Careers or jobs in the cruise line entertainment industry offer amazing benefits and incentives including world travel and cultural experience not found on land.
Why Work for the Cruise Line Industry?
There are few career opportunities available in which you are offered all-expense paid trips around the globe -- in addition to your salary! The cruise line industry offers the opportunity for workers to explore exotic locales and expand their horizons. Small ships tend to have a tight-knit crew that interacts daily with one another. Gigantic theme ships, on the other hand, are like small cities! In either case, working onboard in the cruise line industry is not simply a way to make a living. It is a multicultural adventure, guaranteed to provide unique experiences and lasting memories. Entertainers in the cruise line industry enjoy additional privileges that are not available to the regular crew.
Benefits and Incentives
Specific salaries and benefits are negotiated upon offer of a contract and may vary depending upon the position and the cruise line offering employment. Most positions onboard a cruise ship offer salaries and benefits, such as medical insurance, that are comparable to land-based positions. However, additional incentives apply to cruise ship positions. These incentives include:
Roundtrip airfare to the port of embarkment and home.
Free food and onboard lodging.
Opportunities to travel around the globe.
Additionally, entertainers are allowed to frequent the areas on the ship that are normally reserved for paying passengers. Although professionalism is expected at all times, entertainers are often encouraged to mingle with guests. Entertainers are free to dine in the guest area and utilize guest fitness facilities.
Cruise ship entertainers are also contracted to work a specific number of hours. Many entertainers only work part-time and they enjoy more freedom than the standard crew. Most crew members can expect to work up to twelve or more hours per day and are often cross-trained in multiple areas of the ship. Entertainers, on the other hand, are paid to do what they have trained for and what they enjoy doing. Considering that all expenses are paid for, and the bulk of time is spent aboard the ship, it can be easy to save money while enjoying the trip.
The Downside of Cruising
There are downsides to working for the cruise line industry. You are contracted to work for a specific time period, lasting from several weeks to several months. During this time, there is limited access to friends and family. Internet access is not available, for general use, due to costs. There usually isn't any kind of cell phone access. Cabin space is typically shared between two or more people. The ship is buzzing with activity, night and day, and it can be overwhelming for some people.
Cruise Line Entertainment Positions
Virtually any entertainment gig found on land can also be found at sea. Generally, the number of jobs in the entertainment industry is expected remain stable over the next few years. The amusement and recreation industry is growing rapidly, however, and entertainment positions in these areas are expected to rise. The main cruise ship entertainment positions include:
Dancers and Choreographers - these positions require years of intense training and experience with large productions.
Show Bands - these positions require professional experience and excellent sight-reading ability. They provide the music for the large onboard productions.
Guest Entertainers - these positions feature a male or female solo performer who is able to perform shows suitable for a widely diverse audience.
Lounge Performers/Singers - these positions are typically require years of experience and the ability to perform in a wide range of musical styles. The performers provide their own music and/or instruments.
Lounge Groups - these positions are for small bands, typically 2 to 6 performers, with professional experience.
Casino Dealers - these positions require at least 2 years of experience leading games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps.
Photographers - these positions require a professional portfolio and strong social skills. Cruise line photographers must be able to persuade guests to have their photos taken for souvenirs. Photographers must provide and maintain their own equipment.
Applying for a Cruise Line Position
Just like the land-based positions, applicants for the cruise line entertainment industry must be prepared for an audition. While some cruise lines contract directly, others go through talent agencies for their entertainers. A quick peek at the cruise line's website will generally provide information about application procedures. Cruise line positions are highly coveted, especially in entertainment, so be sure that your resume or portfolio is complete. You want to stand out from the crowd and get noticed!
Cruise lines tend to be very strict about their application procedures. They are so overwhelmed with resumes that they simply scrap any that do not meet their requirements. Confirmation of receipt and rejection letters is unusual. Generally, you will not hear anything unless you are invited to proceed to the next step of the application process. It is vital that your application package is complete, accurate, and sent to the right place.
A World of Opportunity
If you have the experience and the talent to land a gig onshore, then you might consider applying for the unique experience that only the cruise line industry can offer. During contract negotiations, opt for the shortest time commitment possible. This is typically one season, or three months. This will give you enough time to get a feel for the job. If it isn't for you, then you can walk away. On the other hand, you may fall in love with the job. This initial experience will improve your chances of receiving subsequent contracts. You can explore the world, meet hundreds of new people, and build a career in cruise entertainment.
