How to Be Cruise Ship Attendant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 15, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Cruise ship attendants are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers while onboard. By providing attentive service, they help create a pleasant atmosphere that contributes to the overall cruise experience. On the other hand, if cruise ship attendants do not perform their duties with care, they can cause numerous problems.

For example, if they are not adequately trained in security protocols, it can lead to unsafe conditions on board the ship. if they do not offer prompt and friendly customer service, passengers may be left feeling dissatisfied with their experience. Furthermore, if attendants fail to adhere to health and safety guidelines, it can put the health of passengers and crew members at risk.

cruise ship attendants have the power to make or break the cruise experience, and their attention to detail is essential for the smooth running of any voyage.

Steps How to Become

Research the job. Cruise ship attendants help manage the day-to-day operations of a cruise ship, from providing customer service to helping with onboard activities. They provide a vital service to ensure guests have an enjoyable and safe experience.
Get educated. While there are no formal education requirements to become a cruise ship attendant, many cruise companies prefer applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. Its also helpful to have some knowledge of the maritime industry as well as customer service experience.
Get certified. Many cruise lines require cruise ship attendants to be certified in CPR, first aid, and other safety related courses. These certifications can usually be obtained through the cruise line itself or through a separate organization that specializes in maritime safety training.
Find a job. Cruise ship attendants can find employment through cruise lines and travel agencies. Its also common for cruise lines to post job openings on their websites or in local newspapers.
Prepare for the interview. Cruise ship attendants must be able to demonstrate a professional and friendly attitude, as well as excellent customer service skills. Make sure to come prepared with examples of how you have helped customers in the past and be ready to explain why you are the best fit for the job.
Follow up. After the interview, make sure to thank the interviewer for their time and follow up with any additional questions you may have. This will show that you are serious about the position and eager to start working.

Cruise ship attendants have a significant role in providing a great experience to passengers. They are essential to creating an enjoyable and safe journey for everyone onboard. To become an ideal and qualified cruise ship attendant, it is important to have a positive attitude and excellent customer service skills.

Being familiar with the cruise ships policies, procedures and safety regulations is also necessary. having a strong knowledge of the destinations along the route, as well as the ability to speak multiple languages, can be helpful in providing outstanding customer service. With the right attitude and skills, cruise ship attendants can ensure that passengers have a comfortable and memorable experience.

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Job Description

Room Attendant: Responsible for cleaning, tidying, and maintaining the cabins and public areas of the cruise ship.
Food and Beverage Attendant: Responsible for taking orders, delivering food and beverages to passengers, and handling payments.
Entertainment Attendant: Responsible for providing a variety of activities and entertainment for passengers, including music, dance, shows, games, and other activities.
Maintenance Attendant: Responsible for ensuring the cruise ship is in good working order, including repairing, cleaning, and replacing equipment.
Safety Attendant: Responsible for ensuring safety on the cruise ship and responding to emergencies.
Deckhand: Responsible for operating the cruise ship, including navigating, docking, and other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service skills
Ability to work long hours with a flexible schedule
Strong communication and organizational skills
Knowledge of cruise ship safety procedures
Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload
Proficiency in using computer systems and software
Working knowledge of food and beverage services
Ability to provide quick and efficient response to guest needs
Familiarity with the layout of the ship and its amenities
Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment

Cruise ship attendants need to possess a wide range of skills in order to provide exceptional customer service and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. One of the most important skills for cruise ship attendants is the ability to remain calm and composed in difficult situations. This skill is critical in dealing with unexpected occurrences such as medical emergencies, passenger disputes, or other emergencies.

Being able to assess the situation, think quickly, and respond appropriately is essential. cruise ship attendants need to have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate with passengers and crew effectively. They also need to be detail-oriented, organized, and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Finally, having a good knowledge of ship operations and safety protocols is essential for cruise ship attendants in order to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a Cruise Ship Attendant?
What do you find to be the most rewarding aspects of this job?
How do you manage customer complaints in a professional manner?
What challenges have you encountered while working as a Cruise Ship Attendant?
How do you prioritize tasks while on the job?
What safety protocols have you implemented while on the job?
How do you handle difficult passengers while on the job?
Describe your experience dealing with multiple customers at once.
How do you handle stressful situations while working onboard a cruise ship?
Describe a time when you had to handle a medical emergency while onboard a cruise ship.

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum Cleaner. Used to clean floors, carpets, and other surfaces. (eg: Hoover)
Mop. Used to clean and sanitize floors. (eg: Rubbermaid)
Towel Dispenser. Used to store and dispense towels. (eg: American Specialties)
Glass Cleaner. Used to clean windows and mirrors. (eg: Windex)
Cleaning Supplies. Used to clean and sanitize surfaces. (eg: Lysol)
Dustpan and Brush. Used to sweep and collect dirt and debris. (eg: O-Cedar)
Broom. Used to sweep and collect dirt and debris. (eg: Libman)
Laundry Detergent. Used to wash linen and other fabrics. (eg: Tide)
Iron and Ironing Board. Used to press and crease clothes. (eg: Rowenta)
Garbage Bags. Used to collect and dispose of trash. (eg: Hefty)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Cruise Line Association (ICLA)
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Cruise Lines International (CLIA) Europe
Cruise Lines International Association Australasia
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Cruise Lines International Professional Association (CLIPA)
International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL)
Cruise Line Operators Association (CLOA)
International Federation of Cruise Lines (IFCL)
International Maritime Organization (IMO)

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Common Important Terms

Cruise Director. A cruise ship attendant responsible for overseeing onboard activities and entertainment programs.
Purser. A cruise ship attendant responsible for administrative duties, such as issuing tickets, collecting passenger payments, and handling customer complaints and requests.
Deckhand. A cruise ship attendant responsible for managing the movement of passengers and luggage on board the ship.
Galley Worker. A cruise ship attendant responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving food to passengers.
Housekeeper. A cruise ship attendant responsible for cleaning and maintaining passenger cabins.
Bartender. A cruise ship attendant responsible for serving drinks to passengers.
Shore Excursion Manager. A cruise ship attendant responsible for arranging and overseeing shore excursions.
Cruise Line Representative. A cruise ship attendant responsible for ensuring a safe and enjoyable sailing experience for passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to be a Cruise Ship Attendant?

Cruise Ship Attendants typically need to have a high school diploma or GED and must have at least one year of customer service experience.

What are the job responsibilities of a Cruise Ship Attendant?

The primary responsibility of a Cruise Ship Attendant is to ensure that passengers have a pleasant and memorable experience aboard the ship. This includes greeting passengers, providing information, assisting with luggage, serving food and drinks, cleaning cabins, and responding to any customer inquiries or complaints.

How much does a Cruise Ship Attendant typically earn?

Cruise Ship Attendants typically earn between $17 and $20 per hour depending on their experience level.

What are some of the benefits of working as a Cruise Ship Attendant?

Working as a Cruise Ship Attendant offers a variety of benefits including free room and board, discounts on food and drinks, discounted transportation, and the opportunity to travel to various destinations.

What is the job outlook for Cruise Ship Attendants?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Cruise Ship Attendants is expected to grow 8% from 2019-2029, faster than the average for all occupations.