Cruise retail is the onboard shopping offer that you can find on most of the large cruise ships sailing across the oceans. The department consists usually of between 2-12 shops selling a number of different products and categories. Usually a team of between 10-40 people are employed to run the operation, consisting of many different positions such as shop manager, product specialists, sales associates. ​ Cruise retailing is run by a mixture of concession operators (such as Starboard, Heinemann, Effy, Harding+, Avolta, Diamonds International) or sometimes by in-house teams (such as MSC, Aida, Costa).

Shopping is an important part of a cruise experience. With guests choosing products which are relevant to their vacation, to purchase a gift for family / friends or to treat themselves by finding some thing new, shopping is really enjoyed across the different ships around the world. ​ Most cruise ships sell at tax and duty free which makes the pricing competitive for people to buy and as a result will usually only open when the ships are sailing in international waters. ​ In our E-Academy we have a number of courses for you to learn about cruise ships and cruise retail.

We can help you to find a job in the retail department onboard. Please visit our RECRUITMENT page to learn more. Or if you want apply directly, please send us a cover letter and your up to date CV to recruitment@cruiseretailacademy.com

Going onboard for the first time can be a bit scary. We fully understand this! So we have a few questions for you to be sure of. Q: Do you need to get a C1D visa? ​ Click here to learn more ​ Q: Have you get your STCW completed? ​ Click here to learn more ​ Q: Do you need to get a medical certificate? ​ Click here to learn more ​ Q: Have you found the right position? ​ Click here to see latest vacancies ​ Q: If applicable, do you understand what the costs are going to be to get you to the embarkation port (flights and taxis etc)? ​​ ​​Usually, the following items are a necessity for you to join a ship. Please double check that you have the following: Original Valid passport Letter of Employment and Contract Flight Confirmation Hotel booking Original Seaman’s Visa (C1/D) Original Medical certificates, Record of Vaccinations (MMR, Yellow Fever, Tetanus, Polio and Flu) Australian Visa (MCV) (if required) Australian Airport Transit Visa (ETA) (if required) New Zealand Crew ETA (if required) Seamans book Police certificate

Most large cruise ships have around 4-8 shops onboard. Usually there will be a - perfumes & cosmetics shop, a duty free shop, a fashion shop, a logo items shop, a watches & jewellery shop. Some ships have mono brand shops where only 1 brand is sold in them. ​​ On smaller cruise ships, usually there will be 1-2 shops onboard with a mix of categories sold in them. ​ We have a number of courses in our E-Academy designed to help you really learn more, such as 'What is Cruising?' and 'Introduction to Cruise Retail'.

Yes, you will need to pass a medical examination to work on a cruise ship. This is a requirement set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to ensure the health and safety of all crew members and passengers. During the medical examination, you will be assessed for your overall health and fitness to work on a ship. This may include: Physical examination Blood tests Urine tests Vision and hearing tests Drug test ​​ The specific requirements may vary depending on the cruise line and the position you are applying for. However, it is generally recommended to be in good health and to have all necessary vaccinations before applying for a job on a cruise ship. Here are some additional tips for preparing for your medical examination: ​ Get a good night's sleep before the exam. Eat a healthy breakfast. Dress comfortably. Be honest about your medical history. Ask any questions you have about the exam. ​​ By following these tips, you can increase your chances of passing your medical examination and getting a job on a cruise ship.

We are working directly with a number of the major cruise retail operators for a wide variety of job roles onboard. We will give you further information if we invite you to an interview

Crew facilities vary significantly per ship. If you want to see a comparison and understand in detail what they can be like, then click on the link below to see the relevant page on Crew Center webaite. ​ Click here to view ​ There are also a number of galleries with photos of crew bars / facilities ​ Click here to view

A trunk show is an event where a brand or supplier presents its merchandise to the guests onboard for a limited period of the cruise. Usually hosted by a retail ambassador, they can be seminars, theatre shows and will be attended by invited guests. If you are looking for a job as a retail ambassador, check out our jobs page.

​We have a page dedicated to telling you about the typical positions you will find in a large cruise ship.

We can help! The Cruise Retail E-Academy will be the perfect place to get all the training you will need across many of the top brands that you will find onboard. There are new courses being added each week, so it is a great way to get passionate about the amazing products you will find onboard.

PPD is the usual measure for targets in cruise retail. It means the Passenger-revenue Per Day. So basically it is the total sales for the cruise divided by the number of passengers divided by the number of days. ​ So, $100,000 with 5 days cruise and 2,000 passengers would be... (100000 / 5 / 2,000 = $10 PPD)

About 45% of cruise ships are based in the Caribbean, about 30% are in Europe, about 10% on the west coast of USA and Alaska, and about 5% are in Asia. Each area has its own pros and cons, and everyone has their favourite ships, itineraries, areas that they experience as they go through their time onboard. You can learn more reading the latest CLIA state of industry report.

It is a daunting task to attempt to pack everything you will need into a suitcase for seven months, especially as you will probably experience several different climate conditions during your contract. The following list is designed only as a suggestion as to what you may need to pack: Blackwork shoes (comfortable) slip resistance Black running/walking/tennis shoes Head covering or hat Sunglasses & Suntan lotion Sufficient underwear, socks, or pantyhose Toiletries (although these are available in the shop on board or ashore) Alarm Clock Swimsuit and beachwear Lightweight jacket or sweater Black dress (for female Team Members) Complete Black Business suit, shirt, and tie (for male Team Members) Casual clothing for free time wear Camera Voltage adapter. Whilst there is 110v - 220v power onboard, it is useful to have an international adapter ​ Don't bring Irons, Large Stereo Systems or duvets / quilts.

You will receive a basic salary, and then depending on the cruise retail operator, you will receive a commission as well usually linked to sales or other targets (KPI's). Earnings can vary a lot between the different seasons, ships, shops. We can explain more, if you receive an invitation for an interview. Afterwards, you should talk with your cruise retail operator to find out more.

Depends on the type of day. Sea days usually are the most hours as shops are open, port days can be less hours dependant on whether there is a delivery or inventories to be completed. The working time rules onboard are goverened by the MLC.

We have a Who's Who guide to Cruise Retail to help you navigate your way through the industry in our blog, or you can learn more in our 'Introduction to Cruise Retail' course on the E-Academy.

Usually between 5 - 8 months depending on the cruise line, the season and where you come from. In the application process to find a job onboard you should discuss this with your prospective cruise retail operator, as there is quite a bit of change across the industry.

We have a webpage providing links to the latest cruise retail news. ​ Click here to visit page ​ There is also a dedicated crew news webpage on the Crew Center website with news not only related to the cruise retail sector but across the cruise industry. ​ Click here to visit page

We are a professional network for cruise retailers to join for free. We have been created as a digital resource for the industry to help you learn more, connect with others and to help you grow your career at sea. You can learn more about us at this link: www.cruiseretailacademy.com/aboutus

The E-ACADEMY is our portal for Cruise Retail Academy members with all of our learning courses which are readily available for you to take part in. We have designed all courses that mean you can learn whenever you like and at whatever pace you want. We are adding new courses each week on here, so keep an eye on our regular e-mails to learn more and let us illuminate your retail world!

It's really simple! The Cruise Retail Academy is free for you to join and all you need to do is give us your name and your email address. Once joined you have full access to our news, training, jobs, information, networking and much more. As we are a brand new business, we are continually learning and developing, and we appreciate your feedback.

Yes, you will need a valid passport to work on a cruise ship. The passport must be valid for at least one year from the date you embark on the ship. It is also important that your passport has enough blank pages for visas and stamps. In some cases, depending on the cruise line and the countries the ship visits, you may also need a C1/D visa (see further information below). This visa is specifically for crew members working on cruise ships that dock in the United States. It's important to check the specific requirements of the cruise line you are applying to, as they may have additional passport and visa requirements.

Whether you need a Seaman's Book to work on a cruise ship depends on the specific requirements of the cruise line and the flag of the ship. Some cruise lines may require it, while others may not. ​ Generally, a Seaman's Book is a document that records a seafarer's experience and certifications. It's often required for seafarers working on ships that are flagged in countries like Panama, Liberia, or the Marshall Islands. ​ It's best to check with the specific cruise line you're applying to for their exact requirements. They can provide you with detailed information on the necessary documentation, including whether or not a Seaman's Book is required. We will support you here with the information you need to know.

Yes (probably), you will need to obtain specific STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certificates to work on a cruise ship. The exact requirements will depend on the specific position you are applying for and the flag of the ship. ​ However, most cruise ship crew members are required to have the following STCW certificates: ​ STCW Basic Safety Training (BST): This includes courses in personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities. Additional certifications: Depending on your role, you may need additional certifications such as proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats, advanced fire fighting, medical first aid, and more. ​ It's important to check with the specific cruise retail operator you are applying to for their exact STCW requirements. They can provide you with detailed information on the necessary certifications and how to obtain them. We will support you here with the information you need to know.

The specific visa you need to work on a cruise ship depends on the flag of the ship and the countries it visits. However, the most common visa required for crew members working on cruise ships that dock in the United States is the C1/D visa. ​ This visa allows you to work on a cruise ship and transit through the United States. It is important to note that you will need to obtain this visa through the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country. ​ The cruise line you are working for will typically provide you with the necessary documentation and guidance to apply for the C1/D visa. ​ Remember to check with the specific cruise line you are applying to for their exact visa requirements, as they may have additional requirements based on the ship's flag and itinerary. Sources and related content

The cost of getting medicals, a visa, a Seaman's Book, and STCW certificates to work on a cruise ship can vary significantly depending on several factors, including your location, the specific medical tests required, the visa processing fees, the cost of the Seaman's Book, and the cost of the STCW courses. ​ Here's a general breakdown of the potential costs: Medicals: Pre-employment medical: The cost can typically be around $150 USD, depending on the specific tests required by the cruise line. This can include blood tests, urine tests, vision and hearing tests, and a physical examination. Vaccinations: The cost of vaccinations can vary depending on the specific vaccines required and your location. Some cruise lines may reimburse the cost of vaccinations after you join the ship. Visa: C1/D visa: The cost of a C1/D visa is typically around $150 USD. Seaman's Book: The cost of a Seaman's Book can vary depending on the country where you apply for it. It's typically a one-time fee of around $50-100 USD. STCW Certificates: The cost of STCW courses can vary depending on the specific courses you need and the training provider. The cost usually is around $100 USD. It's important to note that some of these costs may be reimbursed by the cruise line after you join the ship, such as the cost of medicals and vaccinations. However, it's always a good idea to budget for these expenses upfront. To get a more accurate estimate of the costs involved, we will talk you through these during our recruitment process as it changes depending on the operator. We will provide you with detailed information on the specific requirements and costs associated with each step of the process.

We hope we have been able to answer all your questions. If not, please feel free to send us an email with your question and we will do our best to answer it for you as best as we can. We would love to get your feedback! Our email address is info@cruiseretailacademy.com