Cruise Hostess Interview Preparation Guide

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I have experience working in another restaurant, I worked busy shifts and I'm used to serving large parties. From my experience I feel comfortable talking to customers.

I would first listen to all of concerns, sometimes customers just want their frustrations to be heard. Then I would then follow up with a sincere apology and ask if there is anything I can do to help mend the situation.

I do what is required of me at that moment to better deal with it and after the stress has dissipated I take a deep breath and calm myself down.

I would considered myself reliable, I am never later, always make it in for my shifts, and always lending a helping hand.

I would do what's described in the manual. If it is an unusual situation, I would ask a co-worker or my supervisor.

It is important to have a positive attitude and smile, work effectively as a team, help where is needed, and be eager to learn.

Getting the job was not easy. I honestly had no idea how to even go about starting this process. When people ask me “why…” I respond with “It all started because of a boy”. Usually, folks who are interested in working on cruise ships, find a recruiting agency and pay them to get them a job. This is good as it means less work for you, but can be bad as I have heard tales of folks applying for reception and being given a waitressing position or having to pay the recruiters part of their salary for the first contract or two.

Most of the cruise lines will allow their crew to use guest amenities on their time off. However, passengers always take priority when using the pool, gym etc. Most cruise will also offer their crew a mess or recreation area/ dining hall and in some cases a crew bar where drinks are sold considerable less than in passenger's bars.

Yes, this may be possible. However, you don't want to make a whole bunch of requests before you are hired. We recommend that you and your spouse/friend each apply to the same set of companies. But you should each apply separately and then during to the mid to later stages of the interview process, you should let your recruiter/human resources representative know that your spouse/friend is also interested in working on the same ship. If a position is available that he/she is qualified for, many companies will try to make things work out.

Please note, that companies are more likely to accommodate married couples, but often they can help arrange it so you can work with a friend as well.

The minimum age to work on a cruise ship is usually either 18 or 21 years old, depending on the cruise line, cruise ship and position you are applying for. Beach resorts usually have a minimum age of 18 years old for many of their positions. Many cruise lines and beach resorts will require you to be at least 21 if you are serving alcoholic beverages.

Many cruise lines, resort and tour employers do offer a full range of benefits including some or all of the following:

☛ 401K Plan
☛ Profit Sharing Plan
☛ Medical Insurance
☛ Dental and Vision Insurance
☛ Life Insurance
☛ Tuition Re-imbursement
☛ Paid Time Off
☛ Free or discounted travel for you and your family (and friends occassionally)

We list and profile the following types of employers:

☛ Large Cruise Lines
☛ Medium Sized Cruise Lines
☛ Small and Specialty Cruise Lines
☛ Cruise Concessionaires
☛ Beach Resorts
☛ Other Specialty Resorts
☛ Land Tour Companies
☛ Tour and Escort Companies
☛ Adventure Travel Companies
☛ Private Yachts

The amount of time you spend off the ship depends on three main factors
1.) The contract you hold with your employer and
2.) The amount of time your ship allows passengers to visit ports.
3.) Your position on the cruise ship. Crew members working in departments and positions that are slow or closed when a ship is in port, generally have more free time in each port.

When your ship stops at ports most crew members are allowed (and in most cases encouraged) to get off the ship and explore. Generally, crew members are allowed to be out in port until one hour prior to departure (of course, unless they are on duty).

Most cruise line contracts typically require a four to six month commitment for new employees. Some cruise lines allow you to take a limited amount of vacation time during a contract and other do not. If this is important to you, it should be discussed prior to accepting the position.

All four of these industries are great to work in. Obviously, working on a cruise ship or private yacht has tremendous appeal. You will travel to exotic locations and meet lots of interesting people. However, many people like working at destination beach resorts better. This is usually due to the fact that while working at a beach resort you generally have more free time to explore and participate in your favorite activities.

Land tour jobs are also great jobs. Many college students work for land tours in Alaska during summers and often make really good money and have a tremendous time.

In general it depends on your personal preferences and desires. All three industries we cover offer outstanding work experiences.

I always attended my shifts unless it was medical, and even then I would help and try and find someone to cover the shift.

My psychology classes make it easier to understand people, and I've learned that in conversations, that if you are uncomfortable, eye contact can consist of anywhere on the face, so it feels less awkward.

☛ Why do you want to work on a cruise ship?
☛ Why did you choose to apply for a [insert position here]?
☛ Tell me about yourself.
☛ Why do you want to work for XYZ Cruise Line?
☛ How do you handle conflict?
☛ What is your greatest strength?
☛ What is your greatest weakness?
☛ Have you ever faced a big challenge?
☛ Why should I hire you?
☛ Do you have any questions?

☛ Do you get sea sick?
☛ What is your most relevant customer service experience?
☛ What companies do you feel deliver excellent customer service, why?
☛ What type of customer / passenger do you like the most?
☛ What type of customer / passenger do you like the least?
☛ How would you deal with a difficult guest?
☛ How would you deal with an intoxicated passenger?
☛ Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult customer.
☛ Describe a situation when you were treated well as a customer.
☛ Give an example of how you would provide exceptional customer service.
☛ How will you handle homesickness?
☛ Are you able to work 10 to 12 hours per day and seven days a week?
☛ Have you ever had a roommate?
☛ Are you able to live in a small room that you must share with another person?
☛ What is your worst personal habit?
☛ What do you think this job will do for your career?
☛ What are your goals?
☛ How do you plan to achieve your goals?
☛ How would you describe your ideal job?
☛ What is your dream cruise ship job?
☛ How long do you intend to work on cruise ships?
☛ Where do you see yourself in five years?
☛ What do you intend to do after working on cruise ships?
☛ What is your worst work habit?
☛ Have you have had a conflict with a roommate? How was it resolved?
☛ What would you do if you suspected a cabin mate was taking drugs?
☛ What would you do if you suspected a cabin mate or colleague was stealing?
☛ How would you react to finding your cabin mate in bed with somebody?

☛ Why are you interested in working for XYZ Cruise Line?
☛ Why did you apply to XYZ Cruise Line?
☛ What do you know about our cruise line?
☛ Why are you a good fit with XYZ Cruise Line?
☛ What does teamwork mean to you?
☛ What does it mean to be a team player?
☛ Describe an occasion when you were asked to work with a person you disliked.
☛ Does your most recent job involve teamwork?
☛ What kinds of people annoy you the most?
☛ How will you work within a team onboard?
☛ What type of difficulties do you think exist in an onboard environment?
☛ How will you live in an environment that can be difficult?

☛ What qualities do you feel a successful [insert position here] should have?
☛ Why do you want to work in the [insert department here]?
☛ Why are you applying for [insert position here]?
☛ What will you bring to this job?
☛ Why do you think you would be an asset to our company?
☛ How did you prepare for this interview?
☛ How do you evaluate your success?
☛ Describe a situation in which you were successful.
☛ What motivates you?
☛ Are you flexible? Give examples.
☛ Explain how you handle pressure well.

☛ Which of your past jobs is the most relevant to the job you are applying for?
☛ What education and training is relevant to the job you are applying for?
☛ What did you like about your previous job?
☛ What did you dislike about your previous job?
☛ How many hours do you work per day? per week?
☛ Why did you leave/quit?
☛ What’s the worst place you ever worked?
☛ Have you ever had a conflict with your boss? How was it resolved?
☛ Have you ever had a conflict with a co-worker? How was it resolved?
☛ What are your hobbies/past time activities?
☛ What have you accomplished in your past jobs?
☛ Do you have any cruise ship experience?
☛ Do you have any actual [insert position here] experience?
☛ How would your past employers describe you?

The ports of call and sheer number of destinations reached by cruise lines today offer cruise employees an unparalleled opportunity for travel. For instance, last year a Princess Cruises cruise ship traveled from Acapulco, through the Panama Canal, around the Caribbean, across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Then headed down to North Africa, around the British Isles, through the Baltic Sea, and back across the Atlantic to New York.

Today, cruise ships are sailing all over the world, so you have the opportunity to visit a number of exciting destinations.

We have been the leading cruise ship job and beach resort employment research organization for over fifteen years. No other company has the experience that we have in helping people navigate their employment options in these industries. A large number of industry insiders and experts have played a part in helping us put our resources together. There simply isn't any other information available anywhere that is as thorough, up-to-date, and dedicated specifically to help people find employment on cruise ships, private yachts, at beach resorts or as tour guides.

Yes, you can find some limited information for free on the internet. But, to maximize your efficiency of getting one of these jobs, it is important to have the best resources available. We simplify everything for you and provide you with a strategy to succeed.

Crew members will be required to attend a safety course following embarkment on ship. Instruction on lifeboat/raft safety, fire drills and understanding of fire safe and watertight doors will be taught. You will encounter routine emergency drills throughout your employment on the ship.

While you are working for the cruise line whether it be onboard or off you are covered by them medically. If you are at sea and become ill, you may see the nurse and/or doctor for free in the ship's medical facilities. If you become so ill or injured that you are no longer able to finish your contract, you will disembark and absorb the costs of ongoing treatment yourself (often covered by your health insurance). It is always best to inquire about the medical coverage you will receive prior to accepting a contract.

If the company you are going to work for does not offer a comprehensive health insurance policy, you may want to keep (or get) your own health insurance policy or take out a traveler's insurance policy through a private company.