Someone emailed me and asked about a job as a Fine Jewelry Salesperson onboard cruiseships. Well, as some may know, the shops onboard 99% of cruise ships are concessions - that is, they are operated by an independant company and pay a percentage of cruise ship shop sales, to the cruise lines.
The numero uno gift shop employment company in the cruise ship vacation industry, is "Starboard Cruise Services". They operate and manage all the shops onboard most major cruise ships, except Princess Cruises. Princess Cruises operates their own in-house shops called "Boutiques Onboard.
Both companies will "ask" for someone with 2 years retail employment experience in clothing, jewelry, pefumes, watches, fine gifts - not neccesarily onboard a cruise ship. If you have specific experience say, in fine jewelry, watches or perfumes, you are pretty much good to go. They both tend to hire you as a sales staff and then you are promoted from within, which is not a bad thing. because, with such a high boutique staff turnover on cruise ships, you can be promoted relatively easily providing, A) you learn to get along with everyone onboard your cruise ship - not just your department. This is the BIG things about ships: if you are an amazing gift shop sales person, but the staff and ship's crew think you are a wanker, you are done! I have seen many mediocre people receive promotions in all shipboard job departments. This is where you really need to be a complete team player! Volunteer for the crew club/crew welfare. And remember, you WILL SHARE A 10-6 ft CABIN with someone you have never met - possibly from the otherside of the world. So, to get along...you've got to get along!
Your skill and experience will get you on the ship, your attitude and how you get along with others, will keep you on the ship!
Here is Starboard's website:
http://www.starboardcruise.com/ship-life.htm
http://www.starboardcruise.com/land-apply.htm
Peruse the website links for lots of good information about how to apply.
Starboard contact phone number:
(786) 845-7536
Be very professional and simply say, you have boutique experience in fine jewelry, watches, pefumes..what ever or, simply say you have 2 years experience in quality shops - never use the word "stores" - it sounds cheap. *Only use "shops" or "boutiques."
Here is Princess Cruises website:
http://www.princess.com/employment/info/shipboard.html
Check their website and follow the requested manner of applying. Yes, in your most articulate voice and professional manner, you can follow up your application with a phone call. Don't call often. be creative - make an effort - utilize email, phone and yes, snail mail.
Bottom line???? Squeaky wheel gets the grease...so apply as suggested, and then do respectful follow ups so; A)they know who you are B) they know you are ready to work onboard. If anyone ever asks you WHY? you want to work on ships...it is OK to say you love to work and travel, and you are exploring career opportunities at sea!
You need to find your own personal balance between, a) respecting the employers preferred method of applying, and B) your own aggressiveness. Like I said before, squeaky wheel gets the grease!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Your First Cruise Ship Job Contact
To begin a successful cruise ship job hunt, you need to be able to send your resume to the correct person - the one who has the position and authority to hire you or recommend you for the job you want - not some fly-by-night agency, website, middleman or headhunter. Some people may wish to pay online cruise ship services for cruise ship jobs - that's fine. But I told you so.
If they are a reputable company, you will not have pay these guys any money for any cruise ship job!!! They would be paid by the cruise lines. This information is for people who want to get it a cruise ship job themselves - with direct contact to the hiring person. So here we go. Your resume should be focused on your experience as it pertains to the cruise ship job you are applying for - keep it clean and keep it simple - again, relevant experience only! And, send along a great photo showing your professional appearance. As well, include all First Aid, Safety Training etc you have. Additional information will be requested if needed.
If they are a reputable company, you will not have pay these guys any money for any cruise ship job!!! They would be paid by the cruise lines. This information is for people who want to get it a cruise ship job themselves - with direct contact to the hiring person. So here we go. Your resume should be focused on your experience as it pertains to the cruise ship job you are applying for - keep it clean and keep it simple - again, relevant experience only! And, send along a great photo showing your professional appearance. As well, include all First Aid, Safety Training etc you have. Additional information will be requested if needed.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Updated reminder about available jobs
Yes, there are always ships hiring and the reasons are simple. Every company has new ships each year, even in this economy. Each ship requires more than 2000 crew. This accounts for a complete crew rotation to cover vacations etc.
To get a job you need to be very clear and precise about the position for which you are searching. IE Diver, Security, Social Host, Casino Dealer, Youth Counsellor, DJ, Musician, 3RD Engineer etc.
Note: Every crew member must have the STCW 95 Safety Certification to get a job - no matter what your position - it is Mandatory! So, Google it and find where in your city you can obtain this certification. It may be called something different in different countries. In Canada for example, I believe it is called Basic Safety. Call Marine Schools in your area and they will either offer it or direct you accordingly. Some ships offer this onboard so when it is about to expire, you can renew it without leaving the ship. They are good though for 5 years. But, this is your first step if you are serious about a ship job. You tell a cruise line you have your STCW 95, and it gives you a BIG advantage. The cost will vary tremedously. I had my last one done in Fort Lauderdale at the Maritme School for about $275. USD.
Most Hotel positions such as Room Servants, Kitchen Positions, Cleaning Staff and Bar Staff are hired from mainly Eastern Europe, Philippines, Thailand, Latin America and India. This has to do with salaries of course.
The information we provide is to help YOU search out your own position with no hassle. But, YOU must do the work if you want the job. Remember, cruising is not for everyone. You will work 7 days a week for 6 months - probably between 6-12 hours per day depending which department you are in. For example in the restaurant, you can expect to work breakfast, lunch, dinner AND, the late night buffet. You will make decent cash but your time off the ship in port, will be very limited.
You can expect to share a cabin with at least 1 other person - bunk bed style. Some cabins have 4 bunks. Most cabins are equipped with a private bath/shower - no tub, TV, Fridge. Some newer ships have in-cabin Internet access. Cabin size is about 10 ft x 6 ft - very small. This will be the most interesting cultural experience in your life!!! Trust me. Snoring, farting, smelly feet, masturbation, room mates who don't shower, dirty clothes all over the place, loud music, loud late TV when you need to be up in 2 hours - kind of like college. Weekly cabin inspections keep them somewhat tidy though. If you are an Officer or a Department Head, Shop Manager etc, in most cases, you will receive your own private cabin.
I will at some point provide direct mailing and email contacts to make your life easier - but these contacts must be used in a professional manner. Be well prepared and you will receive a favourable reply!
To get a job you need to be very clear and precise about the position for which you are searching. IE Diver, Security, Social Host, Casino Dealer, Youth Counsellor, DJ, Musician, 3RD Engineer etc.
Note: Every crew member must have the STCW 95 Safety Certification to get a job - no matter what your position - it is Mandatory! So, Google it and find where in your city you can obtain this certification. It may be called something different in different countries. In Canada for example, I believe it is called Basic Safety. Call Marine Schools in your area and they will either offer it or direct you accordingly. Some ships offer this onboard so when it is about to expire, you can renew it without leaving the ship. They are good though for 5 years. But, this is your first step if you are serious about a ship job. You tell a cruise line you have your STCW 95, and it gives you a BIG advantage. The cost will vary tremedously. I had my last one done in Fort Lauderdale at the Maritme School for about $275. USD.
Most Hotel positions such as Room Servants, Kitchen Positions, Cleaning Staff and Bar Staff are hired from mainly Eastern Europe, Philippines, Thailand, Latin America and India. This has to do with salaries of course.
The information we provide is to help YOU search out your own position with no hassle. But, YOU must do the work if you want the job. Remember, cruising is not for everyone. You will work 7 days a week for 6 months - probably between 6-12 hours per day depending which department you are in. For example in the restaurant, you can expect to work breakfast, lunch, dinner AND, the late night buffet. You will make decent cash but your time off the ship in port, will be very limited.
You can expect to share a cabin with at least 1 other person - bunk bed style. Some cabins have 4 bunks. Most cabins are equipped with a private bath/shower - no tub, TV, Fridge. Some newer ships have in-cabin Internet access. Cabin size is about 10 ft x 6 ft - very small. This will be the most interesting cultural experience in your life!!! Trust me. Snoring, farting, smelly feet, masturbation, room mates who don't shower, dirty clothes all over the place, loud music, loud late TV when you need to be up in 2 hours - kind of like college. Weekly cabin inspections keep them somewhat tidy though. If you are an Officer or a Department Head, Shop Manager etc, in most cases, you will receive your own private cabin.
I will at some point provide direct mailing and email contacts to make your life easier - but these contacts must be used in a professional manner. Be well prepared and you will receive a favourable reply!
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