Do You Need a Degree to Work on a Cruise Ship?

By Anna Duncan

If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling the world and getting paid for doing it, working on cruise ships is a great option. Cruise ships are known for their luxurious amenities, beautiful scenery, and fun activities.

They also offer a unique work experience with the chance to explore different cultures and countries. But do you need a degree to work on a cruise ship?

Education Requirements
The answer is that it depends on the type of job you are applying for. There are many jobs available on cruise ships that require no formal education or experience.

These include jobs in hospitality, food service, retail sales, entertainment and security. However, if you want to pursue a career in areas such as engineering, navigation or operations then you will need to have some form of higher education in order to qualify for the position.

Certification Requirements
In addition to having an appropriate level of education, most cruise lines also require their employees to possess certain certifications that are related to their field of work. For example, if you are applying for a job as a chef then it is likely that you will need to have some form of culinary certification in order to be considered for the position. Similarly, if you are applying for a job as an engineer then it is likely that you will need certification related to your field such as Marine Engineering Certification or Merchant Marine Officer Certification.

Experience Requirements
Although many cruise lines do not require employees to have previous experience in their chosen field, having relevant experience can certainly give applicants an advantage when it comes time for hiring decisions. Cruise lines often look favourably upon applicants who have previous experience working in their chosen field and can demonstrate knowledge about the industry.

Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not necessary to hold a degree in order to be eligible for most positions on cruise ships; however certain positions may require applicants to possess specific certifications or demonstrate relevant experience within their chosen field. With the right qualifications and experience, anyone can pursue an exciting career working on board luxury cruise ships!