Scotty 21 asked:
All advertisements seem to be for Bar Managers and Food and Beverage Managers. Although I am currently a Bar Manager, I have never worked on ships before and would love to find a job as a Bar Man on a cruise ship.
All advertisements seem to be for Bar Managers and Food and Beverage Managers. Although I am currently a Bar Manager, I have never worked on ships before and would love to find a job as a Bar Man on a cruise ship.
Maybe it’s just the phrasing of the job title. Looka little deeper at the content of the jobs advertised and apply for the ones that are suitable.
I guess it depends where you are looking for this position. Did you check the individual websites of the different cruise lines ? There you should find under Employment, Jobs, Fun Jobs, Career etc the open positions for Bartender.
Do your research and try to find out as much information about the cruise lines as possible. Search the Internet and have a look in the library. Perhaps you will be asked about the cruise company at the interview.
Write a resume (curriculum vitae). Send your resume with a cover letter to a recruitment agent or a cruise line company. Highlight the most important points in the covering letter, briefly stating what makes you a great candidate for the position.
You will be given/sent application forms if the recruitment agent or personnel department of the cruise line company assess your resume positively. Read the forms carefully. Fill them in, express yourself concisely and clearly. Attach the resume and the covering letter with the form, even if you have sent the resume earlier.
If the cruise lines are looking for a person with your qualities, education and experience, you will be invited for interview. The interviewer will try to find out about your experience, abilities, education and motivation for the job.
If you are successful, you will get a Letter of Employment a few weeks after the interview. The letter of employment includes information about the cruise ship, the date and place of embarkation, your job position and other instructions.
You will need to go for a medical examination and get the internationally recognised medical certificate.
If your cruise ship is calling at a US port/ports and you are a non-US citizen, you will have to apply for the US visa type C1 (transit visa) and D (for the seamen), since most cruise ships depart from the USA. If you have been hired through the recruitment agent, they will apply for the US visas on your behalf. Read more about the visas and work permits.
You will sign a contract, usually for 6 months, which you may prolong for up to 10 months upon agreement with your cruise line. A compulsory break (from 6 to 8 weeks) follows upon completion of your duties. If your work has been satisfactory, you will be offered another contract after the break.
-Michael