Numerous employees on board ensure that passengers are fully taken care of and can enjoy a relaxing holiday.
There is plenty to do on a cruise ship, and in addition to captains, there are numerous employees on board who ensure that all holiday guests can enjoy their holidays on the high seas. A job on a cruise ship such as the Aida or Tui Cruises offers many opportunities, as the portal Gehalt.de basically describes on its website and presents various professions that are in demand on cruise ships. "Many employees in the catering industry use their time on the cruise ship to boost their careers, because the training is demanding," the article reads, among other things. "In this way, they can successfully prepare for their future."
There are many different professions on board a ship (symbolic image). © Westend61/Imago
Salaries on the high seas – earning potential, according to experts
The earning potential of employees on cruise ships is strongly dependent on the respective profession, according to the portal's announcement in general. "The shipping company and the length of employment also influence the salary. In addition, different collective bargaining and remuneration agreements apply." An advantage for the employees on board is that, for example, food and accommodation are free of charge. Here are some "selected examples of annual compensation" according to Gehalt.de:
- Photographer: 19,100 – 35,800 euros
- Cook: 12,044 – 44,600 euros
- Human Resources Manager: 64,433 – 73,487 euros
- Physiotherapist: 26,023 – 28,361 euros
- Travel consultant: 21,994 – 62,727 euros
- Receptionist: 20,056 – 21,717 euros
- Naval Architect: 67,943 – 99,429 euros
Source: Communication Gehalt.de (as of 21 June 2022)
Paid internships are therefore also an opportunity to learn more about your future dream job. "Depending on whether the shipping company is a European or international company, they pay either in euros or in US dollars," Gehalt.de also described in general terms. "Furthermore, cruise ships divide their staff into tipping and non-tipping personnel, so that there are salary differences here as well," the statement says, with a view to possibly different regulations regarding tips (depending on occupational groups).
Don't miss out: You can find everything you need to know about money in the money newsletter from our partner Merkur.de.
Training and study opportunities on the cruise ship
For certain jobs, training on the ship is "not necessarily necessary". Nevertheless, many shipping companies are also training companies. "The professions of cook, hairdresser and hotel and guest advertising assistant, for example, can be learned directly on the ship," the article on Gehalt.de continues. "Business or technical training courses such as IT specialists for system integration or office management assistants can also be completed." High school graduates would also have the opportunity to start studying "in, for example, marine electronics, ship operating technology or nautical science" at selected shipping companies. "Meanwhile, they spend time both aboard a ship and at a college."