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FIRST TIME  AT SEA? 

Academy Onboard is accredited by Maritime and Coastguard Agency

CRUISE RETAIL IS NOT JUST A JOB

IT IS A LIFESTYLE SHIFT, A CAREER ACCELERATOR AND FOR MANY - A LIFE CHANGING DECISION

YOU WILL FIND DETAILED GUIDANCE, TRAINING AND ONBOARDING INFORMATION ACROSS THE DIFFERENT WEB PAGES ON OUR ACADEMY ONBOARD PLATFORM 

However, for extra clarity and full transparency we outline the key realities for you bELOW ON THIS PAGE.

WHAT WE THINK YOU NEED TO KNOW!

  • Let us list the most important points you need to consider, so you are fully prepared:

    • Contracts typically last 6–8 months (some positions and specialist projects can be shorter depending on role).

    • You may share a cabin (managers, specialists and certain senior roles may have their own cabin).

    • You work 7 days a week while onboard. Your time off is structured around port days and sea days. We will clearly explain how your schedule, breaks and balance work during our call.

    • Commission is earned — not guaranteed. All roles have a monthly base salary between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on position. Commission is paid on top and is performance-based. We explain earning potential clearly during our catch-up.

    • Visa, medical and STCW certification are mandatory. These are the main upfront costs every seafarer must complete regardless of position. Visa fees are refunded once onboard.

    • The onboarding process can take anywhere from 3 months to up to 1 year depending on how quickly you complete your documentation and preparation.

  • Cruise retail is an incredible adventure.  Let's list some of the main advantages of starting a career on the oceans:

    • Travel the world without paying for flights or accommodation.

    • Build real financial freedom with minimal living expenses.

    • Accelerate your retail career in a global, high-performance environment (become a manager in under 4 years)

    • Create an incredible social life and meet people from all over the world.

    • Represent world-class luxury brands in beautiful boutiques.

    • Open doors to leadership roles, land-based luxury careers and long-term cruise progression.

  • Ship life is not for everybody.  Let's outline some of the most important behaviours you will need to show:

    • Treat it as a serious career opportunity.

    • Embrace structure and discipline.

    • Stay adaptable and solution-focused.

    • Understand that performance creates progression.

    • Commit fully to the experience.

    • Week 1–2: Offer activation and documentation

    • Week 2–4: Visa process

    • Week 2–5: Medical appointment

    • Week 3–6: STCW training

    • Deployment confirmed once documentation is complete

  • “Am I comfortable with structured ship life? Am I prepared to invest upfront in visa, medical and STCW? Am I ready to work hard and earn commission? Am I joining for long-term Growth — not just travel?”

    If yes, then find your dream job with us by clicking below:

Trust us with your journey onboard!

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