Working on board a cruise ship is an adventurous opportunity for those seeking to work in the travel industry.

Working on a cruise ship can be an absolutely wonderful experience for individuals who are looking for a job that comes with its share of exciting perks. Traveling the world and making international friends, all while earning a paycheque might seem like the ideal employment situation. However, prospective employees hoping to work in the cruise industry should also be wary of the disadvantages of living and working on a cruise ship before signing a contract for employment.

Pros

Meeting New People and Learning about Other Cultures

Cruise ships typically employ 800 to 1000 crew members from many different countries, providing cruise staff with an excellent opportunity to get to know fellow crew members of various nationalities on board.

Travel Lifestyle

The opportunity to travel to warm climates and spend time in resort locations is a common draw for those who seek employment with cruise lines. It is important to keep in mind, however, that not all cruise ships travel to tropical climates on a regular basis. Destinations to colder climates such as Alaska are also popular.

Minimal Living Expenses

The cost to live and work on board a cruise ship is minimal if a crew member is vigilant of how much spending he or she is doing. For example, expenses such as rent, utilities and groceries are cut from the personal budget.

Unique Job Experience

The ability to list a cruise ship job on a resume gives applicants a "leg up" over other applicants for further employment opportunities. In particular, this writer has found that after attending several job interviews in the food and beverage industry, cruise ship jobs are usually viewed as highly professional and well-respected, providing the best training in the industry when it comes to customer service, food and wine training.

Cons

Distance from Friends and Family

Most cruise lines require staff to sign on for a specific period of time. The typical contract length is approximately six months. This means that crew members will be away from their home, friends and family members for the duration of the contract. It is usually possible for crew members to contact their loved ones via e-mail and telephone with the use of long distance calling cards throughout the contract.

Cramped Quarters

Cruise line employees do not live in the luxurious surroundings enjoyed by paying guests. Most crew members will be required to share a small, windowless cabin with someone he or she has never met before. Communication can be difficult if roommates do not share the same first spoken language. Difficulties may arise If roommates work in different departments or do not share a working and sleeping schedule.

Wages

Depending on the department in which cruise ship employees are assigned, wages will vary. Room and board are factored into compensation. At times crew members are expected to spend time working "off the clock", and are expected to be available for work at all times he or she is physically on board the ship.

Food

Crew members are not offered the same menu options as guests on the ship. Although a variety of food is offered, the quality is usually surprising to new crew members who expect fancier fare. Many crew members take advantage of time off to leave the ship to obtain a more pleasing meal.

Doing a little research will ensure that first time cruise ship crew members will be prepared for the experience of working and living on board a ship in a foreign country. One excellent website resource is Cast-a-Way, a cruise and resort hiring agency. Cast-a-Way's website contains information about qualifications and requirements for obtaining a cruise line job, current job postings, and job fair events all over the world. Cruise Line Jobs is also a good site that maintains up-to-date job postings for which applicants can apply online.