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Onboard and Onshore Cruise Ship Positions

Whether you long for the sea breeze and ocean air, or you're strictly a landlubber with a passion for hospitality management, there are literally hundreds of positions available in the cruise industry that will meet your needs. But you'll need to know exactly what each position entails before you apply.

There are a large variety of jobs on cruise ships and at cruise line corporate offices.

Skim over the list of job titles below. You may recognize a number of the jobs, i.e., disc jockey, but some may be foreign to you. For example, few people know what a Gentleman Host does!

This page provides you with a list of common positions on luxury cruise liners as well as links to general job descriptions, which will give you a better idea of what each job is all about.

Furthermore, see how jobs are broken down into different departments below.

The only way to get a more detailed look at these jobs is to become a CruiseJobFinder member .

Commonly Available Positions on Cruise Ships:

• Cruise Directors
• Disc Jockeys
• Expedition Leaders
• Hosts and Hostesses
• Naturalists
• Shore Excursion Managers
• Water Sports Instructors
• Youth Counselors
• Cosmetologist
• Fitness Directors
• Medical Staff
• Air/Sea Reservation Agents
• Gift Shop Positions
• Photographers
• Junior Assistant Pursers
• Information Technology Staff
• Administration Assistants
• Customer Service Representatives
• Casino Staff
• Cruise Staff
• Entertainers
• Gentleman Host
• Production Managers
• Shore Excursion Staff
• Beauticians
• Massage Therapists
• Fitness Instructors
• Personal Trainers
• Bar Stewards
• Bedroom Stewards
• Hospitality or Hotel Managers
• Dance Instructors
• Booking Agents
• Sales and Marketing Positions
• Engeering Department Crew

Jobs Listed by Department

Activity and shipboard entertainment departments:.

These positions are all about keeping passengers busy and entertained, and they're the people who are top of mind when passengers hear the term "cruise staff." The activity leaders or instructors work with passengers in small groups, leading them in a specific activity, whether it's diving, dancing, or Yoga. Entertainers provide music (either playing it or as a disc jockey), sing, act, juggle, or other forms of entertainment, either poolside or in the ship's many clubs, casinos, or on stages. Cruise directors are responsible for all of these areas, and making sure that passengers are participating and enjoying each experience. For a more detailed overview of Activity/Entertainment positions and their job requirements, Click Here!

• Art Auctioneer
• Assistant Cruise Director
• Assistant Shore Excursions Manager
• Casino staff
• Cruise Consultant
• Cruise Director
• Dance Instructor
• Disc Jockey
• Dive Instructor
• Gentlemen Host
• Lecturer/ Special Guest Speaker
• Photographer
• Port Lecturer
• Shore Excursions Manager
• Social Host/Hostess

Entertainment

• Audio Visual Coordinator
• Production Manager
• Sound and Light Technician

Deck and Engineering Departments:

These are the people in charge of keeping the ship well maintained, running smoothly, and on course - all the while ensuring everyone's safety, keeping detailed records, and being knowledgeable of maritime laws and regulations. While the captain is usually very visible, you may not realize that there are many additional crew members, each with important duties. For most of these positions you'll need to have some experience onboard a ship and specialized training. However, there are some internships and/or apprenticeship programs that can launch your career in this department. For a more detailed overview of Deck Positions, Click Here!

• Able Seaman
• Chief Officer
• First Officer
• Quarter Master
• Safety Officer
• Security Officer
• Staff Captain

Engineering

• Assistant Engineer
• Chief Engineer
• Chief Electrician
• Chief Radio Officer
• First Assistant Engineer

Service and Hospitality Departments :

These positions can also be called "hotel management" jobs. The common denominator with all of these jobs is that you are providing a direct service to passengers, whether it's cooking food, serving food or beverages, cleaning cabins, doing laundry, and a wide range of other duties. The purser also falls under this category. Pursers are in charge of all onboard accounting during each cruise. For a more detailed overview of Service/Hospitality Positions, Click Here !

Food and Beverage

• Bar Manager
• Buffet Server
• Chef de Partie
• Cocktail Server
• Dining Room Head Waiter
• Dining Room Manager
• Executive Chef
• Food and Beverages Manager
• General Cook
• Maitre d' Hotel
• Pastry Chef
• Wine Steward
• Chief Purser
• Purser Staff

Housekeeping

• Cabin Steward/ess
• Chief Cabin Steward
• Chief Steward/Housekeeper
• Laundry Staff

Hotel Administration

• Computer Systems Manager/IT
• Gift Shop Manager
• Gift Shop Sales Assistant
• Hotel Manager
• Program Coordinator
• Receptionist

Personal Care and Shipboard Medical Departments:

Workers in these jobs are also providing direct care to passengers, but services are in the form of massages, hair care, manicures, or even medical care. Of course you'll need to have the proper credentials or licenses before you can apply for any of these jobs. For a more detailed overview of Personal Care Positions, Click Here!

Salon/Spa/Fitness

• Beauty Therapist
• Fitness Instructor
• Hair Stylist
• Spa Attendant

Nurses and Physicians

Corporate Office Positions:

Some people are much more interested in being an important part of the inner workings of the industry - the very necessary people who keep the company running, not just the ships. If this sounds like you, then here are the main departments you have to choose from for finding work. In many of these positions you can be promoted to executive or leadership roles.

Accounting : If you're more interested in an onshore, behind-the-scenes job in the industry, you could pursue a position in this department. In addition to the traditional accounting positions, you'll also find cruise line-specific jobs like tour accounting.

Administrative/Clerical : Like any other business, it takes a lot of people in the "back office" to keep a company running smoothly. From human resources professionals, to IT workers, without the work and expertise of these employees, the work onboard the ship would be much harder to perform.

Air operations: It takes a lot of coordination between the airlines/airport and the harbor to ensure that passengers and their luggage arrive and depart safely, on time, and with all their possessions intact. These employees are the ones responsible for these important tasks.

Marketing/PR: The cruise industry has become much more competitive than in years past. There are more cruise lines, and more ships all vying for passengers. Marketing and public relations professionals have the task of creating public campaigns that make their companies stand out from the competition. Creativity is important in these positions.

Reservations/Sales : These are the onshore employees that usually have the most interaction with passengers. It's your job to be the first representative of the cruise line that the passenger comes into contact with. You must be very service-oriented, while still keeping in mind that the goal is to sell tickets. These jobs are very important to cruise lines.

• Accounts Payable Staff
• Operations Analyst
• Senior Business Analyst
• Senior Staff Accountant
• Staff Accountant
• Tour Accounting

Administrative/Clerical

• Administrative Assistant
• Administration Manager
• Customer Service
• Human Resources
• IT Lead Developer
• Manager Deployment & Itinerary Planning
• Operations Administrator
• Part-Time Data Entry
• Payroll Clerk
• Software Engineer

Air Operations

• Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) Coordinator
• Pier/Airport Expediter
• Seasonal Air Operations Agent
• Seasonal Corporate Air Ticketing Agent

Marketing / PR

• Account Executive
• Brand Manager
• Field Representative
• Marketing Research Analyst
• Media Relations
• Purchasing Agent
• Vice President of Marketing

Reservations/ Sales

• Inside Sales Representative
• Outside Sales Representatives
• Reservations Sales & Service
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Welcome To Princess Cruises Careers

We offer a variety of opportunities for highly motivated people who seek a challenging and rewarding career.

More than 1.7 million guests enjoy the Princess experience each year as they travel to 300 destinations around the world. Exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of our success thanks to our team members on land and at sea — the cruise industry’s best. We offer a variety of opportunities for highly motivated people who seek a challenging and rewarding career. Get to know us by exploring our career site. You’ll learn about our history, hear first-hand what our employees love about working for Princess Cruises, and discover the passion we have for giving our guests lifetime memories.

Our culture...Stronger together

Our highest responsibility, and therefore our top priorities, are always compliance; environmental protection; and the health, safety, and well-being of our guests, the people in places we visit, and our Carnival family, both shoreside, and shipboard. For more information about our values,  view our Culture Essentials .

Shipboard Cruise Careers

Join our inclusive and welcoming team!

Set sail on an exciting career course! Princess Cruises is the employer of choice in the cruise industry. We offer exceptional facilities and extensive learning and recreational programs for our crew. Join our inclusive and welcoming team, and you’ll enjoy a truly adventurous career with excellent incentives, unlimited growth, and ports of call that will leave you breathless.

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Corporate Cruise Careers

At Princess Cruises you’ll find a world of inspiring cruise-industry career opportunities all within our shoreside offices. We offer a rewarding work environment and are dedicated to our employees’ growth and wellbeing, including enriching travel opportunities. You’ll take pride in supporting shipboard colleagues — the cruise industry’s best!

Alaska-Yukon Careers

Get ready for summer adventure! Join Princess Cruises, the region’s tourism leader, in hosting our Alaska cruise guests at Princess-owned wilderness lodges and transportation services. There they experience breathtaking vistas, fresh local cuisine, and awe-inspiring wildlife. See it all for yourself — and make friends from around the world — while leading tours, serving in hospitality and culinary, or hitting the road in transportation operations.

Cruise Ship Jobs: Guest Services (Job Description)

• Post author: Xuxu
• Post category: Cruise Ship Jobs / Positions

Cruise Ship Guest Services (Receptionists) are at the heart of a successful cruise. You are typically in the center of the ship and are always surrounded by guests with many different issues that they expect you to solve. A cruise ship receptionist needs to have a great smile, patience and be very flexible because in this position, it is likely that you will hear many hard to believe and sometimes crazy things from guests.

Table of Contents

What’s the Role of a Cruise Ship Receptionist?

Being a cruise ship receptionist is very similar to working at the front desk at a hotel on land. Your job is to be the point of information regarding everything and anything going on on the cruise ship. Receptionists, also called Front Desk Attendants, Guest Services Hosts, or International Hosts, are vital to every successful cruise. Guests will come to the reception or guest services desk, with questions they might have about anything, which they expect you to know the answer to or be able to direct them to someone who can answer their questions or solve their problem. 

Always Have a Smile On!

The cruise ship receptionist must be not only professional but also highly courteous and willing to help guests with any problems that they may have. You are often the first face that guests see when they come on board, which is one of the reasons that in this position one needs to be friendly, smiling, and happy to interact with anyone who needs assistance. Nobody wants to start their vacation with a grumpy receptionist during check-in. 

As the receptionist or front desk attendant, you will have to handle day-to-day interactions with the guests regarding a variety of things. You never know what the guest in line wants, so this role is sure to keep you on your toes.

Understanding exactly what the position entails and how you can set yourself apart from other applicants looking for the same job will help you stand out and possibly land this job on a cruise ship.

You Need to Know (Almost) Everything!

One of the things that most cruise ship receptionists love about their job is that it is so varied from day to day. In this role, you are the primary contact for any guests onboard, which means that you will often be asked to perform various tasks throughout the day.

Not only do receptionists help provide information to direct guests around the cruise ship and check passengers in and out but they also answer many other questions that they have and are in charge of taking information about concerns and complaints. 

Common Tasks

Your job is to always be helpful in providing assistance to the guests in many different situations such as:

• check-in and check out
• processing payments
• guest complaints
• maintenance requests
• phone operator
• lost and found logs
• PA announcements
• money exchange

Being able to think on your toes and being excited about what new and exciting challenges each day brings is key to success as a receptionist. Since every day is different, it can be hard to prepare for exactly what the day will bring when working as a receptionist on a cruise ship.

Embarkation and Debarkation days are the Busiest!

Expect to work a lot of hours during embarkation days. On this day, all the guests come on board, after checking in at the terminal. They will flock to the guest services desk with any questions you can imagine. Set up their account, deposit cash, and ask where restaurants, bars, and venues are located onboard, among many other things. They will also come to you with room upgrade requests, lost luggage claims, and problems with their key cards not working (a common issue onboard). Expect to work close to 10 hours, sometimes more, if there’s an unusual issue. Make sure that on embarkation days you are fully rested and well-fed because the days are long, very long and the requests seem to be on repeat mode.

Debarkation Day

Debarkation day is the second busiest day for a guest services attendant. Guests will be closing off their accounts, setting up disputes, making travel reservations to the airport, asking to have the cruise gratuities removed, if applicable, and of course, they take this time to dispute their bill and charges, and not to forget, complain in the hopes of getting a discount on their final bill. This day is not as busiest as embarkation day but it certainly comes in second.

How Much Does a Receptionist Earn on a Cruise Ship?

The salary for a guest services associate can vary widely depending on your job history as well as what cruise line you apply to. 

Generally speaking, receptionists can expect to make between $1200 and $1800 a month . There are some companies that will pay entry-level receptionists less, with their starting average around $1000 a month . 

It’s All About the Perks

You have to keep in mind that working on a cruise ship comes with awesome perks, so make sure you take that into consideration. As outlined in this post, START HERE,  one of the most important rewards is the travel that comes with a job on a cruise ship. You get perks like free lodging and food, as well as paid medical expenses while onboard. There is also the possibility to go on free or discounted shore excursions, as well as onboard activities created exclusively for the crew- like crew parties, special dinner events, bingo, and raffles, among other things.

How Much Time Off Do I Get?

The front desk on a cruise ship, or in any other hotel, is open 24 hours. Staff is assigned shifts and you may have to work an overnight shift or not, that will depend on your schedule. If you work an overnight shift, you will have the chance to visit the ports of call after your shift ends. If you have a day shift, you might have some time off in port but it will only be for a few hours. Most receptionists onboard like the night shift because it’s quiet and you get your break during the day when the ship is in port. The downside is if the ship has an overnight in port, you don’t have a chance to go out at night, depending on what time your shift starts. 

Example of Guest Services Schedule

Embarkation day and debark day are the busiest days, so expect to work a lot,10 hours being the norm. You would, of course, get a break for lunch, dinner, and a small break in between, other than that, on these days you are full steam ahead.

On the other days, port day or sea day, the schedules can be divided into three different shifts:

• It can start as early as 8 am to 12 pm
• Break for Lunch and Rest
• Start back from 4 pm until 8 pm
• Normally it starts from 12 pm until 4 pm
• Break for Rest and Dinner
• Continues from 8 pm to 12:00 AM
• 12 am until 8 am with breaks in between

The schedule above is just one example. Schedules can vary from company to company and even within ship to ship on the same company. A Cruise that has a lot of port time, you can expect to work less since the majority of the guests will be off the ship. One thing that does not change, no matter the length of the cruise is embarkation and a debarkation day. These are the busiest for the majority of the crew onboard, especially guest services.

What are the Job Requirements of a Cruise Ship Receptionist (Front Desk Attendant)?

A great receptionist will be more than just a friendly face to guests coming to the guest services desk. If you want to apply for this job, then you need to meet the requirements and qualifications set by the cruise line. One requirement is that the receptionist be friendly and able to remain calm under pressure.

Since you will be also handling money, you must make sure that you can easily perform quick calculations and that you have good computer skills that will allow you to find information quickly for guests on the company’s system. Most companies use Fidelio Cruise.

Common Requirements:

• 6 months-1 year minimum experience working at a hotel as front desk/receptionist
• Excellent English Skills, Additional languages a plus
• Microsoft Office experience preferred (Excel, Word)
• Fidelio Cruise System is a plus
• Customer Service Driven

Additional Languages Required, If Any

English is the primary language that you must speak as a receptionist- it must be clear, easily understood, and fluent. Since you will be working with upset guests who may be speaking quickly and using slang, a thorough understanding of English is important.

Applicants who speak more than one language may also be considered for a similar position called International Host . International hosts perform almost the same tasks as a receptionist, but they have additional tasks involved with their target language and are often the point of contact for specific groups onboard.

Tips to Prepare for an Interview

As with any job, the recruiter will want to know about any previous experience that you have working as a receptionist, common challenges faced in your position, and what you know about ship life and how you would be able to handle it.

Most interviews will be held via a conferencing tool such as Google Hangouts or Skype. Make sure that you have a good connection, your microphone and camera are working properly, you have a good, quiet place to interview, preferably with a white background. Additionally, don’t forget to take time during your interview to stay relaxed. A flustered receptionist is not going to do nearly as well as one who is calm and relaxed. By prepping common interview questions, you can easily improve your chances of getting the job.

Know all Aspects of Ship Life

Having the basic required skills for the position is very important before you decide to apply for a cruise ship job, but recruiters also want to make sure you know what to expect from a cruise ship job . You are not only signing up for the job but for the lifestyle that comes with it. You will be living on a cruise ship, sharing a cabin with a roommate, with little privacy and not a lot of time off. You need to be the kind of individual that can adapt to change quickly and are self-motivated because things are fast-paced onboard. 

Be prepared to answer questions about ship life and know what to expect. Being prepared will show the recruiter that you have done your research and know that life at sea is not a vacation . By being firm in your answers and knowledgeable about what you are signing up for, the recruiter will have a favorable view when it comes to the final decision.

Can I Get a Job as a Receptionist on a Cruise Ship with No Experience?

While it is significantly harder to get a job as a cruise ship receptionist without prior experience, it is possible. You will, however, have to work hard to show that you can handle the work expected of you and really make sure to do a great job during your interview.

Giving examples of past positions with aspects that can be relevant to a receptionist job, experiences of how you have remained calm under pressure, and how you have helped customers in other customer service roles will go a long way in helping you get the job. 

In the end, the recruiter wants to make sure you have what it takes to do the job and handle the ship life that comes with it.

Final Words

Have fun! Being a receptionist on a cruise ship is an incredibly rewarding job, and you can make many friends, even among the guests. Although the job can be stressful at times, your attitude and how you deal with each situation is what will make a difference in the end. If you feel as though you can handle the daily responsibilities and expectations that you will need to meet, then it’s time to start working on your resume.

This job is a great way to interact with people, help them enjoy their vacations, and get to see the world all at the same time.

Don’t let bitter, unhappy people drag you down to their level. Instead, use their behavior as an  example of how not to behave and be grateful you are nothing like them. Heartfelt Quotes

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15 Incredible Cruise Ship Jobs (Get Paid To Travel!)

Posted: October 16, 2023 | Last updated: October 16, 2023

Traveling the world while getting paid to do it might sound like a dream, but it can be a reality if you take a job on a cruise ship.

Of course, this type of work isn’t for everyone — the hours can be long, and it may mean a lot of time away from home. But there are plenty of benefits as well.

If working for a cruise line sounds ideal, there are plenty of career opportunities on board. Here are 15 jobs that can help  boost your bank account  as you travel the world.

Editor's note:  All salary figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Activities coordinator

Even short cruises are packed with activities for travelers to engage in. Among other things, you'll find games, happy hours and live music.

An activities coordinator is similar to an event planner. In this role, you oversee things like recreation on board and coordinating shore excursion activities. The BLS does not offer wage information for this position.

If you want to start traveling more — and get paid to do it — this can be a good role to consider.

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It’s no secret that people on cruises like to drink. Many cruise lines offer a food and alcohol package as part of the booking process.

The amount of money you can make working as a bartender on a cruise ship varies greatly, depending on whether guests are expected to tip. But the average salary for bartenders is $29,380 annually.

Casino dealer

Working as a dealer at a cruise casino can be an exciting gig. These workers may oversee poker, blackjack, roulette, and more games.

Gambling service workers make $31,290 a year. However, as with tending bar, the actual wages for casino workers on a cruise can vary.

Many cruise ships have cafeterias and restaurants for when guests are in the mood for fine dining.

Cruise ship chefs may be involved in cooking and planning menus for guests and staff. Chefs or head cooks make $56,520 on average annually.

Deckhands help maintain the cruise ship. They may be involved in keeping these massive ships running, including cleaning and maintaining equipment, loading cargo, and getting passengers safely on board.

The experience required to work as a deckhand can vary greatly depending on the job description. The BLS does not offer salary information for this position.

Entertainer

Cruise lines hire all sorts of entertainers, from dancers to cover bands and magicians.

Working on a cruise ship can be a great way to hone and improve your craft or even take it in a different direction. The average wage for entertainers and performers is $29.67 an hour, which equates to about $61,713 annually.

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Entertainment director

Cruise ships also need people to manage their entertainers, particularly if the ship has a lot of shows and performances scheduled.

Entertainment directors may be involved in scheduling staff, planning performances, and doing administrative work. The average salary for entertainment/recreation managers is $67,220 annually.

Fitness instructor

Many cruise ships also offer various fitness classes, including yoga, Zumba, spin, and more.

For qualified instructors, this can be a great way to stay healthy, make money, and travel the world all at the same time. The average fitness instructor makes $45,380 annually.

Hair/makeup artist

On cruise ships, hair and makeup artists may work in spas, providing services to guests looking to get pampered while on board, and may be needed to work with the ship’s performers.

The BLS groups barbers, hairstyles, and cosmetologists together and states an average of $33,400 annual salary for these workers.

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Hotel director

Since a cruise ship is essentially a floating hotel, many employees with experience working in hospitality are needed.

Hotel directors ensure that guests are comfortable and enjoy their experience. They may also be involved in planning and coordinating cruise activities.

The average salary for lodging managers is $61,910 annually.

Some cruise ships also hire nurses to provide care to passengers and cruise staff.

The amount of money nurses make on average usually depends on the type of nurse. Registered nurses (RNs) make $81,220 annually. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) make $54,620 a year.

Massage therapist

Many cruise passengers opt to take advantage of spa services. Massage therapists may work in a spa or travel to guests’ rooms with their equipment to provide massages.

Licensed massage therapists make just under $49,860 annually on average.

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Cruise ships also frequently employ security staff to ensure the safety of guests and crew members. These workers may patrol the ship regularly and respond to any issues that come up.

The average salary for security guards is $33,030 annually.

Eating often and well is a big draw for many cruise passengers. Ships often have several restaurants on board and employ experienced servers to staff them.

Pay for these workers can vary, depending on the cruise line’s tipping policy. The average salary for a server in the U.S. is $29,120 annually.

Sales associate

Part of the beauty of the typical cruise ship is that it’s kind of like a floating mall, filled with gift shops and retail stores galore. Ships often need many sales associates to staff these stores.

Again, depending on the cruise line and the job, the pay for these gigs may vary. However, BLS data puts the average salary for a retail sales worker at $30,750 annually.

That’s not huge money, but perhaps it's enough for students to get ahead financially during breaks between school years.

Bottom line

Working as a cruise crew member is certainly not for everyone — lodging for staff can be cramped, days can be long, and you might be away from home for weeks at a time.

But for those looking to tap into a new source of income as they travel, it just may be a win-win situation.

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What Are the Duties of a Purser on a Ship?

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A ship’s purser is the person responsible for financial, immigration and customs transactions on a vessel. This can include providing common financial services for passengers on a cruise ship or handling commercial transactions for merchant ships.

The term “purser” comes from the word “purse,” which referred to the pouch in which this person kept the ship’s money. This person is also sometimes referred to as a yeoman purser or, mistakenly, as a ship's bursar. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of a ship’s purser will help you decide if this might be an interesting career path for you.

Overseeing Passenger Transactions

On a ship that carries passengers such as a cruise ship or ocean liner, a purser’s office provides a variety of financial services for guests. This can include, but is not limited to, cashing personal or traveler’s checks, paying bills or sending and receiving wire transfers. The purser’s office might help settle financial disputes, such as billing errors or questions a passenger has about a charge to her room.

Because the crew members who provide these services also provide other guest services, the functions might be combined. Today, this area of the ship might be referred to as guest services or reception services, explains CruiseCritic.com .

Although the purser’s office might provide guest financial services, the chief purser might never interact with guests. The chief purser on a large liner oversees the financial department and its staff, who work the customer service areas of a ship. These staff members are known as crew pursers on some ships.

Transactions with Crew Members

Pursers help crew members with many of the same transactions as guests on a cruise ship or liner. Pursers also handle crew pay and crew cards, which crew members use to pay for items on the ship or access food, beverage and other incidentals. Crew cards, which often come with photo IDs, can help crew members get discounts on lodging, at restaurants and with other pre-arranged vendors at a ship’s ports of call.

Transactions with Commercial Accounts

A chief purser is similar to an accounting manager at a small business. The purser pays suppliers, such as catering companies or businesses that stock vending machines. The purser pays other bills and orders goods and services a ship needs.

Other Purser Responsibilities

Pursers are responsible for a variety of legal compliance activities, specifically in the area of travel documents, according to Cruise Ships Jobs . This means not only making sure everyone on the ship has valid papers, but understanding immigration laws in each country the ship stops.

Managing immigration documents and customs forms is one of the most important duties for a ship’s purser who works on a commercial merchant vessel, according to StateUniversity.com .

Some pursers hire, train and manage staff. This includes making sure they meet all of a company’s standards, just as a corporation's HR manager does. The purser's duties in this area would include handling the paperwork for new staff members, providing their initial training, overseeing them on a regular basis and disciplining staff, when necessary.

Ship Purser Salary

The average ship purser salary was approximately ​ $69,000 ​, according to Simply Hired (as of January 2021). The top 10 percent of pursers made more than ​ $150,000 ​, while the lowest 10 percent made around ​ $31,300 ​. In addition to benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions, ship crew members might also get room and board and the opportunity to travel to exciting locations.

• Cruise Critic: What Is a Purser on a Cruise Ship?
• Cruise Ship Jobs.com: First Purser Administration Job Description and Duties
• StateUniversity.com: Merchant Marine Purser Job Description
• Simply Hired: Ship Purser Salaries

Steve Milano is a journalist and business executive/consultant. He has helped dozens of for-profit companies and nonprofits with their marketing and operations. Steve has written more than 8,000 articles during his career, focusing on small business, careers, personal finance and health and fitness. Steve also turned his tennis hobby into a career, coaching, writing, running nonprofits and conducting workshops around the globe.

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I worked on cruise ships for 6 years. Here are the 8 things I used to wish cruisers knew about my job.

• I worked on cruise ships for six years and used to wish passengers knew more about the crew. 
• The comment cards in cruisers' rooms can help employees get raises and promotions. 
• Even if a guest enjoys spending time with crew members, they should respect the workers' free time .

Throughout my six years working on cruise ships — first in guest services, then in onboard entertainment — I came across many different types of guests. 

Some made my job easier by calmly communicating their needs and respecting the crew's boundaries, but others did not . I've seen passengers ask for exceptions to ship-wide rules and raise their voices at minor inconveniences. Through it all, the crew always has to remain polite and professional.

Here are the things I wish more cruisers knew about crew members before boarding ships. 

Responding to inconveniences with kindness instead of aggression will probably get you further

Things don't always go smoothly on cruises. Luggage gets left behind, itineraries change on the fly , and plumbing issues can soak the carpets.

During my time working in guest services, I encountered many cruisers who were kind and patient regardless of how inconvenienced they were. I was always inspired to go above and beyond to address and make up for the issues affecting them.

On the other hand, some people reacted to mishaps with anger , raising their voices and demanding compensation for every detail that went wrong. Being rude, aggressive, and belligerent didn't get them very far on the ships where I worked.

I always empathized when things went wrong and guests had bad experiences . The kinder you are to the staff, the more likely they are to go above and beyond to help you.

Some crew members may not get a share of the tips even if they work closely with guests

Many major cruise lines charge gratuity to guests' onboard accounts. Passengers often assume each crew member gets a cut, but on the ships where I worked, the housekeeping stewards and dining-room staff split it.

Some crew members had roles that weren't tip-eligible and didn't receive a portion of the pool, regardless of how hard they worked. 

Of course, the tipping structure varies between cruise lines. But if a crew member has gone above and beyond, feel free to give them an extra cash tip. They'll almost always appreciate it.

Comment cards can help some employees get promotions and raises

At the end of a cruise, guests usually find comment cards in their rooms or at guest services. These cards give passengers the opportunity to praise crew members who did an exceptional job. 

Related stories

My supervisors didn't always get a chance to see how hard I worked, so acknowledgment from passengers helped prove I was doing a good job. These comment cards were particularly useful when I was working toward a promotion or a raise. 

Some crew members might not feel comfortable talking about politics or personal matters

My coworkers came from around the world, representing over 60 different countries, and that's often the case on cruise ships. 

Many people love to talk about their home, culture, and background, but I recommend that guests avoid political topics while in conversation with crew members. They shouldn't assume the staff agrees with their ideological beliefs, and some employees might not feel comfortable discussing these topics in a work environment.

Passengers also never know what cruise workers are dealing with behind the scenes. They're often away from home for months at a time, which can take an emotional toll on them. In my case, my dad was sick with stage IV cancer while I was working on the ships, and I also lost a beloved family pet. 

The staff almost always tries to keep conversation topics professional, and the passengers should respect that. 

Onboard rules are in place for a reason, and they usually can't be changed for one person

Some people try to work their way up the chain of command — requesting to speak to a crew member's supervisor, then maybe that supervisor's supervisor — to overrule instructions they don't like. 

For example, I've seen parents get upset about strict age-group policies at kids clubs. Some tried to get around this rule so their children were in the same group, but none succeeded. These rules are in place for a reason.

If cruise ships have a policy in place, there's most likely an explanation behind it. Before you waste your energy trying to get around rules, try to understand why they exist in the first place.

Guests and staff members aren't usually allowed in each other's rooms

Although my coworkers and I were encouraged to socialize and interact with guests, we always had to maintain a professional distance. 

We weren't allowed inside guest cabins , and they weren't permitted to enter staff quarters . Any physical interaction was strictly prohibited and could result in the cruise worker's termination.

Employees have very little free time, so cruisers shouldn't infringe upon it

Part of my job as an entertainment host was to socialize with guests. I would occasionally build a great rapport with them, which led some to ask if they could join me during my free time in port. 

Answering this question was always awkward. I felt like a bad person for declining their invitation but also felt like I had to be on duty — acting as an unofficial, unpaid tour guide — if I accepted it.

Crew members tend to work more hours than most people think

Pretty much any cruiser will tell you crew members work hard, and that's just based on what they see. There's a lot more going on behind the scenes , away from the ships' public spaces.

I worked about 10 hours a day, seven days a week, for six to nine months at a time. In addition to working with guests, I also had a range of safety duties , which involved ongoing training and a weekly crew drill.

Guests often assumed that the rest of the crew and I had a day off between the end of one cruise and the beginning of another to restock the ship and recoup. In reality, we usually set sail just a few hours after the last disembarkation. 

Watch: The rise and fall of the cruise industry

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Cruise Ship Jobs - Canada

• 29 January 2013

Welcome to Free Guide to Cruise Ship Jobs, a proven and popular web site which aims to show you ways to secure employment on board a cruise ship. Our professional and comprehensive advice will help you, Canadian job seekers, achieve your dream cruise ship job.

Cruise Ship Work – would it suit you?

Built to operate like floating 5* hotels, Cruise Ships require, in every Department, thousands of dedicated, hard-working, qualified staff. In fact, the next few years will show a continued increase in the number of cruise ships operating, which will create an increase jobs available. Together with the normal high turnover rate on board cruise ships, this means new personnel from Canada are always being recruited.

Cruise jobs are always subject to contract, so it is important to consider all the pros and cons before accepting a position on board.

All employees are on shifts, with long hours. It is definitely not a vacation, and workers have no access to the leisure/dining facilities etc which available to the paying passengers. It is hard work on board a cruise ship.

However there are perks to the job. Of course you will get to travel the world for free, whilst earning a salary. Free medical care, accommodation and meals will also be provided for the duration of your contract.

According to the cruise line, the qualifications/experience required for Canadian candidates can differ greatly. That said, for management positions, ships photographers, entertainers, receptionists, retail staff and chefs, entertainers, retail staff, photographers, receptionists etc. the preferred candidates are native English speakers, including those from Canada.

Jobs currently available on Cruise Ships

Who do Cruise Ships hire? To give you an idea, please see below some examples of the variety of positions currently available.

To start viewing the full job descriptions and begin applying for any of these positions, register for free today on All Cruise Jobs .

Information and tips, such as how to write the perfect resume or prepare for the recruitment process can be accessed by clicking on Cruise Job Guide .

Cruise Ship Recruiters in Canada

We have the most comprehensive list of Canadian based cruise ship recruiters. These can be contacted directly with a view to gaining employment. Please see our full list of Canadian recruiters .

Professional Advice

To find out if you are suitable for a position on board a cruise ship, have the required experience/qualifications you will need, get professional feedback on your current Resume.

Visit Cruise Job Help . There you will find Cruise Career Consultants who will basically show you how to start seeking employment in Canada by reviewing your details and then producing a comprehensive assessment report for you, detailing the best Cruise Lines and Positions suited to you.

Set sail on a sea of job opportunities with the Free Guide to Cruise Ship Jobs!

The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary – 85 Terms You Need to Know

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Cruise vocabulary, jargon or lingo – if you’re going on a cruise, you’ll want to be familiar with the cruise terminology

Are you getting ready for your first cruise? Through the planning process, you may have noticed that there’s a whole world of cruise vocabulary, nautical terms or “cruise lingo”.

This handy glossary of cruise terminology includes some of the new terms and acronyms used in the cruise industry today. These are some of the most common cruise phrases and words you’ll be hearing as you plan your cruise, as well as when you board your cruise ship.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

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A Cruise Lingo Tip You Must Know

Before we get started, here’s the most important piece of advice I can give you, when it comes to talking like a cruise pro.

Don’t call a cruise ship a boat.

Cruisers might have different opinions about which cruise lines are the best, cruise line dress codes , and the do’s and don’ts of cruise gratuities , but there’s one thing all cruisers agree on…

Don’t call a cruise ship a boat. Trust me on this 😉

About Cruise Lingo and Cruise Lifestyle

Cruising is a lifestyle unto it’s own, and cruisers really do have their own lingo and cruise terminology. Nautical terms are often used, and cruisers love it!

New cruisers can be left scratching their heads.

Words and acronyms such as Aft, Muster drill, Starboard, OBC and MDR, may seem like a mysterious cruise language. However, in this cruise lingo glossary, I’ll go over all the cruise jargon need to know.

You’ll be chatting like a seasoned cruiser in no time!

Cruise ship vocabulary

You’re on a ship, not a boat. A boat fits inside a ship, and not the other way around. Fellow cruisers won’t hesitate to correct you sternly if you get this wrong.

Try and get used to this one quickly,  just trust me on this…

Below you can hear Celebrity Cruises Captain Kate , explaining this point in her navigational report.

Your room is called a cabin. While hotels have rooms, ships have cabins.

3. Stateroom

Sometimes a cruise cabin will be referred to as a stateroom.

Your cruise ship will have many decks. While hotels refer to floors, cruise-ships refer to decks.

5. The bridge

The bridge is the navigational hub of the ship.

The person in command of the ship.

7. Cruise Director

Think Julie McCoy :-). Your cruise director, among other duties, will act as Emcee, heading up most major entertainment events on the ship. On larger ships you’ll see assistant cruise directors and other activities staff also leading main activities.

8. Itinerary

Your cruise itinerary refers to each destination/cruise port of call you’ll be visiting.

9. Port of departure

This is the port from which your cruise will depart (ie. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Vancouver, Barcelona etc.)

10. Cruise terminal

Just like airplanes have airports, cruise ships have cruise terminals or cruise ports. There are safety and boarding procedures to be aware of.

Recommended:   11 Cruise Boarding Tips You Need to Know

11. Ports of call

You probably remember this one from “The Love Boat”. I know I do! This is individual destination where you will stop at for the day. Examples of cruise ports or ports of call on a Caribbean cruise include Cozumel , St. Thomas , Grand Cayman and so on.

12. Shore excursion

This is an organized activity you may choose to do when in a port. You can book a shore excursion through your cruise line or on your own with a private vendor or tour company. Examples include a snorkeling or sightseeing excursion.

A cruise ship will usually arrive at a large dock when it arrives at the cruise port.

There are some cruise ports where cruise ships cannot access the land directly and dock, due to coral reefs and other reasons. In these cases your ship will tender a few minutes away from the port, and shuttle passengers in by tender boats.

As an example, Grand Cayman is a tender port at this time, but it looks like a new dock will be built in a couple years.

15. Stabilizers

Modern cruise ships have stabilizers to keep motion to a minimum.

The ship’s anchor is impressive. Along with the chain, the anchor holds to the sea bed to keep the ship from drifting at sea.

The super large kitchen where literally tons of food is cooked and prepared. You can actually do a galley tour while on your cruise if you’re interested.

18. Dry dock

When a cruise ship goes into dry dock, it’can be to receive routine maintenance, or to be refurbished. the ship can be out of service for weeks or longer.

19. Charter

Groups will sometimes charter a cruise ship, to host a special event.

Cruise Ship Terminology – understanding common areas of the cruise ship

The atrium is a large central public area usually spanning 3 or more decks. Often very beautiful, it will be the central hub of the ship’s interior.

21. Port side

The left side of the ship, as you face forward, is referred to as port side .

Tip: An easy way to remember – LEFT has 4 letters and so does PORT

22. Starboard side

The right side of the ship as you face forward is the Starboard side.

23. Forward

The front section of the ship.

The back section of the ship is called the aft. The aft or wake view is a favorite for many cruisers.

25. Purser’s desk

These days, the purser’s desk is often referred to as guest or passenger services. However many avid cruisers enjoy the nautical language and will continue to use the term “purser’s desk”. Usually this is located in the atrium.

26. Mid-ship

Generally said in reference to the preferred cabin location . Most cruise passengers will prefer a mid-ship cabin, rather than one that is forward or aft. This area has an advantage of having more stability in general.

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

Cruise Cabin Terminology

When booking a cruise, you’ll notice that there are several different stateroom options. Below are the most common cabin options.

27. Interior staterooms

Inside or interior cabins are staterooms which include all the basics, however do not have a window.

Related:  15 Best Tips for Cruising in an Inside Cabin: cabin organization and more

28. Oceanview Cabins

Cabins with a window or porthole are ocean view cabins.

29. Balcony cabins

Balcony cabins , sometimes referred to as Veranda cabins, include a private outdoor space outside your cabin.

Related:   7 Best Reasons to Book a Balcony Cabin

30. Guarantee cabin (GTY)

This refers to an unassigned cabin any type of cabin (inside, ocean view, balcony) . The cruise line will assign the cabin at any point before the cruise.

Often, guarantee cabins will be priced lower, so this can be a great value if you’re not picky about the location of your cabin.

31. Pullman bed

If you have more than 2 passengers in your cabin, you may have pullman beds for 3rd and 4th passengers. They are like bunk beds that come out of the wall or ceiling. They will be tucked back into the ceiling or wall during the day if you like.

32. Double occupancy

The cruise fare will be based on double occupancy as a standard, and this is what you will see as an advertised price.

33. Single occupancy

When cruising solo, most of the time you’ll be paying a single occupancy rate, which can be almost the cost of 2 people in a cabin (you won’t pay taxes twice).

34. Solo cabins – Studio cabins

If you’re cruising solo, look for cruise ships that have studio cabins intended for solo travelers.

35. Triple and Quad Cabins

Some cabins can accomodate 3, 4 or more passengers in one cabin, referred to as triple or quad cabins. These are most popular with young families cruising together .

Read next:   Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

Back to the Cruise Ship

36. Deck plan

A map of all the cruise ship decks.

37. Lido deck

The Lido Deck is the public pool deck, often on one of the top decks of the cruise ship. There may be more than one pool, hot tub and outdoor seating.

38. Gangway

The gangway is elevated walkway you will use to board your ship, usually covered, but not always.

The very front of the ship.

The very back of the ship.

The beautiful white trail of waves visible at the very back of the ship. My favorite spot on the ship to realx and take it all in. Please let me know in the comments if this is your favorite as well – if not, where is?

Cruise Lingo you need to know for the first day of your cruise and beyond

42.   Embarkation day

The first day of your cruise and the best day in a cruiser’s life 😉

Recommended reading to prepare for your cruise embarkation day – 25 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips Straight from the Pros

43. Muster drill

The muster drill is a mandatory safety drill which is done prior to sailing. Note, it’s not “mustard” drill, as you just may hear from other passengers.

44. Muster station

Your assigned emergency meeting location. You’ll likely meet here for your muster drill, but don’t worry, cruise ship crew will help to guide you.

45. Daily planner

Different cruise lines use different terms for their daily newsletter of information scheduled activities (Cruise Compass, Princess Patters, Today, Freestyle Daily). Many cruise lines now have this information available on their app.

46. Sailaway

The period of time that your Cruise Ship actually sails away from the shore. Often there will be a Sailaway party on the top deck, however some cruisers enjoy it from their own balcony.

47. Sailaway Party

Check your daily planner for information. Generally the Sailaway party will be at the main pool and will include some drinks, a DJ or band playing and some dancing.

48. Sea day

A day at sea is when your cruise ship is not visiting a port, but sea days aren’t boring ! There will be plenty of activities to choose from if you don’t want to simply relax by a pool.

49. Cruise Card

On most cruise ships, you’ll be given a cruise card which will act as your room key, ID and your method of payment when on your cruise.

50. Ocean Medallion

Ocean Medallion is a relatively new cruise ship technology available on Princess Cruises . Instead of a cruise card, the medallion serves like a cruise card, but also does much more.

You can read about our recent Ocean Medallion experience here .

51. Room steward or cabin attendant

Sometimes mistakenly called a room “Stuart”, the person who cleans your room twice a day (amazing!) and really takes care of you and your cabin mates is called a room steward or a cabin attendant.

52. Dress code

Cruise lines have suggested dress codes , ranging from very casual to more formal.

53. Formal night 

A tradition on many cruise ships, the formal night is a night to dress up. Check your cruise line’s dress codes for suggestions. Some cruise lines have relaxed the dress codes a bit, including Celebrity Cruises which now has Evening Chic , rather than formal.

54. Early dining and late dining

Early and late dining are basically a first and second seating, which some cruise lines with an option of assigned dining will have. This is for a main dining room and not a buffet.

55. Open dining

Open dining is offered on many cruise ships. In some cases, a cruise line will offer both open and set dining. It can go by different terminology including Anytime Dining on Princess , My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean, Select Dining on Celebrity .

To note, some cruise lines offer only open dining, such as Norwegian Cruise Line which is Freestyle dining.

56. Specialty restaurants

This usually refers to the dining in an alternative restaurant that is not included in your cruise fare and is often a more intimate or higher culinary experience. An example of this would be Celebrity Cruises Tuscan Grille .

57. All Aboard

The ship will leave your ports of call promptly. All aboard time is generally set for 30 minutes before your cruise is scheduled to leave the port of call. Do verify the all aboard time before heading off for an excursion in the cruise port.

All joking aside, there are people at cruise ports every year – and you don’t want it to be you.

58. Towel animals

You just may find towel animals in your cruise cabin. These are the super cute towel creations made by your room steward, available on some cruise lines (usually family orientated ones).

We’ve had many years of enjoyment when our kids were young, even miss them a little bit these days.

59. Pier runners: This is an unofficial name given to those (who may have had too many libations) who can be seen running in the last few minutes hoping not to miss the ship’s departure. It is quite entertaining!

60. Roll call

A roll call may be set up for your cruise by yourself or other cruise passengers. Basically, this is a group of people who chat online before a cruise, and may have some gatherings set up once on board.

Read more:   5 Reasons Why You Should Join a Cruise Roll Call

61. Disembarkation

The saddest day in a cruiser’s life is the day that you need to disembark and the cruise is over.

Wondering about how disembarkation day really works?   21 Cruise Disembarkation Tips You Need to Know

62. Onboard booking

Booking your next cruise on board can give you some awesome benefits and is one of the best kept secrets for saving money while booking a cruise . For those that book with travel agents, don’t worry, the future cruise consultant will transfer it to the agency (request if they don’t offer).

Tip: Check to make sure about the terms and conditions and find out if future cruise deposits are refundable if that’s important to you.

Booking a cruise – terms to know

63. Cruise fare

This is the base cost of the cruise, per person

64. Deposit and Final Payment

When you book a cruise, if you’ve booked early you’ll be making a deposit which will secure your booking. As you get closer to sailing (usually about 70-90 days pre cruise), your final payment will be due.

Terms and conditions may be different on various cruise lines, however the details will be on your own reservation.

65. Cruise contract

When booking a cruise, you’ll be agreeing to a cruise contract. The cruise contract includes the terms and conditions that cruise passengers agree to.

66. Online check-in

Before your cruise, passengers are asked to complete an online check in and print out cruise documents to sail.

67. Gratuities

Gratuities or tipping is customary on a cruise. A per person service fee or gratuity will be charged daily to your cabin, on most major cruise lines.

Recommended:   Cruise Tipping Guidelines and Etiquette

68. Prepaid gratuities

When booking your cruise, you can prepay your gratuities , and avoid thinking about additional expenses on a cruise .

69. Lanyard

A lanyard might be used by cruisers to hang a cruise card around the next for convenience. This is one of the most popular cruise accessories in our list of travel essentials .

70. Rum Runners

A type of container used to conceal alcohol brought on a cruise, that isn’t allowed. For more on other items that are prohibited, read this next:  33 Banned Items You Can’t Bring on a Cruise 

Recommended:   10 Things NOT to pack for a cruise

Cruise Start Up Terms

Along with some major changes on cruise ships, we have seen new cruise line policies the have resulted in more cruise lingo – more words and explanations we just don’t know.

71. Cruise with Confidence

The major cruise lines introduced a flexible cruise cancellation policy, during this time, should people decide to cancel a cruise up to 48 hours pre-cruise. When cancelling, in most cases passengers will receive a credit which can be used towards a future cruise.

There are some terms and conditions to be aware of, so always read the fine print.

72. Muster 2.0

A new technology that would allow muster drills to be done using a new app, rather than in a large gathering. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises came out with this new technology as cruises resume. Several cruise lines are using a form of emuster as well.

The Cruise Line International Association is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association. It represents the major cruise lines, which have suspended cruises leaving from the United States until the end of October .

74. No Sail Order

A no sail order was put into effect by the CDC in March 2020. For cruises to resume, it was imperative that the CDC lift the no sail order . This is lifted and cruisers have resumed with strict guidelines for safety and health.

75. Warm lay up and cold lay up

As cruises are suspended, we hear the terms “warm and cold lay up” of cruise ships.

Warm lay up refers to when a cruise ship has reduced levels of crew onboard, and costs for fuel and other items are reduced. However, the cruise ship is kept in a condition as to be able to be brought back to service relatively quickly.

A cold lay up is a prolonged period of time when the cruise ship is shut down as much as possible to reduce cost. It takes longer for ships to be brought back to service and is a more complicated process.

76. NEW Safety and health protocols

The cruise lines have adopted new safety and health protocols to ensure safe cruising for passengers and crew.

Cruise Lingo Acronyms

It’s quite common to hear people who cruise a lot speak using these acronyms. You may even see these abbreviations in cruise facebook groups and pages, or on cruise forums .

Here is an explanation of the most common cruise acronyms, so you’ll be fluent in cruise lingo of all sorts.

Main Dining Room

On board credit – extra cash credit on your cruise account that you can use on the ship for most purchases. Sometimes this is added as a promotion by the cruise line or your travel agent.

This refers to a back to back cruise, meaning one cruise and then another cruise one after the other. Some cruisers may even do a B2B2B (3 cruises in a row)

The abbreviation for a guarantee cabin (see above in cruise lingo glossary)

Future Cruise Credit – when booking a future cruise onboard

A TA is short for travel agent

Avid Cruiser Lingo

83. Cruisebug

After a first cruiser, it’s not uncommon for a new cruiser to love it so much that they feel an immediate calling to book again and cruise more often. Often, this is referred to as catching the cruisebug.

84. Cruise addict

It’s said that cruising is the healthiest addiction and a vice many are happy to have! If you’ve cruised and now you’re constantly on the lookout for all the cruise info you can find and really just want to book cruises, congrats! You are now a cruise addict!

85. Cruiseaholic

Another word for someone who is addicted to cruising!

Recommended:   30 Best Gifts for Cruisers (that are unique too!)

86. Thallosphile (n)

A lover of the sea , someone who loves the sea, ocean.

87. Post-cruise blues

So, the post-cruise blues is real! One possible remedy is booking another cruise when onboard, but it’s still tough to leave that amazing cruise ship life!

Do you suffer from Post-Cruise Depression?

How To Know if You Have Post-Cruise Depression (a fun read)

*Ultimate Cruise Travel Planner*

Over the last year, I put together a 47 page cruise travel planner that has everything you need as you plan and get ready for your cruise.

If you could use cruise packing lists, to-do checklists, shore excursion forms and more, you’ll love the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner .

Plus, for a limited time, it’s $10 off. Hope you enjoy!

See details here: Ultimate Cruise Planner -What’s Included

Related and Popular Posts:

Port Side or Starboard Side on a Cruise: Which Side is Best?

37 Interesting Cruise Ship Facts that Will Surprise You

50 Most Popular Amazon Cruise Essentials

25 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips You Need to Know

75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips

23 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag

What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Worst Cabins to Avoid on a Cruise

Recap: Cruise Lingo Glossary – 85 Cruise Terms You Need to Know

In this post, we went over 85 cruise terms that are important to know when you’re booking a cruise, as well as when you’re on a cruise ship. This list of “cruise lingo” should help to navigate the world of cruise language.

If you’re a new cruiser I hope the information has been helpful. If you’re a seasoned cruiser, I hope it was a fun read!

Is there a cruise term that you think should be added? Please let me know by leaving a comment below.

Happy cruising!

P.S. If you’ve enjoyed this, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-)! Please share it with a friend, on Facebook or save for later on Pinterest. Thanks so much!

Let’s connect:

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18 Comments

You missed out Rum Runners. Those cheapskates that think its clever to smuggle on alcohol rather than buy on board in various containers. This may be a Carnival thing but its creeping on the better lines.

You’re right – I completely forgot that one and it’s now totally in the cruise lexicon, right? For better or for worse, lol!

I’ll add it in. Thanks for taking the time to comment :-)!!

by the way what happens to the “Rum Runners” when caught?

Hmmmm,good question. I actually have heard that any alcohol will simply be confiscated, but I’ve never used them so I can’t say for sure.

I love the drinks on board, so I just drink those 🙂

Thanks for taking the time to comment Lebo.

I really like your blog/page. The information in it is very good. I am a member of the Princess Cruise forum and what I have done is when I have come across something interesting or information I didn’t know I take notes on it. That’s how I’ve learned many of the items here. I would add TA – which is travel agent may seem too simple But I see TA all the time. I liked your comment about if you don’t know something ask a fellow cruise passenger or staff person on board. Since I am a solo travelor that really helped me. I would also add to tips for new cruisers is to be respectful of their fellow travelors and also all staff they encounter onboard (which includes room stewards, wait staff and everyone else they encounter).

Hi Charles,

Great points! TA is one I overlooked and you are so right. I agree completely with respect for passengers and crew – I hope most are.

I really appreciate you reading my blog and taking the time to leave a comment!

All the best,

This is great, but I would have liked a short, printable list, as well.

Glad the list was helpful. Thanks for your suggestion as well. This may be something that I’ll work on doing in the future.

I love your cruise blog. I have the cruise bug bad. PCD is bad in me on disembarkation day. I have only cruised with NCL and when onboard I buy as many CruiseNext Deals as I can. Many times you buy one and get on free, and on balcony and higher you can use two. To me free money off my cruise. NCL has past guest deals and when on bourd I book it. Thus even getting a better deal. I will triple dip looking for a past guest and a Latitudes Reward program. Earn point for every cruise night, Point for Suite, point booking 9 mounts in advance, and point for a Latitudes insider offer. Next cruise I will earn many points per day. That gives you free laundry, free dinners, free bottles of wine at dinner, and hopefully one day a free cruise… I would like to do a B2B2B. Do you have to get off the ship? Only word I would add is RESPECT. Respect yourself not making a scene if something not right. For you are the lesser for it. Hopefully one day we will meet up on a cruise ship. Your friend Russell

Thanks Russell for your kind words and your great tips! I have the same sentiments on disembarkation day – it’s the worst :-(.

For a B2B, you do have to get off the ship (although I hear sometimes not if customs come on), but it’s a pretty good process as passengers are grouped together and passed through quickly.

Would be great to meet you on a cruise one day!

Yes a printable list of the terms would be very helpful. Tyvm for your time to help fellow cruisers!!

Thanks Deborah for your comment. I’ll definitely look into creating one, especially since it’s been suggested a couple of times.

Best to you,

We too had a stressful private tour in Turkey, going to Ephesus. We made it back by the skin of our teeth, but the traffic on he way back through Izmir was heavy and slow. All your tips about not being a pier runner are very apt! Thank you. Jim and Norita Nickerson

Hi Jim & Norita,

Wow I would have been stressed as well. We loved Ephesus but did a morning tour only so were back early. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Not only do I find your newsletters fun AND helpful but ditto your You Tube videos. I have been addicted to cruising since 1959. Wish I could afford to feed my addiction more frequently. Going on an 11 day Caribbean cruise on Rotterdam VII in December.

Thanks so much Jim! I’m so glad that you enjoy my emails and videos & appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Don’t we all just wish we could cruise a little more? Your Caribbean cruise sounds absolutely amazing – enjoy every minute!

I enjoy your work … 2 more often overlooked terms: bunkering and along-side … bunkering of course is the re-fueling process … along-side is the captain’s term for bringing a ship to a full stop at a future pier (“we’re expected to be along-side at 7 am in Fort Lauderdale”) …

Thanks for sharing these!

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Man is suffering the consequences after living on a cruise ship for 23 years

Mario salcedo is a part of the furniture at this point.

Olivia Burke

Mario Salcedo lives and breathes cruising - hence why he has spent the entirety of the last 23 years living on one.

The sea-loving Cuban has been sailing his way through life for more than two decades after ditching his demanding job as an international finance director at a multinational corporation on dry land in the US .

Although it might sound like Mario fulfilling his wish to be beside the seaside each and every day is all fun and games, he has been left suffering with some strange health consequences due to his lifestyle choice.

He first bid bon voyage to dry land back in the late 90s, after deciding to embark on an array of cruises as he had grown tired of plane travel due to constantly jetting off for his high-flying job.

Mario had lived in hotel rooms for longer than he lived in his Miami home , so he handed in his notice at the age of 47 and set out on the voyage of a lifetime.

Over the next few years, he embarked on more than 100 back-to-back cruises before falling in love with one special ship - Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas.

Describing the vessel as 'revolutionary', Mario was firmly under the spell of the ship thanks to it boasting 'so many elements that took cruising to another dimension'.

His extraordinary experience sealed his loyalty to Royal Caribbean and he has called the firm's array of different cruises home ever since.

By 2016, Mario had spent more than £1 million on his holiday-come-home habit.

As you can imagine, he has become part of the furniture and counts the staff onboard various ships as his pals - so much so, that they gave him the nickname 'Super Mario', which has firmly stuck.

Luckily, he has free internet access thanks to him rising up the ranks to the top of Royal Caribbean's loyalty tier and can run his investment management business remotely while satisfying his craving for cruising.

Mario reckons the approximately £64,945 ($82,000) a year he spends on keeping up his unusual lifestyle is worth every penny seen as though he can work from a pool deckchair with an ocean view each day.

If he's not busily working away, you can find Mario scuba diving in stunning waters, throwing some shapes while ballroom dancing or unwinding with a cigar in the dedicated lounge.

What a life, eh?

Apart from a 15-day break each year and a 15-month hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic , the bloke has spent the best part of 23 years at sea.

Mario does still have an apartment in Miami, but he now dubs this his 'hotel' due to the fact he spends barely any time there - and when the time does arise to abandon ship, it isn't exactly enjoyable.

That's because all those years at sea have really caught up with his body... so although he can handle seasickness like a champ, he isn't that great at being on dry land anymore.

Mario is literally like a fish out of water when he's stood on the Earth's surface, as he's accidentally earned himself a permanent set of sea legs after acclimatising a bit too well to life on a cruise.

Discussing the bizarre physical side effect, the cruise connoisseur told Condé Nast Traveller: "I’ve lost my land legs, so when I’m swaying so much I can’t walk in a straight line.

"I’m so used to being on ships that it feels more comfortable to me than being on land."

Topics:  Travel , Cruise Ship , World News , US News , Health , Lifestyle

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@ livburke_

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