Cruise Ship Employment Specialists & Agents

~ TURNING DREAMS INTO CAREERS ~

HOMEPAGE

Cruise Alternatives CC was founded in 1998 and have successfully placed hundreds of new crewmembers onboard most of the world’s leading & largest cruise ship companies and vessels for example, Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruises, to name a few.

The website page has been reduced for the time being to include only the basic information and guidelines, since the lockdowns and pandemic regulations are constantly changing and until the industry is again back on track and all the rules are streamlined.

Cruise Alternatives CC is dedicated to providing the highest level of service for some of the largest & most luxurious ships afloat but we have only achieved this reputation and position, however, by employing staff who are equally committed to excellence. So, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, you will enjoy an above average salary & benefits package and superb opportunities for promotion.

Cruise ship careers are exciting, fun and highly rewarding. While you are onboard the cruise liner, you will have endless opportunities to visit many exotic countries/ports of call. Few other hospitality jobs can offer such variety, but you must understand that working on board a cruise ship isn’t for everyone. It’s hard work and discipline is essential in making it a success. At the same time, you must be genuinely personable & friendly, outgoing and be focused on exceeding expectations.

For updates and general information regarding events and changes in the industry worldwide, we recommend you follow our Facebook Page,

www.facebook.com/Cruise-Alternatives-CC-274351861350

All applicants must be 21 years or older.
Must be physically fit to pass a pre-employment medical examination (PEME).
Visible tattoo’s need to be declared so that we can advise if they are acceptable.
Applicants must have a clear criminal record. You must provide a Police Clearance Certificate should you be invited for an initial interview.
We do not recruit couples. Each application is handled strictly individually.
Have at least 2 years relevant experience and or appropriate formal/tertiary qualifications for any of the positions applied for.
Must provide at least 2 written and signed reference letters along with copies of your qualifications where applicable.
Passport valid for minimum of 2 years.

• FOOD & BEVERAGE DEPARTMENT - tipping positions: Asst waitrons, Bar waiters
• FOOD & BEVERAGE DEPARTMENT - non-tipping positions: Cook trainees, Commis Chefs, Asst. Chef de Partie, Sous Chefs, Executive Chefs, Asst Food Mngnt. Trainees, Asst. Beverage Mngnt Trainees, etc.
• HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT - Tipping positions: Asst. Stateroom Stewards, Floor Supervisors
• HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT - Non-tipping: Utlity/Hotel Stewards, Pool & Deck Supervisors, Asst. Housekeeping Mngnt Trainees & Sanitation Officers
• GUEST SERVICES - Hotel Front Desk
• MISCELLANEOUS POSITIONS
  • Qualified/Experienced Photographers, Entertainment - Sound & Lighting Techs, Stage & Automation Techs
  • Youth Activities Staff (Qualified recreational / Teacher experienced)
  • Retail Sales Associates - Jewelry / Watch Specialists, Beauty / Cosmetics Specialists
  • Medical personnel - Emergency room experienced Nurses & Doctors/Physicians
  • Human Resources & Training Personnel

  GENERAL COSTS & EXPENSES

  BEFORE YOU SEND YOUR CV/RESUME FOR CONSIDERATION, PLEASE NOTE AND UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT FACTORS

  Please be aware that you may be required to complete and pass an ONLINE aptitude/skills and English test to determine suitability for the cruise ship company/es as part of the screening. Management reserves the right to select or deny any person at their discretion, and the decision is final.

  Should you be approved for employment BY THE CRUISE SHIP COMPANY, you will in most cases be required to cover your joining costs, which are listed below.

  1. Marlins English Test - Approx. R 250
  2. PEME - Pre-Employment Medical Examination. NOTE THAT IF YOUR MEDICAL IS NOT APPROVED or declared as “NOT FIT FOR DUTY”, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO JOIN or move forward with the process. Approx. R 6000 or more. You will use ONLY designated and approved physicians, as instructed by the cruise ship company. Must be FULLY VACCINATED. Partial reimbursement upon boarding your ship.
  3. VISA/S - All crew must obtain a C1/D Seaman's Transit Visa from the US Consulate, normally valid for 5 years. Approx. R 2500 - R 3000. Should you join in any other country, you have to pay the cost of the visa, as indicated by the designated Embassy i.e. Europe get a Schengen Transit Visa at the relevant embassy - cost usually 60 Euros or approx. R 900. ALL VISA COSTS ARE REIMBURSED ONCE ONBOARD.
  4. STCW (Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Training Course to become a qualified seafarer. This training is cruise line specific and not required by all cruise ship companies, as it is done onboard. Cost approx. R 10 000 for a 9-day comprehensive training in Cape Town at internationally approved service providers. Reimbursed once onboard.
  5. ONE-WAY FLIGHT TICKET to join your FIRST ship anywhere worldwide - for tipping positions mostly i.e. restaurant, bar, and housekeeping entry-level positions, unless provided by the cruise ship company.

  FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions/Answers

  • Most cruise companies have “Fixed Term Contracts” in which you are on-board for a set period of time, depending on the position, normally 6 - 9 months contracts and 4 - 8 weeks vacation between contracts, at which time the company will provide your flight ticket to return to your home country and again go back for your next contract.

  • You can be promoted to higher positions or transferred to another department/position when applying whilst onboard, but mostly after the first contract. When you return for your next contract, you will continue in the same position as the previous contract, so you have job security and a career path, as long as your performance is acceptable with great evaluations. If you underperform or break the rules for any reason, the company reserves the right NOT TO RENEW your contract to return.

  • All meals, travel & boarding (berthing/accommodation) as well as full medical insurance are provided whilst onboard and during your contract free of charge.

  • Crew facilities include a crew mess/dining area (4 meals a day), crew lounge/bar (special discounts for crewmembers), extensive gym for the fitness fanatics, as well crew shop for basic necessities, and access to the medical infirmary in case of illness or injury. All these facilities are provided FREE of CHARGE.

  • Crew Cabins are normally shared with one other crewmember of the same gender. The cabin comprise of bumk beds, cupboards + drawers, basic bathroom (shower, toilet and basin, aircon, TV and work-station/desk, all to be shared with your cabin mate. Limited space make it quite compact, so only pack the bare necessities. Your agent will provide packing suggestions list.

  • No fraternizing/befriending with guests is permitted. You are not allowed in guest cabins, at any time, unless your job requires you to i.e. Stateroom stewards for job functions only. This can be cause for immediate dismissal. Even whilst onshore, you represent the cruise ship company and are recognized by the guests.

  • Shore leave is possible at most ports of call, along with areas/beaches for crew only, which may also include free internet access & WIFI. So staying in touch with family and friends is easy and accessible.

  • Salaries & remuneration is normally in US Dollars (USD) and paid on a monthly basis. Most cruise ship companies will give instructions to open a bank account to get a visa/mastercard debit card in which your salary/income will be deposited. This card can be used wherever you may be travelling worldwide.

  • Working hours on cruise ships are extensive considering it is a 7 days a week operation. You will be required to be on duty every day, and work an average of +/-70 hours a week. You won’t be required to work 12 hours straight shifts, as they will break your shifts up so that you will have some time to eat/rest/explore/get involved in crew activities.

  • The hiring timeframe can be anything from 3 - 6 months or longer, from being recruited/interviewed, to getting “Hired/approved for employment", to getting on-board. This is usually regulated by yourself, as this is determined by how quickly you can obtain your medicals/visas etc. Your urgency is crucial in order to expedite the process. It also depends on the department size and demand/turnover of staff from the cruise ship company. Because of these factors, DO NOT RESIGN FROM YOUR CURRENT JOB/WORKPLACE until prompted to do so.

  • SCAM COMPANIES are everywhere and many people pay signicant amounts with no results or knowing what to lookout for. All maritime/sea related operations, whether it is cruise ships, fish trawlers, oil rigs or any seagoing vessels, as well as recruitment agencies must be MLC certified (Martime Labour Convention) by the local authorities. In South Africa it is SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority). Also, free email addresses are the norm, i.e. gmail, yahoo or the like are used, DO NOT REPLY or believe them. Legitimate cruise ship employment agencies do not solicit money from applicants for receiving or reviewing applications unless it is for specific services provided, advertised on the information given prior to and or as a requirement from the cruise ship company.

  • DO NOT send money to anyone under any circumstance for taking care of the medical, visa application, flight ticket, etc., since these instructions are provided by the agent to the applicant as guidelines and the money is paid directly to the respective entities, i.e. physicians or US Consulate General/Embassy.

  If you wish to continue and apply for any of the positions indicated above, please send your CV & a recent photo of yourself to:

• info@cruisealternatives.com
or contact us via
• WhatsApp/Cell: 064 953 0500
~ for your and our convenience, all due to the overwhelming amounts of inquiries we receive.

Please allow at least 10 working days, as we receive hundreds of CVs/Resumes to review and they are all screened accordingly. If you do not receive any feedback within this timeframe, it most likely means that your application was not successful. Those who meet the criteria for any of the position we advertize will receive a reply with basic general terms and conditions, as well as indicating what position they deem you may be suitable for, and an invitation for an initial interview.

"EXCLUSIVITY & COMMITMENT BELONG TO THOSE WHO THRIVE IN IT"