Seven Seas Group : Frequently Asked Questions : Recruitment for jobs on cruise ships.

R:/ We mainly accept applications for positions in the Hotel department are onboard cruise ships, but depending on the needs of the cruise line, we may accept for applications from candidates interested in positions in the Deck & Engine departments.

3. Do you offer summer/seasonal jobs?

R:/ Most positions are only offer as permanent positions for a contract length from 4 to 8 months, depending on the position and ranking. The only position offer as a seasonal position is the Youth Counselor position.

4. What sort of experience or Skills would I need to work onboard a cruise ship?

R:/ Your experience and skills must match the position you are applying for; however, all candidates must to have a good handle of the English language and a second language may be require or beneficial to obtain employment with most cruise lines.

5. What training qualifications would I need?

R:/ Unless required by the position applying for, there are no specific training qualifications needed; however, If you hold any Maritime safety training certificates you should mention it on your resume and once hired by a cruise line bring them onboard with you, as they will be very beneficial to your initial training during your first weeks onboard.

6. Do I need any maritime training certificates?

R:/ Specific maritime training certificates are not required to be hired for a position in the Hotel department onboard a cruise ship. Training and certificates can be obtained onboard via the Safety Officer; however, if you hold any certificates and/or licenses, it will be appropriate to carry these with you and present them to your supervisor or the Safety Officer when joining the ship

7. How long does the process take from start to finish?

R:/ It is hard to determine the length of the recruitment process, but we could estimate that from the moment you register and submit your resume to The Seven Seas Group/SSG Evropa, it can take from six to eight months and even longer if the position you are applying for is not open. Of course, it also depends if you are a selected candidate by the cruise line and you have completed your medical tests, visa requirements and Police record check

8. How do I get hired?

R:/ The Seven Seas Group/SSG Evropa has developed a section dedicated to this question. Please refer to the Recruitment Process section at our website for all details on how to get hired. http://www.thesevenseasgroup.eu/index.php/pages/19

9. Are married couples accommodated on the same ship, if hired?

R:/ Although it can be requested, it is never guaranteed that you and your spouse will be scheduled to the same ship.

10. How would I learn about my job responsibilities onboard?

R:/ During the initial screening process your Recruiting Specialist will provide you with a job description of the position you are qualifying for.

11. What visas would I need?

R:/ Unless you are a US Citizen/Resident or Canadian, you will require to have on your passport the C1D Crewmember/transit visa, which is non-immigrant visa issue to all persons wishing to enter the United States of America as a passenger to join a cruise ship. Should you need a visa to enter other countries due to the itinerary of the ship, you will be informed by your Recruiting Specialist at the time the cruise line assigns you to a ship.

12. Do I need a medical test?

R:/ Yes, all cruise lines require a medical test. The Seven Seas Group/SSG Evropa may suggest where to go to for a Pre-Employment Medical Examination if available in your town or close by. You may also choose your own certified physician. It is imperative that you pass this medical test before joining the ship and all the results of the test must be presented upon joining a ship. The cost of this examination varies from country to country and is at the expense of the employee.

13. Would I get any training?

R:/ Yes, you will be provided with all safety training required by International Maritime laws. Additionally, you can expect to receive training in ethics, corporate culture, service, inter-cultural sensitivity and any training offered by your supervisor or a representative of the training & development department to optimize the efficiency of your job performance, customer service and company- standards.

14. How much money would I make?

R:/ The Seven Seas Group/SSG Evropa or the Cruise Line's recruiter will inform you of your salary prior to joining the ship. The salary will be based on the position you are accepting. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for any taxes due to your country of origin. Some companies may make tax deductions directly from your wages depending on the agreements with the government of the country collecting taxes on their behalf.

15. How would I get paid and in what currency?

R:/ Most cruise lines pay their employees twice a month in US Dollars and the wages paid are determined by the cruise line based on the position you have been hired for and the contract you have accepted by signing at the time you join the ship.

16. Would I get paid for mandatory safety training?

R:/ All mandatory training offered onboard will be part of your duties and there will be no compensation or overtime payment added to your regular wages.

17. Will I get paid overtime?

R:/ Your contract will specify the number of hours that you will be required to work per week, it will also specify if your position is entitled to receive compensation for overtime worked. The rate per hour paid for overtime worked may vary by position.

18. Would I be required to pay income tax to any of the countries the ship calls to?

R:/ No, unless you are legally linked to one of the countries the ship calls into and the law requires you filing for income tax. Some cruise lines may automatically deduct federal taxes from wages and other earnings posted thru payroll to employees who are US Citizens/Residents.

19. How can I send money home?

R:/ Sending money home or directly to your bank account is quick and easy. There are many options to send money home whilst onboard, but we recommend the following two: the crew office on most ships offer Crew Wire and money order services. To wire money, you must have all the details of the bank where you want to wire your money to. Both services are offered for a small fee. Inquire at the Crew Office for further details.

20. What would be the nationality of the contract that I will be signing upon joining the ship?

R:/ In most cases the contract issued by a cruise line is a contract written and issued to the crewmember in accordance to International Maritime Laws; however, there may be cases where the crewmember's contract may be attached to the specific flag of the ship or the country to which the cruise line operates from.

21. Who pays for my flight to the ship and back home?

R/: All travel expenses to join the ship will be at the expense of the new employee. On the contrary, your airline ticket to return home will be paid by the cruise line only when the contract length has been fulfilled. We at The Seven Seas Group/SSG Evropa may be able to suggest where to shop for the best fares to travel to the city where you will be joining the ship. There are exceptions in which the cruise line pays for both the joining and repatriation airline tickets of the employee, but this depends on your position and ranking as specified by the cruise line or concessionaire company. Also, there may be cases or companies with a different policy to what we have indicated, but your Recruiting Specialist will provide you with the flight expense policy of the company you have been hired by.

22. Do I need to buy any uniforms?

R:/ Most positions onboard cruise ships will require you to wear a uniform and either the entire uniform or part it may be at your expense. If your position requires you to pay for the uniform or part of it, you will charged through your onboard account, which you are responsible for and must ensure it is kept current by settling it at the end of each payroll period.

23. How would I clean my uniforms and personal clothing?

R:/ All cruise ships have a laundry facility onboard and uniforms are usually cleaned at no cost to the crewmember; however, you may be charged for personal clothing, including pieces of the uniform without a company logo. Also, most ships today have a crew laundry where you may have access to washing and drying machines available as a self-service (a small fee may apply).

24. What expenses would I incur whilst onboard?

R:/ Whilst onboard your expenses will be minimum, but you should always keep in mind that you will have personal expenses (i.e. phone calls, e-mail, postage, laundry for personal clothing and any purchases at the crew bar/gift shop or if your position allows you in guest's areas you may incur expenses at any of the revenue venues around the ship).

25. What happens if I get sick onboard?

R:/ You must inform your supervisor as soon as you feel sick or in case of an emergency, all cruise ships have a designated emergency number, which will put you in contact with the medical facility onboard. Once you have been examined by one of the shipboard doctors, you will either be given rest time or referred to a doctor ashore. Most cruise lines cover medical illness whilst a crew member is under contract onboard; however we suggest that you check with your medical facility or Human Resources department onboard for medical coverage benefits

26. Do I get dental coverage?

R:/ Dental coverage onboard usually only consists of emergencies and extractions, but we suggest that you check with the medical facility or Human Resources department onboard for more details on dental coverage benefits.

27. Is there a probation period?

R:/ Yes, cruise lines usually impose a 90 day-probation period, which may vary among the different cruise lines or depending on your contract. Your supervisor will utilize this period to review your abilities and performance in your new job.

28. What type of accommodation would I get onboard?

R:/ The type of accommodation onboard a ship is assigned based on your position and/or ranking. Most Cruise Ships now offer shared accommodation with one more crewmember usually part of the same division you work for and single accommodation to Officers, Managers, and Supervisors. Cabins do not always have a window or porthole, meaning your accommodation could be an inside cabin.

29. How long is a working day on the ship?

R:/ You can expect to work at least 70 hours per week or as specified in your contract with the cruise line. You may also be asked to work overtime and if it applies to your position, you will be compensated for all hours worked beyond the required hours stipulated per your contract.

30. Who would I work with?

R:/ You will be working with people from different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds; therefore, it will be very important that you treat all your co-workers with respect and courtesy, be fair and appreciate the diversity a cruise ship can offer.

31. Would I be able to spend any time off the ship?

R:/ Definitely yes! But this will depend on your work schedule. Your supervisor will provide you with a weekly or voyage schedule of your working hours and time off, which usually works on a rotational basis.

32. Would I be allowed to visit Guest areas onboard the ship?

R:/ You may not be allowed in guest areas unless it is to perform a work-related duty. However, some positions may allow you to visit guest's areas whilst off duty as long you are wearing a uniform or the attire required for the day/evening. Either way, keep in mind that guests will always have a first priority anywhere onboard the ship.

33. What documentation would I need to join the ship?

R:/ Once you have been accepted by the cruise line and have been given an assigned ship and joining date, you will be required to have the following documents prior to departing your country:

The Seven Seas Group/SSG Evropa will issue you a Letter of Employment. (We will send you a scan copy over e-mail and an original via currier). This is the most important document, as you will need it to request a visa, if required, to show the airline when departing to join the assigned ship, to show the local authorities of your country the purpose of your travel, to present it to the local authorities of the country you are entering where you are joining the ship, to show to the Hotel upon arrival and to present to the Crew Purser at the time you board the ship.
Other important documents you must carry with you are a passport valid for a period of at least one year and a Seaman's book, if you hold one. The Seven Seas Group/SSG Evropa will advise you if a Seaman's book is a mandatory document required, and will provide assistance to obtain it with guidance from the cruise line.
You must ensure all visas required are obtained before departing your country and are valid for at least one year. The Seven Seas Group/SSG Evropa will advise you of the visas you are required to obtain and the process to follow.
Medical forms approved and signed by a certified doctor, all tests results and X-Ray results must be presented at the time of boarding the ship.
All Professional certificates or licenses.

34. Are there any prospects for career advancement?

R:/ Cruise Lines often offer training courses you can take advantage of that will help you advance in your career at sea. Also, cross-training programs may also be available which will be a step forward to a promotion. Opportunities on cruise ships are extensive, but it all depends on you and what direction you would like to take you shipboard career.

35. How am I rewarded for service time with the same company?

R:/ This depends on the cruise ship company; however, cruise lines offer many benefits to their crew members, some may include rewards for service time, life insurance and retirement compensation.

36. How can I stay connected with family and friends whilst onboard?

R:/ While onboard staying connected with family and friends is easy; most cruise ships have internet cafes onboard and some ships even have internet access in your cabin or wireless internet in the crew areas, should you have your own laptop. Additionally, Crew have the option of purchasing phone cards to call either from onboard or while the ship is in port. Keep in mind that when using either of these services a fee will apply.

37. How can I receive post mail from home?

R:/ All mail is sent to a centralized address provided by the cruise line and from there the mail is delivered to your ship. For faster delivery, it will be very important that you provide your family and friends with the following details to be part of the address: position name and ship's name.

38. Once assigned to a ship, what should I pack?

R:/ It may not be an easy task when thinking about packing for a long time, especially when we would suggest that you pack lightly. You must start by taking into consideration that your cabin space is limited, so bring the most important personal items. For instance, toiletry items that will only last you for the first few weeks onboard, as you will have the opportunity to buy them from the crew shop onboard or whilst the ship is in port. Keep in mind that 85% of your time you will be wearing a uniform; therefore, clothing items to bring should be minimal and essential. Other items could include an alarm clock, prescription medication, camera, laptop, cell phone, walkman/I-pod and hair dryer. All of these items should not make up more than one piece of luggage and one carry-on.

39. What should I prepare before leaving home?

R:/

Once you have met all medical and visa requirements, your Recruiting Specialist will walk you through all the steps to ensure a flawless process when traveling to join the ship; although, we can suggest where you can to go get the best fares to travel to the port where you will be joining the ship, it is 100% your responsibility to ensure you arrive to the ship on the date and time stated on your Letter of Employment.
Ensure that your luggage is properly tagged with your name and address and contact the airline to find out what the weight requirements are and the acceptable items allowed on the flight. As we mentioned in point # 38, keep your luggage to one piece to check-in and one carry-on.
If you are arriving the night before you are scheduled to join the ship, ensure that you have a hotel room booked for that night, unless you have made your own arrangements for that night. In most cases we will liaise with the cruise line to ensure these arrangements are done for you. If your position does not entitle you to cover transportation, hotel and meals for the night before joining the ship, you will be notified of the fee allocated by the cruise line, which will be collected by your Recruiting Specialist prior to your departure.
Before your departure, your Recruiting Specialist will be able to provide you with exact details of the city and the port you are joining the ship and how to get either to your hotel or directly to the ship from the airport.
Keep in mind that you will have out-of-pocket expenses during your travel to the ship and until you receive your first pay; therefore, we suggest that you carry at least $200-300 cash or traveler's checks in U.S. dollars or the equivalent in the currency of the country where you are joining the ship and a major credit card if you have one.

40. What happens if I do not like the life onboard and wish to return home before the end of my first contract?

R:/ We suggest that you make all efforts to discuss with your supervisor and/or the Human Resources Manager (if available on your ship) the reason why you wish to return home before drawing this decision to a conclusion. If after you have met with these individuals you still want to go home, then you will be asked to submit a resignation letter. You will also need to provide your return airline ticket home, since you would not have completed your contract, you may not be entitled to be compensated for it. We also encourage you to give the company a notice of at least two weeks.

41. What does The Seven Seas Group offer me as my Hiring Partner?

R:/ Once you have registered and submitted you resume to us, there will be numerous benefits we offer you as your Hiring Partner:

*Experienced and knowledgeable Recruiting Specialists will prepare and provide you with the best introduction to the cruise industry and the protocols you need to know before joining a ship.

*Resume/CV Building orientation to ensure your experience, qualifications and skills are well noted and presented to the cruise line's recruiter.

*We will guide and introduce you on the standards of conduct of each cruise line.

*Your Recruiting Specialist will have one-on-one consultations with you to answer any questions about your future shipboard career to ensure you are making the right decision and that you are aware of all policies and procedures.

*Even after you have joined your assigned ship we would like to continue communication with you to either answer any questions or to know about your progress and adapting to the life onboard the ship.

Your feedback to the recruitment process is very valuable to each of our Recruiting Specialist at The Seven Seas Group/SSG Evropa; therefore, should you have any comments or additional specific questions, which we have not covered in this section, please e-mail your Recruiting Specialist and they will be happy to hear your comments or answer any questions.