Remember The Love Boat television show? They sailed to many places and had cool cabins on the ship. Could working on an actual cruise ship be just as spectacular? In some ways, it can be. Seasonal work on an Alaskan cruise ship can be the first step in fulfilling those long held dreams.

Working on a cruise ship is much more than what is seen on television. There are large and small cruise ships sailing around the globe. Large ships like those typically seen on television and major ports-of-call carry passengers throughout the world, on trips ranging from 4 days to several weeks. These ships provide all sorts of services to their passengers. There is entertainment, fine dining, and personal grooming services.

Smaller cruise ships are enlisted for excursions offered to guests on larger cruise ships or those that want to see certain points of interest. These cruise ships sail from smaller ports and tour sights like glaciers in Alaska. They aren’t as fancy as the bigger ships but cruise to some amazing places.

There are many possible cruise ship jobs for college students and others looking for seasonal work with elements of a vacation — such as warm weather, great scenery, and blue skies. Depending on your unique set of skills, many types of cruise jobs can be found, including entertainment, hospitality/service, engineering/deck, and personal care areas. Each job offers its own set of challenges and perks.

Those that gain a cruise job need to know how they are governed. On a cruise ship, a military type of authority is observed. The captain is the top dog on a cruise ship, followed by his first mate and on down the line. Each department has a supervisor that they report to as well. This is important so that issues from the workers are taken to the right person.

Living quarters on a cruise ship are at a premium. We all remember that the crew of the Love Boat had awesome accommodations. In real life, such accommodations are reserved for the captain and the cruise staff. Your accommodations won’t be so spacious.

Every two crew members share a cabin. It is like a small dorm room. Smaller cruise lines offer more cramped quarters. Some ships provide televisions and other amenities for the crew to enjoy in their off times. Crew members are housed on the ship according to departments.

Food gets mixed reviews on a cruise ship. On larger ships, crew members have their own mess hall separate from the one that prepares for the passengers on the ship. Occasionally they may get something from the passenger kitchen to enjoy like dessert.

Cruise workers are always on duty if they are seen in public areas. In public areas, employees are required to wear nametags so they are identifiable by the guests. Being on duty all the time can be difficult. Even when you don’t feel like being hospitable it is the nature of the job.

This is okay for those that like to socialize with the passengers and meet new people. For others, free time is better spent in their quarters to get a break from the job. When the boat is docked, crew members can take part in the amenities onboard without having to wear nametags since the passengers have gone ashore.

Cruise ship offices are found in major cities like Seattle, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Some cruise lines hold job fairs on college campuses to find seasonal help, especially for jobs in alaska or in major cities near the ocean. Most harbor cruise companies hire a significant number of seasonal workers for jobs in Boston, Miami, San Francisco, and other cities near water.

You can apply online for jobs on cruise ships and follow up with the companies through the use of contact numbers. Interviews can be conducted in person if you live in or near one of the major cities. They can sometimes also be conducted over the phone if you do not.

Many job seekers overlook the fact that cruise lines often hire for land-based positions, especially in Alaska where there are many tour guide jobs in the summer months. Additionally, most cruise lines list their corporate office positions online as well.

Know the requirements of the job and something about the company so that you are prepared for the interview. Doing your homework will be seen as an asset by employers. Cruise lines require certifications for different positions on the ship. Be aware of these and find ways to acquire them. Cruise passengers expect the best of professionalism from the staff and crew and cruise lines work to maintain a high standard of excellence.

Tags: cruise companies | jobs in alaska | accommodations | cruise ship | alaska | alaska

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