Every now and again, I will remind you to first, know a little something about the different cruise ships and cruise line companies before you apply. While most cruise lines offer the same employment, it is wise to review each cruise lines "profile", to see if you think you are a good fit. For example, Carnival Cruise Lines, which initially sold itself as a party cruise line, has become more family oriented. Cunard, is a little old school British in stlye and service. Royal Caribbean is a nice mix of everyone and they have HUGE beautiful ships. Use some of the cruise links up in the right under ads by Google, to check out the different cruise lines and their ships. Also, the CLIA or www.cruising.org will give you another profile of ships.
Usually, when you first get hired, you don't get to pick your ship or itinerary. So, when they call you - go! Never say NO, or you will wait a looooooooooooog time for another shot with that particular cruise line. Cruise line jobs are free unless you CHOOSE to pay someone for information that is out there for everyone anyway. No one can GUARANTEE you a job - cruise ship jobs are based on availability and only the cruise line can make you a job offer. And yes, it is acceptable to be professionally persistent.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Cruise Ship Jobs - Onboard Gift Shop Boutiques Jobs
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!
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, 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.
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