No prior ship experience? This guide covers the basics so you know what to expect — before you apply, and before you sign on.
The basics nobody explains until you're already onboard.
Most crew contracts run somewhere between 4 and 9 months onboard, followed by a period of leave at home before the next contract. Contract length depends on rank, department, and company — deck and engineering officers often have shorter rotations than hospitality or entertainment crew. You'll sign a contract before joining and fly out (usually at the company's expense) to meet the ship at a port.
Crew live in cabins separate from guest areas, usually shared with one or more cabin-mates depending on rank — more senior officers typically get private cabins. There's a crew mess (canteen) for meals, and most ships have a crew bar, gym, and outdoor deck area reserved for crew only. Food and basic accommodation are provided as part of your contract.
Most departments work 7 days a week for the length of the contract, typically 8–12 hours a day depending on role and season — full days off are rare, though shift patterns vary a lot by department. This is one of the biggest adjustments for first-timers: ship life is intensive, and the trade-off is no rent, no bills, and a lump sum saved by the end of the contract.
Pay is usually deposited into a bank account monthly or transferred at the end of the contract, with a small cash allowance available onboard. Some departments (hospitality, guest services) may also receive tips or a service charge share — this varies significantly by cruise line and role, so always confirm the exact structure with the employer before accepting an offer.
Wifi onboard is typically available for a fee and can be slow, especially mid-ocean. Many crew buy a data package for the contract length. Don't expect constant connectivity — let friends and family know in advance.
What to expect around onboard safety culture — and what training you'll actually need.
Almost all seagoing roles require STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Basic Safety Training before you can join a ship. It's an internationally recognized, legally mandated certification — not something Embarking Crew provides, verifies, or can substitute for. It covers four areas:
This training must be completed at an accredited maritime training center in your country before you can be signed on to most ships. If you're not sure whether your target rank requires it, ask the employer directly — requirements vary by role and flag state.
Within 24 hours of joining, every ship runs a muster drill for new crew and passengers — you'll be assigned a muster station and shown what to do in an emergency (fire, abandon ship, man overboard). This happens every single voyage, for everyone onboard, regardless of experience.
Expect visible safety signage, mandatory protective equipment in technical and galley areas, and regular safety announcements. Reporting hazards and near-misses is normal and encouraged, not a sign of trouble. Safety officers and department heads run regular drills throughout the contract, not just at the start.
Most cruise and agency interviews happen over video call. Here's how to prepare.
Dress the way you would for an in-person interview, even on video. Join a few minutes early. Speak clearly, be honest about your experience level — recruiters place first-timers into appropriate roles, so there's no benefit to overstating experience. Ask questions back: about the ship, department size, typical schedule, and what a normal day looks like.
Follow up with a short thank-you email if you have the recruiter's contact, and keep your Embarking Crew profile and CV up to date while you wait to hear back — response times vary widely by company and season.
Create your free crew profile and start applying — no experience required for entry-level roles.
