If you are looking for an exciting job then the cruise line industry might be the right place for you. Here is what you can expect from this glamorous job and why some crew members are absolutely addicted to the lifestyle:

The Advantages of Working on a Cruise Ship

Work on a cruise ship will ensure travel to the most exotic places around the world for free. Most crewmembers are signed on for four to twelve month contracts at a time, during which the cruise ship usually changes its itinerary at least once to sail to different parts of the world.

While working on a cruise ship boarding and food are provided with no cost to the crewmember. There is no commuting to work, which means no gas for the car or traffic jams. The most attractive feature of working onboard, however, is the fact that the wages you make will be tax-free, since crewmembers work and are paid in international waters. Now, that is serious savings!

The cruise ship industry is known to employ personnel from around the world and that in turn brings crewmembers in direct contact with a variety of cultures. Friendships form easily in the close quarters of the ship environment, and the relationships can last a lifetime.

The Disadvantages of Working on a Cruise Ship

All good experiences have a downside, and work on a cruise ship is no exception to the rule. First, due to the limited number of crewmembers that a ship can carry at any given time, most crewmembers have multiple side jobs besides the main job. This usually takes away a lot of their free time, leaving little or no chance to visit the ports the ship calls at.

A contract to work on a cruise ship is, at minimum, four months long, during which you are not only away from your family and friends but also in a brand-new environment away from your home country. Homesickness is one of the main causes that drives some crewmembers to quit without completing their contracts.

On a cruise ship there are very strict rules and regulations to ensure the proper maintenance and service at all times. Most crewmembers are involved in emergency duties due to which their activities are limited. For example, a crewmember cannot get intoxicated at any given time while working. While most rules and regulations make total sense, some crewmembers find them extremely hard to follow.

As you can see, overall work on a cruise ship may not be easy, but it definitely is one of the most exciting and glamorous jobs available. After all, where else can you find a job that will pay you to travel and see the world?