How do I get a job in the cruise industry? Here’s the answer to the question I’m most often asked

Every day I get messages via social media asking for my help in getting a job in the cruise industry.

As a journalist, I have nothing to do with recruitment. I also have no influence whatsoever with the cruise lines – no private contacts, no secret email addresses – that I can offer. Everything I can suggest is out there on the worldwide web.

However, I’d have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by some of the desperate pleas from would-be crew wanting to provide for their families.

Despite the perception by some that working on cruise ships is often long hours for low pay – on top of the sacrifice of spending months away from loved ones – for thousands, it’s a dream job that allows them to send money home to fund their children’s education or to save up towards a house or business.

Feeding on this demand are heartless scammers who take money from people who can’t afford it with the promise of fake jobs. Even my identity has been stolen and used by these frauds. Always beware of anything that looks or sounds suspicious!

Here are the verified links you should use:

For Carnival Corporation (Aida, Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival UK, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, P&O Cruises Australia, P&O Cruises UK, Princess and Seabourn), click here

For Royal Caribbean Group (Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, TUI and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises), click here

For Norwegian Cruise Line, click here

For MSC Cruises, click here

Other lines (click on highlighted words for email or website links):

Ambassador: onboardrecruitment@ambassadorcruiseline.com

American Cruise Lines (Please note: This line only employs US citizens or Green Card holders)

Azamara

Disney

Emerald Cruises and Scenic Group

Fred Olsen

Oceania

Regent Seven Seas

SeaDream

Viking

Virgin

Other places to try:

Viking Crew (not to be confused with Viking Cruises)

V Group

Do you have any other suggestions for trusted recruiters in the cruise industry? Please reply in the comments section