STCW: The Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping for Seafarers There are two types of STCW courses: BASIC Training (in 4 modules, in person) or SAFETY AWARENESS (that can be taken online). For some nationalities, you may need by MARITIME Law to take it in person, and it usually takes 2 weeks to take the course + a few weeks to get the signed certification from the school and/or Maritime Local Authority. Some Cruise Lines will require you to take the Security Awareness course only, others will require you to take the on land full BASIC course before joining your [...]

Usually, you cannot for your first contract. It would be best if you accepted the position offered based on your employer's demands and operational needs. Some companies will offer you options to “bid for” from your 2nd contract and on.

Yes, and there are many types of visas, depending on the ship you get assigned and its itinerary. Unless you are American or Canadian, you will need a C1/D Visa (crew member/transit visa) if your home port is in the USA OR if your ship will at anytime during your contract be docking in the USA. It will cost minimum USD$185, depending on your citizenship it may cost more to double, if they charge one fee for C1 category and one fee for D category. Keep the receipts: your employer will reimburse ANY visa fees you paid for once you [...]

Yes. According to IMO (International Maritime organization, under United Nations), all crew must have an in-depth medical examination. This PEME (Pre-Employment Medical Examination) is also flag specific. (ships have different flag states, such as Norwegian, UK, Bahamas, Malta, Bermuda, etc.. – this means where the ship was registered). For that reason, depending on the ship you are hired to work for, we will provide you the authorized facilities for that company or ship flag-state. Prices may vary as the requirements may also be different. You have to complete medicals and receive a FFD (Fit-For-Duty Certificate) before leaving for the ship. [...]

Yes. You may have access to laundry facilities (most ships have a crew laundry-free facility open 24 hours per day), or service will be offered for a nominal fee. Depending on the position and company, uniform-free laundry may be offered for staff and officers, but not to entry level crew. Make sure to bring lots of underwear and socks as laundry facilities may get really busy and you may want to minimize the times you MUST use it, and accommodate in between your shifts.

Except for managers, directors, captains, doctors, and engineers/officers, all the cabins are small and compact and are shared with one other person of the same gender. Sometimes, you may have to share with up to four people as some ships will have 2 bunkbeds per crew cabin. Most cabins have a bathroom; however, some bathroom facilities can be shared by up to four people. The cabins are cleaned with linen changed weekly by your cabin steward, except on embarkation days. While it's not mandatory, it's common practice for all staff positions to tip the cabin stewards who clean your cabin, [...]

All your food and accommodations are provided free of cost. Employers also provide medical coverage while under contract (onboard), but not while you are on vacation out of the ship or at your home country. You will be required to pay for any incidentals, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, personal internet usage, and phone calls. Discounted rates for Shore Excursions, Duty-Free, and Spa Services are provided for crew members.

Every ship has an address, and you can get this address upon your arrival at the ship at the MSA (Manning Services Administration) or Crew Services Office. If you still need to, you will receive the information onboard. Remember that it may take longer to receive mail or merchandise purchased online than when you are on land. For most companies, the products will be mailed first to the cruise line’s Headquarters, then they pack in containers to send to each “port of call”, the port agents will then delivery to the ship, when it’s docked.

The cruise line may or may not provide your flight to the ship, your recruiter should discuss that with you during your interview.  Depending on the company policy, you may have to pay your way to the ship, and upon completion of your contract, they will fly you home at no cost. In some "rare" cases, cruise lines require you to pay for your flight there, and upon completion of your contract, you will be reimbursed for your flight and flown home. For most Entertainment and Senior Management positions, some cruise lines and concessions will pay your 2-WAYs ticket.

Except for singers, dancers, musicians and the doctors onboard, you can expect to work seven days/week (with no days off) and anywhere from 8-12 hours/per day. As per IMO (International Maritime Organization) and MLC (Maritime Labor Convention), you are entitled to a break for every 6 hours of work, and you must get at least 10 hours of rest for every 24 hours, which can be in 2 shifts or straight with a small break. For some positions, some rotations may include night shifts, as for nurses, doctors, GSAs, and security. For some positions, you will be given a "radio [...]