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Contract Cruise Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

One Spa World

Acupuncturist Shipboard

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Flights to and from the ship on your first contract are included. Position Requirements: To be considered for an acupuncturist position on board a cruise ship, candidates must meet all of the ...

OneSpaWorld

Acupuncturist Shipboard

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Flights to and from the ship on your first contract are included. Position Requirements: To be considered for an acupuncturist position on board a cruise ship, candidates must meet all of the ...

One Spa World

Acupuncturist Shipboard

Washington, DC · On-site

Flights to and from the ship on your first contract are included. Position Requirements: To be considered for an acupuncturist position on board a cruise ship, candidates must meet all of the ...

OneSpaWorld

Acupuncturist Shipboard

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Flights to and from the ship on your first contract are included. Position Requirements: To be considered for an acupuncturist position on board a cruise ship, candidates must meet all of the ...

One Spa World

Acupuncturist Shipboard

Miami, FL · On-site

Flights to and from the ship on your first contract are included. Position Requirements: To be considered for an acupuncturist position on board a cruise ship, candidates must meet all of the ...

OneSpaWorld

Acupuncturist Shipboard

Washington, DC · On-site

Flights to and from the ship on your first contract are included. Position Requirements: To be considered for an acupuncturist position on board a cruise ship, candidates must meet all of the ...

OneSpaWorld

Acupuncturist Shipboard

Miami Beach, FL · On-site

Flights to and from the ship on your first contract are included. Position Requirements: To be considered for an acupuncturist position on board a cruise ship, candidates must meet all of the ...

One Spa World

Acupuncturist Shipboard

New York, NY · On-site

Flights to and from the ship on your first contract are included. Position Requirements: To be considered for an acupuncturist position on board a cruise ship, candidates must meet all of the ...

Princess Cruises

Suite Experience Concierge

New York, NY · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Fixed Term Contract Location: Global Description By applying to this position, your application ... Cruise ship experience is strongly preferred. * Extensive experience and knowledge in all aspects ...

Princess Cruises

Asst Photo Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$45K - $56K/yr

Fixed Term Contract Location: Global Reporting To: Photo Video Manager Description By applying to ... College diploma or equivalent work experience, 2-4 years in a cruise ship staff photographer ...

Princess Cruises

APM Audio

New York, NY · On-site

Fixed Term Contract Location: Global Reporting To: Snr Production Manager Description By applying ... Willingness to live and work onboard a cruise ship for extended periods (typically 6 months)

Princess Cruises

Chief Baker

New York, NY · On-site

Galley Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract Location: Global Reporting To: Executive Chef ... Cruise ship experience is strongly preferred. * Strong supervisory and training skills. * Fluent ...

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All JobsContract Cruise Ship Jobs

Contract Cruise Ship information

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$16

$23

$29

How much do contract cruise ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cruise ship in the United States is $23.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do cruise ship workers' contracts work?

Cruise ship workers typically sign fixed-term contracts that range from several months to a year, with employment often including onboard accommodations, meals, and benefits. Contracts specify work hours, duties, and pay, and workers may be required to renew or renegotiate contracts for additional periods; some roles also require certifications such as STCW. Employment is usually structured around a rotation schedule, with periods of work followed by leave or time off the ship.

What are contract cruise ship jobs?

Contract cruise ship jobs refer to temporary employment positions on cruise ships, typically lasting from a few months up to nine months per contract. These jobs can include roles in hospitality, entertainment, maintenance, and more. Employees live and work on the ship throughout the duration of their contract, often enjoying travel to various international destinations. Contract workers usually receive room, board, and a salary, but work long hours and must adhere to strict onboard policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Cruise Ship Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Cruise Ship Worker, you need relevant industry experience, customer service expertise, and often a hospitality or maritime-related qualification. Familiarity with shipboard management systems, safety protocols, and certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) are typically required. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills are essential due to the multicultural and dynamic environment onboard. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensuring passenger satisfaction, maintaining safety standards, and efficiently handling the unique challenges of life at sea.

How hard is it to get hired on a cruise ship?

Getting hired as a contract cruise ship employee typically involves submitting an application, passing interviews, and demonstrating relevant skills such as customer service or hospitality experience. Employers often require background checks, medical exams, and certifications like STCW, and competition can be high due to the desirable nature of the work environment.

What are some common challenges faced when working on a contract aboard a cruise ship, and how can they be managed?

Working on a contract cruise ship role often involves long hours, living in shared quarters, and being away from home for extended periods. Adapting to a multicultural and fast-paced environment can be challenging, but strong communication skills and flexibility are key to success. Many crew members find it helpful to build a support network onboard and take advantage of organized activities during downtime. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and staying connected with loved ones through available technology can also make the experience more enjoyable.

How long is a contract to work on a cruise ship?

Contracts for cruise ship jobs typically last between 4 to 8 months, depending on the company and position. Crew members often work on rotational schedules, with some contracts including time off between assignments. Longer contracts are less common and may require additional certifications or experience.

What is the difference between Contract Cruise Ship vs Contract Hotel Staff?

AspectContract Cruise ShipContract Hotel Staff
CredentialsBasic hospitality certifications, maritime licensesHospitality certifications, customer service training
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships, traveling internationallyHotel properties, land-based locations
Employer & IndustryCruise lines, maritime industryHotels, hospitality industry
Work DurationTypically fixed-term contracts, seasonalVaries, often seasonal or year-round

Contract Cruise Ship roles involve working onboard ships in a maritime environment, requiring maritime certifications, and traveling internationally. In contrast, Contract Hotel Staff work in land-based hotels, focusing on hospitality skills and customer service. Both roles are contract-based but differ mainly in work setting and industry specifics.

How much do you get paid on a cruise ship contract?

Contract cruise ship employees typically earn between $1,200 and $3,000 per month, depending on the role, experience, and the cruise line. Compensation may include base salary, tips, and allowances for accommodations and meals, with some positions offering additional bonuses or incentives.
More about Contract Cruise Ship jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Cruise Ship jobs? Cities with the most Contract Cruise Ship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Ship jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Cruise Ship jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Cruise Ship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Cruise Ship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Cruise Ship jobs are:
Contract Cruise Ship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cruise Ship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,284 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Cruise Ship Art Sales Associate-Auctioneer Apprenticeship | US applicants

Park West Gallery

Miami, FL

$1.0K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Launch your sales career at sea

Turn your passion for art and people into a career at sea with Park West Gallery, the world's largest art dealer. Step into a paid, apprenticeship-style career track that grows your career from Art Sales Associate Shipboard Gallery Director Art Auctioneer. You'll learn live-event selling, build stage presence, and lead gallery operations-while traveling the world. No art degree required. Training & mentorship provided.

What you'll do

  • Engage guests and guide them through the art-buying experience

  • Support live art auctions and host vibrant gallery events onboard

  • Set up beautiful exhibitions and collaborate with a high-energy team

  • Deliver polished guest service in a fast-paced, multicultural setting

Your growth path

Associate Gallery Director Auctioneer (our highest-earning role), with coaching, real stage time, and clear performance milestones.

New Recruit Onboarding Compensation Offer (IC) - Available in our U.S., Canada, UK, and Ireland recruiting programs (Independent Contractor)

  • Contract minimum guarantee: $1,000 USD per onboard week (during initial active shipboard assignment). Each week you earn whichever is higher: your performance pay or the $1,000 USD/week contract minimum (amounts aren't combined)

  • Uncapped performance pay (commissions + bonuses after 30 days)

  • Initial earning potential: $50,000-$80,000 USD; Earning potential with experience: $100,000-$300,000+ USD

  • Engagement is Independent Contractor (through third-party staffing agency); contractors manage their own taxes/insurance. Full terms provided upon selection.

  • Who can apply now? We welcome applicants worldwide. This specific onboarding offer is currently available to first-time recruits who reside and complete onboarding in the U.S., Canada, UK, or Ireland. You'll need a valid passport and the ability to obtain required crew/travel visas (e.g., C-1/D, Schengen) before embarkation. Independent-contractor engagement; no candidate fees.

Work conditions & disclosures (at a glance)

  • Multi-month (3 to 6 months) shipboard rotations with international travel

  • Ability to lift and move framed artwork up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and stand/walk for extended periods with or without reasonable accommodation. A valid seafarer's medical, post-offer, approved by our cruise line partners in conjunction with MLC regulations, is required.

  • Travel documents: passport (or ability to obtain) and visas as needed for embarkation

  • Post-offer screenings: background check in accordance with the FCRA (you'll receive a standalone disclosure, give written authorization, and receive a copy/rights notice if any report is considered), and maritime medical clearance through approved providers

  • During assignments: onboard accommodations and meals are provided through the cruise program. This is an independent-contractor engagement; no traditional employee benefits are provided.

  • Must meet cruise-line embarkation policies by start date (details provided during hiring).

  • Strong English communication - shipboard operations are conducted in English.

  • All roles are engaged as Independent Contractors through Caribbean Staffing Solutions.

Apply now to reserve your seat and start your path to Auctioneer. Bring your energy, professionalism, and passion for art to the world stage. Important! Upon successful submission you will receive an email with confirmation and next steps. Check all email folders.

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Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

We engage contractors without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations for the hiring event and selection process.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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