Selection Process

In this section, we will guide you step by step through the selection process, outlining what you’ll need and what to expect. This tutorial is detailed, so take your time to read all the information without skipping any steps. Additionally, ensure you have your formatted resume, passport, and any recommended vaccines ready. If you have questions before reading this tutorial, they might already be answered on our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

It’s important to note that the selection process may involve costs, and not all companies reimburse these expenses. We’ll provide more information on this later.

Begin by creating a folder on your computer/phone to organize your documents. This folder will serve as the central hub for all your operations. Within this folder, create sub-folders for Certificates, Medical Exams and Vaccines, Passport, and your Resume. If you’re applying for positions with different companies, consider creating separate sub-folders or resumes for each.

Keep this folder organized and up to date, as time is valuable for both you and the recruiters. Since you’ll need to send these files over the internet, ensure that scanned documents are of good resolution but not necessarily the highest possible. If you don’t have access to a scanner, modern smartphones often have quality cameras that can be used to photograph documents. Just ensure the framing includes all vital information and avoid cropping important details.

Now, you’ll use these documents to apply to hiring agencies and directly with the cruise companies. Keep in mind that when applying with agencies, the selection process may be longer, but sometimes it’s the only way to secure a job.

According to international laws, hiring agencies are not allowed to charge candidates for anything. However, it’s unfortunately common to hear about candidates being asked to pay for courses or training. If you encounter such requests when applying through an agency, it’s important to interrupt all your conversations and report it. Feel free to send us an email if you need assistance. Additionally, be cautious of fraudulent or fake agencies worldwide that promise nonexistent jobs or offer unrealistically high salaries, such as over $5,000 for a simple job like dishwasher. If you’re unsure whether an agency is legitimate or fake, refer to our list of all hiring agencies worldwide by clicking here.

When applying through an agency, if you don’t have a specific profession in mind, the recruiter will likely offer available positions or suggest roles they believe suit you best. This differs from applying directly with companies, where you should already have a clear understanding of the basic requirements, duties, and roles of your desired profession. If you’re unsure about the position you want or what’s being offered, refer to our Professions page for guidance.

Very important note: If you’re a waiter with ten years of experience in wines and other beverages, aspiring to work as a Sommelier or Bartender on board, and a hiring agency offers you a different position, promising that it will be easier to change roles once inside the company, it’s advisable to refuse that job offer. While it may seem tempting, changing jobs or departments onboard is rarely an easy process, and in most cruise companies, it’s practically impossible. It’s crucial to keep your goal in focus and only accept a position that you’ll be comfortable with from the start.

Applying:

As every company, group, or agency has a different application process, it would be nearly impossible for us to cover them all here. However, we’ll discuss how the process generally works, as it is almost identical everywhere.

Firstly, apply directly with the companies. You can access our list of all Cruise Companies, including River Cruises clicking here. If you’re looking for information on how to work on board Yachts, then click here. Most of them have a hiring process embedded on their websites, while for others, you may need to send emails or they may redirect you to an agency that recruits talent. Note that some application forms can be very extensive and require a lot of data, especially those for MSC Cruises and the Royal Caribbean Group.

Next, head to our recruitment agencies list to find agencies available in your country, as well as international ones. International agencies typically accept candidates from all over the world, unlike local agencies. Most of these agencies will also require you to fill out forms as part of the application process.

If English isn’t your primary language, you will likely be required to complete a proficiency test, either the Marlins Test or another provided by the company/recruiter. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Interviews:

If you have what it takes, someone will notice you in the talent pool and send you an email scheduling an online interview. Local interviews are very rare and are only assigned if your position requires an audition (such as Dancers, Musicians, Technicians, and Photographers) or if you’re applying through a local agency. If you need to attend a local interview, further instructions will be provided, but you’ll likely be required to bring all your documents and copies, wear formal attire, and bring any equipment necessary for work.

For most cruise companies and agencies, recruiters dedicate one full day out of their normal tasks just to interview candidates. Therefore, it’s common to receive a message with no assigned time, such as “Please stand by between 9:00 and 14:00,” which means they will call you once they’re done with other candidates. You should wait by your computer or cellphone while doing other tasks and be ready to respond once you receive a notification. Interviews are typically conducted via Skype or WhatsApp, although some companies like Carnival and MSC use web-based software to eliminate the need for downloads and prevent fraud.

If you’re having an interview with an agency, formal clothes are not strictly required, but you should be presentable. For interviews with company recruiters, you should aim to look very professional.

The entire interview will be conducted in English, unless another language is required by the company. You don’t need perfect pronunciation to be hired, but ensure you understand the questions before answering. If unsure or if you couldn’t hear the question well, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Focus, patience, and a smile are key during the interview, as recruiters understand that you may be nervous. It’s also important to find a calm and comfortable place for the interview, free from distractions or external noise. Test your camera and microphone beforehand to ensure the recruiter can see and hear you properly.

“So, what they will ask?” Well, the recruiters will likely greet you in the beginning, and they may ask different general questions before delving into more specific ones related to your position. Here are three basic questions and example answers for you to consider:

Question #1

So, tell me more about yourself so we get to know a little bit about each other.

Example answer:

I'm from Rio de Janeiro, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I've lived there my whole life, but now I think I'm ready to explore the rest of the world.

Question #2

Talk a little bit about your present job or last experience.

Example answer:

I used to work in a factory producing mechanical parts for cars, but the company was sold to another, and I've been looking for another opportunity since.

Question #3

Why would you like to work on a cruise ship?

Example answer:

After researching about the #SHIPLIFE, I discovered that many people build successful careers onboard and are very happy with their jobs. That's what I aspire to achieve as well.

Be prepared for questions related to your role onboard as well, so be ready for anything. If you don’t know something or have never heard of it, don’t hesitate to admit it. Most likely, you will learn it onboard anyway.

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to thank the recruiter for the opportunity. Being courteous is an essential aspect of the hospitality industry. Additionally, you may be remembered by the recruiter as the only person who expressed gratitude after a long day of work.

Post-interviews:

After a few days, you will receive an email notifying you whether you have been approved or not. If approved, you will receive instructions for the next steps. If you had an interview with an agency, they will then schedule an interview with the company on your behalf.

Unfortunately, if you were not successful in the interview, neither the company nor the agency will provide specific reasons. You will likely receive an automatic email with a generic response from a no-reply contact. Reasons for rejection may vary, but the most common one is often a lack of proficiency in English or in meeting the job requirements. Don’t be disheartened by this and continue trying with different agencies, companies, or even different positions.

Having a support group during the selection process can be invaluable, as it can help you deal more easily with any frustrations that arise. You are more than welcome to join our community, as we have groups on all social media platforms where you can connect with others going through similar experiences.

The next steps:

If approved, the company will send you a comprehensive list of procedures and formalities required for your employment. It’s crucial to have your documents and files very organized so you don’t get overwhelmed during this process. These requirements typically include safety certificates, vaccine records, medical exams, uniform sizes, and a preview of your contract. If you’ve been following our tutorial since the beginning, you should already have your passport, uniform size, and vaccine records in order, allowing you to focus on other tasks such as medical exams or obtaining safety certificates if required.

You will need to undergo specific medical admission exams that are mandatory for most cruise liners. You can find information about the most common procedures on our page by clicking here. It’s important to note that failing these exams can result in elimination from the hiring process, so make sure you understand the procedures and follow them carefully.

Additionally, some companies may require you to obtain the STCW courses (Basic Safety Training certificate “BST” and Crowd Control and Crisis Management, Firefighting and Prevention, Basic first aid) while on land, although most cruise liners provide this training onboard for free. Before starting this training, ensure that the company will not provide it onboard, as it can be quite expensive in some countries. You can read more about safety certificates and other requirements by clicking here.

After providing the company with the requested documents, the hiring process will continue, and after some days, the company will follow up with more information on your status. At this point, the company will also provide details about the final steps before boarding, such as airline tickets, hotel accommodations, the letter of employment, and whether you need to apply for a visa or not. Some companies do not cover the cost of airline tickets, and candidates are required to pay for them in full.

Hotel accommodations will be provided by the company if you arrive at the port one day before the embarkation date. Otherwise, the company will send instructions on how to reach the cruise terminal if you arrive on the same day.

The Letter of Employment is a critical document that you must print and carry with you (inside your passport) for immigration purposes. It’s also essential if you’re applying for a visa. Without the letter of employment, you may not be able to confirm to consulate officials that you’re joining a ship on a specific date. You can read more about visas and how to apply for them if needed by clicking here.

The final steps:

Regarding the embarkation date, if you’ve received your Letter of Employment, it will specify your embarkation date, but it may still change. Every approved candidate will eventually embark, but the timing can vary from days to weeks or even months. Some individuals may be needed onboard sooner, while others may need to wait in a pool of available candidates until a suitable opportunity arises. We advise candidates not to rush and quit their current jobs until they know for sure that they will embark.

As for packing, we’ve got you covered as well. You can read more about how to pack your entire life in one or two suitcases by clicking here.

Is there anything else you should know? Certainly! There are many more aspects of the #SHIPLIFE that we’d like you to be aware of, even beyond the selection process. You can learn more about these aspects in our Knowledge Center. Additionally, feel free to share your feelings or stories with other crew members on our social media platforms and get support and assistance in our Facebook group. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

If you found this tutorial helpful and believe it could benefit others, we encourage you to share it with your Facebook friends, groups, and family. You can also post it on Twitter or Tumblr to reach a wider audience. Additionally, consider spreading the word about it during your English course. Who knows? You might find some friends who are interested in joining you on this journey. Sharing knowledge and resources can help others navigate the process more smoothly and achieve their goals in the cruise industry.

1. First Steps

2. Pre-Boarding

3. Embark