A List of Cruise Ship Jobs by Department
Not all cruise ship jobs involve working at the front desk or serving drinks. There are hundreds of roles onboard, and they span far beyond what most people expect.
On my ship, jobs are organised into three main divisions: Marine, Hotel, and Casino. This structure can vary across cruise lines. Some roles may be grouped under different departments, have different job titles, or involve slightly different responsibilities depending on the company.
If you’re exploring cruise ship jobs or curious about entry-level roles that don’t require prior experience, here’s how those departments and positions are typically structured.
For shipboard careers outside the hospitability track, you might like this post on maritime careers at sea.
Marine Operations
The Marine Operations is responsible for the overall operation, safety, and technical functions of the ship. It covers everything that keeps the vessel running, both above and below deck – from steering and navigation to plumbing, power, and personnel logistics.
This division is typically not guest-facing, but it’s the foundation that supports everyone else onboard. Here are the key departments and the types of roles usually found within each:
Bridge
These roles oversee the ship’s safe navigation, maritime compliance, and emergency procedures.
Captain (Master)
Staff Captain
First/Second/Third Officers
Deck
The team is responsible for the day-to-day operation and upkeep of the ship’s exterior areas, including mooring, anchoring, painting, and maintenance of safety equipment. They also assist during docking procedures and tenders.
Bosun
Able Seaman
Ordinary Seaman
Carpenter
Engine & Technical
This team handles everything mechanical – from engines and generators to sewage systems and fresh water production.
Chief Engineer
Staff Chief Engineer
First/Second/Third Engineers
Chief Electrician
Electrician
Plumber
HVAC Technician
Repairmen
Environmental Officer
Motorman
Wiper
Safety
They manage emergency equipment, drills, and ensure safety protocols are followed by both crew and guests.
Safety Manager
Safety Officer
Safety Coordinator
ISM Coordinator (safety management systems)
Security
In charge of maintaining safety and security standards onboard, monitoring entry points, and managing crowd control during embarkation and disembarkation.
Security Manager
Security Officer
Security Guards
Medical
Medical staff provide healthcare to both guests and crew and are trained in emergency response procedures.
Ship Doctor
Nurse
IT
Handles all onboard tech and communications infrastructure – everything from internet access to server systems and point-of-sale terminals.
IT Manager
IT Officer
Personnel (sometimes called HR or Crew Office)
This team deals with crew contracts, onboarding, documentation, leave, and internal communications.
Personnel Manager
Personnel Executive
Personnel Officer
Finance
They manage payroll, onboard expenses, and financial reporting.
Finance Manager
Night Auditor
Accountant
General Cashier
Hotel Operations
The Hotel Operations is the face of the cruise experience – everything guests see, touch, eat, or interact with usually falls under this division. It’s also one of the largest divisions onboard, covering accommodation, food and beverage, housekeeping, and entertainment. Crew working here usually wear uniforms that align with service or hospitality roles.
These are the main departments and job positions typically found under Hotel:
Housekeeping
Responsible for maintaining cleanliness and order in guest cabins and public areas. This team handles everything from laundry services to turn-down service.
Executive Housekeeper
Housekeeping Supervisor
Cabin Steward / Stewardess
Linen Keeper
Laundry Staff
Hotel Utility / Cleaner
Food & Beverage (F&B)
Manages all dining and bar venues onboard, including restaurants, lounges, cafes, and room service.
Restaurant Manager
Restaurant Supervisor
Restaurant Host / Hostess
Waiter / Waitress
Bar Manager
Bartender
Sommelier / Wine Steward
Barista
Buffet Attendant
Galley
The ship’s kitchen operations – preparing meals for guests and crew, managing food safety, and running specialised culinary stations like pastry or bakery.
Executive Chef
Sous Chef
Chef de Partie
First/Second/Third Cook
Pastry Chef
Baker
Galley Steward
Provisions
Oversees the storage, inventory, and distribution of food, beverages, and hotel supplies.
Provision Master
Storekeeper
Front Office (Reception)
Serves as the main point of contact for guests needing assistance, handling guest inquiries, check-ins, and billing.
Front Desk Manager
Receptionist
Embarkation Staff
Guest Services
Offers specialised services for high-tier guests or suites, handling personalised needs such as butler service and VIP requests.
Guest Services Manager
Guest Services Officer
Butler
Shore Excursions
Coordinates tours and excursions at ports of call, from planning to guest bookings and operations during port days.
Shore Excursions Manager
Shore Excursion Staff
Entertainment & Activities
Runs onboard shows, games, and events. This includes theatre productions, live music, and daily activity programs.
Cruise Director
Stage Crew
Light & Sound Technician
Broadcast Technician
Cruise Staff
Entertainment Host
Singer
Musician
Dancer
DJ
Media
Handles onboard photography, video content, and printed materials for both guests and ship operations.
Media Manager
Media Officer
Photographer
Printer
Child Care
Manages kids' and teens' clubs, organising age-appropriate activities and supervision.
Youth Staff
Spa & Beauty
Provides wellness and beauty services, including massages, facials, hair styling, and nail treatments.
Spa Manager
Spa Attendant / Receptionist
Hair Stylist
Massage Therapist
Nail Technician
Sport & Fitness
Operates the gym, fitness classes, and sports activities like basketball, mini-golf, or pool supervision.
Fitness Instructor
Sports Staff
Lifeguard
Retail
Manages onboard shops, selling everything from souvenirs to luxury items, and occasionally hosts art auctions.
Shop Manager
Retail Salesperson
Art Auctioneer
Casino Operations
Casino Operations is a self-contained department onboard. This division is responsible for managing all gambling-related services, including table games, slot machines, and cashier functions. It’s a key revenue-generating area, especially on ships where onboard spending is a major focus.
These are some of the common roles found in the Casino team:
Casino Manager
Shift Manager
Pit Manager
Dealer / Croupier
Slot Technician
Cashier
Entry-Level Cruise Ship Jobs (No Experience Required)
If you're new to cruise ship life, you can still find a way onboard. These roles typically require little to no previous ship experience, though some cruise lines may prefer applicants with a hospitality or customer service background. Many crew members start in these positions and work their way up over time.
Common entry-level jobs include:
Housekeeping
Cabin Steward / Stewardess
Hotel Utility / Cleaner
Laundry Attendant
Galley & Food Service
Galley Steward
Buffet Attendant
Waiter
Other Areas
Retail Sales Associate
Cruise Staff
Youth Staff
Casino Dealer
Casino Cashier
Keep in mind: Every cruise line has different hiring standards, and entry-level doesn’t always mean no experience at all. But many of these positions are open to first-timers, especially if you're hardworking, adaptable, and eager to learn on the job.
If you’re interested in learning more about working onboard, you might like reading…
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