Cruise Ship Job

Cruise line jobs depend solely on the size of the ship and the type of ship line.
However, there are a variety of work opportunities on ships from time to time requiring people with different skills. No doubt, getting selected for these positions is not so easy and there is tough competition.

However, if a person has the desired skills, education and experience, then a world of opportunities are waiting to be explored by him. And the position of a Chief Purser is no exception. Although, various shipping companies recruit candidates for a period of three to six months on a contract basis, most companies provide extensions to the candidates selected on contract basis. Let’s see the skills and experience for getting selected for a cruise job.

The Chief Purser is a senior official and has an important role on a ship. A candidate selected as a Chief Purser on a cruise job is an onboard accountant who manages various members of his staff by delegating different works to them. Various details of the revenues collected on board and payroll, passports as well as visas of the staff, other details of customs and immigration, credit accounts of passengers and currency change fall under his responsibility.

To get a cruise job of a Chief Purser, a candidate must have a college degree in finance, accounting, or hospitality or should have wide managerial experience. He must have good communication skills in addition to administrative and leadership skills to do full justice to his duty. He should bear a good personality and should be an open minded and a flexible person.

A Chief Purser needs to be well organized and must have the ability to perform under deadlines and pressure. He must possess some work experience as a purser prior to applying for this position. A person having excellent social skills is quite suited for this position. He must ensure smooth functioning of various financial operations on board. He needs to behave in a friendly and an efficient manner with the guests.

After studying about the role, essential skills and responsibilities of a Chief Purser, now we can analyze our own skills and decide whether we fulfill the criteria for this cruise job or not. If we have the desired skills and can work under deadlines, then we should proceed ahead towards applying for this position.  While working for such positions, you will be required to remain away from your family and friends. Apply only if you can stay away from your home for a long time or you may end up feeling home sick while on duty. If you have good communication skills, you are a good candidate for becoming a Chief Purser. This is because while traveling internationally, you will come across different people.

When applying for the vacancies of a Chief Purser, keep in mind to apply directly to the shipping companies or their authorized representatives. Never become a member of any website that provides information about any cruise ship job as majority of such websites are a scam. Also, do not become allured by some recruiting agencies that offer immediate employment. So, the best option is to apply directly.  You can search for various openings on the websites of the shipping companies on the internet. You must keep your passport and visa ready with you while applying for such positions. It will be required to be shown at the time of an interview. Moreover, you must prepare a well-written resume highlighting your special talents and skills desirable for this position. It will increase your chances of getting selected in the tough competitive employment market.

Finding a cruise line job!
Imagine the possibility of working at a place of employment where the goal is for everyone to have a good time.  On top of this, there are also amazing travel benefits.  These are just some of the aspects which make working for cruise lines quite desirable for some people.

Look before you leap:
Before jumping on board, there are some factors that have to be considered when working in a ship.  Any applicant should know that the lifestyle is not for everyone.  If you are thinking about joining the industry, think about how well you would fare in small, enclosed spaces and having to spend most of your time out at sea.  While the ship may look calm and spacious, the reality is that this is not always the case.  The quarters and some of the areas meant for work can be cramped and the water is not always calm.  A person working for cruise lines have to contend with various weather conditions and their effects on the ocean.

Conduct a thorough research on the company:
If you do decide that the industry is for you, there are some steps that you can take to secure employment.  Research on as many cruise lines as you can to find one that you are most interested to journey on.  Doing the necessary investigation can also save you from being scammed by unscrupulous individuals or organizations that prey on those who want to board a ship.

Submit your pertinent documents:
Once you are sure that the company you are eyeing is legitimate, you can then send them a resume containing all the qualifications that you have.  In some cases, cruise lines use recruitment companies to take care of their manpower needs.  When this is the situation, you will have to go to the agents and fill up an application form.  Do not forget to attach your resume to your application even if you have already given that information on the form.

Learn more about the job:
The next stage of the application process is the interview where you are given the chance to talk to a representative of the cruise lines.  Take this opportunity to talk about your experience as well as the motivation for wanting to work for their respectable company.  Do not be afraid to ask questions because it is also your chance to clarify the specifics of the job.

Prepare the documents for cruising:
So far, the application to work in a ship mirrors the processes of other companies.  But this begins to change once you receive a letter of employment, which means that your application is successful.  Once you receive one, you will have to start processing the additional documentation needed for you to travel from port to port.  Unlike other companies where a medical examination is enough, a ship’s crew requires an internationally-recognized medical certificate.  Another item that you will have to fix if you are not a United States citizen is your visa.  Most cruise lines pass through US ports so you will have to get the necessary permits before being able to sail.

Bon Voyage!
The standard duration of contract of employment in ships is six months.  However, this can be extended for up to 10 months if you and your employer agree to it.  Ship workers are required to take a break which can last from six to eight weeks upon the end of their duties.  If the employer is satisfied with your performance, they can opt to renew their contract with you again.  Working on board a ship can be an adventurous way to earn a living.  But, do not be fooled into thinking that it is all glamour.  Like any other job, there is a need to exhibit professionalism to be able to keep it.