F.A.Q on processing
Ships sail around the world and visit exciting and unique destinations.
Regardless of the position for which you are applying, to qualify for shipboard employment you must have a valid passport, and the ability to:
- Obtain a C1D visa (unless you are Canadian or a US citizen or resident)
- Pass Pre-employment medical examination.
- Obtain relevant itinerary-driven visas (i.e. Schengen).
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Obtain a seamen's book
A C1D visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by US embassies around the world. This visa allows crew members to transit through US ports. If offered a position, a company will provide a letter to support your application. This visa is not required for Canadians or US citizens or residents. .
Some nationalities are required to obtain this visa in order to enter countries that are part of the Schengen territory, in Europe. We can help you determine if you need to apply for a Schengen visa.
A letter of employment (LOE) is a document provided by Company (or us) that states the date you are scheduled to join our team, the vessel you are joining, and the position for which you have been hired. You must have this document available at all times when travelling to join the ship.
All crew members will be required to complete an extensive pre-employment medical examination prior to joining the ship. In most cases, the examination is at the employees' expense. The examination can be conducted through your own doctor or one of the recommended medical facilities. Once the medical examination is complete and approved by the company corporate medical department, employees will be cleared to travel. This medical documentation will then be valid for two years.
English is the official language onboard all the vessels, therefore, all employees must be able to read, write and speak English. Some positions have specific language requirements, but in general English is sufficient; however, because of our international guests and exciting itineraries, it is helpful if you speak additional languages, including (but certainly not limited to): Italian, German, French, and Spanish. Additional language skills are always a plus!
Companies welcome couples onboard. However, each applicant is assessed individually based on his/her qualifications, and although every effort is made to accommodate couples to be assigned to the same ship, we cannot guarantee that they will be assigned to the same ship within a certain period of time, since - as is understandable - business needs take precedence.
Of course! Crew's safety and wellbeing is our highest priority. Should employees become ill while onboard, each ship has a team of dedicated medical professionals that will provide assistance at not cost to the crew member. However, while the medical team is ready to assist in any urgent situation, they shouldn't be considered your primary medical care provider. It is important to join the ship healthy and ready to work. If you have any prescriptions that have been cleared as part of your pre employment medical exam, those should be filled for the duration of your assignment before you join. It can be very expensive to fill prescriptions in many ports of call.
As a team, we like to project a consistent and professional image; this is why we have carefully chosen a uniform for each position onboard. Uniforms will be provided onboard, and though the cost will be subsidized by the company, some crew members must purchase part of their uniforms as well. Your recruiter will discuss this with you in more detail.
A contract ranges anywhere from three to approximately six months, depending on the position. Most senior management roles have 4-month contracts while most of the rest of the positions have 6-month contracts. Employees live onboard for the total length of their contracts.
Sure! Because ships have guests onboard 7 days a week, you may not get a 24-hour period off; however, you will still have time to rest, visit the ports, and participate in fun events.
In the case of family emergencies, the company will make every effort to accommodate the crew member's requests.
Once you have been offered a position, you will be advised which ship you will be joining. Please keep in mind that assignments are provided based on business needs!
Depending on your location and the ship's location, you may fly to the nearest airport. In most cases, this will be at the crewmembers' expense for the first contract. Once employees successfully complete their first contract, transportation is provided by the company.
Since cabin space is very limited, it is recommended that employees bring only what is needed. If you are flying, you may want to check the luggage allowance with the airline. Some suggestions would be: Clothing: jeans and/ or long pants, sweater, shirts, belt(s), shorts and t-shirts, appropriate shoes, tennis and/or beach shoes, and swimsuit Toiletry: deodorant, razors, brush/comb, toothbrush/paste, shampoo, shaving cream, sunblock. Other: travel alarm clock, medication, beach towel, camera, walkman//MP3 player, and hair dryer.
Objects that may represent a hazard are prohibited. Examples include weapons, clothing irons, hot plates, candles, incense, and any other items that may create a fire hazard, or are deemed unsafe by shipboard security. (Curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers are allowed.)
Forget about paying rent! Companies provide accommodations for all shipboard employees. Depending on your position you may share your cabin with a fellow crewmember. Because space is limited onboard, cabins and bathrooms are relatively small compared to land-based accommodations, but don't worry there are plenty amenities for you to enjoy when you are off duty.
Working onboard is a great opportunity not only to grow professionally, but also to make friends from all over the world. While different cultures act differently and sometimes it takes time to adjust, we believe that being open and respectful always leads to good relationships. Communication is usually the key to get along with your roommate; however, if for some reason you don't feel comfortable you can check with supervisor who will try to facilitate a cabin switch.
Employees are paid in cash U.S. dollars twice a month.
You may wire transfer money to your land-based bank account. Please note that a nominal fee applies.
For U.S. citizens and residents, federal taxes are automatically deducted from pay. All other employees are responsible for filing their own taxes upon returning to their home country.
We suggest you bring at least $200-300 cash in U.S. dollars and/or a major credit card, to cover out-of-pocket expenses during travel and before receiving your first pay.
Onboard chefs create for the crew a variety of dishes from different parts of the world, providing options for a healthy and well-balanced diet. All meals are served at the staff dining room and are free.
Yes, there are laundry facilities available for the crew. They include washers and dryers that are free of charge. Uniforms are dry cleaned at no charge to the employee; dry cleaning for personal items is available for a nominal fee.
Cabins offer US 110V and 220V outlets.
Yes, each ship has an internet café that is available to employees, with several computers that have internet access (nominal per-minute fees apply). For those who would like to bring their own laptop, WI-FI spots are also available (same per-minute fees apply).
It is expensive to place and receive calls from the ship. However, if you wish to call your family or friends, calling cards are available and calls can be placed from the crew cabins.
Yes! Each ship has a P.O. Box address that you can use as your mailing address. Mail is usually received at every homeport and is distributed as soon as possible.
Cell phone service is available onboard; however, international roaming rates do apply. You may want to check the rates with your provider before using your cell phone.
The Crew Shop is a general store for crew on every ship. It sells all sorts of things you might want during a contract and charges low prices too.
The gift shop is available to crewmembers during certain designated hours. Employees are mostly entitled to a 20% discount.
Definitely! When you are not on duty, you are welcome to explore the amazing destinations we visit. Just make sure you are back on time!
As a service to our guests, we offer organized tours when visiting the ports. If space is available, employees are welcome to enjoy the excursions at a discounted price.
All of the companies a drug-free companies, and they have a zero tolerance policy for consumption or possession of illegal substances.
When off duty, employees are allowed to smoke in the designated smoking areas. Smoking in crew cabins is prohibited.
As part of company, they offer different discount programs for their employees and their families. Depending on your position, you may have to wait for some time before qualifying for this benefit.
They have a crew activities team onboard each ship in charge of hosting different events for our crew. From parties to sport tournaments, all activities are designed for our crew to enjoy life onboard.
Access to guest areas will depend on your position. Please check with your supervisor. If you are allowed to visit guest areas, please keep in mind that guests always come first! Casinos, guest swimming pools, and whirlpools are for guest use only.
Yes! Each ship is equipped with a crew gym. They encourage you to take advantage of it and work out at your leisure.
Yes, there are different types of areas where you can socialize with your colleagues, including the crew bar, and other lounges and common crew areas.
Employees can apply for a one-day visitors' pass for family and friends; this must be requested with advanced notice. Please check with your supervisor for more details.
Each ship features a spa and hair salon onboard, and treatments are offered at a discounted price to crewmembers. Appointments are necessary and, as expected, guests have priority.
In the unlikely case of an emergency, you need to be ready. Therefore, all crewmembers must attend emergency training, and are required to participate in boat drills.
Assignments are based on many factors, and priority is understandably given to business need. Generally, there are periods where an individual is assigned to a particular ship, in order to provide an opportunity for the teams to build relationships and consistency. However, as with every aspect of shipboard life, flexibility is key. You might be transferred to another ship as necessary.
No, all the tools you need to perform your job will be provided by the company.
Ask Your Question
We look forward to helping you better understand what to expect once you join the ship. Please use below button if you want to chat with us.
We'll get back to you as soon as posible.