A cruising career is not smooth sailing; discipline and commitment are necessary requirements for this demanding job. These are some of the things our online editor, Amanda Ndlangisa, found out about a career in ships while cruising with MSC Opera cruises.
- They have a hiring agency; you can find information on their website http://www.msccruises.co.za under careers. You could be on the waiting list from 1 to 6 weeks, so don’t despair when you don’t get hired immediately.
- Contracts start from five months and can be extended.
- You have to be over 18 years to qualify for a job on the ship.
- You need to know and understand more than one language – English, Italian and French. (Provisions are made for South Africans)
- You have to be able to do more than one job as you will be required to work in different departments, e.g. waitressing and child care. You also have to be quick on the job.
- You will be required to do a couple of medical tests before you start.
- You will need a qualification in health and safety, i.e fire fighting and marine safety.
- You don’t have to have cruising experience as you will get training from MSC, but some sort of hospitality experience will be an advantage.
- Preference is given to people with tertiary education.
- Do expect to get homesick when you work on a cruise ship.
- You don’t get off days, but for every month you work, you will get a week off.
- Once a week, you will get to do social activities (BONUS)
