lines and ask for upfront fees to secure your spot. Don’t fall for it.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
- ✅ Never pay to apply for a cruise ship job
- ✅ Check the cruise line’s official website for a list of authorized recruiters
- ✅ Look for email addresses ending in the company’s domain (e.g., @royalcaribbean.com)
- ❌ Be skeptical of messages promising guaranteed placement or asking for sensitive information right away
If you’re working with an agency and can’t find them listed on the cruise line’s website, proceed with extreme caution.
Best Places to Find Cruise Ship Job Listings
Here are the most trusted websites to search for cruise jobs across various lines:
✅ General Cruise Job Boards
✅ Direct Cruise Line Careers Pages
- MSC Cruises Jobs
- Carnival Cruise Line Jobs
- Royal Caribbean Careers
- Disney Cruise Line Careers
- Princess Cruises Jobs
- Holland America Line Careers
- Celebrity Cruises Jobs
- Costa Cruises Jobs
- Cunard Jobs
- AIDA Cruises Careers
- Norwegian Cruise Line Jobs
- TUI Cruises Jobs
These are great starting points, especially if you’re aiming for a specific cruise line or want to browse what’s available.
Entry-Level Cruise Ship Jobs That Don’t Require Experience
Let’s be honest: starting at the bottom usually means one thing—cleaning. Whether it’s dishes, cabins, or decks, these are the gateway jobs that help you get your foot in the door.
Here are common cruise jobs that don’t require prior experience:
- Galley Cleaner – Keeps kitchen areas sparkling clean
- Potwasher – Handles dishwashing duties
- Bar Utility – Restocks and cleans bar areas
- Deckhand – Cleans decks, stacks loungers, and assists with maintenance
- Ordinary Seaman – Performs general upkeep and basic ship maintenance
- Cabin Steward Assistant – Cleans guest cabins and bathrooms
- Bell Staff – Helps with luggage, deliveries, and errands
- Public Area Cleaner – Cleans lobbies, corridors, restrooms, etc.
- Laundry Person – Handles crew and guest laundry
- Engine Wiper – Assists with cleaning mechanical equipment
🧼 Bottom line? You’ll probably be cleaning something, so you’d better not mind hard work.
But here’s the upside: once you’re in, you’re in. Many people use these positions as a stepping stone to better-paying and more interesting jobs once they prove themselves onboard.
Want a Shortcut? Gain Experience First
If scrubbing galley floors doesn’t sound like your dream, consider gaining a bit of land-based experience before applying. Here’s what can help:
- ✅ Working in a hotel (housekeeping, concierge, bar staff)
- ✅ Getting experience on a yacht or sailboat
- ✅ Taking basic hospitality or service training courses
- ✅ Earning an STCW certificate in advance
Even just 6 months of relevant experience can help you skip entry-level positions and jump straight into more customer-facing or technical roles.
The Best Cruise Ship Jobs (With Higher Pay & Job Satisfaction)
The best cruise job really depends on your personality, skills, and what you want out of life at sea. Some roles are fun and fast-paced, while others offer higher pay or more downtime. Here are a few of the most popular and rewarding positions onboard:
- Ship Doctor – One of the highest-paid positions, earning up to $9,750/month. You’ll need serious qualifications, but the perks are top-tier.
- Captain – The top dog at sea. Great pay, private staterooms, and a 3-month-on / 3-month-off contract. But it takes years to get here.
- Youth Staff – Love kids? You’ll run activities in the kids’ club, which can be a blast if you enjoy creative play and fun chaos.
- Cruise Director – The ship’s MC! Energetic, sociable, and often the face of the entertainment team.
- Gentleman Host – Yes, it’s a real job. You dance with solo female guests. No joke.
- Entertainer – Singers, dancers, acrobats, comedians—you perform a few nights a week and have loads of free time otherwise.
- Shore Excursion Manager – You get to test out the tours before selling them. Yes, that’s as awesome as it sounds.
- Bartender – Sociable and fun, with lots of guest interaction and good tipping opportunities.
- Firefighter – Fires are rare, so this role is mostly training and maintenance.
- Hairdresser – Help guests look fab for formal night while earning commissions on services and product sales.
🎯 Tip: Use your entry-level job as a stepping stone. Many cruise staff work their way up to these dream roles within a couple of contracts.
Cruise Ship Salaries (And Why They Vary So Much)
Salary ranges are wide and often surprising. For example:
- Galley Cleaner: $500/month
- Cabin Steward: $700–$1,200/month
- Bartender: $1,400–$2,500/month (including tips)
- Cruise Director: $3,500–$7,000/month
- Doctor: $7,500–$10,000+/month
The catch? You’re working long hours—often 10 to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, most cruise workers don’t pay for food, housing, or laundry, which means you can save a good chunk of your paycheck (or send money home).
Typical Contract Lengths
Most cruise jobs are contract-based, not permanent positions. Here’s what to expect:
- Entry-level jobs: 6–8 months
- Entertainment or guest-facing roles: 4–6 months
- Senior or technical positions: 3–4 months
Once your contract ends, you’ll usually get a 1–2 month break before being invited back for your next stint.
Can You Work on a Cruise Ship with Tattoos?
If you’re inked, here’s the deal: most cruise lines do not allow visible tattoos in guest-facing roles. This includes jobs like servers, bartenders, and front-desk staff.
However, policies vary by company, and they’re slowly becoming more flexible. For example:
- Some lines allow you to cover tattoos with makeup or bandages
- Others are relaxing their restrictions altogether (Norwegian Cruise Line softened its tattoo policy in 2023)
- You’ll still need to hide hand, neck, and facial tattoos for most roles
That said, many non-customer-facing jobs—like laundry, galley, or engine room positions—are much more lenient about body art.
🖊️ Tip: If you’ve got tattoos, don’t rule out cruise jobs—just be prepared to work in a role where appearance rules are less strict, or choose a cruise line with more modern policies.
The Best Cruise Lines to Work For
Just like picking a job on land, the cruise line you work for can dramatically affect your experience. Some prioritize crew culture, offer better amenities, or pay more competitively.
Based on reviews from actual crew members and reputation, here are some of the top companies to consider:
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – Known for improved crew policies and fun ships
- Carnival Cruise Line – High-energy environment, great for extroverts
- Royal Caribbean – Large fleet with strong training and advancement opportunities
- Princess Cruises – Great for guest services or entertainment roles
- MSC Cruises – A global brand with a fast-growing fleet
- P&O Cruises – British-run with a structured team environment
- Disney Cruise Line – Family-focused, offers great perks for Disney fans
- Celebrity Cruises – Modern ships, luxury experience
- Holland America Line – Calmer vibe, more mature clientele
- Cunard – Classic and elegant, with a focus on tradition
- Costa Cruises – Italian line with European flair
- AIDA Cruises – Great for EU workers, fun and active culture
- Marella Cruises – UK-based, often praised for its friendly crew dynamic
📍 Note: You typically don’t get to choose your ship—you’re hired by the company and assigned where needed. Each ship has its own vibe, so your experience might vary even within the same cruise line.
Final Thoughts: Is Cruise Ship Work Right for You?
Working on a cruise ship isn’t for everyone. The hours are long, the rules are strict, and you’re sharing tight quarters with people from all over the world.
But for those who thrive in dynamic, multicultural environments and love travel, it can be life-changing.
Here’s how to boost your odds:
- ✅ Start with an open mind and aim for entry-level roles
- ✅ Build relevant experience on land if needed
- ✅ Make sure you meet all the basic requirements
- ✅ Apply only through official websites or trusted recruiters
- ✅ Be persistent—landing your first contract takes time
🎯 And most importantly, don’t give up just because you don’t have experience. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Important Note:
I can’t help you get a cruise job directly, but I can point you to the official cruise line hiring links above. If you follow the steps in this guide, you’ll be far ahead of most other applicants.
