High School
Cruise lines require at least a high school education, or equivalent, for most entry-level jobs. While in high school, you should concentrate on classes such as geography, sociology, and a foreign language. Fluency in Spanish, French, or Mandarin is highly desirable.
Postsecondary Training
Officer-level positions, or jobs with more responsibility, require college degrees and work experience. Many employees, especially those on the cruise staff, have an entertainment background. Youth staff members usually have a background in education or recreation.
Other Education or Training
Cruise ship workers continue to refine their skills throughout their careers by participating in continuing education opportunities offered by cruise lines, professional associations, and colleges and universities. For example, nurses may take classes on critical care techniques, infectious diseases, or new treatment strategies for various conditions.
- Adventure Travel Specialists
- Amusement Park Workers
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops
- Baristas
- Bartenders
- Bed and Breakfast Owners
- Bicycle Mechanics
- Campaign Workers
- Caterers
- Cooks and Chefs
- Event Planners
- Exhibit Designers
- Farmers' Market Managers/Promoters
- Fast Food Workers
- Flight Attendants
- Food Service Workers
- Fund-Raisers
- Gaming Occupations
- Green Hotel/Resort Ecomanagers
- Hosts/Hostesses
- Hotel and Motel Managers
- Hotel Concierges
- Hotel Desk Clerks
- Hotel Executive Housekeepers
- Hotel Restaurant Managers
- Housekeepers and Maids
- Inbound Tour Guides
- Lifeguards and Swimming Instructors
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- Music Venue Owners and Managers
- National Park Service Employees
- Park Rangers
- Parking Attendants
- Personal Shoppers
- Pilots
- Recreation Workers
- Reservation and Ticket Agents
- Resort Workers
- Restaurant and Food Service Managers
- Ship's Captains
- Ski Resort Workers
- Spa Attendants
- Spa Managers
- Space Tourism Managers
- Sports Facility Managers
- Sports Instructors and Coaches
- Stadium Ushers and Vendors
- Strength and Conditioning Coaches
- Swimming Pool Designers
- Tour Guides
- Travel Agents
- Wedding and Party Consultants
- Yoga and Pilates Instructors
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors