REQUIREMENTS
ILLUMINATING YOUR RETAIL WORLD
The Cruise Retail Academy team is here to support you at every step of your journey onboard. We know the industry, we know the people and we know the expectations. Here are the main things you need to know before you apply to go onboard.
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Please note that the below answers can be different depending on some cruise retail operators. Before proceeding check on each of our specific operator web pages to learn more. The links to these are available when you apply with us.
WHAT WILL I HAVE TO DO BEFORE I EMBARK?
Getting onboard a cruise ship for the first time is a little bit complicated and as such you need to be prepared for the steps you will need to take before you can start working. Be mindful of these and prepared for what is required. It can take 3-6 months to get onboard, and for those candidates who use Cruise Retail Academy, we will help, guide and support you all the way until you step onboard.
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With that promise in mind, let us guide you as best we can into what you can expect and the questions you need answered.
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Before you embark for the first time you will need to go through 5 stages to get you onboard, which we will guide you through here:
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Initial Recruitment and Selection
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Medical
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Visa Application
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Pre-employment HR certification including: Police clearance certificate; STCW training; HR paperwork
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Arrange travel to ship
DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
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.
DO I NEED A MEDICAL?
Yes, you will need to pass a medical examination to work on a cruise ship.
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Candidates must undergo a detailed medical examination to meet maritime health standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the cruise line. This ensures the individual is physically and mentally fit to work in the demanding environment aboard a ship.
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The examination typically includes:
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Physical exam
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Laboratory tests
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Drug and alcohol screening
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Vaccinations (as required)
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Specialist assessments, if necessary
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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:
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Get a good night's sleep before the exam.
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Eat a healthy breakfast.
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Dress comfortably.
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Be honest about your medical history.
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Ask any questions you have about the exam.
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Timeline: 1–4 weeks depending on medical centre availability in your country
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Cost: Approximately $400–$600 (covered by the candidate) *costs vary depending on country.
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DO I NEED A POLICE CLERANCE CHECK?
Yes, you will need a background check or police clearance certificate which is required to confirm that you have no criminal record.
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The process and cost vary depending on the country, typically taking 1–3 weeks.
DO I NEED A STCW CERTIFICATE?
Yes, 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.
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However, most cruise ship crew members are required to have the following STCW standards completed through certified maritime institutions:
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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.
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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. ​
Some cruise lines will only need basic security awareness training done before embarkation with the rest of the training happening onboard. It's important to check with the specific cruise retail operator you are applying to for their exact STCW requirements. If you are applying with the Cruise Retail Academy, we will help, guide and support you through the necessary standards that you need to attain.
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Cost: $100–$1,000 (depending on location and required courses)
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WHAT VISA DO I NEED?
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.
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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.
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Timeline: 4–8 weeks (depending on the country of application and appointment availability)
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Cost: Approximately $200
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Once the cruise company issues a formal invitation or Letter of employment, you can apply for a C1/D visa.
The process includes:
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Completing the DS-160 online application
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Scheduling an interview at the U.S. Embassy
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Attending the interview and providing biometric data
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Awaiting visa approval
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Please note, there is also the Schengen Visa for entering the EU and also UK Visa for entering the United Kingdom.
WILL I HAVE TO ARRANGE MY OWN TRAVEL?
Yes, for the first time to a cruise ship (and only the first time), you will need to arrange to get to the ship booking your own flights.
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You will need to arrange travel logistics to the port of embarkation. You do this by booking your own flight once you have been given a ship, a date and port of joining. Some companies can offer marine fares to help keep the cost down. Also to note that some companies pay the first flight
Cruise retail operating companies will pay for the hotel to arrive the day before joining.
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Cost: Will vary dependant on port of embarkation
WHAT WILL IT ALL COST AND HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Upfront costs for the medical, visa, flights and certifications can total anywhere between $1,200–$2,000.
Some companies reimburse these expenses after the candidate begins work, while others expect candidates to cover them.
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The entire process from recruitment to onboarding can take 3 to 6 months, depending on your ability to complete the medical, visa, and certification requirements promptly, and on the availability of appointments at embassies and training centres.
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There could be delays. Timelines can be impacted by:
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Visa and police certificate processing times
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Availability of STCW training courses
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Documentation issues (Medical issues)
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To learn more about the recruitment process timeline, click on the link below:
DO I NEED A SEAMAN BOOK?
Possibly. 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.
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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.
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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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
We will never charge you any agency or recruitment fees. Be wise to any fraudulent scams that request any fees for finding a job onboard.