Cruise Ship Dining Explained

Mary Hanna

Travel Articles | October 18, 2006

Mary Hanna explains the different dining options on the cruise lines.  She gives you advice on each option and why it would be right for you.

 There are many cruise ships now that have Freestyle Dining (Norwegian Cruises) or Choice Dining (Prince Cruise line) available. Or on Disney Cruise Lines they have what is called “Rotational Dining”. They have you and your tablemates rotate through the three restaurants each evening. TIP: There is usually open seating for breakfast and lunch in the main dining room. Be adventurous with the menu because if you don’t like something you can send it back for a replacement. And if they have two things on the menu that you like ask for both of them. My husband, John, always orders the Filet Mignon and the Lobster Tail when they are served on the same night. Many times he tells the waiter to bring what the waiter recommends for that evening. This means you don’t have to choose first or second seating. (First seating is 6:00 to 6:30 and Second seating is usually 8:00-8:30). There can be more than one restaurant where you just walk in when you are ready to dine. Every ship will ask for your dining preference when you book your cruise. You can indicate first, second or flexible dining, whichever will make you more comfortable. The newer ships have a 24 hour dining spot which is always casual so if you don’t want to do the formal nights you don’t have to, although I find dressing up to be quite fun. You will have many options for each meal. You may have any meal delivered to your room, taken in the buffet restaurant or in the dining room. There is usually outdoor dining around the pool with hot dogs and hamburgers, pizza, salads, even Tacos. There are also alternative dining rooms available on some ships that require an additional fee but the service and food are generally 4 to 5 star and worth it if you want to splurge. In my experience families with young children and people who go to bed early usually dine in first seating. But if you don’t want to be on a schedule or want to meet new people every night, go for the alternative dining option. Of course you can always ask for a table for two, but be aware that there are only a few of them. If you make a special request one night, John always asks for blue cheese, your waiter will bring it every night. They pride themselves on remembering your tastes. (This only happens when you choose traditional dining). On one cruise we asked for Melba toast, and you bet, every night we had Melba toast. There is one thing I always make clear to the waiter. I am not a big eater but I like to taste everything. I tell this to them the first night so they don’t think I am unhappy with the food. It is their job to keep you happy and they take it very seriously. If you don’t want to eat in the main dining room almost all ships have a Lido café where it is casual but you order from a menu and are served by a waiter. It’s one of the many choices if you don’t want to participate in a formal night or if you just want to eat by yourselves. On Carnivals single cruises they encourage this style of dining so the singles can meet more people. There are exceptions to this but not many. On some of the newer ships the Lido is open 24 hours a day. On most of the cruise lines they offer the food of the region that you are visiting. While on Hawaiian cruises expect to be served Hawaiian food. When on an Alaskan cruise you will be given the choices of salmon and Alaskan king crab legs. It makes more fun to dine on the local cuisine. All of the cruise lines offer healthy alternative menus or what they call spa menus. So if you want low-fat, low-salt, low cholesterol, vegetarian or any other type of diet, they are available. It is best however to inform your travel agent of any special needs so they can notify the cruise line ahead of time. If you have special dietary needs make sure the cruise lines knows before hand. For example, Royal Caribbean cruises cater to food allergy, Kosher, Indian, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Diets. To be really safe read all of the cruise reviews and cruise critics sites for each ships food and service ratings. Happy Cruising, enjoy it, we do! Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved. This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at:http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com andhttp://www.CruisingTips.com

Is this the 'Secret' to Getting a Job on a Cruise Ship?

 Neil Maxwell Keys

Other Articles | February 27, 2007

There is no doubt that the cruise line industry can be a tough industry to get into. This article discusses the personal quality that everyone possesses - which often means the difference between success and failure.

The cruise line industry can be a TOUGH industry to get into, make no mistake.

In fact, I sent off 25 resumes before I heard so much as a whisper when I first started applying to work onboard a cruise ship. And I know people who took over a year and several interviews before they got their job.

The people who eventually land their 'dream job' of working on a cruise ship, are generally the ones who persisted the most. These people did not give up at the first sign of rejection - they kept on applying - no matter how many knock-backs they got.

Here's one such great example of persistence that I'd like to share with you. It's an email I received a few weeks back from a girl who proved to be one of the most determined people I've come across so far.

After many, many months of trying, applying and even flying (she once flew to Belgium for an interview!) and MANY rejection letters received - she finally got her 'dream job' as a Purser for Carnival Cruise Lines.

Here's her email:

Hi Neil,I know it's been a while since I send you some news. But the last 3 weeks have been really hectic and busy.

I left Ireland last Sunday, I went back to France to visit my family and my friends and now, I'm writing you from.... MIAMI!! YEAH!!! I got the job with Carnival and I start working this Sunday. I stay at the Holiday Inn North West Corporate Center, close to Carnival's offices and everything is great.

I'm completely jet-lagged, that's why I'm on internet so early this morning. I'm actually awake since 4am!!! We have a meeting at the company today at noon to meet our manager, to get our final affectation (probably Los Angeles for me) and to have more details about the job.

I just wanted to let you know the good news. I'm really, really happy and excited (and tired!!) but I wanted to say THANK YOU for your support and your constant emails to give the strength to keep going. It's a fantastic experience that's going to start and I'm very, very glad it happened to me.

Regards,

Marie-Eve Fluechey (Republic of Ireland)

 

I use this email to act as a bit of inspiration, more than anything else.

You see, the people who win in this game are the people who did not give up at the first sign of rejection and instead just kept applying. So if this is what you really want to do (and you'd be mad not to!) then just go for it and keep going at it.

Eventually you WILL get there. Marie-Eve is proof of this.

Besides, the chances are that when you do start applying, you will get a few rejection letters (heck, I have a whole file full!)So what? Don't beat yourself up about it and give up hope. There are hundreds of other companies you can apply to and hundreds more positions available that you can do onboard, so just keep applying!Persistence really is the 'secret'.

Article Tags: Cruise Ship

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neil Maxwell-Keys is THE cruise ship jobs expert and best-selling author of "Get a Cruise Ship Job!" Each week he sends out a FREE tip, technique or strategy about how to get a job on a cruise ship quickly and easily. For further information visit:http://www.WorkOnCruiseShips.com

Cruise Ship Dining Explained

Mary Hanna

Travel Articles | October 18, 2006

Mary Hanna explains the different dining options on the cruise lines.  She gives you advice on each option and why it would be right for you.

 There are many cruise ships now that have Freestyle Dining (Norwegian Cruises) or Choice Dining (Prince Cruise line) available. Or on Disney Cruise Lines they have what is called “Rotational Dining”. They have you and your tablemates rotate through the three restaurants each evening. TIP: There is usually open seating for breakfast and lunch in the main dining room. Be adventurous with the menu because if you don’t like something you can send it back for a replacement. And if they have two things on the menu that you like ask for both of them. My husband, John, always orders the Filet Mignon and the Lobster Tail when they are served on the same night. Many times he tells the waiter to bring what the waiter recommends for that evening. This means you don’t have to choose first or second seating. (First seating is 6:00 to 6:30 and Second seating is usually 8:00-8:30). There can be more than one restaurant where you just walk in when you are ready to dine. Every ship will ask for your dining preference when you book your cruise. You can indicate first, second or flexible dining, whichever will make you more comfortable. The newer ships have a 24 hour dining spot which is always casual so if you don’t want to do the formal nights you don’t have to, although I find dressing up to be quite fun. You will have many options for each meal. You may have any meal delivered to your room, taken in the buffet restaurant or in the dining room. There is usually outdoor dining around the pool with hot dogs and hamburgers, pizza, salads, even Tacos. There are also alternative dining rooms available on some ships that require an additional fee but the service and food are generally 4 to 5 star and worth it if you want to splurge. In my experience families with young children and people who go to bed early usually dine in first seating. But if you don’t want to be on a schedule or want to meet new people every night, go for the alternative dining option. Of course you can always ask for a table for two, but be aware that there are only a few of them. If you make a special request one night, John always asks for blue cheese, your waiter will bring it every night. They pride themselves on remembering your tastes. (This only happens when you choose traditional dining). On one cruise we asked for Melba toast, and you bet, every night we had Melba toast. There is one thing I always make clear to the waiter. I am not a big eater but I like to taste everything. I tell this to them the first night so they don’t think I am unhappy with the food. It is their job to keep you happy and they take it very seriously. If you don’t want to eat in the main dining room almost all ships have a Lido café where it is casual but you order from a menu and are served by a waiter. It’s one of the many choices if you don’t want to participate in a formal night or if you just want to eat by yourselves. On Carnivals single cruises they encourage this style of dining so the singles can meet more people. There are exceptions to this but not many. On some of the newer ships the Lido is open 24 hours a day. On most of the cruise lines they offer the food of the region that you are visiting. While on Hawaiian cruises expect to be served Hawaiian food. When on an Alaskan cruise you will be given the choices of salmon and Alaskan king crab legs. It makes more fun to dine on the local cuisine. All of the cruise lines offer healthy alternative menus or what they call spa menus. So if you want low-fat, low-salt, low cholesterol, vegetarian or any other type of diet, they are available. It is best however to inform your travel agent of any special needs so they can notify the cruise line ahead of time. If you have special dietary needs make sure the cruise lines knows before hand. For example, Royal Caribbean cruises cater to food allergy, Kosher, Indian, Vegetarian and Gluten Free Diets. To be really safe read all of the cruise reviews and cruise critics sites for each ships food and service ratings. Happy Cruising, enjoy it, we do! Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved. This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at:http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com andhttp://www.CruisingTips.com

Coping With Ship Holiday Mishaps Through A Cruise Ship Accident Holiday Claim

 Cedric Loiselle

Health Articles | July 9, 2012

Anything can happen while you’re on vacation. You could win a lucky jackpot prize or fall in love. You could even meet an old friend and spark up a life-changing convers...

Anything can happen while you’re on vacation. You could win a lucky jackpot prize or fall in love. You could even meet an old friend and spark up a life-changing conversation. And then there is also that possibility of getting into an accident or falling ill while you are on a holiday cruise. It is unfortunate. But it can happen to the best of us. The good thing about it is that whatever the case may be, any threat or harm that has been inflicted on you during a trip is subject to a cruise ship accident holiday claim.

Cruise ships are a great way to spend the summer. With the right tour package, you can reach different places and maintain superb accommodations all throughout. Usually, cruise ships also feature five-star entertainment and relaxation facilities to guarantee a refreshing and satisfying stay. And it is interesting to note that there are a number of packages today that even feature around the world packages. But with its behemoth operations and a capacity of almost 3,000 passengers at a time, it’s hard for the crew to maintain safety for every individual. As such, you may find yourself suffering an injury on board and cutting your exciting trip short because of disability and pain. Now, would you think that is acceptable considering you’ve already paid for everything? And do you believe a refund is all that is called for with all the emotional, physical and financial burden an on-board mishap has caused you? That is highly unlikely. This is where a ship accident on holiday claim comes in handy, this is usually by means of the Athens Convention. This comes into effect when the cruise liner's port of departure and the destination are different or the cruise ship's port of departure and destination are the same but there is a port of call in a different country

Not only will you be able to ensure that you get adequate support for all the losses you have and might incur due to the accident, you also get to teach the company a valuable lesson about how to run their usual operations. Sure, they never meant it to happen. But it is the cruise liner's responsibility to protect their client’s safety as well as ensure that they have a splendid time. If they don’t live up to this role, then they are basically breaching the contract they’ve established upon recruiting you for the tour. Besides, it wasn’t your fault why you fell over a lose wire or slipped on a wet floor when there were no proper cautionary warnings put in place. So why would you have to suffer alone?

A cruise ship accident holiday claim involves an extensive portfolio. But some of the most commonly used types, aside from those that have been mentioned, are suffering from food poisoning, contracting a viral, bacterial or fungal infection due to poor hygiene standards, acquiring injury as a result of using faulty equipment and getting into an accident because facilities were unmanned. Now, if what you’ve experienced has not been raised in this entry, it would be best for you to contact a solicitor and ask for advice on how to file a ship accident on holiday claim.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For more information about Cruise Ship Accident Holiday Claim and Ship Accident on Holiday Claim visit our website on-holiday-accident-claims.co.uk.

Taking a Look at Caribbean Honeymoon Cruises

 Darlene Berkel

Travel Articles | April 17, 2007

There is more than just one kind of Caribbean honeymoon cruise available out there, but let's take a look at two possibilities available. Aboard deck of a larger cruise ship you'll find more to do than simply watch the wonderfully blue waves roll by on your Caribbean honeymoon cruise.

When it comes to Caribbean honeymoon cruises, it is not one size fits all. There is a great variety of possibilities, but we'll narrow it down to just two. If you think you'll be bored, think again. You will discover that there is much more to do then just lie on deck and watch the soothing blue waves roll by.

Some larger liners offer passengers a rock wall to climb about on, fitness trainers to work out with, pools to swim in, or masseuses to rub away the tensions that you and your significant other accumulated during the months prior the wedding ceremony. Dancing and small casino style rooms are often available to cruise passengers as well, with supervised activities for children available for those that are taking their second honeymoon.

On some of the most extravagant cruise liners you'll even find LED movie screens where you can watch movies theater style under the stars, several story promenade streets (some with parades and street musicians), golf simulators or even an ice skating rink! Almost all ships will stop to give you time for snorkeling and don't forget a favorite activity during any Caribbean honeymoon cruise: swimming with dolphins!The ocean, ship deck and cabins won't be the only places you'll see on your Caribbean honeymoon cruise either. Most ships will drop anchor more than once along the course of the cruise, giving you opportunities to snorkel with tropical fish in the warm azure waters, go mountain biking along trails in Costa Rica's rain forests, or horseback riding along the sparkling white sandy beaches.

With shows, catered meals, dancing and pool-side fun and games available at almost any hour a Caribbean honeymoon cruise aboard a large liner could leave you wanting little more than extra time out at sea. Some ships even boast multiple clubs and lounges so you'll be sure to find at least one playing your kind of music where you and your sweetheart can chill out with a tropical drink during one of at least two different cruise tours.

Eastern Caribbean honeymoon cruise tours can sail by Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas, while Western Caribbean honeymoon cruise tours can include trips by Cozumel Island, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica to name just a few ports of call. Truly it would take more than seven days on any given cruise just to take in all the opportunities for excitement and relaxation.

Small Chartered CruisesFor the newlyweds, or second honeymooners, looking for a Caribbean honeymoon cruise with a more personal touch there are smaller boats available for charter where you and your sweetheart will be the only passengers aboard. Imagine cruising the caribbean on a private yacht? Can you imagine a more romantic honeymoon vacation? This just might be the perfect ticket for an unforgettable caribbean honeymoon cruise.

Since the Grenadines are split between two different countries you can usually expect your ship to be flying one of two flags at any given time. At Bequia, Canouan, Mayereau, Mustique, Petit St Vincent and Union you can expect the St. Vincent flag to be flying overhead, while the Grenada flag is required at Carriacou and Petite Martinique. You don't have to worry about technicalities such as this, since the crew will cater to each and every detail of your cruise, while you enjoy the soothing blue waters of your romantic honeymoon cruise.

Article Tags: Caribbean Honeymoon Cruises, Caribbean Honeymoon Cruise, Caribbean Honeymoon, Honeymoon Cruises, Honeymoon Cruise, Cruise Tours

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Visit http://honeymoon.every1loves2travel.com and discover the best honeymoon destinations, honeymoon packages and honeymoon planning tips.

Cruise Travel Tips - Do Not Travel Without Them

 Darlene Berkel

Travel Articles | December 23, 2006

Cruise ships are a means of travel with some substantial benefits. The key advantage of a cruise ship is that it does the "getting around" for you. They make it easy to visit several places in a single trip without the need to pack your belongings each time.

You've seen the commercials, vast blue oceans, beautiful white ship, and people laughing. What a wonderful vacation, sailing the deep blue sea and visiting exciting ports of call. This is certainly a dream vacation, especially as you sit in your office cubical in the dead of winter and shiver while you answer complaint calls from clients.

Cruise ships are a means of travel with some substantial benefits. The key advantage of a cruise ship is that it does the "getting around" for you. They make it easy to visit several places in a single trip without the need to pack your belongings and sit in a car/train/bus/plane to travel to each one; your hotel room comes along with you, and even provides the transportation. Additionally, most meals are usually included in the price of the cruise.

Timing is EverythingThe most important cruise line tip is to ensure that you get to the dock on time. Although cruise ships sail from an increasing number of cities, most people still have to fly to get to and from their port of departure. If you are flying from another city into the location of your cruise line, make absolutely sure that your flight lands with enough time for you to disembark, travel to baggage claim, find your luggage and then locate a shuttle or taxi to the dock of departure. The cruise line will not wait for passengers. They are on a strict schedule of departure and arrival; the boat waits for no one. If you miss the boat, you miss your vacation.

Another important and valuable cruise line travel tip is to read all documents provided by the cruise line and your travel agent. Unless your ship's itinerary is confined to a single country, you need to prepare for a cruise like you would any other international trip, including passports. Prior to booking flights or making any other travel plans, thoroughly read all documentation provided in regards to your cruise.

There are important contracts, guidelines, requirements and procedures that must be followed prior to boarding, and during the cruise. Again, the cruise line does not care if you didn't read your documents and forgot your passport or Visa. They only care that your travel documents are in order, you've taken the time to comply with their travel requirements and that you enjoy your stay once on board.

Safeguard your LuggageNothing could be worse than going on a cruise and losing your luggage, before or after the cruise. What a nightmare! It is essential to do everything possible to ensure that your luggage does not get lost. At the cruise terminal, baggage is given to the porters for loading to the ship Make sure that your suitcase is uniquely marked so that someone does not take your luggage by mistake. Identification tags are a must, so even if your luggage ends up in the "wrong"' hands, it can easily find its way back to you.

Similar preparations are essential when leaving the cruise ship. On large ships you put a colored tag on your luggage and place it outside the cabin the night before you reach your final port, and pick it up ashore in the terminal. Some cruise lines are now offering an option where passengers can be first off the ship if they carry all their luggage off with them.

What about motion Sickness?Some people experience queasiness on cruise ships. Many people find relief from special wristbands that stimulate pressure points that are believed to counteract the nausea of motion sickness. You can also get pills that will alleviate any discomforts caused by motion sickness. Make sure to get your supply in advance and don't forget to pack them in your hand baggage. You may never need them, but it is best to have them available just in case.

Don't Overlook the DetailsIt is especially important to review the cruise summary and travel itinerary to ensure that no errors exist. This cruise line travel tip is the one that will insure you get to spend your actual vacation time doing what you planned rather than sorting out a mistake and wasting valuable time. Most of the excursion arrangements are made through your travel or booking agent prior to your arrival at the boarding gate. As you prepare to board the ship, you will be given an outline of your activities to review as you wait in line. An essential cruise line travel tip is to take the time to scrutinize these items now, as they are the outline for your entire vacation. It is easier to correct any mistakes that might have been made now, while standing in line rather than once you are one board the boat. If you wait, you will lose precious hours of you vacation.

Cruise vacations are fabulous, but this type of vacation takes a considerable amount of preparation. If you heed the advice of these cruise line tips, you will not only get onboard, but you will also have the vacation of a lifetime!

Article Tags: Cruise Line Travel, Cruise Ships, Cruise Line, Line Travel

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For more cruise travel tips and cruise information visithttp://www.cruise.every1loves2travel.com . We also recommend http://www.on-a-cruise.com for exciting cruise adventures and helpful cruise reviews.

The Cruise Ship Jobs You Can Get Even Without Experience!

 Neil Maxwell Keys

Other Articles | November 6, 2008

Many people fail to land jobs on cruise ships not because of their lack of experience but because of their lack of know-how. This article reveals why you need to ensure you are applying for the position best suited to your abilities and skills and how this can land you the job you desire! This article also reveals an insiders list of cruise ship jobs that require little or no experience.

If it's your dream to work on cruise ships, find out first what jobs are available and which ones you are qualified to apply for. Certain jobs will require a high level of qualifications or specialized training such as disc jockeys, fitness instructors, dancers or youth counsellors.

Other jobs, however, require little or no qualifications or even experience, so don't be put off applying for cruise line employment if you're certain this is the career for you. Although many people believe it's impossible to break into the industry without prior experience, this just isn't true.

There are thousands of crewmembers who landed jobs with any particular skills or experience. There are many jobs that can easily be carried out using non-vocational skills and full training will be provided onboard.

Most people fail to land work on cruise ships not because of their lack of experience but because of their lack of know-how. Make sure you are applying for the position best suited to your abilities and skills and most importantly of all, is learning the knack of selling yourself. Understanding how to do this properly can quickly get you the job you want!

If you don't have qualifications or experience, here are some positions you may consider applying for right away:

* Cruise Staff - general people skills

* Casino Cashier - some customer service & cash handling experience

* Social Host - public speaking & people skills

* Gift Shop Associate - some retail or customer service experience

* Shore Excursion Staff - organizational & communication skills

* Bar Waiting Staff - full training provided

* Receptionist - organizational & admin skills

* Internet Manager - some internet experience

* Photographer - full training provided but you must show a genuine interest in photography.

* Cocktail Server - full training provided

* Tour Guide - communication & people skills

* Videographer - full training provided

* Guest Speaker - speaking skills with the ability to talk on a specific subject for an hour.

The list above isn't exhaustive but it gives you a good overview of the types of cruise ship jobs you can get with any particular qualifications.

All jobs onboard require a high level of customer service skills, so if you have this use any experience you have in other areas to get started in the industry. No matter how limited this experience is, if it is marketed in the right way you can get your foot on the cruise line employment ladder.

Many crew members have started their careers in this way and have gone on to enjoy great success. It's important to get your foot in the door and take the job you're offered first in order to get that valuable experience. You can then use this to move into another area that you're particularly interested in working in.

If you possibly can, you might consider gaining a few simple certificates that will greatly enhance your chances of success. Water safety instruction, CPR, or anything related to this area will give you the edge over other applicants when applying for cruise ship vacancies and ensure your resume looks even more impressive!

Classes are easy to find in most locations and there should be ones near you. Usually all that is required is one or two day's attendance at each course.

For more information, contact the Red Cross for details of water safety courses or CPR training. Alternatively have a look at these websites: americanheart.org or redcross.org.

After reading this article, you'll realize you already have some of the skills necessary to obtain work on cruise ships, even if you didn't think so before!

Article Tags: Cruise Ship Jobs, Full Training Provided, Cruise Ship, Ship Jobs, Cruise Ships, Full Training, People Skills,Customer Service, Training Provided

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neil Maxwell-Keys is a former crewmember, hiring expert and founder of WorkOnCruiseShips.com: a website dedicated to showing you how to realize your dream of getting cruise ship jobs. Get Neils *free* insider report by visiting =>http://www.WorkOnCruiseShips.com

Using the Right Approach to Get Cruise Ship Jobs

 Neil Maxwell Keys

Other Articles | November 24, 2008

This article discusses why online cruise ship resume blasting services are a waste of time and money and reveals what job seekers really need to do to get hired by a cruise line company. Includes little-known tips and technique for success.

A mistake we see a lot of people make when trying to get cruise ship jobs is to use an online resume distribution service. On the face of it they appear to be a quick, easy and effective solution. But the simple matter is nearly all cruise companies hate this approach.

This type of service works by sending copies of your untargeted resume to hundreds of companies in the industry, in the hope of getting you hired for any available vacancies. All for a fee, of course.

What's more, blasting your resume to several hundred cruise line recruiters in one go is not only certain to NOT get you hired, but it's also likely to get your details permanently blacklisted by their junk email systems.

This type of tactic is known as the 'Shotgun Approach,' and is a particularly ineffective method of promoting your talent when looking for work on cruise ships. Mailing hundreds of resumes, all of which are not focused for any specific position, is not giving you the most beneficial chance of gaining employment. You haven't targeted your skills to any particular job or given a good impression of your desire to land that job.

This technique is unlikely to bring you any success. If it was a guaranteed method of landing cruise ship employment, everyone would be doing it and the companies would never need to advertise for staff ever again!

A much better tactic is the 'Rifle Approach.' This involves creating a resume and cover letter that are targeted to a particular vacancy and mailed to only one company at a time. This type of approach is much more likely to catch a recruiter's eye than an unfocused application that has been sent to hundreds of companies.

If you are having difficulty obtaining cruise ship jobs or are uncertain of some aspects of industry requirements, the following points may guide you in the right direction.

* If you aren't having much success in getting replies to your applications, check you meet the minimum requirements for the job you are applying for. Try creating a dazzling resume and a powerful cover letter, designed to catch the attention of the recruiter. Remember too, companies receive hundreds of applications each week from applicants looking for employment and neither have the time nor the resources to respond to each one individually.

* Just because you've had a letter of rejection back, it doesn't mean that you can't apply to the same cruise line again. Check over your initial application once more. Do you meet any minimum requirements? Do you have a dynamic resume? An effective cover letter? Do these show off your skills and talents to your best advantage?

If not, spend some time redoing them, not forgetting to ask a friend or relative to proofread and give an honest opinion on them. Have you included everything asked for such as references, photographs and certificates? Once you have all the necessary information and a powerful resume, there is nothing to stop you reapplying.

* The minimum age for being accepted for any position is usually 18-21, depending on which job you are applying for. In particular parts of the ship including the restaurant, bar and duty free shops, you need to be 21 years and over to secure a position. This is due to legal requirements when alcohol is being sold or served to the passengers onboard.

The starting age for entertainers, spa staff and youth staff is typically 18 years old, but be sure to check with each individual cruise line you're applying to as this varies from company to company. Whether you're just below these ages, it is still a good idea to start applying. Often the hiring staff will review an application from somebody who will be old enough shortly.

* Don't worry if you cannot swim, as this is not usually a job requirement.

* It's a good idea to include two photos in your resume - one passport sized and one full-length. Always ensure you look well groomed and cheerful in these photos! You can include these in both posted and emailed resumes, not forgetting to keep the image file small in size when sending by email.

Taking the right approach, ensuring you meet all requirements, and creating a sparkling application will certainly set you well on your way to getting cruise ship jobs.

Article Tags: Cruise Ship Jobs, Right Approach, Cruise Ship,Ship Jobs, Cruise Line, Cover Letter

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neil Maxwell-Keys has hired thousands of crew for the biggest cruise lines in the world. He has written a popular *free* step-by-step e-book which shows you how to get cruise ship jobs, quickly and easily. Get your copy from => http://www.WorkOnCruiseShips.com

Top Tips for Preparing a Winning Cruise Ship Job Application

Neil Maxwell Keys

Other Articles | March 14, 2007

This article reveals several great tips and techniques that anyone looking to get employed onboard a luxury cruise ship can use to create a winning application that gets them the job.

It is important when seeking a job in the cruise industry to do lots of research.

The Internet is a great tool with lots of information available for the job hunter. You need to learn how to apply, where to apply, what jobs are available, and what skills or experience are needed for the jobs onboard.

When doing your research, determine which job appeals to you. Don't just send in an application for "any position available". The cruise line will think that you are only doing this for "fun" and they probably won't take your application seriously.

Instead always begin your resume or application with your job objective clearly defined. In other words, let them know right away what position you're applying for.

For example, if you want to go and work on a ship in the onboard duty-free gift shops, then you will state this job objective at the beginning of your cover letter and at the top of your resume. The same applies for Bar Tender, Social Host, Dancer, Hair Stylist, etc. Do not put "any", you must be clear and right to the point.

Always remember that ideally cruise lines want serious, committed people who will hopefully stay around for a few contracts. It's okay if this job is only for a year or two whilst you save a bit of money, see the world and have some fun. But don't mention that to the cruise line because it costs good money to keep finding and training new hires that only stay for 6-months!When writing your resume, try to make sure that all of your skills and experience are targeted and worded to meet the requirements of a specific job. For example, if you apply to one cruise line for a job as a Casino Cashier, then everything on your resume should be tailored to back your application up.

If at the same time you also apply to a different cruise line for a position as Youth Counselor, then you should adjust your resume by re-arranging and re-wording it slightly to back this different application up.

Also consider that if your resume or application package is inaccurate, incomplete, poorly written, or goes to the wrong person, then you may have wasted your time. Go through and check for any typing or grammatical mistakes and get someone else to check it for you. A misspelling or grammatical error will get noticed before the point you're making is.

On this notes, also be sure to have your correct and current address including your postal code and country of residence. Your phone number, area code and country code should also be included, along with an alternate number for messages. Include your email address only if you have regular access to it.

In summary, finding a job on a cruise ship can require a lot of research, time and effort to seek out the position and company that's right for you and to prepare a winning job application. But many crewmembers find that the initial time and effort put into getting such a job is well worth it. After all you do get PAID to see the world, have fun and meet lots of new people of all different nationalities!

Article Tags: Cruise Ship, Cruise Line

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neil Maxwell-Keys is THE cruise ship jobs expert and best-selling author of "Get a Cruise Ship Job!" Each week he sends out a FREE tip, technique or strategy about how to get a job on a cruise ship quickly and easily. For further information visit:http://www.WorkOnCruiseShips.com

Cruise Ship Jobs

Max Bellamy

Travel Articles | April 6, 2006

It might be an exotic dream to work aboard a cruise liner but can be just as exhausting. Among the 300 or so liners, the minimum crew is a couple of hundred. Some liners have crews of 500 or more. How...

It might be an exotic dream to work aboard a cruise liner but can be just as exhausting. Among the 300 or so liners, the minimum crew is a couple of hundred. Some liners have crews of 500 or more. However, with this many employees working together at such close range, you will get to know many people very well over a period of time this way.

There are a variety of employment opportunities on cruise ships. There are positions available in the many entertainment venues on board including singers, dancers musicians, comedians and photographers. Competition is tough because the cruise line look for only the best in their fields in order to guarantee passenger satisfaction. Positions are also found in the ship\'s casinos and shops and eating facilities. These consist of waiters, waitresses, hosts, chefs, security, card dealer, slot attendants, clerks, etc. All luxury yachts need crews (marine and deck jobs) to maintain and operate the vessel, and health clubs, spas and salons are always looking for experienced staff. Openings are often found for engineers, technicians, and other crew positions.

A medical staff is also hired for the general well being of passengers and in case of emergencies. There is at least one physician and a nurse, and on some liners there are also massage and physiotherapists as part of the ship\'s staff.

Basically, people in all fields can apply for marine jobs. They pay well and a vacation is an added bonus. Applying and getting the job is the toughest part. The rest is, as everyone says, a breeze.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alaska Cruise Ships provides detailed information on cruise ships, alaska cruise ships, cruise ship jobs, cruise ship reviews and more. Alaska Cruise Ships is affiliated with Cruise Line Ratings.