How can I get a job on a cruise ship?

Most cruise lines don't employ staff under the age of 21 so you have 3 years to prepare for it. You can do the following: 1. If you don't want to study but go straight to employment, get a job that you like and that can give you some good experience for your next role onboard a cruise ship. For example, if you think you would enjoy working as a beautician on a cruise ship, become one in your local beauty saloon, get some training and work experience. 2. Research as much as you can about cruise line employment. You are right, there are many confusing websites out there. What's more dangerous is that many of them are different scam schemes. I think www.cruiselinesjobs.com is one of the best - they don't sell anything but provide impartial information for free. 3. When you feel you know enough about working on a cruise ship and you reach the age of 21, apply for jobs that are relevant to your qualifications and experience. So, if you choose to become a beautician, apply for beautician positions with cruise lines and concessionaires. Have a look at www.allcruisejobs.com and see what kind of jobs are available at the moment. Salaries are not fantastic; however, you don't pay for accommodation, food and clothes since it's provided by your employer so you can save there a lot. Also, income from working on cruise ships is tax free. Good luck!

I'm 18 too, so not that experienced, but I would say to get a qualification (at college, or university, or both) in travel & tourism. Also you could possibly think about doing an apprenticeship (maybe instead of or after college and/or university) to make sure you get some experience of working in travel & tourism.