Travel Jobs Archives - Zero to Travel

Greatest Hits: Cruise Ship Jobs 101

Jason Moore — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

We’re pulling past episodes from the archives to highlight travel jobs this month! This episode was originally published in April 2017.

If you work onboard a cruise ship, you’re guaranteed to get paid to travel the world – but is it all it’s cracked up to be? How can you find the best cruise ship jobs without experience, and how can you stand out from the stacks of resumes?

Amanda Hathorn-Geary is a cruise ship employment specialist who spent a decade working on board before moving into human resources and cruise ship recruitment. As someone with firsthand experience on both sides of cruise ship employment, she’s here to answer all those questions and help you decide if life at sea is right for you.

Explore the pros and cons of cruise ship jobs, get a breakdown of the various positions (plus the top five entry-level roles), learn how to stand out and nail the interview, hear about the different travel experiences you can have, and much more.

Would you work on a cruise ship after listening to this episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

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Tune In To Learn:

The #1 reason to work on a cruise ship
What opportunities are available and how much money you can expect to earn
Why working on a cruise ship is a great way to save for travel (even if you have an entry-level role)
How cruise ship work can lead to longer-term career opportunities
Which jobs can give you the most amount of time for travel
How you can leverage cruise ship jobs to accomplish your bucket list items
What day-to-day life is like
How to stand out on your resume
How NOT to answer interview questions
And so much more

Resources:

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Greatest Hits: How To Find Seasonal Jobs In Great Places with CoolWorks.com

Jason Moore — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

What happens when you realize you don’t want your career anymore or don’t want to use your degree? My guests may have the answer!

Matt Moore and Kelcey Fowler are the owners of CoolWorks, a website to help you find seasonal jobs in great places – everything from national parks to ski resorts, retreat centers, and whatever else you can think of!

Matt and Kelcey talk about what led them to pursue an unconventional path and share insight into how you can do the same. You’ll hear all about how to build your travels around seasonal work, great places and opportunities to explore, and advice for landing the job.

What seasonal job would you love to do? I’d love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

We’re pulling past episodes from the archives to highlight travel jobs this month! This episode was originally published in 2018.

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Tune In To Learn:

How to experience a rich lifestyle without a traditional job
Important questions to consider when choosing the unconventional route
How easy it is to get a seasonal job and who it’s best for
Small hacks to help with the application process
How you can be an attractive candidate
The best times of the year to apply
Things to pay attention to when choosing a seasonal job
How they create work-life balance as the owners of Cool Works
And much more

Resources:

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Check out CoolWorks

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Thanks To Our Sponsors

US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card – Get 4 X the points on eating out and 2 X the points on groceries, entertainment services, and gas or EV charge stations. Apply today at usbank.com/altitudego to get 20,000 points by spending $1,000 in your first 90 days.
Nissan – There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com.
Wise – Wise can help you send, spend, and receive internationally without the hidden fees or exchange rate markups. Learn how Wise can work for you by downloading the app or visiting www.wise.com/travel.
Go City – Save up to 50% on the best attractions, tours, and activities. Visit zerototravel.com/gocity and use the promo code ‘ZEROTOTRAVEL5’ for an additional 5% off.

The post Greatest Hits: How To Find Seasonal Jobs In Great Places with CoolWorks.com appeared first on Zero to Travel.

Greatest Hits: The Au Pair Experience + Do You Need The Perfect Travel Job?

Jason Moore — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever thought of being an au pair? Do you think you need the perfect travel job? Caroline Harkins has been living in Norway for nearly two years as an au pair (and is hoping to stay after her contract ends!). But what exactly does an au pair do, and how does it allow you to travel? Today, you’ll learn why being an au pair is more than just taking care of kids. You’ll hear about what led her to become an au pair, insight into finding jobs, and creating a life in a new country.

What can you do to start your life abroad? I’d love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

We’re pulling past episodes from the archives to highlight travel jobs this month! This episode was originally published in 2018.

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Tune In To Learn:

Why she landed on Norway and red flags to look for when choosing your country
The qualifications you need to become an au pair
How this job can push you out of your comfort zone and build your confidence
Ways to identify when a family isn’t going to be a fit (and advice for prospective families)
How she created a social life in a new country while balancing work
Why being an au pair can be a stepping stone for a life abroad
What it’s like being a mini-ambassador for your home country
Her experience with culture shock abroad and when coming home
And so much more

Resources:

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Duolingo
Pimsleur
AuPairWorld
Couch Surfing

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Nissan – There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com.
Wise – Wise can help you send, spend, and receive internationally without the hidden fees or exchange rate markups. Learn how Wise can work for you by downloading the app or visiting www.wise.com/travel.
Go City – Save up to 50% on the best attractions, tours, and activities. Visit zerototravel.com/gocity and use the promo code ‘ZEROTOTRAVEL5’ for an additional 5% off.

The post Greatest Hits: The Au Pair Experience + Do You Need The Perfect Travel Job? appeared first on Zero to Travel.

Greatest Hits: Alaska Fishing Jobs

Jason Moore — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:00:52 +0000

Would you want to spend a season on a fishing boat? Hold on and get your sea legs ready! Today, you’re getting an inside look into the Alaskan fishing industry from longtime fisherman Patrick. You’ll hear all about his beginnings on board a fishing boat at 13 and his life now as the captain of his own ship (plus his plans to bring his girlfriend on board!). You’ll learn about making money while you travel, how to use seasonal jobs to fuel your adventures, and more.

Are you up for the adventure? I’d love to hear your thoughts and hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

We’re pulling past episodes from the archives to highlight travel jobs this month! This episode was originally published in 2019.

Tune In To Learn:

The hierarchy and positions on a boat
What you need to work on a fishing boat
How to encounter locals (and the world) in a different way
How his experiences redefined his baseline of comfort and who he is as a person
The typical pay for fishing boat crews
How to find work and tips to make sure you get on a good boat
What you can do to be a great leader
The reality of a fishing boat experience (vs. “reality” TV shows)
How to stay safe on your boat (and onshore)
Sustainability concerns around fishing

Resources:

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Craigslist

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Thanks To Our Sponsors

US Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card get 4 X the points on eating out and 2 X the points on groceries, entertainment services, and gas or EV charge stations. Apply today at usbank.com/altitudego to get 20,000 points by spending $1,000 in your first 90 days.
There’s no better vehicle for adventure than the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more at www.nissanusa.com.
Wise can help you send, spend, and receive internationally without the hidden fees or exchange rate markups. Learn how Wise can work for you by downloading the app or visiting www.wise.com/travel.
Save up to 50% on the best attractions, tours, and activities with Go City. Visit zerototravel.com/gocity and use the promo code ‘ZEROTOTRAVEL5’ for an additional 5% off.

The post Greatest Hits: Alaska Fishing Jobs appeared first on Zero to Travel.

How To Have Fun, Make Money and Travel The World With Seasonal Jobs

Jason Moore — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 10:30:00 +0000

How can seasonal jobs help you kick-start or continue a life of travel?

Today we kick off travel jobs month with a focus on seasonal jobs. How can you build your travels around them and how can you figure out if it is something you want to pursue?

Tune in today to hear from Susan Shain. She is the author of the new guide, “The Ultimate Guide To Seasonal Jobs, How To Have Fun, Make Money, And Travel The World.” You’ll hear her advice on seasonal work as a means to travel or extend your travels.

You can earn a living and get paid to travel!

You’ll Learn:

How an unconventional life can make you happy
How to build a life around travel
Ways to help you pay off debts or student loans
Why you need to think like a tourist sometimes
The best places to find seasonal jobs
How to truly enjoy the seasonal job lifestyle
How you can transition to location independence
And so much more

Resources:

Be sure to head over to the archives for more Zero To Travel Podcasts!

* Tortuga or Amazon references contain affiliate links – if you decide to purchase anything through those links I’ll receive a small commission at no extra charge and you’ll be supporting my work. Thanks!

The post How To Have Fun, Make Money and Travel The World With Seasonal Jobs appeared first on Zero to Travel.

How To Work For An Airline And Fly For Free: Travel Jobs Series

Jason Moore — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 10:30:00 +0000

Do you love the idea of work that takes you around the world?

You may want to consider working for an airline so you can fly for free (or pretty close to it when flying internationally).

My guest today has worked for 3 major airlines and gets many flight benefits to save money, make money, and take his family around the world. Check out his book, Free Flying to get inside tips on getting hired, employee flight benefits, and lodging on a budget.

Today you’ll hear about the types of jobs that you can get with an airline and what benefits are included, how you go about getting these jobs, and where to find them.

Please welcome LaJuan Stoxstill-Diggs to the show!

Tune In To Learn:

Why day trips are addicting
The different types of airline jobs
Perks and behind the scenes benefits for airline employees
How to get a job with an airline (without ever flying in a plane!)
Where to find airline jobs
Super smart strategy for a new airline employee
3 tips to get hired by the airlines
How to leverage flight benefits for entrepreneurial endeavors
How to improve the lives of your children (through travel)
The main benefits of travel jobs and seasonal work
And so much more!

Resources:

Be sure to head over to the archives for more Zero To Travel Podcasts!

* Amazon references contain affiliate links – if you decide to purchase anything through those links I’ll receive a small commission at no extra charge and you’ll be supporting my work. Thanks!

The post How To Work For An Airline And Fly For Free: Travel Jobs Series appeared first on Zero to Travel.

The Secret World Of Flight Attendants: An Interview With Betty In The Sky

Jason Moore — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 10:30:00 +0000

Could you handle being a flight attendant?

What makes a good flight attendant and what can you do as a passenger to make life easier on them?

Betty In The Sky stops by today to share flight attendant stories, advice on traveling, and so much more! She’s a veteran flight attendant with over 20 years in the air. Check out her podcast- Betty in the Sky with a Suitcase! for candid stories, an insider’s view of life in the air, and all the behind the scenes stuff.

Fly Here To Learn:

How to get a golden ticket to see the world
How metal tongs helped save a tricky situation
The most ridiculous thing ever witnessed on a plane
How to improve the collective consciousness on the plane
The most important life lesson learned (as a flight attendant)
Funny celebrity stories
Advice for layovers (bring your bathing suit to Singapore!)
3 very simple tips to keep flight attendants happy
The best asset to help you stand out (when trying to become a flight attendant)
What you should talk about during your flight attendant interview
Super easy travel hack

Resources:

Looking for more Zero To Travel Podcasts? Head over to the archives now!

* Amazon references contain affiliate links – if you decide to purchase anything through those links I’ll receive a small commission at no extra charge and you’ll be supporting my work. Thanks!

The post The Secret World Of Flight Attendants: An Interview With Betty In The Sky appeared first on Zero to Travel.

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship

Jason Moore — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 18:58:43 +0000

Quick note: I know you’re excited to learn how to get a job on a cruise ship so you can travel the world AND earn money while doing it, which is why I brought in the perfect person to teach you how.

Amanda Hathorn-Geary spent a decade at sea, seeing the world and climbing the ranks from crew member to HR Manager, where she was responsible for hiring new crew members like you (talk about having the inside scoop!). Now, she helps travelers and landlubbers like us land the best cruise ship jobs out there.

In this outstanding free resource, she shares her expert advice to help you find work on board a cruise ship, even if you have no experience.

This article is part of an ongoing series created to help you land awesome travel jobs and seasonal work so you can travel the world and get paid to do it.

Each article in this series was written by an expert who has actually lived the experience so you can learn about the reality of the job and the unique lifestyle that goes with it.

In short, you’ll get the raw and REAL truth behind this type of work rather than the fantasy.

Ok, take it away, Amanda!

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 1)

Becoming A Cruise Ship Crew Member

Image by addesia from Pixabay

Getting paid to travel the world on a cruise ship! Sounds too good to be true, right?

Get ready to have your mind totally blown – into the water, that is – because for cruise ship crew members, getting paid to visit ports around the globe is just one of the MANY perks of cruise ship jobs.

It’s not all walking on white sand beaches and sipping on $1 cervezas, though that does happen quite a bit. Cruise ship crew play hard, it’s true, but they work hard, too.

Whether it’s the Cruise Activities Staff helping passengers have an awesome time by hosting fun activities like karaoke, pool games, or bingo, or creating the perfect signature cocktail as an onboard bartender, ANY crew member’s main duty is to create a great vacation experience for each and every guest onboard.

If providing excellent customer service while exploring new ports around the world sounds like a dream come true, maybe a life at sea is the perfect fit for you.

My Background

I can truly say that I was born with ‘sea legs’ since I spent the first 3 years of my life (from babyhood through my toddler years) on the ocean.

My father was a Captain on cargo ships, and for many of his contracts, my mother and I joined him onboard.

For the most part, we traveled along the southern coast of the US through to South America via the Panama Canal, delivering goods like Del Monte bananas.

In the early eighties, my family got off cargo ships, and my father went on to become a Marine Lawyer in the UK. My mother started her own Marine Recruitment firm in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Initially, she placed Deck and Engine Officers with a variety of shipping companies and later expanded to cruise ships, recruiting for major lines such as Princess Cruises, Cunard, V-Ships, P&O Australia, and Holland America.

When I entered university, an opportunity came up through Princess Cruises to work onboard as Seasonal Youth Activities Staff during my summer break. I jumped at the chance!

I interviewed and landed the job after an intensive screening session with the head of recruitment for Princess. I worked onboard for about 4-6 months of each school year during all class breaks, the first 5 of my 10 years at sea.

Working On A Cruise Ship: Building My Life At Sea

Once I finished university (with 3 BA’s and also a Teaching Degree), I applied for a promotion with Princess to become an onboard Professional Development Crew Trainer. It was then that I started working on cruise ships full-time.

During my first year as a Crew Trainer, I was able to make, and save, enough money to pay off ALL of my student loan debt – over $35,000!

I spent the next 3 years (years 5 through 8 onboard) as a Crew Training Officer. I was further promoted to onboard Human Resources Manager with P&O Australia (one of Princess Cruises affiliate lines) during my final 2 years at sea.

After 10 years working onboard (13 if you count my baby years at sea), I took a break from ships in 2010 to do a full season of snowboarding in one of the snow capitals of Canada: Revelstoke, BC. I met my husband within 12 weeks of being onshore, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Through 2015, I remained tied to the cruise ship industry by aiding major cruise lines with the recruitment of candidates across Canada as well as internationally via online hiring methods.

During my years onboard, as well as within shore-side recruitment, I noticed a massive gap in valid information online for prospective crew members regarding finding out exactly how to break into the cruise ship industry.

In response, I started my own company in February of 2015 to provide prospective candidates with a one-stop-shop for up-to-date and accurate cruise ship employment information as well as cruise ship cover letter creation, resume writing, and interview assistance. My clients now span the globe, working onboard with various cruise lines in their dream cruise ship jobs!

The Job

While working on a cruise ship is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and pretty luxurious (imagine port time off in Tahiti one day and an overnight in Maui a few days later), in the end, it is still a ‘job.’

If you show up onboard expecting to get weekends off and to see each and every port then you will be disappointed. Prepare yourself for 7-day work weeks, lots of split shifts, and being required to be ‘on’ all the time, even when off duty, in passenger areas. But most of all, prepare yourself for one of the BEST experiences of your LIFE!

The truth is, if you love travel, saving a ton of money, and meeting and working with amazing people, then working on a cruise ship will be one of the best career moves you will ever make.

The Choice

It wasn’t until I gave land life a go (for 5 months after I finished the last of my 4 university degrees) that I realized that a life at sea – as a career – was truly for me. As noted above, from 2000-2005, I worked seasonally onboard ships for about 4-6 months each year.

However, in 2005, I took the plunge (pun intended) and a promotion – to Crew Training Officer – and worked full-time on ships until 2010. Working onboard cruise ships may be an unconventional career, but it is one of the most fulfilling ones I know of out there.

Cruise Ship Jobs: The Types Of People You’ll Work With

One of the best parts about working cruise ship jobs is the fascinating people you meet and the lifelong friendships you build while out at sea.

I made the choice to get a life at sea after living abroad in Korea for a few years,” she says. “I was feeling displaced back home and realized that staying in one place was not conducive with my needs. One night the idea of working aboard a cruise ship came to me and I immediately applied. I’ve never looked back!

-Alana Delia, Royal Caribbean International Crew member for over 3 years

I would not trade the experiences I have had at sea for anything in the world!

– Richard Mourant, of Richard Mourant Adventure Photos, worked onboard for just over 12 years with Princess Cruises.

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 2)

Do You Have What It Takes?

Photo by Fernando Jorge on Unsplash

Heather Hathorn is the owner and operator of Page Marine Crews. After working onboard for a number of years and recruiting within the marine industry for over 30 years, she says there are three things you need to ask yourself before you make the choice to pursue a life at sea.

Do you enjoy meeting and working with diverse groups of people?
Are you flexible and adaptable?
Do you thrive in an ever-changing environment?

Throughout Heather’s decades of experience in marine recruitment, she has realized that there are common traits regarding those candidates who truly excel when it comes to working onboard cruise ships.

“They have a great level of energy and a passion for providing excellent customer service at all times,” she says. “They love travel, new cultures, and making the most out of every new experience.”

To ‘make it’ on board one should come with a very open mind and be ready to work! Know that there are good people who will come into your life and help guide you to make the transition to sea life a smooth one. Come with a “can do” attitude!

– Alana Delia

Cruise Ship Jobs: Getting Started

Decide if going to sea is the right decision for you. It’s important to be honest with yourself about the possible hardships you may experience and whether or not you see yourself excelling in such an environment.
Gather information. There is a wealth of information online regarding cruise ship employment. Go to each cruise line’s main webpage and search for their employment links.
Determine which position(s) you are best suited for. Look at all of your past employment, volunteer and/or educational experience. If you’re unsure what onboard position would best suit you, speak with a Cruise Ship Employment Specialist.

Choosing A Company

Each cruise line is different, caters to a specific market, provides a certain level of customer service, and has varying crew amenities and associated benefits.
Select lines that you feel match the type of service you want to provide to guests and what type of experience you are hoping for. For example, larger lines will offer broader itinerary/travel options, and smaller lines will offer a more ‘tight-knit’ crew atmosphere.
Hint: Revamp your resume and cater it specifically to each line you are applying for. Through your prior research, you will be able to select keywords and ideas that represent each cruise line. Use these terms throughout your resume and cover letter. This will show the recruiter that their cruise line is the one that you want to work for.
The same goes for the name of the position you are applying for. Many cruise lines utilize various titles to refer to the same role. For example, Cruise Staff can also be known as Animation Staff, Activities Staff, etc. Ensure you use the correct terminology for your role when applying to each line. This information is usually found in the career section of each cruise line’s website.

Requirements/Training

Certain roles, such as Bridge/Deck and/or Technical positions, will require post-secondary training at a certified Marine School. However, for almost every other role onboard, most cruise lines do not require any post-secondary training. Instead, cruise lines prefer to see at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in a related role ashore. For example, if you are applying for an onboard retail sales position, the cruise line will want to see that you have 1-2 years of high-end retail sales experience. You may also want to consider some additional cruise-specific training via a Tourism/Hospitality School and/or an online Cruise Ship Program.

Onboard Hierarchy

There are three main crew categories that exist onboard a cruise ship. Each category’s associated positions may differ from company to company. However, these three categories will usually always be in place.

Officer Category

This category often includes the following personnel: Deck Officers, Technical Officers, and Hotel Managers. Hotel Managers and related Officers include: Hotel Director, Cruise Director, Human Resources Manager, Crew Trainer, Ships Doctors, Security Officers, Retail Manager, Photo Manager, Casino Manager, Youth Activities Manager, etc. In addition, some entry-level positions onboard are given Officer-level status from day one. These roles can include Pursers (Hotel Front Desk), Cruise Activities Staff, and Entertainers.

Staff Category

This category often includes non-supervisory/non-managerial crew in the following divisions: Retail/Gift Shop, Photo/Video, Spa/Salon, Casino, Youth Activities Staff, Production Staff, Entertainment Staff, and sometimes Cruise Activities Staff.

Crew Category

This category often includes crew in the largest departments onboard. For example, all Housekeeping Staff, Food and Beverage Personnel, and Security Patrolmen.

How To Get Promoted On A Cruise Ship

One of the best things about working onboard a cruise ship is that promotion is NOT based on seniority. Advancements are made based on mid-term and end-of-contract evaluations. Participation in ‘Career Path Transfer Programs,’ professional development training, and registered job shadowing can also aid with a crew member’s promotional options.

As outlined above, most new-hire crew will start either at a crew or staff level and then progress to a supervisory/managerial or officer level thereafter.

Good news: Promotions can happen very quickly based on your job performance! It can also happen due to the ever-growing number of new ships being added to cruise ship fleets every single year.

The Reality Of Working At Sea

Many new crew, or ‘fresh fish,’ are unaware of the challenges they will face on board after getting a job on a cruise ship. I always inform candidates that they should expect to potentially ‘hate’ their first couple of weeks on board. New crew members are doing SO much during their initial time on board, including (but not limited to) dealing with jet lag, learning a new job, and getting used to a new living situation. Also, doing all of their additional emergency training. It is A LOT to take in. If you can make it the first 30 days, you WILL start to see and experience the benefits of working on a cruise ship.

New crew should come with the mentality that the job is very unique with a lot of cool benefits that include exploring in ports around the globe. However, it is important to remember that the job isn’t for everyone. – Alana Delia

Know that it will take you some time to adjust to the new work, environment and people,” she says. Cruise ship life is all-encompassing, so give yourself at least 2-3 weeks to find your groove, your preferences and your routine. Even though there are set times when you may have to show up for work, during your off hours, how you spend your energy is up to you. Since you’ll be surrounded by people almost 24/7, I found it very helpful to make sure that I had “me” time and took care of myself by getting outside on deck each day or escorting a FREE passenger tour ashore like ATV’ing in Alaska!

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 3)

Crew Culture

Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash

If you ask any crew member why they continue to work onboard, contract after contract, they will usually give you one or more of the following three responses:

The travel.
The money.
The community – this being one of the most important, as you are both working and living with your fellow crew for the full duration of your contract.

It comes down to the lifestyle – most just don’t want to give it up!

The Community

There are few jobs on this planet where you get to work AND live with over 50 nationalities at the same time! As a crew member, you exist in a microcosm of the entire world. Most new crew reflect on their experiences of being welcomed onboard with great fondness.

“The best part about living in a cruise ship community is having an amazing support team in the people you work with! We all work towards a common goal, so it’s always fun at work, but it’s also a blast when you get to go out in port with your friends as well,” says Michelle Hughes, Media Manager at Carnival.

In the end, ALL veteran crewmembers remember what it was like to be the ‘new guy.’ As such, all ‘newbies’ are welcomed on board with open arms no matter what race, creed, or sexual orientation. After all – you’re all in the same boat!

The Camaraderie

Working onboard a cruise ship will ensure that you quickly make some of the best and longest-lasting friendships of your life. You are all there for many of the same reasons – to travel the world, make and save money, and work with a global community. There is something so amazing about living and working in a little floating city. It truly brings everyone together.

After a few contracts, you will realize that you have friends with home bases that span the globe! During your leaves (vacation time) from the ship, you will be hard-pressed not to find a corner of the world where you have a ship friend to stay with. Working at sea isn’t just a job – it’s a way of life.

Caylon Wade, Cruise Activities Staff with Royal Caribbean International, says “I have friends ALL over the world now! If I want to go anywhere I can just pick up the phone! – Follow his adventures at sea on Instagram @caylonwade.

Work Hours At Sea

In the first contract that I completed as a seasonal Youth Activities Staff, I worked about 7-10 hours a day with 1-2 half days off, or one full day off per week, in port. If I had a full day off on the ship, I would be scheduled to work that night when the ship set sail – hence, it still was a 7-day work week.

Some cruises I worked with the 3-7 year olds, other weeks the 8-12’s and finally sometimes the 13-17 year olds. There were also times when I was assigned to supervise the pool areas or help out the Cruise Staff with hosting activities for the adult passengers onboard.

When I moved up to a Crew Training Officer role and later HR Manager, I could totally design my own schedule.

Thus, I worked around port days and ensured that I got to see each and every place the ship stopped. One of the most important things I learned during my decade at sea was that working on a cruise ship requires one to always expect the unexpected and to be flexible to all tasks requested of you. All your hard work onboard is made worthwhile each and every cruise when you take the time to experience and enjoy where your ship has brought you that day.

“Your time off is truly like a mini holiday!” – Gemma Mckeown, Youth Staff, Carnival

Whether it’s doing FREE passenger tours as a crew escort or sightseeing on your own each day, be sure to take the time to breathe in the freedom and excitement of being paid to see places and do things that many people do not get to experience in a lifetime.

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 4)

Cruise Ship Jobs Pay And Cost Of Living

Photo by Josiah Weiss on Unsplash

One of the best things about working onboard is that the cruise line provides you with your room and board. As a result, your living expenses are pretty much zero, save for the minimal cost of crew internet and satellite phone cards ($10-$20 each for 2-5 hours of time) and your crew bar tab. (FYI – drinks in the crew bar, on average, are about $1-2 each.)

Working on a cruise ship is one of the quickest ways that I know of to save nearly ALL of your earnings! You just don’t have the type of bills that most people on land have. You’re not paying for rent, food, cable, gas, a car – the list goes on! Many crew who make working at sea their ‘career’ pay off MASSIVE amounts of student debt in short amounts of time and buy homes and businesses outright upon their return to land life.

It doesn’t cost you anything to work onboard. I loved it! I spent 7 years out there. I travelled the world and met my fiancé! Working on ships bought me a house!” – James Taylor, Casino Dealer/Manager for both Carnival and Royal Caribbean International

The Pay

Most new-hire crew will start in the $1000-$1,500 USD a month range. To those working on land this may sound like a low monthly starting salary, however, if you take into account that you will actually be SAVING MOST, if not ALL, of this amount per month then working at sea starts to make a whole lot of sense.

If candidates question about the starting salary during the interview process I usually ask them this simple question:

“Can you tell me that after your pay for ALL of your monthly expenses working on land that you SAVE – free & clear – more than $1,000 USD?”

Most of the time, the answer is ‘NO.’

I then remind them that they will be doing this for six months (which is the length of a typical cruise ship contract). Now, isn’t that a nice little nest egg to come home with? Moreover, when you reach a supervisory or managerial level, onboard salaries can triple, quadruple, and skyrocket even further.

To give you an idea, I started my 10 years at sea as a youth activities staff member in the $1,200 USD a month range. Five years later, my salary tripled when I was promoted to Crew Training Officer. By the time I finished up on ships after 10 years at sea, I was making almost six times what I started at.

The Costs – Docs & Uniform

As a new crew member, you will be required to organize and pay for a variety of documents prior to joining your assigned ship.

I recommend that you have your passport processed, up to date, and ready prior to even starting the cruise line application process.
C1D1 Visa – If you are from a country other than the US or Canada, you will be required to obtain a C1D1 Visa if you are working for a cruise line with a head office based in the USA. Once you are provided with an ‘Offer Of Hire Letter’ from your cruise line, you will be able to book an appointment at your local US Consulate to obtain a C1D1 Visa. Pricing varies based on your country of origin.
Pre-Employment Medical Check. Again, this is not something you will do until you have been offered employment with a cruise line. Each line has different medical requirements, and as such, pricing and processing will vary. Typically, cruise line medicals are valid for a 2-year period. The medical check allows for your FREE medical coverage while you work onboard. It is a good idea to keep your own medical coverage going, though, for your own use when you are home on leave. The company will not provide for your medical needs when you are on vacation in between contracts.
Pre-Employment Criminal Records Check. Again, this is not something you will do until you have been officially offered employment with a cruise line. Each line has different criminal check requirements, and as such, pricing and processes will vary. Typically, criminal checks are valid for a 1-year period with most companies.
Uniform. Once you are offered employment, your cruise line administrator will inform you of any uniform requirements. In most cases, the line will provide you with your uniform, with the exception of uniform shoes. You will be responsible for purchasing appropriate uniform shoes and the associated correct colors of socks, nylons, etc.
Additionally, for some roles, such as Cruise Activities Staff, you may be required to provide your own theme night costumes. Your administrator will inform you of specifics should you require additional outfits outside the standard-issued uniform.

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 5)

Preparing For The Unknown

Photo by Fernando Jorge on Unsplash

A crew member’s life is lived primarily on the water. Those who have chosen a career at sea may or may not have a primary residence. They often spend their 8-10 weeks off in between contracts traveling or visiting/staying with family.

It is a good idea prior to departing, to assess for yourself what it is that you truly want to focus on for the duration of your contract. Will it be the travel? Saving money? Or, just having a good old time? Honing in on your goals before departure will help you stay motivated during your time away at sea.

Necessary Certifications

As noted above, most cruise lines do not require any post-secondary training for their non-deck or technical-related positions. Prospective crew will want to focus on gaining the right kind of experience prior to applying. i.e., 1-2 years of relevant and related shore-side experience and perhaps some additional cruise-specific training.

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 6)

Getting A Job With A Cruise Line

Photo by James Thomas on Unsplash

Some cruise lines prefer that you apply directly to their main offices. Others will prefer that you apply via their official hiring partners in your home country. Still, others want you to go through a specific concession agency. Application information can be found on their website via each cruise line’s career or employment section.

Have all your documents ‘ready to go’ upon applying. For example, a passport, resume, references etc. I submitted all of my required documents all at once. This moved my application process along very quickly and in my favour.

– Alana Delia

I think that the key to success in a cruise ship application and interview process is to do the research on life at sea before you start and see if it actually is for you. I knew exactly what I was getting into and some of that advice came from Amanda..so I had a positive attitude going in.

– Michelle Hughes, Media Manager, Carnival.

Taking the Leap

The first step to gaining a position on board a cruise ship is to start talking to people who are already doing it or have done it. Reach out to friends, family members, and crew forums, and do some YouTube searches on cruise ship jobs and employment.

Contact your country’s official hiring partners and speak with a Cruise Ship Employment Specialist. These specialists have not only worked onboard but have also been involved with recruitment as well.

The whole service that Amanda at Get a Life at Sea offers from sharing her knowledge of the industry to identifying target employers to customizing your resume and cover letter is great! The positive encouragement she provides is also invaluable. I would definitely recommend her services to others. Amanda is like a guide to those trying to find their way in the wilderness!” – Dean Davis, Human Resources Manager, Carnival.

The Cruise Life

Working on a cruise ship will open up travel opportunities to you on every continent in the world. Some of the most popular cruising destinations include the Caribbean, the Mexican Rivera, Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, the South Pacific (including New Zealand & Australia), South America, South Africa, and Antarctica.

Working on board a cruise ship not only fully funds your travels but also allows you to save almost everything you make while working in a unique and multicultural environment. On top of that, you’ll have the opportunity to visit ports around the globe that passengers honestly save up for YEARS to experience. Your life truly becomes better than almost everyone’s vacation.

How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship (Part 7)

What Is It That Keeps Crew Coming Back?

Photo by Carolina Cagigas on Unsplash

For me personally, it was the fact that working on board wasn’t just a ‘job’ or ‘career’ – it was a way of life! Your home truly became wherever the anchor dropped.

But don’t take my word for it…

Michelle Hughes has continued working on ships as Media Manager with Carnival “because it’s different and exciting each time the ship stops!”

My favourite tour experiences happened in Alaska! I saw wild grizzly bears and also got to take a massively discounted helicopter tour to go dogsledding on a glacier!”

– James Taylor, Casino Manager, Royal Caribbean International.

My favorite thing about working on board is that almost everyday I woke up in a new city. I also loved meeting people and making friends from all around the world.”

-Anita Wing Lee, Seasonal Youth Staff, Princess Cruises.

On land whenever you are off work everything in life feels like a task that you have to do. When you are on a ship your time off is truly your time off to do anything you want to do, whether it’s going to the beach or taking a shore excursion!

-Gemma, Mackeown, Youth Staff, Carnival.

You get to travel the world! I’m in my bliss right now – it’s awesome!

-Caylon Wade, Cruise Activities Staff, Royal Caribbean International.

It is one of the most fantastic experiences available on the planet at the moment. I would advise that everyone out there have a go at this!

-Richard Mourant, Photo Manager, Princess Cruises.

About The Author

Amanda sailed the world for over a decade, working in various onboard roles with multiple cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Cunard, Royal Caribbean International, and P&O Australia. After she got off ships in 2010, Amanda moved into shore-side cruise ship recruitment, hiring for one of Canada’s most established cruise line partners for another 6 years.

From 2015 to 2020, she owned her own cruise ship employment information, consultation, and resume design business. She helped adventurers successfully navigate the cruise line application and interview process to get paid to travel the world.

Amanda resides in the ski capital of North America, Revelstoke, BC, Canada, with her Mountain Guide husband Alex and 3-year-old son Dax.

Want more travel jobs? Check out the resources below.

How To Become A River Rafting Guide

How To Break Into Event Touring

17 Ways To Find Thousands Of Travel Jobs Around The World

The post How To Get A Job On A Cruise Ship appeared first on Zero to Travel.

Behind The Scenes With Adventure Travel Journalist Jayme Moye

Jason Moore — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 11:30:00 +0000

What do you like about Adventure Travel?

How does immersion change you?

Today you’ll hear all about adventure travel and different ways that immersion can change you…from an award-winning professional adventure travel journalist.

Please welcome Jayme Moye back to the show! Learn more about her work here.

The first show we did together was insanely popular as she gave industry tips and secrets to succeed as a professional travel writer. Check out ‘How To Become a Professional Travel Writer’ (in resources or archives) after listening to today’s show!

Today we are going deeper into the world of travel writing and she’s going to share with us a behind the scenes look at the reality of collaborating with top climber Hans Florine to write On the Nose: A Lifelong Obsession With Yosemite’s Most Iconic Climb.

Gear Up To Learn:

How to get started and make a name for yourself (as a writer)
Tips for getting started in freelance writing
How your chameleonesque element can help you
How travel can really shake up your world
What is El Capitan and the mystique around The Nose
How to get some of the best journalism
What makes you a stronger person (when it comes to adventures)
How to break out of your mold (and push out of your comfort zone)
Why taking calculated risks can serve you well
The best piece of advice to ensure success (when collaborating)
And so much more!

Resources:

Be sure to check out the archives for more Zero To Travel Podcasts!

* Amazon references contain affiliate links – if you decide to purchase anything through those links I’ll receive a small commission at no extra charge and you’ll be supporting my work. Thanks!

The post Behind The Scenes With Adventure Travel Journalist Jayme Moye appeared first on Zero to Travel.

Travel Jobs Series: How To Become A Whitewater Rafting Guide + The Game of Life

Jason Moore — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 11:30:00 +0000

What is one way to add more travel into your life?

Tune in to find out!

Today you are going to get the goods on travel jobs. And you’ll get to learn about those super cool seasonal jobs like a whitewater rafting guide!

Plus, how do you deal with a difficult decision to leave a career for travel?

My guest today shares her story and experience in doing just that. She’s an experienced river raft guide, freelance journalist, and an outdoor adventure seeker. She’ll tell you how to become a river rafting guide, plus how to get the best whitewater rafting jobs in the world.

Please welcome Juniper Rose to the show. You can learn about her and her adventures here.

Listen Now To Learn:

The hardest part of actually leaving a job
What gives you the ability to leave a job
How to transition to life on the road
Great tips for making money while traveling
The changes that have to take place to get out and travel more
How to become a rock star of the river
What it really takes to be a whitewater rafting guide
How to stand out (in the competitive whitewater rafting guide industry)
The best part of the mysterious river raft guide world
What it means to win in travel and in life
Plus so much more!

Resources:

Be sure to check out the archives for more Zero To Travel Podcasts!

The post Travel Jobs Series: How To Become A Whitewater Rafting Guide + The Game of Life appeared first on Zero to Travel.