A cruise ship DJ spins during deck parties, poolside, and in the shipboard nightclubs. They entertain guests from all over the world and from all walks of life, with music from the 50’s to today. A cruise ship DJ differs from other DJ jobs with the challenge of playing to a fixed audience of passengers. Additionally, a cruise ship DJ is usually expected to perform Cruise Staff duties while not acting as the in-house DJ.
To be considered for a DJ / Cruise Staff position, candidates should have at least two years of professional DJ experience at corporate parties, weddings, or hosting karaoke. The applicant must have a thorough knowledge of a variety of musical genres from 50’s classics to current music trends. The applicant must have full mixing capabilities, the ability to operate a variety of sound and lighting equipment, as well as the knack to orchestrate an energetic atmosphere.
In preparation for applying for a DJ job on a cruise ship, you should consider building your application package. Most recruiters are going to expect you to provide them with a recorded video of one of your live performances as well as an audio file of an “Open Format” music mix. Your video should showcase your crowd interaction, sound and microphone ability, whereas the audio file will highlight your timing, transitions, and flow of music.
The career path of someone pursuing the cruise ship job of DJ may lead to the position of the Cruise Director. Overall, cruise lines are looking for strong, entertaining personalities that are confident on a microphone. Here are a list of the major cruise lines and details on how to apply as DJ.
Carnival Cruise Lines – Carnival Cruise Lines, in partnership with DJ Irie Spiniversity (DJ academy at sea), trains DJs to work onboard Carnival Cruise Lines various cruises. To be considered for employment as a Carnival Cruise Lines DJ, visit Carnival Cruise Lines entertainment website and apply online.
Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Cruises lists their current Job Openings on their employment website and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online. The position of DJ falls under the category of Cruise Activities, but DJ’s are also expected to perform Activities Staff duties. Celebrity Cruises has a global network of hiring partners to assist in meeting their recruitment goals. If you don’t see a job posting for a position that matches your qualifications, check with a Celebrity Cruises’ hiring partner.
Crystal Cruises – Crystal Cruises does not contract dedicated cruise staff members. Production team dancers serve as onboard facilitators of quizzes, cocktail parties, occasional library duty and Bingo sessions.
Cunard Line – Visit the Carnival UK Careers website for more information about applying for a cruise ship job as a DJ with Cunard Line. The Cunard DJ introduces acts to the stage each night, manages and performs on the ship’s radio station and creates play lists for themed night and parties. Additionally, DJs are also expected to perform Entertainment Officer (Cruise Staff) duties. Applicants may view current vacancies and apply online as well as register their personal details with the Carnival UK database for job alerts.
Disney Cruise Line – Disney Cruise Line’s Entertainment Operations, led by the Cruise Director, are comprised of more than 50 positions including DJ. This position is a part of the “Cruise Staff” team, catering to an adult and/or family audience. When not acting as the in-house DJ, this cruise job also performs Cruise Staff duties and assists the Entertainment Hosts and the Port Adventures operation. Applicants can apply online through Disney’s job website or contact a Disney “procurement ally” in your region.
Holland America Line – Candidates desiring employment as DJ / Cruise Staff with Holland America should visit Holland America’s entertainment job pages.
Norwegian Cruise Line – To apply to Norwegian Cruise Line as DJ, visit Norwegian’s employment pages. Norwegian’s website features current shipboard positions available. Applicants may attach their resume in an email along with a cover letter to be considered for a personal or webcam interview. Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line has recruiting agents throughout the world. If you are from one of the countries that they list on their website, submit your resume to the hiring partner in your region.
Oceania Cruises – To apply for a cruise ship job as Social Hostess with Oceania Cruises, visit the employment pages of their website. At the bottom right hand side of their website, click on the ‘Ship Position’ tab for a list of current job openings. Next click on the job title you want to apply for. Applicants may apply through Oceania’s online application form.
P&O Cruises – Visit the Carnival UK Careers website for more information about applying for a cruise ship job as a DJ with P&O Cruises. The DJ introduces acts to the stage each night, manages and performs on the ship’s radio station and creates play lists for themed night and parties. Additionally, DJs are also expected to perform Entertainment Officer (Cruise Staff) duties. Applicants may view current vacancies and apply online as well as register their personal details with the Carnival UK database for job alerts.
Princess Cruises – Some of Princess Cruises’ vessels require a Cruise Staff/DJ position. This individual will provide DJ responsibilities along with duties as performed by Cruise Staff. Princess Cruises cooperates with a world-wide network of Recruitment Partners to hire DJ / Cruise Staff for their onboard entertainment departments. Contact the recruitment agency that is closest to your permanent residence.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises – To apply for a cruise ship job as a Social Hostess, visit the Regent Seven Seas Cruises website’s employment pages. Select the option “Ship” for a list of job vacancies. Applicants may apply online for their selected choice.
Royal Caribbean – Royal Caribbean lists their current “Job Openings” on their employment website and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online. The position of DJ falls under the category of Cruise Activities, but DJ’s are also expected to perform Activities Staff duties. Royal Caribbean has a global network of hiring partners to assist in meeting recruitment goals. If you don’t see a job posting for a position that matches your qualifications, check with one of Royal Caribbean’s hiring partners in your region.
Seabourn – Seabourn recruits for the cruise ship job Assistant Cruise Director and Cruise Director. Email [email protected] if you are interested in one of their shipboard entertainment positions.