20 Best Cruise Ship Jobs For Women 2023-24 Full Explained

Until many years ago, women were not allowed to work at sea. Having a woman on board a ship is considered bad luck, a myth that stems from the legend of mermaids luring sailors to their deaths.

In fact, the only way for women to work at sea was to pretend to be men, and this was relatively common throughout history.

Fortunately, times have changed and the cruise industry is now a welcoming place for women looking for work. Only 1.2% of seafarers around the world are women, but on cruise ships that number is closer to 20%.

Female Cruise Ship Crew
So what kind of jobs should women looking for if they want to work on a cruise ship?

Well, about 85% of cruise ship jobs. belongs to the “Hotel” category and the remaining 15% belongs to the “Ship” category. Hotel work includes departments such as bars, restaurants, guest services, cabins, casinos, shops, and gyms.
This probably explains why more women work on cruise ships than on other types of ships, but it doesn’t mean that’s the only job women can apply for.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best cruise jobs for women…

1. Captain

Karin Starle-Jansson made history in 2007 when she became the first female cruise ship captain to command Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas. There are currently female captains on a variety of cruise lines including Cunard, P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Windstar, and Virgin Voyages. Achieving this prestigious role requires at least 20 years of rigorous training, but gender is no barrier to achieving excellence in this field. Deck Officer

2.Deck Officers

play a central role in cruise ship operations, overseeing navigation, communications, maintenance, and safety. Positions include Chief of Staff, First Mate, Second Mate, Third Mate, Guard, Guard, and Deck Officer Cadet. The percentage of women in these roles varies by cruise line, but some cruise lines, like Celebrity Cruises, have achieved 32% male representation in bridge officers. In 2020, Captain Kate McCue led Celebrity Her Edge’s first all-female bridge crew.

3.Cruise Director

The Cruise Director is responsible for the onboard entertainment team. Cruise directors, once a male-dominated role, are now filled with many women. Personality, charisma, and strong organizational and leadership skills are essential to success in this position.

4.Guest Services Representative

Working in Guest Services is a great option for those who speak multiple languages ​​and enjoy interacting with the public. Guest relations tend to have a balanced mix of men and women, creating an inclusive environment.

5.Actresses

Cruise ships provide a platform for talented women to shine as dancers, singers, acrobats and magicians. There are plenty of options for female entertainers, including theaters, bars, and lounges.

6.Shore Excursion Manager

The Shore Excursion Manager introduces and sells exciting shore excursions offered to passengers. This role has the unique benefit of being able to experience these excursions first-hand.

7.Waitress

Cruise Ship Restaurant Service Women are welcome to join her team. There are plenty of options including buffet style, cafe, main dining room and specialty restaurants.

8.Chef

Cruise ship kitchens have traditionally been male-dominated, but more and more women are taking on cooking roles. For example, Windstar Cruises introduced its first all-female culinary team in 2022, challenging gender stereotypes in ship galleys.

9.Hairdressers

The ship’s salon and spa industry is dominated by women, working in professions such as hairdressers, cosmetologists, manicurists, and massage therapists. Most of the employees and customers in this area are women.

10.Seller

Cruise ships have a variety of shops offering fine jewelry, watches, designer fashion, confectionery, and more.

11.Security Guard

Although security roles on shore tend to be dominated by men, cruise ships often employ women in ship security departments to ensure safety on board.

12.Bar Waiters

The majority of bar waiters on cruise ships are men, but cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises are actively recruiting women to restore balance in the beverage department .

13.Engineer

Engineering work on a cruise ship includes a variety of tasks, from equipment maintenance to plumbing and air conditioning. In 2018, Leanne Robertson made history as P&O Cruises’ first female engineer.

14.Lifeguard

Although lifeguard positions have traditionally been attractive to both men and women, some lifeguard positions on cruise ships may be reserved for women due to cultural characteristics of certain regions. there is.

15.Youth Staff

Youth advisors (mostly women) oversee children’s activities on family cruise ships. Although this role is rewarding, a cruise contract can be difficult for those looking to start a family of their own.

16.Photographer’s

cruise photographers capture unforgettable moments for passengers. Top examples of these roles include: Portrait Photographer, Event Photographer, and Photo Vendor. Female photographers made a significant contribution to the onboard photography team.

17.Housekeeping Supervisor

The Housekeeping Supervisor oversees the cleanliness and maintenance of guest rooms and public areas. Women excel in supervisory roles to ensure guests enjoy a comfortable and sanitary onboard experience.

18.Entertainment Technician

Entertainment Technician works behind the scenes to facilitate stage production, lighting, sound, and other technical aspects of a ship’s shows. Women have demonstrated expertise in technical roles and contributed to the success of their entertainment programs.

19.Environmental Officer

Cruise ships value environmental sustainability, and the Environmental Officer plays a key role in implementing environmentally friendly practices. Women have taken on this responsibility and contributed to the industry’s efforts to protect our oceans and the destinations we visit.

20.Human Resources Specialist

The cruise industry needs qualified human resources professionals to manage crew recruitment, training, and benefits. Women excel in human resources roles by providing a positive work environment and supporting the diverse needs of cruise ship employees.

conclusion

A maritime career on a cruise ship has no gender boundaries. Women excel in a variety of roles and can contribute to a vibrant and inclusive cruise ship workforce. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of a leadership position or the creative appeal of her role in the entertainment industry, the possibilities are endless. Remember: With dedication and hard work, you can find your way to success in any cruise ship job you choose.Stay Blessed

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