People looking for jobs that let them travel and have fun can find a lot of them on Cruise Ship Jobs in Canada. There are hundreds of cruise-related jobs available across the country right now. These range from seasonal jobs on domestic waterways to international shipboard jobs with major cruise lines. The cruise industry offers unique job opportunities that few other fields can match, whether you’re looking for a summer job or a long-term career at sea.
Different kinds of Cruise Ship Jobs in Canada
Guest Services and Hospitality
Concierge: $17.97 per hour on average
Barman: $14.88 an hour on average
Waiter or restaurant attendant, guest services representative, or purser
Jobs in the kitchen
Line Cook/Chef: $20.56 an hour on average. Pastry Chef, Sous Chef and Kitchen Staff
Fun and Games
Cruise Staff/Activity Coordinators and Youth Staff/Childcare Providers make an average of $17.07 an hour.
DJs and musicians
Manager of Production Sound and Lighting Technician
Staff for Sports
Health and Beauty
Massage Therapist positions pay an average of $55.95 per hour, while Aesthetician Spa Staff roles are also available.
Jobs in the Maritime and Technical Fields
Deckhand: $57,346 per year on average. Able Seaman, Officers (Third, Second, First, Chief Mate), Electrical Engineer, Machinist, Security Officer
Jobs on the Shore
Bus Dispatcher (for cruise terminals) and Tour Guide
Staff for Shore Excursions
APPLY ALSO: Cruise Ship Jobs in Australia
Requirements and Qualifications
There are a few basic things that people who want to work on a cruise ship must be able to do. Most jobs require applicants to be at least 18 years old, but jobs that serve drinks usually require candidates to be at least 21 years old. You need to be able to speak English well to talk to guests and crew members from all over the world. You must have a valid passport, and for many jobs, you must also be able to enter the United States because many of the ports are in the US. Candidates should be ready to work on weekends, holidays, and long hours during busy sailing times, as well as on weekends and holidays. Some jobs have extra requirements because they are technical or professional in nature. Deckhands and officers in the maritime industry need to be certified by Transport Canada. Officers, on the other hand, need to have valid credentials that match their rank, like Master or Chief Mate certificates. Most of the time, technical jobs in engineering or electrical work require trade certificates or diplomas from well-known schools. For jobs in entertainment, having previous performance experience is a big plus, and auditions may be part of the hiring process.
The good things about working on a cruise ship
One of the best things about working on a cruise ship is that you can travel the world and make money at the same time. Crew members travel to exciting places on every continent, seeing and experiencing cultures and places that most people only dream of. Most of the time, employees don’t have to pay for their own food and housing while they’re on board, so their living costs are low. This lets crew members save a lot of money compared to regular jobs on land, where rent, utilities, and food costs take up a lot of their pay cheques. Cruise lines often invest in their employees by giving them training, mentoring, and clear paths for moving up in their careers, in addition to the financial benefits. A lot of crew members start out in low-level jobs and work their way up to higher-level jobs like supervisor or manager. The environment on board is also unique because it brings together people from dozens of countries who live and work together. Working on a cruise ship is an amazing way to have fun, grow as a person, and get away from the usual 9-to-5 routine.
How to Apply Cruise Ship Jobs in Canada
- Look into cruise lines and recruitment agencies Find businesses that fit your skills and interests.
- Get your papers ready A current resume, a valid passport, and any relevant certifications
- Apply online Most cruise lines let people apply for jobs through their career portals.
- Go to interviews. Some jobs require video interviews or auditions.
- Finish your training. You usually get safety training and training for your job.