Why Choose Alta Mar Crew?
Working Onboard
Frequently asked questions. To provide consultancy for preparing of all sorts of corporate and any other services as the company may think fit and proper.
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1. Do I need cruise ship experience to work onboard?
No. Many candidates start without previous cruise ship experience. What matters most is having the right
attitude, customer service mindset, English communication skills, and a professional profile that matches the
position you are applying for.
Alta Mar Crew helps candidates understand which roles may fit their background and how to prepare for the
recruitment process. -
2. What kind of jobs can I apply for on a cruise ship?
Cruise ships offer many departments, including food and beverage, housekeeping, guest services, youth
programs, entertainment, photography, retail, shore excursions, spa, galley, and technical areas.
The best position for each candidate depends on their English level, work experience, personality, and
career goals. -
3. Do I need to speak English?
Yes. English is the main working language onboard most international cruise ships.
You do not need to sound perfect, but you must be able to communicate clearly with guests, supervisors,
and crew members. Some positions require stronger English than others, especially Guest Services, Youth
Staff, Shore Excursions, Retail, and Entertainment. -
4. What is my English level?
A1 Beginner
A2 Elementary
B1 Intermediate
B2 Upper
Intermediate
C1 Advanced
C2 Proficient
You can understand and use very simple everyday phrases. You can introduce
yourself, answer basic personal questions, and communicate slowly with support.
You can understand common expressions about daily life, family, shopping, work,
and places. You can describe your background and basic needs in simple words.
You can understand almost everything you read or hear. You can communicate
fluently, precisely, and naturally in complex situations.
You can talk about familiar topics such as work, travel, school, and personal
interests. You can handle most travel situations and explain experiences, plans,
and opinions simply.
You can understand more complex topics, including work-related information. You
can speak with more confidence, interact naturally, and explain ideas with details.
You can understand longer and more demanding conversations or texts. You can
express yourself clearly and professionally in social, academic, or work situations. -
5. Can I work on a cruise ship if I only have BPO or call center experience?
Yes. BPO, call center, and customer service experience can be very valuable for cruise ship roles.
If you have experience handling customers, solving problems, working under pressure, meeting KPIs, or
communicating in English, you may already have transferable skills for positions such as Guest Services,
Retail, Shore Excursions, or other guest-facing roles. -
6. How long are cruise ship contracts?
Most contracts last several months, depending on the cruise line, department, and position.
Some contracts can be around 4 to 8 months, followed by vacation time. Contract length is always
confirmed by the cruise line or hiring partner during the recruitment process. -
7. Do cruise ship employees get days off?
Life onboard is different from land-based jobs.
Crew members usually work every day during the contract, but they also receive scheduled breaks, time off
during the day, and opportunities to go ashore depending on the ship’s operation, port schedule, and
department. -
8. Is accommodation and food included onboard?
In most cruise ship jobs, crew accommodation and meals are provided onboard.
Crew members usually share cabins with another crew member and eat in designated crew areas. Details
depend on the cruise line and position.
Why Choose Nori?
Recruitment Process
Frequently asked questions. To provide consultancy for preparing of all sorts of corporate and any other services as the company may think fit and proper.
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9. What is the recruitment process like?
The process usually includes choosing the right position, preparing your CV, applying through official
channels or authorized partners, completing interviews or assessments, receiving a job offer if selected, and
then completing medical exams, visas, and onboarding documents before joining the ship. -
10. Why should I prepare before applying?
Many candidates apply without understanding cruise ship life, recruiter expectations, CV standards,
interview questions, or the reality of working onboard.
Preparation helps you present yourself better, choose the right position, avoid mistakes, and enter the
recruitment process with more confidence. -
11. Does Alta Mar Crew guarantee that I will get hired?
No. No serious preparation center should guarantee a cruise ship job.
Final hiring decisions are always made by the cruise line or authorized recruitment partner. Alta Mar Crew
helps candidates prepare professionally, understand the industry, improve their resume and presentation,
avoid common mistakes during the application process, and submit their CV through an approved
recruitment agency.
Why Choose Nori?
Documents & Requirements
Frequently asked questions. To provide consultancy for preparing of all sorts of corporate and any other services as the company may think fit and proper.
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12. What documents do I need to work on a cruise ship?
Requirements vary by cruise line, position, nationality, and itinerary.
In general, candidates may need a valid passport, police or background check, medical exam, visas,
certificates, references, and other documents requested by the employer.
Alta Mar Crew helps candidates understand what may be required and how to prepare their document
checklist. -
13. Can I apply if I have tattoos?
In many cases, yes.
Tattoo policies depend on the cruise line, position, and visibility of the tattoo while wearing uniform.
Guest-facing roles may have stricter appearance guidelines. It is important to be honest and check the
requirements of the company you are applying to. -
14. Can couples or friends work on the same ship?
It is possible, but it is never guaranteed.
Cruise lines assign crew based on operational needs, open positions, department requirements, and ship
schedules. Couples and friends may be placed on different ships or different contracts.recruitment agency. -
15. Is working on a cruise ship hard?
Yes, cruise ship life can be demanding.
Crew members work long hours, live away from family, share spaces, and adapt to a multicultural
environment. However, it can also be an incredible opportunity to travel, save money, grow professionally,
improve English, and build an international career.
Why Choose Nori?
About Alta Mar Crew
Frequently asked questions. To provide consultancy for preparing of all sorts of corporate and any other services as the company may think fit and proper.
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16. How do I know which course is right for me?
If you have little or no experience, the Foundations Course is a good starting point.
If you already have land-based experience in hospitality, food and beverage, retail, photography, childcare,
or similar areas, the Experience Bridge Course may be a better fit.
If you come from BPO, call center, or customer service, the BPO to Cruise Ship Pro course is designed
especially for your background. -
17. Is Alta Mar Crew a recruitment agency?
Alta Mar Crew is a cruise career preparation center.
We help candidates understand the industry, prepare their profile, improve their interview readiness, and
learn how to approach the cruise ship recruitment process professionally.
We are not a cruise line and we do not make final hiring decisions. -
18. Which countries and cruise lines do you support?
Alta Mar Crew supports candidates from across Latin America, including Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Chile,
Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Bolivia, and Uruguay.
Through our agreement with a recruitment agency that works with major international cruise lines, we help
prepare candidates for opportunities with companies such as Disney Cruise Line, Viking Cruises, Norwegian
Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises,
Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Starboard Cruise Services, and other cruise industry
employers. -
19. How can I start?
The best first step is to watch the demo on the website and complete the Placement Test.
We will review your background, English level, work experience, and career goal to recommend the course
that fits your profile best. These courses are created to answer the most common questions about working
onboard, but if you need more information, you can contact us anytime at:
info@altamarcrew.com
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