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Getting Paid To See The World, One Continent at a Time

Cruise lines careers are truly the ultimate dream job. There aren't many better ways to see the world than cruise line jobs – and you'll get paid for doing so. How does one start a cruise line career? The most important factor in breaking in to this line of work is persistence, and a willingness to keep knocking on doors until one opens for you.

Cruise lines careers offer a huge variety of jobs to choose from. The available jobs are typically full time, but you will get some "down time", often in spectacular ports of call around the world: The French Riviera, South America, the Caribbean, and other romantic and far-flung places. For those with the travel bug, starting a cruise line career offers a whole new meaning to combining work with pleasure.  If you love travel and adventure, then there is no better way to live and work.

There are three departments on all cruise ships. All available positions are divided into these three departments: the hotel, the deck, and the engine department. Each of these departments has a supervisor that you, as a new employee, will answer to. Most entry level positions, however, are in the hotel department. They consist of jobs in the following sub-departments: Pursers Office, Cruise Staff, Food Department, Bar Department, Dining Room, Housekeeping, Gift Shop, and so on. Other departments are Salon, Photography, Shore Excursions, Engine Room and Medical Staff.

Many people who work on ships in leadership positions have worked their way up from the bottom. For most jobs, no special qualifications are needed, providing that one can do the job. Obviously, if you are applying for a position in the Medical Office, the Salon, or the Engine Room, you'll need to have the appropriate degrees, licenses and certifications.

For those who are considering working in a position that deals directly with the public, by assisting with shore excursions or working as a server or bartender, you will have to posses a charming, outgoing personality. In other words, you'll need to be a cheerful and friendly person who will go out of the way to ensure that the passengers have an outstanding and positive experience. Remember: you will be creating memories, and preferably good ones.  If you delight in making others happy, then you will love working on a cruise ship!

Most cruise lines careers entail working employment contracts on cruise ships that last four months to six months. You will receive free room and board, free medical care and meals as part of the overall benefits package. When your contract is completed, you will have a break of four to six weeks, though many have become adept at simply hopping between cruise lines, and jump right onto another ship.

So it is possible to work and cruise non-stop, and many indeed do so (this is a great way to save money). But it is important to take time off at some point (even if it is in France), in order to recharge the batteries, before returning to getting paid to see the world. Truly a tough life, but somebody has got to do it - so why not you?