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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
Retail & Luxury
Speaker
Freelancer
Hello! This is where the Academy Onboard and Cruise Retail Academy can help you to join the cruise industry. We are experts in cruise recruitment and can help you to find a job in a number of departments onboard. We are recruiting for 20+ different job roles on cruise ships for 24 cruise lines. We are working with many of the main cruise retail operators and many other speciality partners, recruiting for a wide variety of retail positions such as Shop Manager, Watch Specialist, Retail Ambassador and Sales Associate.
Please visit our JOB SEARCH page to learn more, listen to our podcast and to then apply for jobs by clicking 'Apply for Job' on the Talent Hub page.
You can apply with us from nearly all major countries. It is important to say however that we do operate with some restrictions based on allowed nationalities wih some of our partners. Also, we are not allowed to recruit in other countries due to local regulations (ie. India, China or the Philippines).
This is one of our most asked questions!
Crew facilities vary significantly per ship. Because it is such a high requested topic, we have a learning course in our E-Academy called Life Onboard. It will cover everything from what crew facilities are like, to how you will embark onto the ship. Simply, join the Cruise Retail Academy for free, and you can access this course and 50 others - all for free!
There are many challenges in getting recruited to a job on cruise ships. We understand this and have seen first hand some of the 'sharks' operating in this industry.
We are different.
Firstly, we would like to thank you for actually doing the research into why you should trust your recruiter / trainer, it is a really important step to ensure that you are making the right choice.
Please have a look at some of the 350+ reviews of our services on Trustpilot to see what our members thought about our offer.
Secondly, we are accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to ensure we are compliant with MLC regulations
Read through our biography to learn a bit about us and our experience:
And finally, have a look through why you can TRUST US with your journey:
As you may have seen in our company values, for us 'TRUST IS EVERYTHING'. It is one of our most important values, and therefore we pride ourselves at really operating with truth, transparency and genuine care. If we have delivered that for you, then we have lived our value.
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We understand that going onboard for the first time can be a bit scary. We fully understand this!
For members of the Cruise Retail Academy, we have written a Life Onboard course in our E-Academy, so you can learn more about what steps you will need to go through to get onboard, and then what it will be like when you arrive on the ship.
In terms of the requirements needed to get onboard for the first time, we have a page full of useful information for you:
Are you seeking an adventurous career where every day offers something new? Working on a cruise ship could be your dream job! Here's why setting sail as a cruise ship employee might be the perfect opportunity for you.
1. Travel the World
One of the most appealing aspects of cruise ship employment is the chance to travel while you work. Visit numerous destinations across continents without spending a penny on travel expenses. Explore cultures, savor exotic cuisine, and make memories in stunning locations.
2. Free Room and Board
Forget about rent and grocery bills! Cruise lines typically provide free accommodation and meals for their employees. This perk can significantly boost your savings, as you have fewer financial responsibilities while onboard.
3. Diverse Job Opportunities
Cruise ships operate like small floating cities, offering a wide range of job roles. Whether your expertise lies in hospitality, entertainment, technical maintenance, or customer service, you'll find a role that matches your skills. Broaden your horizons with opportunities for growth and cross-training.
4. Meet Diverse People
Live and work with an international crew, gaining insights into different cultures and languages. This multicultural experience not only enriches your personal development but also strengthens your interpersonal and communication skills.
5. Build a Unique Resume
Employers value the adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving skills gained from cruise ship work. Adding cruise ship employment to your resume signals to future employers that you are versatile and can thrive in dynamic environments.
6. Flexible Work Contracts
Whether you're looking for a short-term adventure or a long-term lifestyle change, cruise lines often offer flexible contracts ranging from a few months to a year. This allows you to tailor your work experience to fit your personal and career goals
7. Employee Discounts
Enjoy travel discounts for yourself, family, and friends on cruise vacations. This benefit means you can share the world of sea travel with loved ones at more affordable rates.
Embark on a journey where work and adventure merge seamlessly. With numerous benefits and experiences waiting for you, working on a cruise ship could be the exciting career change you've been looking for!
We are working directly with most of the major cruise retail operators and a number of onboard revenue partners and cruise lines for a wide variety of job roles onboard. We will give you further information if we invite you to an interview. From there, we will provide you with a number of private web pages so you can learn and understand more about each of these operators in much more detail.
It is a daunting task to attempt to pack everything you will need into a suitcase for seven months, especially as you will probably experience several different climate conditions during your contract.
Luckily, we have written an E-Academy course just for our Cruise Retail Academy members called TOP 10 First Time Onboard Tips! It is free to join!
The following list is designed only as a suggestion as to what you may need to pack:
• Blackwork shoes (comfortable) slip resistance
• Black running/walking/tennis shoes
• Head covering or hat
• Sunglasses & Suntan lotion
• Sufficient underwear, socks, or pantyhose
• Toiletries (although these are available in the shop on board or ashore)
• Alarm Clock
• Swimsuit and beachwear
• Lightweight jacket or sweater
• Black dress (for female Team Members)
• Complete Black Business suit, shirt, and tie (for male Team Members)
• Casual clothing for free time wear
• Camera
• Voltage adapter. Whilst there is 110v - 220v power onboard, it is useful to have an international adapter
Don't bring Irons, Large Stereo Systems or duvets / quilts.
Depends on the type of day. Sea days usually are the most hours as shops are open, port days can be less hours dependant on whether there is a delivery or inventories to be completed. The working time rules onboard are goverened by the MLC.
We have a free course exclusively written for Cruise Retail Academy members called Learning About a Day In the Life Onboard which can help you to learn the dfferent types of days, and what you will be required to do.
MINIMUM
The minimum age you need to be to work in the retail department on a cruise ship is 21 or older. You need to by physically fit, able to carry heavy loads if needed and able to be on the move for a number of hours a day.
MAXIMUM
According to most cruise line employment policies, there is no maximum age to work on a cruise ship; as long as you meet the physical and job requirements, you can apply regardless of age, although some positions may favour younger applicants due to the demanding nature of the work.



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