http://www.royalcareersatsea.com/pages/faqWhere do Royal Caribbean International ships sail?Our 22 ships sail around the world and visit exciting and unique destinations.
What are the requirements to work onboard Royal Caribbean ships?Regardless of the position for which you are applying, to qualify for shipboard employment you must have a valid passport, and the ability to:
Obtain a C1D visa (unless you are Canadian or a US citizen or resident)
Pass RCCL's pre-employment medical examination.
Obtain relevant itinerary-driven visas (i.e. Schengen).
Pass a criminal background check.
What is a C1D visa?A C1D visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by US embassies around the world. This visa allows crew members to transit through US ports. If offered a position, Royal Caribbean International will provide a letter to support your application. This visa is not required for Canadians or US citizens or residents.
What is a Schengen visa?Some nationalities are required to obtain this visa in order to enter countries that are part of the Schengen territory, in Europe. Your Hiring partner or HR representative can help you determine if you need to apply for a Schengen visa.
What is a letter of employment?A letter of employment (LOE) is a document provided by Royal Caribbean International (or Hiring Partner) that states the date you are scheduled to join our team, the vessel you are joining, and the position for which you have been hired. You must have this document available at all times when travelling to join the ship.
Where do I get the pre-employment medical (PEME)?All Royal Caribbean International crew members will be required to complete an extensive pre-employment medical examination prior to joining the ship. In most cases, the examination is at the employees' expense. The examination can be conducted through your own doctor or one of RCCL's recommended medical facilities. Once the medical examination is complete and approved by our corporate medical department, employees will be cleared to travel. This medical documentation will then be valid for two years.
What languages are required to work onboard?English is the official language onboard our vessels, therefore, all employees must be able to read, write and speak English. Some positions have specific language requirements, but in general English is sufficient; however, because of our international guests and exciting itineraries, it is helpful if you speak additional languages, including (but certainly not limited to): Italian, German, French, and Spanish. Additional language skills are always a plus!
Does Royal Caribbean International hire couples?Royal Caribbean International welcomes couples onboard. However, each applicant is assessed individually based on his/her qualifications, and although every effort is made to accommodate couples to be assigned to the same ship, we cannot guarantee that they will be assigned to the same ship within a certain period of time, since - as is understandable - business needs take precedence.
Is medical attention available to employees?Of course! Our crew's safety and wellbeing is our highest priority. Should employees become ill while onboard, each ship has a team of dedicated medical professionals that will provide assistance at not cost to the crew member. However, while the medical team is ready to assist in any urgent situation, they shouldn't be considered your primary medical care provider. It is important to join the ship healthy and ready to work. If you have any prescriptions that have been cleared as part of your pre employment medical exam, those should be filled for the duration of your assignment before you join. It can be very expensive to fill prescriptions in many ports of call.
Do I have to wear a uniform?As a team, we like to project a consistent and professional image; this is why we have carefully chosen a uniform for each position onboard. Uniforms will be provided onboard, and though the cost will be subsidized by the company, some crew members must purchase part of their uniforms as well. Your recruiter will discuss this with you in more detail.
How long would I be onboard before going back home?A contract ranges anywhere from three to approximately six months, depending on the position. Most senior management roles have 4-month contracts while most of the rest of the positions have 6-month contracts. Employees live onboard for the total length of their contracts.
Do I get time off while onboard?Sure! Because ships have guests onboard 7 days a week, you may not get a 24-hour period off; however, you will still have time to rest, visit the ports, and participate in fun events.
What happens if I have a family emergency?In the case of family emergencies, Royal Caribbean International will make every effort to accommodate the crew member's requests.
To which ship would I be assigned?Once you have been offered a position, you will be advised which ship you will be joining. Please keep in mind that assignments are provided based on business needs, therefore, you could join any of our beautiful ships!
How do I get to the ship?Depending on your location and the ship's location, you may fly to the nearest airport. In most cases, this will be at the crewmembers' expense for the first contract.
Once employees successfully complete their first contract, transportation is provided by the company.
What should I pack?Since cabin space is very limited, it is recommended that employees bring only what is needed. If you are flying, you may want to check the luggage allowance with the airline. Some suggestions would be: Clothing: underwear, jeans and/ or long pants, sweater, shirts, belt(s), shorts and t-shirts, appropriate shoes, tennis and/or beach shoes, and swimsuit Toiletry: deodorant, razors, brush/comb, toothbrush/paste, shampoo, shaving cream, sunblock. Other: travel alarm clock, medication, beach towel, camera, walkman//MP3 player, and hair dryer.
Are any items prohibited?Objects that may represent a hazard are prohibited. Examples include weapons, clothing irons, hot plates, candles, incense, and any other items that may create a fire hazard, or are deemed unsafe by shipboard security. (Curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers are allowed.)
Does Royal Caribbean International provide accommodations while I am onboard?Forget about paying rent! Royal Caribbean International provides accommodations for all shipboard employees. Depending on your position you may share your cabin with a fellow crewmember. Because space is limited onboard, cabins and bathrooms are relatively small compared to land-based accommodations, but don't worry there are plenty amenities for you to enjoy when you are off duty.
What if I don't get along with my roommate?Working onboard is a great opportunity not only to grow professionally, but also to make friends from all over the world. While different cultures act differently and sometimes it takes time to adjust, we believe that being open and respectful always leads to good relationships. Communication is usually the key to get along with your roommate; however, if for some reason you don't feel comfortable you can check with supervisor who will try to facilitate a cabin switch.
How do I get paid while onboard?Employees are paid in cash U.S. dollars twice a month.
Do you offer direct deposit?Direct deposit is not available at this time, however, you can wire transfer money to your land-based bank account. A nominal fee applies.
Are taxes deducted?For U.S. citizens and residents, federal taxes are automatically deducted from pay. All other employees are responsible for filing their own taxes upon returning to their home country.
Should I bring cash with me?We suggest you bring at least $200-300 cash in U.S. dollars and/or a major credit card, to cover out-of-pocket expenses during travel and before receiving your first pay.
Where will I have my meals?Our chefs create for our crew a variety of dishes from different parts of the world, providing options for a healthy and well-balanced diet. All meals are served at the staff dining room and are free.
Do you have laundry facilities for employees?Yes, there are laundry facilities available for the crew. They include washers and dryers that are free of charge. Uniforms are dry cleaned at no charge to the employee; dry cleaning for personal items is available for a nominal fee.
What type of electrical system will be in my cabin?Cabins offer US 110V and 220V outlets.
Do employees have internet access?Yes, each ship has an internet café that is available to employees, with several computers that have internet access (nominal per-minute fees apply). For those who would like to bring their own laptop, WI-FI spots are also available (same per-minute fees apply).
How do I call home?It is expensive to place and receive calls from the ship. However, if you wish to call your family or friends, calling cards are available and calls can be placed from the crew cabins.
Is to possible to receive mail while onboard?Yes! Each ship has a P.O. Box address that you can use as your mailing address. Mail is usually received at every homeport and is distributed as soon as possible.
Would my cell phone work onboard?Cell phone service is available onboard; however, international roaming rates do apply. You may want to check the rates with your provider before using your cell phone.
Would I be able to buy some necessities (i.e. toiletries) onboard?The Crew Shop is a general store for crew on every ship. It sells all sorts of things you might want during a contract and charges low prices too.
Can I make purchases in the Gift Shop?The gift shop is available to crewmembers during certain designated hours. Royal Caribbean International employees are entitled to a 20% discount.
Do I get to visit the ports?Definitely! When you are not on duty, you are welcome to explore the amazing destinations we visit. Just make sure you are back on time!
Can I participate in Shore Excursions?As a service to our guests, we offer organized tours when visiting the ports. If space is available, employees are welcome to enjoy the excursions at a discounted price.
Does Royal Caribbean International have a drug policy?Royal Caribbean International is a drug-free company, and we have a zero tolerance policy for consumption or possession of illegal substances.
Are employees allowed to smoke?When off duty, employees are allowed to smoke in the designated smoking areas. Smoking in crew cabins is prohibited.
Will I be entitled to discounts for my family?As part of RCCL, we offer different discount programs for our employees and their families. Depending on your position, you may have to wait for some time before qualifying for this benefit.
Are there any activities to enjoy during my time off?At Celebrity Cruses we believe in creating a fun work environment. We have a crew activities team onboard each ship in charge of hosting different events for our crew. From parties to sport tournaments, all activities are designed for our crew to enjoy life onboard.
Can I socialize in Guest Areas?Access to guest areas will depend on your position. Please check with your supervisor. If you are allowed to visit guest areas, please keep in mind that guests always come first! Casinos, guest swimming pools, and whirlpools are for guest use only.
Are there places to exercise?Yes! Each Royal Caribbean International ship is equipped with a crew gym. We encourage you to take advantage of it and work out at your leisure.
Are there places to socialize with my teammates?Yes, there are different types of areas where you can socialize with your colleagues, including the crew bar, and other lounges and common crew areas.
Can family and friends come and visit me for the day?Employees can apply for a one-day visitors' pass for family and friends; this must be requested with advanced notice. Please check with your supervisor for more details.
Is there a hair salon onboard?Each ship features a spa and hair salon onboard, and treatments are offered at a discounted price to crewmembers. Appointments are necessary and, as expected, guests have priority.
Do I have safety responsibilities?In the unlikely case of an emergency, we need to be ready. Therefore, all crewmembers must attend emergency training, and are required to participate in boat drills.
Will I always work on the same ship?Assignments are based on many factors, and priority is understandably given to business need. Generally, there are periods where an individual is assigned to a particular ship, in order to provide an opportunity for the teams to build relationships and consistency. However, as with every aspect of shipboard life, flexibility is key. You might be transferred to another ship as necessary.
Who are the Hiring Partners, and what do they do?Royal Caribbean International has a network of hiring partners to assist in meeting recruitment goals around the world. Hiring partners are third party service providers; they are not employees of our company. Only those listed on this site are authorized to recruit for our company. Click here
If specific tools are required to perform my job, do I need to bring them?No, all the tools you need to perform your job will be provided by the company.
