Working routine on board
Hours depend on the department. Food & beverage teams work split shifts around breakfast, lunch and dinner; housekeeping works morning and evening cabin rounds. On port days, going ashore outside working hours is often possible.
There are no weekends during a contract. With accommodation, meals and often travel covered by the employer, a large part of earnings can be saved.
Main positions
Most crew work in the hotel departments:
- Food & beverage: waiters, bartenders, baristas, sommeliers, supervisors
- Galley: chefs, cooks, pastry, kitchen helpers
- Housekeeping: cabin stewards, laundry
- Front desk and guest relations
- Spa, salon and fitness
- Entertainment, music and kids club
- Deck and engine crew, electrical, security and medical staff
Required documents
Requirements vary by company and flag. The documents most often requested are:
- Valid passport
- Seaman's Book
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- Seafarer medical (PEME or equivalent)
- C1/D visa for ships calling at US ports
- Professional certificates and references for the role
What employers look for
Candidates who can spend long periods away from home, adapt to a fast pace, work well in teams and enjoy multicultural environments progress quickly at sea. Hotel or restaurant experience is a strong advantage.
Pay varies considerably by company, ship and position. Every offer states salary, tips and contract terms in writing; we recommend reviewing them carefully before deciding.