1. What is the minimum age requirement to work on a cruise ship?

Ans: The minimum age required to work on a cruise ship is 21.

 

2. What type of job opening do you offer?

Ans: we mainly accept applications for the positions in hotel department on board cruise ship,but depending on the needs of the cruise lines, we focus on and accept application for the position of photography, SPA and Casino department.

 

3. What experience or skill would I need to work on board a cruise ship?

Ans: your experience and skills must match the position you are applying for, however all candidates must have a good handle of the English language and a second language is s plus to get job.

 

4. What training qualification would I need?

Ans: It’s important to have at least a hotel school qualification in the department you are applying for, moreover a minimum experience of 2 years in a 5* hotel is also a major advantage.

 

5. Do I need any maritime training certificate?

Ans: For all hotel departments, you will need to have STCW 95 certificates as well as safety security awareness certificate. These can be obtained at the local naval school and are at the applicants own cost. However it depends, some clients do offer training and certificate on board.

 

6. How long does the process take from start to finish?

Ans: It is hard to determine the length of the recruitment process, but we could estimate that from the moment you register and submit your resume to VICS LTD it can take six months or longer if the position you are applying for is not open and if you are a selected candidate form our clients it all depends on your medical to get a fit for duty, visa requirements, and police clearance certificate.

 

7. How do I get hired?

Ans: You should apply with VICS LTD, who will then make necessary arrangement for interview dates with our recruitment specialist from cruise lines.

 

8. Are married couples accommodated on the same ship, if hired?

Ans: Although it can be requested, it is never guaranteed that you and your spouse will be scheduled to the same ship.

 

9. How would I learn about my job responsibilities on board?

Ans: During your initial screening process VICS LTD will provide you with a job description of the position you are qualifying for.

 

10. What visa would I need?

Ans: you will require having on your passport the C1/D crew visa/transit visa, which is a non-immigrant visa. Most of the crew members travel via USA to join cruise ship. VICS LTD will assist all selected crew members to get the visa.

 

11. Do I need a medical test?

Ans: Yes, all cruise lines require a medical test. VICS LTD will direct you to the medical facilities and practitioner approved by the company. it is imperative that you pass this medical test before joining the ship .you will need to join the ship with a valid original medical.

 

12. Would I get any training?

Ans: Yes, you will be provided with all safety training required by international maritime laws. Additionally, you will be offered training by you head of department to optimize the efficiency of your job performance, customer services and standard.

 

13. How much money would I make?

Ans: VICS LTD will inform you of your salary prior to joining the ship. The salary will be based on the position you are accepting.

 

14. How would I get paid and in what currency?

Ans: Most cruise lines pays their employees in US Dollars and the wages paid are determined by the cruise lines based on the position you have been hired for and the contract you have accepted by signing at the time you join the ship.

 

15. Would I get paid for mandatory safety training?

Ans: All mandatory training offered on board will be part of your duties and there will be no compensation or overtime payment added to your regular wages

 

16. Will I get paid overtime?

Ans: Your contract will specify the number of hours that you will be required to work per week, it will also specify if your position is entitled to receive compensation for overtime worked. The rate per hour for overtime worked may vary by position.

 

17. How can I send money home?

Ans: Sending money home or directly to your bank account is quick and easy. there are many options to send money home whilst on board, but we recommend you to contact the crew office who offer crew wire and transfer .you should get your bank account number and details, SWIFT code  IBAN number prior joining the ship.

 

18. Who pays for my flight to the ship and back home?

Ans. All travel expenses to join the ship will be at the expense of the cruise line. Upon completion of the contract, the company will pay again for your airline ticket back home.

 

19. Do I need to buy any uniform?

Ans: All crew members should wear a uniform, you may be offered the entire set depends on cruise companies. There are uniform measurements taken after your selection, and it’s ready once you are on board according to your size and you will be charged through your on board account .

 

 

20. How would I clean my uniform and personal clothing?

Ans: All cruise lines have a laundry facility on board and uniform are cleaned at no cost of the crew member, however you may be charged for your personal clothing a small fee. Most of the ships have a crew laundry where you can have access to washing and drying machines are available as a self service.

 

20. What happen if I get sick on board?

Ans: you must inform you head of department who will put you in contact with the medical facility on board; once you have been examined by the shipboard doctor .you will either be given rest or referred to a doctor ashore depending on your health situation.

 

21. Is there any probation period?

Ans: yes, all crew members have 90 days probation depending on your contract, during this period your supervisors will review your abilities and performances in your new position.

 

22.What type of accommodation would I get on board?

Ans: The accommodation is assigned based on your position. Most cruise ships offer shared cabin with crewmember in the same department. Single cabin are reserved for officers, managers and supervisor on board.

 

23. How long is a working day on the ship?

Ans: You can expect to work at least 70 hours per week or as stated on your contract with cruise line. You may be ask to work overtime and you will be compensated for all hours worked beyond the required hours.

 

24. Who would I work with?

Ans: you will be working with crew members from different nationalities, with different cultures and backgrounds, therefore it’s very important to treat your co workers with respect and courtesy.

 

25. Would I be able to spend time off the ship?

Ans: Of course YES, it all depends on your working schedule and the itinerary of the ship ,your H.O.D will provide you with a weekly  schedule of the voyage ,working hours and time off which is usually on a rotational basics.

 

26. How can I stay connected with family and friends whilst on board?

Ans: Most of the cruise ships have Internet café on board, you need you purchase a card at a crew price; however, you may have access to internet while the ship is in port.

 

27. How can I receive post email from home?

Ans: All mail is sent to a centralized address provided by the cruise line and from there the mail is delivered to your ship. For faster delivery, it will be very important that you provide your family and friends with the following details to be part of the address: position name and ship's name.

 

28:Once assigned to the ship, what should I pack?

Ans: You must start by taking into consideration that your cabin space is limited, so bring the most important personal items you use every day, you will have the opportunity to buy any missing item from the crew shop on board or whilst the ship is in port. Keep in mind that 85% of your time you will be wearing a uniform; therefore, clothing items to bring should be minimal and essential could include an alarm clock, prescription medication, camera, laptop, cell phone, Walkman/I-pod and hair dryer. All of these items should not make up more than one piece of luggage and one carry-on.

 

29. What documentation would I need to join the ship?

Ans: Once you have been accepted by the cruise line and have been given an assignment, and joining date, you will be required to have the following documents prior to departing your country:

 

• The Cruise Company will issue you a Letter of Employment. This is the most important document, as you will need it to request a visa, if required, to show the     airline when departing to join the assigned ship, to show the local authorities of your country the purpose of your travel, to present it to the local authorities of the country you are entering where you are joining the ship, to show to the Hotel upon arrival and to present to the Crew Purser at the time you board the ship.

• Other important documents you must carry with you are a passport valid for a period of at least one year and a Seaman's book, if you hold one. VICS LTD will advise you if a Seaman's book is a mandatory document required, and will provide assistance to obtain it locally.

• You must ensure all visas required are obtained before departing your country and are valid for at least one year. VICS LTD will advise you of the visas you are required to obtain and the process to follow.

• Medical forms approved and signed by a certified doctor, all tests results and X-Ray results, signed original contract must be presented at the time of boarding the ship.

• STCW  Certificates

 

30. What Should I prepare before leaving home?

• Ans: Ensure that your luggage is properly tagged with your name and address and contact the airline to find out what the weight requirements are and the acceptable items allowed on the flight. As we mentioned in point # 28, keep your luggage to one piece to check-in and one carry-on.

• If you are arriving the night before you are scheduled to join the ship, you will have a hotel room booked for that night. In most cases we will liaise with the cruise line to ensure these arrangements are done for you. Your transportation, hotel and meals for the night are paid by the Company.

• Before your departure, VICS LTD will be able to provide you with exact details of the city and the port you are joining the ship and how to get either to your hotel or directly to the ship from the airport.

 

 

Keep in mind that you will have to activate your sea pay card if available prior joining, the company will credit your account with money that you can use until you receive your first pay; therefore, we suggest that you carry at least $200-300 cash in US. dollars.