Cruise Ship Jobs Blog

Do job applicants over the age of 35 have a chance of getting jobs on cruise ships? And, if there is a possibility of getting hired, how do you increase your chances?

These are very common questions that we see on our members’ Discussion Forum. One member, Vanitak, writes,

“I am in my 40s and am prepared to do anything to get onto cruise ships. Can anyone give me some help as what to apply for and that I could possibly stand a chance of getting with the age thing and all?”

One of our contributors, Lucy80 responds, “Every ship I’ve worked on there has always been plenty of people in their late 30s, 40s and 50s in all kinds of positions.”

Although the truth is there are certain positions on board where they just wouldn’t consider anybody over the age of about 35 (regardless of anti-discrimination laws!), there are other cruise jobs actually suited to a more mature person. Some of these jobs include Guest Lecturers, Port and Shopping Guides, Future Cruise Sales Manager and many more.

But, first of all you need to decide if you have the medical, physical and mental fitness to work at sea. Consider that all jobs on cruise ships expect you to work seven days a week for your whole contract. You will need to pass a very strict medical examination and you will have to work away from family and friends for numerous consecutive months.

For tips on getting hired if you are over the age of 35, members can read, Getting a Cruise Job – Does Age Matter?

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You’ve been waiting ever so patiently for a cruise line to call or email you and schedule an interview with you.  And then the day comes and they want to conduct a Skype interview with you in a couple of days.  Will you be prepared?  Have you ever even used Skype?

Many companies and agencies choose Skype as a new method of choice to conduct a cruise line interview, but not all applicants are familiar with the technology.  Besides going to www.Skype.com and downloading the software, there are some other factors you should consider when preparing yourself.

Know how to use it.  Get familiar with it.  Practice with your friends or family so you don’t look like you just learned how to use it (even if you did!). 

When the day comes, remember this is still a face to face interview, so sitting in your pjs is not acceptable.  Wear what you would to a traditional face-to-face interview.  And, if you can, bring your computer to a part of your home where the background does not show your dirty laundry or a messy kitchen.

Another important tip is to get a phone number of the person that will be conducting the interview.  If you have technical difficulties you will want to be able to contact them to let them know what happened.

You can read more Tips For passing a Skype Interview With a Cruise Line.

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It is a common misconception that the Gift Shop and Retail Sales position is the only cruise ship job that is suited to an applicant with a strong sales background.  Contrary to this assumption, there are plenty of other jobs onboard that a person with sales experience could apply for.

So which jobs are they and what other experience and skills are required?

For starters, jobs such as the Port and Shopping Guide, the Art Auctioneer and the Cruise Consultant all benefit from having a sales experience.  Additionally, these positions are held by persons that have an entrepreneurial spirit, possess public speaking skills and can work independently.  Keep in mind, though that with those three jobs, there is only one position per ship.

Alternatively, having a strong sales background is extremely beneficial when it comes to applying for a cruise ship job such as Photographer or Salon and Spa staff.  Although applicants applying for those jobs still need all the technical training to back up their experience, having sales skills will put their resume on top of the pile.

For example, a photographer with all the photography skills in the world is no use to the cruise line if he can’t get the passengers to pose for pictures.  And a hairdresser won’t meet her product sales targets if she is not selling creams, sprays and serums. Furthermore, your pay is made up of commissions, so the more you can sell, the more you can make.

For more information, members can read the following articles,

How to Get a Sales Job on a Cruise Ship 

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Why not make 2010 the Year You Get a Cruise Job?

Many of you may be thinking about your New Year’s resolutions for 2010.  If finding a job on a cruise ship is at the top of the list, then here’s what you need to know.

Some of you may have already started sending off your resumes, but are sitting back and taking a wait and see approach.  That won’t work.

Some of you may not have sent any resumes out yet, but have filled out a number of online applications.  Has that worked for you?  Probably not.

And then there are others that have been waiting for January 1, 2010 to roll around in order to make the resolution that they will start to pursue their dream job.

Well, today’s the day.  You need a strategy and you need to implement that plan.  Here at www.workoncruiseships.com we have the tools and resources to help you get started and follow up until you get an interview and finally land your dream job.

Firstly take another look at your resume and cover letter.  Are you making any of our Top Resume Mistakes?  Another article covers the Top Cover Letter Mistakes.

Once you start sending out your employment packages (not just online applications), you will need to be doing some serious following up.  This is what separates those that get hired from those that don’t because many people only apply once and then give up when they haven’t heard back.

Other articles, the Cruise Industry Waiting Game and Copy this Strategy give some great advice about when and how to follow up. 

Getting a job on a cruise ship can be a long process and it will take even longer if you wait one more day!

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