Cruise Staff (aka: Activities Staff, Entertainment Staff, Social Host, Entertainment Officer) is the face of the cruise ship’s onboard entertainment. While conducting daily activities, these outgoing individuals energize guests to participate in everything from pool games to cocktail-making demonstrations. While hosting evening entertainment, they greet passengers at the theatre doors and introduce the musicians, dancers, and specialty to acts the audience.
The career path of someone pursuing the cruise ship job of Cruise Staff leads to the position of the Cruise Director. Not everyone that gets hired as Cruise Staff has the exact same background. Some applicants may have theatre or performing experience, while others may have work experience in community recreation programs. Overall, cruise lines are looking for strong personalities that are confident on a microphone.
While some cruise lines allow applicants to apply online through their employment web pages, most major cruise lines use a worldwide network of recruiting partners to assist with their hiring needs. Here is a list of the major cruise lines and details on how to apply as Cruise Staff.
Carnival Cruise Lines – Carnival Cruise Lines recruits their Cruise Staff through their approved network of recruitment partners. Their authorized employment agencies help screen and interview potential crew members on Carnival’s behalf.
Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Cruises lists their current Job Openings on their employment website and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online. The position of Activities Staff falls under the category of Cruise Activities. Additionally, Celebrity Cruises has a network of hiring partners to assist in meeting recruitment goals around the world. 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 an Entertainment Officer with Cunard Line. 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, is comprised of more than 50 positions in departments including Adult & Family Programming, Youth Activities, and Port Adventures & Recreation. The Cruise Staff is an entry level position with higher level positions comprising of Entertainment Host, Entertainment Activities Manager, and Assistant Cruise Director. 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 Cruise Staff with Holland America should visit Holland America’s entertainment job pages.
Norwegian Cruise Line – To apply to Norwegian Cruise Line as Cruise Staff, 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 an Entertainment Officer with P&O Cruises. 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 – Princess Cruises cooperates with a world-wide network of Recruitment Partners to hire 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 with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, visit the Regent’s employment pages of their website. 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. Additionally, you can apply online through RCI’s entertainment website. Royal Caribbean has a network of hiring partners to assist in meeting recruitment goals around the world. 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.