1. Cruise Staff
The Cruise Director oversees all entertainment on the ship and usually has a background in entertainment, although it's possible to work up to this position from within the company. Strong organisational abilities and an extrovert personality are important. The Cruise Director is assisted by the Assistant Cruise Director and Social Hostess, who will have the same skills and an entertainment background.
Additionally, Cruise Staff are responsible for organising passengers and running some of the events, such as competitions. Entertainment experience of some sort is usually preferred.
Other specific roles include Fitness Instructors, Disc Jockeys and Children's Co-ordinators. Relevant experience is required. Diving Instructors need to have relevant qualifications and first aid and safety certificates.
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2. Hotel Staff
Specialist experience and relevant qualifications (degrees) are needed for the positions of the ship's Chief Purser, who supervises all departments apart from engine and deck, and Deputy Purser, who oversees daily activities of this office. The Purser and Assistant Purser also assist with front desk, passenger-facing work, particularly in relation to accommodation. The Crew Purser oversees administration of the crew and needs relevant experience or a qualification.
Additionally, the Excursions Manager and their Assistant oversee all aspects of the trips at ports of call, from promotion to the passengers, taking bookings and making all arrangements. Related tourism experience is necessary, along with experience on a cruise ship excursion team.
Housekeeping is critical. The Head Housekeeper and Assistant Head Housekeeper need to have onshore hotel experience of a similar nature. Floor Supervisors, who are responsible for cleanliness and order of designated accommodation floors, also need prior hotel experience. The Head Cabin Steward needs prior hotel or cruise ship experience, while the Cabin Steward and Stewarding team can commence without experience.
Other roles that can be taken up without directly relevant experience include Cleaning staff, Linen staff and Pool Attendants. The Head of Room Service, Laundry Supervisor and their assistants need relevant experience.
3. Food and Beverage Staff
The Head Chef oversees all menu planning, food preparation staff and quality control. Cruise ship and hotel or similar experience is needed, although with formal chef qualifications. The Assistant Head Chef requires similar experience and oversees daily operations while assisting the Head Chef.
The First Chef supervises the other food preparation staff and oversees daily catering. They also need cruise ship and hotel or restaurant experience, plus formal qualifications.
Roles requiring solid experience include Dining Room Head Waiter, Bar Accountant and Bar Manager.
Positions requiring little or no experience include Buffet Steward and Stewardess, Bar Person, Bar Utility (cleans and maintains order of bars), Dining Room Waiter or Waitress and Assistant Waiter and Waitresses.