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Entry Level Cruise Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

This role may also be required to provide support to entry-level technicians on an as-needed basis ... Cruiser) * Strong communication skills (verbal and written) * Strong ability to multitask and ...

Senior Motorcycle Technician

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role may also be required to provide support to entry-level technicians on an as-needed basis ... Cruiser) * Strong communication skills (verbal and written) * Strong ability to multitask and ...

Entry Level Cruise information

See Virginia salary details

$19.5K

$51.3K

$121.1K

How much do entry level cruise jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level cruise in Virginia is $51,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,524.00 and $53,002.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level cruise ship jobs?

Entry-level cruise jobs focus on providing customer service or supporting ship operations. These positions can also exist in a cruise line’s reservation offices. Retail employees provide services to passengers in onboard shops. Housekeeping workers clean both private cabins and public areas, while the duties of servers, cooks, and bartenders focus on providing food and beverage services in the ship’s restaurants. Front desk and concierge personnel provide general hospitality services to passengers, while booking agents take reservations online and over the phone. Junior members of the activities department or entertainment stagehands are also considered entry-level crew members.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level cruise ship worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cruise Ship Worker, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong customer service experience, and basic safety or hospitality training. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) are commonly required. Excellent communication, teamwork, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity are the soft skills that make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring guest satisfaction, safety, and smooth operations in the demanding and diverse cruise ship environment.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level cruise staff, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Entry-level cruise staff often face the challenge of adapting to long working hours and living at sea for extended periods, which can be physically and emotionally demanding. Teamwork and flexibility are essential, as staff frequently collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and may need to rotate between different tasks or departments. New hires can prepare by developing strong communication skills, maintaining a positive attitude, and being open to learning from more experienced crew members. Embracing the onboard culture and staying organized can also help make the transition smoother.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cruise vs Entry Level Travel Agent?

AspectEntry Level CruiseEntry Level Travel Agent
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications varyHigh school diploma; travel certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships or cruise company officesTravel agencies, client meetings, remote options
Industry UsageSpecific to cruise lines and maritime hospitalityBroader travel and tourism industry
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Cruise roles focus on onboard or maritime hospitality within cruise lines, requiring specific certifications and experience in maritime environments. In contrast, Entry Level Travel Agents work in travel agencies or remotely, assisting clients with travel plans across various destinations. While both roles serve the travel and hospitality industry, they differ in work setting, certifications, and daily responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Cruise jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Cruise jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Cruise job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Cruise job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,267 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Boarding Agent, Maritime Ship Agent

T. Parker Host

Norfolk, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description


Dating back to a century ago in 1923, T. Parker Host quickly developed a strong reputation for offering exceptional service and solutions as a ship agency. HOST is the largest dry bulk agent in the United States and handles nearly 4,000 vessels annually, including dry bulk, breakbulk, tankers and cruise ships. As agents, we represent principals from around the world and coordinate directly with both local and international parties for every ship we’re appointed – improving efficiency for our customers. Host Agency continues to develop a strong worldwide network of relationships throughout the maritime community.

In addition to immediately serving our customers’ vessels, we offer a range of services to add value and support throughout the supply chain – from forwarding and documentation, to commodity reporting, to cargo monitoring.

Position Summary:

Entry-level position and springboard to embark on a career in the maritime field. Liaise with pilots, tug boats, linemen, US Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, cargo interests and vessel owners to ensure safe and efficient vessel operations while in port. Excellent opportunity for those looking to spend time in the field, as well as time in the office, handling communications and port expenses. Must be comfortable with a flexible schedule, working nights and weekends as needed based on vessels' schedules.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

Operations Management

  • Boarding of vessels at marine facilities and mid-stream locations
  • Coordinate berthing assignments and order pilots, tugs, and linesmen for vessels
  • Coordinate and order vessel husbandry services within authorized funding limits
  • Provide timely and accurate responses to incoming email requests for assigned ships and general office traffic when required
  • Draft, execute, and dispatch commercial documentation with timeliness and accuracy
  • Be contactable at all times while on call and maintain readiness to respond to vessel requirements and changes of boarding schedules after office hours
  • Follow Company Standard Operating Procedures and seek guidance when modifications for specific calls or other questions arise
  • Travel to and provide operations support to other ports when required by the Host management team
  • Assist in the training and onboarding of new team members as required

Regulatory

  • Coordinate with U.S. Government Agencies to prepare and submit required documents, verify successful filings of reporting notices, and schedule necessary vessel attendances within required time frames
  • Verify successful filing of cargo import, entry, and export manifests within required time frames

Service

  • Maintain professional acumen and a customer service mindset when dealing with Host customer, stakeholder and industry relationships

Education, Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:

  • Prior customer service experience, required. Prior agency experience, a plus.
  • Transitioning military personnel and veterans encouraged to apply.
  • Must have valid driver's license with clean driving record.
  • Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated and able to multi-task in a constantly changing work environment
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage high volumes of electronic communication, both in office and while mobile in the field
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and adapt to fluid ship port schedules in 24/7/365 port operations
  • ASBA agency certified or willing to become within first three months of employment

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to board vessels via gangway and/or pilot ladder alongside berth and over open water
  • Climbing, ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps using feet and legs and/or hands and arms
  • Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs
  • Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain, snow)

HOST, and its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.