Royal Caribbean Cruises is one of the largest cruise line operators in the world, transporting millions of guests each year to exotic destinations across the globe. With such a massive scale of operations, they employ tens of thousands of crew members to deliver an unforgettable vacation experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various career opportunities available and guide you through the recruitment process at Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Who We Are
Royal Caribbean Cruises owns several premium cruise brands including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. As an organization, they aim to deliver the best possible vacations to their guests through innovative ships, excellent service, and amazing destinations.
Their 43,000+ employees and crew members are at the heart of this success. They are passionate, innovative, and unstoppable in working together to overcome challenges and make the impossible possible. With opportunities on land and at sea, Royal Caribbean Cruises strives to recruit talented individuals to join their growing family.
Career Opportunities
There are roles available across virtually every discipline whether on land or onboard ships. Some common opportunities include:
- Culinary (Chefs, Bakers, Cooks etc.)
- Hospitality (Waiters, Bartenders, Concierges etc.)
- Guest Services (Front Desk Agents, Pursers etc.)
- Entertainment (Hosts, Musicians, Dancers etc.)
- Retail (Store Associates, Boutique Managers etc.)
- Marine (Engineers, Electricians, Deck Crew etc.)
- Hotel Operations (Housekeepers, Laundry Staff etc.)
- Health & Wellness (Spa Therapists, Fitness Instructors etc.)
- Management & Leadership Roles
Jobs are available at different career levels from entry to management. Candidates can search openings by position, brand or location preferences.
Onboard Life
Working on a cruise ship provides a unique lifestyle experience unlike any other. Crew members live and work onboard while the ship is at sea, interacting with guests daily.
Some key aspects of onboard life include:
- Contract periods typically range from 6-10 months at a time
- Accommodations include private crew cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Cuisine includes free gourmet meals in crew mess areas
- Opportunity to visit amazing destinations around the world
- Comprehensive medical services available for crew well-being
- Work schedules vary but include time off for rest and exploration
An onboard career allows one to travel the globe while delivering outstanding service in a resort-style environment. Let’s look at eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for most positions at Royal Caribbean Cruises, candidates generally need to meet the basic requirements:
- Minimum age of 18 or 21 depending on position
- Complete medical examination and meet health requirements
- Meet training and certification standards where applicable
- Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Proficiency in English for guest-facing roles
- Legally authorized to work for non-nationals
- High School diploma or equivalent education
- Additional requirements may apply for specialized roles
Those interested should carefully review individual job postings for any position-specific eligibility as well. Now, let’s discuss the application process.
Applying for Jobs
The primary way to explore and apply for openings is through the Royal Caribbean Cruises career website at www.careers.royalcaribbeangroup.com. Here are the basic steps:
- Visit the Careers site and create a profile
- Search for available opportunities by location or category
- Review the full job description for detailed requirements
- Click “Apply Now” and complete the online form
- Upload your resume and any other requested documents
- Submit your application before the posted deadline
- Candidates may be contacted for initial screening
It’s preferable to apply for specific vacancies rather than generally. Key things to highlight include relevant experience, training, and skills or qualifications.
Candidates progressing further may need to complete assessments, interviews, and a final pre-employment screening. Offers are contingent on clearance and availability. Let’s look at the recruitment timeline.
Recruitment Process Timeline
Once applications are received, the typical recruitment phases at Royal Caribbean Cruises include:
- Continuous recruiting with rolling application periods
- Initial screening of applications within 2-4 weeks
- Qualified candidates contacted for video or phone interviews
- Successful interviews may lead to job offers or holdings
- Medical examinations scheduled 4-6 weeks before travel
- Pre-employment training starts 2-3 weeks before travel
- Embassy clearances and visa processing as needed
- Travel to embarkation port 1-2 days before contract start
Do note that the exact stages and duration may vary depending on position, location, and other factors. Those interested are encouraged to apply early for maximum consideration and preparation time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked recruitment questions:
Q. What are the salary and benefits?
A. Packages vary by role, seniority, and ship assignment. Standard benefits include paid travel, meals, accommodation, and medical care.
Q. Is relocation assistance provided?
A. Yes, transportation to the initial embarkation port is covered as part of onboarding for most candidates.
Q. What certifications or training is required?
A. Mandatory training programs are conducted prior to contracts covering areas like safety, security, and guest service standards. Specialized roles may require specific certifications.
Q. Can I have guests onboard?
A. Crew members are permitted to host limited family/friends in designated crew areas off-contract, subject to availability and fees.
Q. What is the contract duration?
A. Standard contracts range 6-10 months depending on position. Renewal is based on performance and operational requirements.
Q. How can I develop my career further?
A. Onboard experience, additional training and demonstrating leadership abilities can lead to promotions to supervisory roles over time.
Does this help explain the recruitment and employment process at Royal Caribbean Cruises? Please let me know if you need any other details. I wish all candidates the very best with their applications.