What Are the Benefits of Working on a Cruise Ship?

When people think about cruise ships, it's usually in the context of a relaxing vacation and not about the benefits of working on a cruise ship.

Sunbathing, fruity drinks, delicious food, beautiful scenery and time with loved ones—these are the images that usually spring to mind.

But the reality is that this is only half of what happens on a cruise ship. The other half is the hard work that goes into keeping the vessel running smoothly and the passengers happy.

For those who are looking for a unique, challenging, and incredibly rewarding job, working on a cruise ship is  a great option. In this article, we'll be highlighting some of the major benefits of working on a cruise ship.

Let’s get started!

You’ll Get to See the World (or at Least a Lot of It)

One of the best things about working on a cruise ship is that you’ll have the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world (or at least a lot of it).

Cruise ships sail on a variety of itineraries, to a selection of different countries, from the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

And, as a member of the crew, you'll get to explore these places as part of your job, in a way that most people never will.

Policies for time spent ashore differ from company to company, but all cruise lines allow crew members to spend time ashore when they don't have a shift to work.

They're free to use this time however they'd like—exploring the area, dining in local restaurants, stocking up on essentials, or relaxing on the beach.

Crew members are sometimes even able to book experiences or excursions through their employer at a discounted rate—provided it doesn't interfere with their schedule!

You'll Meet People from All Over the World

Another great benefits of working on a cruise ship is that you'll meet people from all over the world.

Since cruise ships sail to so many different countries, they attract passengers from all corners of the globe. This means that, as a member of the crew, you'll have the opportunity to meet people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.

So, not only will you get to meet passengers from all over the world, but you'll also get to bond with your co-workers and learn about them and their cultures, too.

Many cruise ships have dedicated crew areas for socialising, like crew bars or lounges. At the very least, you'll be able to meet new people at meals and after shifts, over the course of your contract!

Benefits Of Working On A Cruise Ship Viking Crew
Benefits Of Working On A Cruise Ship with Viking Crew

You'll Get Free Accommodation and Board

When you work on a cruise ship, your accommodation and board are covered. That's right — both are taken care of!

Crew members usually have their own designated areas on the ship where they can sleep, eat, and relax when they're not working. These areas are separate from the passenger areas, so you'll have some peace and quiet when you need it.

Plus, since your meals are covered, you'll be able to save a lot of money that you would otherwise spend on food. And, depending on your rank and the cruise line you work for, you might even be able to eat in the same restaurants as the passengers!

You'll Have Free Time to Explore Visiting Ports

While there are some positions that require employees to work while the ship is in port (like security, medical, and housekeeping), several crew members are free to do as they please. This means potentially, that you'll have plenty of time to sightsee, explore, and relax when you're in port.

Plus, living where you work means you’ll have an incredibly short commute!

Benefits Of Working On A Cruise Ship Viking Crew Offshore
Benefits Of Working On A Cruise Ship Viking Crew Offshore

You'll Gain Transferable Experience and Skills

Working on a cruise ship is a great way to gain experience and skills that you can use in any career. Whether you're looking to move up within the cruise industry or start a new career altogether, you'll be able to add your time at sea to your CV.

Some transferable skills and experience you can gain from working on a cruise ship include:

  • Customer service

  • Food and beverage service

  • Hospitality

  • Sales

  • Marketing

  • Event planning

  • and more!

No matter what your long-term career goals are, you're sure to find a way to use the experience you gain from working on a cruise ship!

Start Cruising the World

If you're looking for an exciting and adventure-filled job, consider applying to work on a cruise ship!

There are tons of benefits that come along with this unique job, from the opportunity to travel the world to the transferable skills you'll gain.

So, what are you waiting for? Start making steps towards your dream job today by signing up for our newsletter or register as a candidate and take a look at the jobs we have available.

We'll help you find the perfect cruise ship position for your skills and experience—all you have to do is apply!