REQUIREMENTS
The Academy team is here to support you at every step of your journey onboard. We know the industry, we know the people and we know the expectations. Here are the main things we think you need to know before you apply to go onboard. We are also certified by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency to ensure we comply with all MLC regulations, ensuring you can trust us with your journey.
On this page we are going to talk you through the 6 steps you need to getting onboard. Firstly, have a listen to our podcast outlining all the key points for you, and then read through the detailed answers for each of the requirements.
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Application
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Interview Process
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Medical
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Visa Application
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Pre-employment HR certification including:
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Police clearance certificate
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STCW training
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HR paperwork
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Travel arrangements
GETTING ONBOARD
PODCAST
6 STEPS TO GETTING ONBOARD
The first stage to applying for a job onboard a cruise ship is to choose the job you wish to apply for based on the job description, your skills and your motivation. You do this by visiting our Talent Hub, finding the job you want to apply for, reading the information carefully, listening to our information podcast about the job and then selecting 'Apply for Job'. To start your job search, visit our jobs page by clicking on the button below:
We advise you to start your learning journey now. We have a truly unique free of charge resource called the E-Academy for members of the Cruise Retail Academy. You will find over 50 unique learning courses to help you understand all aspects of your job role onboard cruise ships. We have everything covered, from learning about cruise ships to life onboard, from learning about different categories to our highly popular Cruise Retail Diploma - it is all available for you, at the link below!
If your application is relevant, we will invite you to attend an online interview with your Academy recruitment partner. We will send you a link so you can select a date and time that is convenient and then simply follow the instructions as sent to you via email,
If you are successful from this interview, we will provide you with an invitation to view our relevant partner's information webpages. Here, you will learn specific job expectations, company overview, salary, commission and their pre-embarkation checklist.
Once you have decided which partner to apply for, we will either forward your application directly onto them, or we will ask you to record a presentation video introducing yourself. Should you be successful in their screening, you will be invited to a further interview/s. If you are successful and you are offered a job role with them, then you will need to move forward into stage 3 of the process. Take some time to read through these parts of the requirements process, as it is really important to understand.
Once you have been offered a job, then there are 4 key stages to be completed: Medical, Visa, HR Certification, Travel.
Candidates must undergo a detailed medical examination to meet maritime health standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the cruise line. This ensures the individual is physically and mentally fit to work in the demanding environment aboard a ship.
The examination typically includes:
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Physical exam
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Laboratory tests
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Drug and alcohol screening
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Vaccinations (as required)
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Specialist assessments, if necessary
The specific requirements may vary depending on the cruise line and the position you are applying for. However, it is generally recommended to be in good health and to have all necessary vaccinations before applying for a job on a cruise ship.
Here are some additional tips for preparing for your medical examination:
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Get a good night's sleep before the exam.
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Eat a healthy breakfast.
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Dress comfortably.
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Be honest about your medical history.
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Ask any questions you have about the exam.
Timeline: 1–4 weeks depending on medical centre availability in your country
Cost: Approximately $300–$600 (covered by the candidate) *costs vary depending on country.
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Once you have completed your medical, you will need to apply for a visa to gain access to the embarkation port. The specific visa you need to work on a cruise ship depends on the flag of the ship and the countries it visits. However, the most common visa required for crew members working on cruise ships that dock in the United States is the C1/D visa.
This visa allows you to work on a cruise ship and transit through the United States. It is important to note that you will need to obtain this visa through the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
To do this, firstly you need to make sure you have a valid passport which has at least 1 year before it expires. It must also be in good condition and have enough blank pages to get the necessary visa stamps.
To gain your visa, the cruise company / operator will issue you with a formal invitation or Letter of employment, with this you can apply for a C1/D visa.
The process includes:
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Completing the DS-160 online application
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Scheduling an interview at the U.S. Embassy
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Attending the interview and providing biometric data
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Awaiting visa approval
The timeline to get a visa is around 4–8 weeks (depending on the country of application and appointment availability. Please note, there is also the Schengen Visa for entering the EU and also UK Visa for entering the United Kingdom.
We will support you in providing you with the necessary instructions to help you complete your visa.
The cost will be approximately $200 (cost usually reimbursed when you embark, as long as your application is successful)
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There are 3 main parts of pre-employment HR certification that you will need to complete. 1. Police clearance certificate, 2. STCW training and 3. HR paperwork.
1. POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE
Firstly, the Police Clearance Certificate. Before embarking, you will need a background check or police clearance certificate which is required to confirm that you have no criminal record. Please note if you have a criminal record you will not be permitted to embark onboard.
The process and cost vary depending on the country, typically taking 1–3 weeks.
2. STCW CERTIFICATE
You will need to obtain specific STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certificates to work on a cruise ship. The exact requirements will depend on the specific position you are applying for and the flag of the ship. You will receive more information about this during your interview with us.
However, most cruise ship crew members are required to have the following STCW standards completed through certified maritime institutions:
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STCW Basic Safety Training (BST): This includes courses in personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities.
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Additional certifications: Depending on your role, you may need additional certifications such as proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, advanced fire fighting, medical first aid, and more.
Some cruise lines will only need basic security awareness training done before embarkation with the rest of the training happening onboard. It's important to check with the specific cruise retail operator you are applying to for their exact STCW requirements. If you are applying with the Cruise Retail Academy, we will help, guide and support you through the necessary standards that you need to attain.
Cost: $100–$1,000 (depending on location and required courses)
3. HR PAPERWORK
You will be required to complete all necessary HR paperwork as directed by your relevant operator. You must return all of this back to them as soon as possible. This will be information such as Grooming Procedures, Uniform Requirements, Company Handbook, Ship Rules & Regulations. There will be a lot to read, and we suggest you take plenty of time to read through all of this. It is really important you understand it all before you step onboard. Don't forget to use our E-Acdemy to help you learn specific requirements / jargon, to help you in the process.
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For the first time to a cruise ship (and only the first time), you may need to arrange to get to the ship booking your own flights (depending on the operator).
If your operator does not cover this arrangement, then you will need to arrange travel logistics to the port of embarkation. You do this by booking your own flight once you have been given a ship, a date and port of joining. Some companies can offer marine fares to help keep the cost down. Also to note that some companies pay the first flight / transfers / hotels. If you do book your own travel, it is important to make sure you book a refundable ticket, as sometimes embarkation dates change at short notice.
Most operators will pay for the hotel to arrive the day before joining. We will share more information on this on each of our specific operator information pages, which are accessible if you are successful from interview.
Cost: Will vary dependant on port of embarkation.
Before applying, you need to take into account that upfront costs for the medical, visa, flights and certifications can total anywhere between $500–$2,000.
Some companies reimburse these expenses after the candidate begins work, while others expect candidates to cover them. We will cover this all in more detail and provide you clear and transparent information, once you start your recruitment journey with us.
The entire process from recruitment to onboarding can take 3 to 6 months, depending on your ability to complete the medical, visa, and certification requirements promptly, and on the availability of appointments at embassies and training centres.
There could be delays. Timelines can be impacted by:
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Visa and police certificate processing times
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Availability of STCW training courses
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Documentation issues (Medical issues)
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Job availability date from operator
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Suitable date of embarkation for your destination ship
It is important to keep in touch continuously with your recruiter in terms of any key actions you need to take, such as leaving employment or studies. At Academy Onboard, we can guide and support you closely to ensure a good embarkation process.
You can trust us with your journey onboard.
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