Important information to consider

Most of the positions are Hotel and Hospitality oriented, and we strictly require a minimum of 18 months to 2 years current or recent experience in a hotel/lodge or hospitality establishment, or similar relevant qualifications, regardless of which position you apply for, especially for more skilled positions such as photographers, videographers and youth workers. Entry-level management positions require at least a few years experience in only 4/5* hotels/restaurants and/or hotel management/catering diploma.

Please contact us for requirements on the other positions. (Please see the positions page.)

We do not deviate from the required/mentioned criteria. Couples/siblings/friends cannot be guaranteed employment at the same time or on the same ship, since each application is handled strictly individually.

Please note that you must be 21 years of age or older to be considered for employment.

Initial & Final Interviews

Cruise Alternatives sifts and screens all applicants and select as many qualified candidates necessary who meet the criteria for any of the positions our clients have to offer.

After an initial interview, the applicant is usually short listed and ready to be presented to one of our clients. Each company has specific processing systems and instructions, but they all handle the "pool" and final interviews in a similar manner. Every few weeks, Cruise Alternatives hosts one of our clients for final interviews. During this time they select out of a large number of applicants, as many candidates who fits the profile for the desired position with a personal final interview. Once approved, you could be joining within a few weeks to no more than 6 months after your final interview. Each company requests different positions and departments to be filled by our applicants, so please do not delay. Send your CV/resume to our attention as soon as possible to hopefully be included in the next hiring trip. Telephonic interviews are not acceptable. The final interviews are usually held in Pretoria and Cape Town. You are expected to attend and meet your future employer in one of these cities, once invited.

Each crewmember is evaluated / appraised on a regular basis whilst employed/onboard. Promotions are offered on merit and applies for all with an ambition and willingness to work hard to succeed. Please remember that this is a permanent appointment and not a working holiday prospect.

You will be working anything from 4-9 months contracts, with 6-8 weeks vacation in between, to return in same higher position, if promoted. That's where a lot of the management candidates come from.

Please be aware of companies (national & international) who are purely about taking advantage of the general public by selling and propagating false, unrealistic and hugely generalized information with regards to cruise ship employment in particular.

There are only 4/5 legitimate cruise ship employment agencies in South Africa. Each company has contracts with one or more particular cruise ship companies.