INTERESTED IN WORKING ONBOARD A ROYAL CARIBBEAN OR CELEBRITY CRUISELINER? HERE ARE SOME FACTS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS THAT MAY HELP YOU DECIDE IF WORKING AT SEA IS FOR YOU.

Is there an age requirement?
Yes, you must be at least 21 years old to apply.

What kind of jobs are available?
There are mainly 4 departments in which jobs are available, namely:

• Food & Beverage (waiters, chefs, bar staff)
• Casino operations (Croupiers & slot technicians)
• Entertainment (Sound & light technicians, Audiovisual specialists)
• Concessions ( Gift shops, Photography and Salon Services - these are NOT operated by the cruise lines themselves but rather outsourced to independent concessionaires )

For the F&B or Casino departments, 2 years recent work experience is required (For example, in large restaurants, hotels or casinos). There are also occasionally jobs in departments such as entertainment, Guest-Relations and Youth Programs. Children's hosts (Youth Staff) must have a college degree in Education, Psychology or Recreation and 2 years experience working with children.

Are there any costs involved?
As a Newly Hired crewmember, you must pay:

• Your own airticket to the ship. (Budget about R7000-R8000 for this)
• Your medical examination. (Up to 2500)
• Your crew visa.(Approx R1000)
• Foreign exchange (About $200)

What are the working hours like?
The ship is constantly cruising, and there are almost always guests onboard, so hours are long. Expect to work every day of your contract, about 70 hours per week in F&B and approximately 55-60 hours per week in other departments. Shore-leave is limited to a few hours a day, if and when the ship is in port..

How much can I earn?
Depending on position, from $1000 up to $2000 per month (on average).

Can couples apply?
Each applicant is considered on his/her individual merits. Generally this is not suited for couples unless both applicants have very similar qualifications and can therefore be grouped in the same department.

How long is the contract?
Most contracts are 6-8months long with 6-8 week vacations. Contracts are usually renewable.

What are the visa requirements?
Crew visas (American C1/D) can only be arranged once a job offer has been made, and a "Letter of Employment" has been Issued.

How long does it take to get hired.
If you meet the job requirements & depending on the time of the year , it can take between 2 months & 6 months to get hired so apply early!

How do I apply?
If you want to apply for any positions in the F&B, Guest Relations, Retail Shops or Casino Operations departments, then you must mail (or e-mail) your up-to-date CV, along with any references or certificates that you may have, to the Royal Caribbean International / Starboard Cruise Services hiring agent at the following address:

Hiring Partner:
Royal Caribbean / Celebrity
South Africa / Shipboard Human Resources
P.O.Box 984 Seapoint 8060
E-mail: amir@global.co.za

Hiring Partner:
Crystal Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, SeaDream & Silversea Cruises
Gourmet Recruitment International
P.O.Box 1046, Hilton, 3245
E-mail: Samantha@grisa.co.za

TIP: Try and include an e-mail address on your CV if possible, making it easier and faster for us to reply.

N.B. Please note that we cannot reply to each application immediately.