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Thorough preparation, when it comes to getting your cruise ship job application noticed, is key: if you are well prepared, you can put your application on the fast track and you could be offered your dream cruise ship job sooner than you expected.

One of the first and most obvious things to do when applying is to undertake careful research. It is amazing how many people do not research the cruise line companies before making their applications, and this puts them at a real disadvantage. If you spend a bit of time researching the company first, this will also give you an advantage over other people.

Things that you should note is information about the ship, the type of people they cater for on board, and any relevant news relating to that company, which can easily be found on the internet. This will provide you with ammunition when it comes to your interview, and can help you to prepare answers to questions in advance. It will show to them that you are serious about the job and will almost certainly improve your chances of getting your chosen position.

The next thing sounds is to make sure that you have a valid passport. This sounds really obvious, but it becomes a problem very often when it comes to making a cruise ship job application. You’d be amazed how many people do not have one, and this will mean yours gets rejected automatically. It is absolutely essential that you have a passport valid for at least a year as most contracts last up to nine months.

Preparing for the interview is a really easy way to improve your chances of being hired. Too many people think that the interview will be relaxed and won’t be taken too seriously, but if you approach it this way then you will probably be taken by surprise. If you do not prepare for an interview, you will not come across as a professional, which, after all, is what the companies are looking for.

When it comes to applying, there is one way that you can really help it to get to the front of the queue. Being prepared is essential when it comes to the application process, and by making a simple table you can really help to improve your chances of getting a great cruise job.

All you have to do is create a spreadsheet, or even just write a table on a sheet of paper, with room for all the companies that you are planning to contact. Then create a few headings, such as ‘Application, ‘Recommendations’, and ‘Phone Call’.

Apply to the companies on the list, and then keep notes of when you made contact with them, what date you sent your recommendation letters (which should ideally be a couple of days after you first sent in your application), and then when you followed up your application by calling them. This is a great way to keep track of your applications and will help you to be a lot more in control.

It will help you to follow up on your job applications successfully, and keep track of where you are in your application process. This will ensure that you don’t apply for the same job more than once and that you don’t contact them too frequently.

However, before you reach this point, ensure that you have targeted each of your applications specifically towards the cruise ship job that you are applying for. Ensure you familiarize yourself with the positions you are applying for, and then make small changes to your resume to make it relevant for each position.

Following all these guidelines when applying for a cruise ship job will really help you to stand out above the rest and will play a big role in increasing your chances of getting hired soon.

Neil Maxwell-Keys is an ex-crewmember, hiring expert and best-selling author of “Get a Cruise Ship Job!”. Claim Neil’s popular free e-book TODAY which shows you how to get cruise ship jobs, quickly & easily. Available at: => http://www.WorkOnCruiseShips.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/how-to-target-your-cruise-ship-job-applications-1619145.html

December marks the debut of the Oasis of the Seas. Royal Caribbean has unveiled the world’s largest cruise ship, weighing five times what the Titanic did. This amazing cruise ship can accommodate 6,296 guests comfortably and it also sports the world’s largest lifeboats, each being able to hold 370 people. This ship is so large that it cannot even make it through the Panama Canal. It departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and offers weeklong trips to the eastern and western parts of the Caribbean. This shear outward size of this ship alone is incredibly impressive, but it’s what’s inside that really makes this ship special.

Oasis of the Seas offers a truly unique design. Unlike any other cruise ship, it has been divided into seven different neighborhoods, including one called Central Park. The neighborhoods feature real trees, vines and plants. You can also find high-end and casual dining experiences in each of the distinct neighborhoods. In total, there are 24 restaurants. This ship also sports the first-ever aquatic amphitheater, called the AquaTheater, to be built on a cruise ship. Each day this theater will feature synchronized water acrobatics, along with high dive performances from actual Olympic divers.

As far as entertainment goes, this ship offers it all. For daytime entertainment, there are two rock climbing walls, artificial surfing environments that shoot out 60,000 gallons of water per minute, a zip cord that propels guests over 9 different decks and enormous beach pool where guests can relax comfortably underneath an umbrella. Once night falls, there are plenty of fabulous performances in the Opal Theater, where you can find everything from musicals like “Hairspray” to tribute bands.

This ship truly has it all. You will be so entertained that you won’t even want to get off once you dock in the Caribbean. There is plenty of entertainment for adults and kids alike. Even sleeping will be an amazing experience. This ship offers loft suites with floor to ceiling windows, chaise lounges, couches and an LCD TV. The master bedroom even has his and her shower heads and fog-free mirrors. Storage won’t be a problem either as this ship is equipped with the largest below deck storage unit in the world. You can rest assured that if you even buy a car and some Mercedes Benz parts while on vacation, that it will have a storage spot below deck.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/oasis-of-the-sea-the-worlds-largest-cruise-ship-1541867.html

Taking a cruise can be a very rewarding vacation but there are some things to know before you board a ship. Leaving a tip is something that you need to be aware of because even though you may have gotten a great price you will need to tip your waiter and the person that cleans your room.

Find the Best: Cruise Tip Facts

First you want to talk with your travel agent and ask them if you can leave a tip at the time your book your trip. This is the best way to handle this situation because you do not have to worry if you are leaving enough or if you forget all together. In most cases they can help you to do this when you make your reservation.

Get a: Cheap Cruise Now

Next if you have decided to wait until you are on the ship then you need to talk with the on board help desk to find out what is the standard tip that should be left and who should be tipped. It is standard to tip your waiter and his helper in the dinning room. Also you want to tip the steward that cleans your room.

It is also common to tip the person who is in charge at your dinner. they are usually the head waiter and you should leave them a little something. You want to let the people who serve you know that you appreciate there hospitality. It will benefit you to tip because the service will improve and be the best each time you take a cruise.

Finally remember that people in a service industry live on tips. The people that serve you on a cruise ship are no different. They get a very basic salary and it is important that you leave them a tip. Just think of it as part of your vacation budget and make sure you help them out.

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Cruising.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/learn-cruising-facts-how-to-tip-on-a-cruise-ship-1513809.html

An Alaskan cruise vacation can be one of the most exciting and memorable types of vacations in the world. There are all sorts of considerations to use for these vacations though. These in particular are the types of rooms that are available on many of the Alaskan cruise liners.

There are four different types of Alaskan cruise liners vacation rooms.

1) Interior Type of Room
The Interior type of room is the least expensive of these rooms. This is a type of room that is located on the interior area of the ship hence the name. It does not have any windows but it does have many of the features that a variety of different rooms on an Alaskan cruise liner will have. The general thing about these rooms is that there are usually single beds but in some cases there can be double beds available. What’s more is that there can be two or four passenger rooms in different cases. Contacting the group that offers the cruise for more information is always a helpful thing to do.

2) Oceanview Room
An Oceanview room is another of the types of rooms found on Alaskan cruise ships. Although this type of room is going to be about the same size as an Interior room it will have a window for an impressive view of the ocean and other surroundings. This can be very comfortable when in some of the colder parts of Alaska.

3) Balcony Room
Balcony rooms are the third of these types of rooms. This room can be larger than that of a typical Interior or Oceanview room and in many cases can fit four people. What makes this different is that the passengers have a full outdoor balcony available for use. This allows for a personal and unique view of the ocean.

4) Suite Room
The last of these rooms is the Suite room. This is a staple of many Alaskan cruise ships. Suites can come in different sizes ranging from about three hundred square feet in size to more than a thousand. All sorts of unique features can be found in these rooms, including a full service bathroom with vanity area and dining tables.

The main difference between these rooms deals in an Alaskan cruise ships is more than just sizes and features. It also deals with costs. An Interior room can cost about $600 in many cases while an Oceanview room can be $700. Balcony rooms can be about a thousand dollars in value and suites can be worth hundreds more.

These types of Alaskan cruise vacation rooms are great to consider when looking for a great place to stay while on a cruise. These different rooms offer all sorts of sizes and unique views of the ocean. These all come in different budget levels though. With all of these great rooms an Alaskan cruise can make for one of the most impressive Alaskan trips to experience. Find out more tips about Alaskan cruise ship vacation at http://alaskancruisevacation.myreferenceguide.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/four-different-types-of-rooms-for-a-cruise-ship-vacation-1509160.html

Princess Cruise Lines Diamond Princess and Sun Princess fairwell each other in Melbourne, Australia. Huge horn battle between the two, catching eyes all over the Melbourne bayside.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Cruise Ship Jobs – Activities

There’s one way to see the world without spending a lot of money – working on a cruise ship. And there’s no better department to work in than the activities department. This section offers those who like working with people the chance to see such far away destinations as Panama Canal and Antarctica, without breaking the bank. If you’re ready to work hard, and receive lots of job satisfaction in return, then consider working in a cruise line’s activity department in one of the following capacities below.

Activity coordinator
This person coordinates all of the different activities on board by ensuring that the activity staff is doing their jobs. The coordinator should enjoy interacting with others and have a talent for supervising others. Experience in the field (not necessarily aboard a ship) is a plus.

Lecturers
Besides plenty of food, cruise lines are also known for their outstanding lecture series on board.

If you enjoy public speaking and have knowledge about the different destinations, then this position would be ideal.

Host/hostess
This person is responsible for greeting passengers when they board, and they help set up any special requests that passengers might have such as an onboard birthday party or other social gathering. This person should enjoy interacting and helping others.

Arts and crafts instructor
These positions require experience in teaching arts and crafts. They should also be artistic. Usually, the instructor will be responsible for supplying the materials for the class.

Shore excursion manager
A huge part of cruising is the shore excursion piece. Cruises hire a shore excursion manager to help drum up business for the cruise line’s shore excursion packages.

This person is responsible for supervising the shore excursion staff, as well as promoting and selling the trips to the passengers on board. In addition, this person oversees all of the monetary transactions and accounting. The position is suitable for someone who is organized and has experience with sales and marketing.

Shore excursion staff
These staff members work under the shore excursion manager’s direction. They are responsible for manning the tour sales desk and they also deal with passenger complaints. They need to be personable and they should enjoy interacting with others, even under times of stress.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Welcomed by local and port officials and popular television star and entrepreneur Suzanne Somers, MSC Poesia arrived in Port Everglades today to begin her inaugural season of Caribbean sailings.

“We are very excited to introduce MSC Poesia to North America,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises (USA), Inc. “It is an elegant ship in every respect – spectacular public areas, and a wealth of choices for dining, entertainment and activities, all with a style that epitomizes MSC cruises.” 

Somers presented Sasso with a plaque commemorating the ship’s arrival.

“MSC Poesia is poetry in motion and we are excited to have her sail to our shores,” said Port Everglades Director Phil Allen. The Italian, family-owned line is bringing the elegant MSC Poesia to Fort Lauderdale for a season featuring itineraries of 3, 5, 7, 8 and 10 nights throughout the Caribbean and to Bermuda during the winter season before returning to Europe in spring 2010.

MSC Poesia features 1,275 staterooms, of which 80% are outside staterooms and 65% have a balcony. Guests can enjoy 2 pools and 4 hot tubs, a 13,000-square-foot spa, and four restaurants, including a Sushi Bar themed restaurant.

MSC Poesia arrived in Fort Lauderdale this morning after a 17-night transatlantic journey from Venice. Her Caribbean season will include:

•    5-night sailings: Nov. 10 and Nov. 15
•    10-night itineraries – Nov. 20, Nov. 30, Dec. 10
•    7-night Christmas itinerary, departing Dec. 20
•    7-night New Year’s itinerary, departing Dec. 27
•    7-night itineraries – a variety of eastern and western itineraries Jan. 16-April 10
•    7-night Bermuda itinerary – departing April 17, features 3 nights in Bermuda
•    3-night Bahamas cruise, departing April 24

MSC Poesia departs Fort Lauderdale April 27 on an 18-night voyage to Hamburg.

During the 2009-10 season, MSC Poesia will host an extensive lineup of theme cruises, including:

•    President’s Cruise: Nov. 10, 2009 — 5-night “Caribbean Escape”
•    Latin Music: Jan. 23, 2010 — 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”
•    Comedy: Jan. 30 2010 — 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”
•    Country Music: Feb. 20, 2010 — 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”
•    Oldies Music: March 20, 2010 — 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Dream”
•    Festa Italiana: April 10, 2010 — 7-night “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”
•    Baseball Greats: Nov. 20, 2009 10-night “Dazzling Dutch Caribbean & The Panama Canal”; 7-night sailings: Jan. 16, 2010 and Feb. 6, 2010 “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”; March 6, 2010 “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”; April 3, 2010 “Eastern Caribbean Dream.”
•    Big Band: Dec. 10, 2009 — 10-night “Remarkable Rainforests & The Panama Canal”
•    Polka: Jan. 9, 2010 — 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment”
•    Baseball Greats & Big Band: Feb. 27, 2010 — 7-night “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”
•    Life Modification Cruise: January 16, 2010—7 night “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples”

On each sailing, guests will enjoy the line’s highly acclaimed entertainment, European-style ambiance, dishes from “La Cucina Italiana,” and top-of-the-line pampering.

For more information on MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruisesusa.com or a local travel professional.

Press author for Mediterranean Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Bill Ospring brings news of MSC to cruise fans. Topics vary from MSC in the industry, new ships, and deals for cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Europe and theme cruise packages.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/msc-poesia-is-here-msc-cruises-ship-arrives-for-inaugural-caribbean-season-1471631.html

Cruise ship vacations are a great way to travel, relax and visit exotic lands. Every cruise I take I learn something new that makes my next trip more enjoyable. Here are 10 secrets that will make all your cruise ship vacations memorable.

1. Most cruise lines offer special discounts for past guests, police officers and firefighters, military personnel (active duty, retired, and sometimes even veterans with as little as 2 years service), senior citizens, airline employees and more. I had already been on several cruises before I found out I was eligible for a military discount. Don’t rely on your travel agent to point it out. In fact, it was a fellow passenger who gave me this hot tip. You can find this information on the cruiseline’s website, but it might take a little digging. (Hint: start at FAQ or search for ‘special cruise pricing.’) It’s worth the effort — the military discount I received applied to both me and my wife and was very generous.

2. When you’re booking your cruise, you may be able to choose where you want your cabin — toward the front of the ship, the rear or the middle; upper decks or lower. Generally, the higher the deck, the more expensive the cabin. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your location:
~ being close to the elevators might be convenient, but it can also be noisy. This is especially true of service elevators.
~ avoid being under the disco or gym because you’ll hear people partying late into the night or working out early in the morning.
~ the front and rear of the ship can be noisy from anchors and propellers.

3. The elevators get crowded, especially at mealtimes and when getting off the ship in port. I always push both call buttons and get on whichever elevator gets there first. Even if I have to go the opposite direction, I found it’s still faster than waiting in the lobby for the right elevator.

4. To save closet space in your cabin, slide your suitcases under the bed after unpacking. You won’t need them until it’s time to disembark.

5. If you attend any of the shopping and excursion orientations, sit up front. They frequently throw free stuff out into the audience to build excitement.

6. Some cruise ships have a cruise director’s TV show to keep guests informed about the ship’s activities. Call or write in with comments or questions and you’ll likely win a free bottle of champagne or other gift. Cruise directors love guests who participate.

7. Bring a small flashlight or plug in night light. The cabins get very dark, especially inside cabins.

8. There’s always plenty of food on a cruise ship, but try not to overdo it. Set food goals. If you have a big breakfast, have a light lunch. Maybe the next day do the opposite. Try to balance what you eat in terms of carbs, proteins, sweets, etc.

9. Instead of waiting in the buffet line for breakfast and hoping you’ll find a table, eat breakfast in the dining room. It’s hardly ever crowded and you’ll get some great choices for breakfast that you probably won’t see on the buffet line.

10. Pack a travellers first aid kit with sun block, aspirin, bandaids, ointment, and be sure to include insect repellent. On a recent cruise we toured a zoo in the jungles of Belize, and the insects were overwhelming! My wife came back covered in bug bites. While cruise ships have a medical doctor on board, there’s a charge to see the doc… it can be pretty expensive for treatment of minor mishaps.

These 10 simple tips will make your cruise ship vacations more enjoyable. Each time you cruise and pick up new tips, jot them down so you’ll remember them when it’s time for your next cruise.

Want to see what cruise ships are really like? See all the major cruise lines, ships and ports of call through the eyes (or camera lens) of the passengers. Visit http://cruisevacations.vocalpointmedia.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/cruise-ship-vacations-10-secrets-experienced-cruisers-know-that-will-make-your-cruise-better-1447706.html

A cruise is an extremely popular vacation choice, and for good reason. Whether you want to spend hours lounging on a sun-drenched deck with a book, or hop from port to port, soaking up rich foreign cultures, a cruise can deliver. Cruises offer relaxation, adventure and luxury.

But before you book your next vacation, it’s important to decide what kind of cruise ship cabin will fit your needs. Just as hotels offer standard rooms, suites and more extravagant options, so do cruise ships. The price of your cruise ticket will depend largely on what kind of cabin you choose. Use this quick cruise ship cabin overview to help you plan your trip.

Inside or Lower Level Cruise Ship Cabins

If your room doesn’t have a window, it is typically called an inside, interior or lower level cabin. Cabins that are below the waterline and only have a small porthole fall into this category as well. These are the cheapest cabins, and for good reason — unless you walk out to deck, you probably won’t be able to tell if it’s day or night.

Cruise ships have changed a lot in the past several decades. Today’s interior cabins are often brightly lit and cheerful, rather than the gloomy closets with bunk beds that were once found at the lower levels. Generally, lower level cabins are just as nice as most hotel rooms — they just don’t have windows. If you’re on a budget and these are the only rooms in your price range, rest assured that it probably won’t affect your overall cruise experience. Between the exciting ports of call and the huge selection of on-board activities, you won’t be spending much time in your cabin anyway.

Moderately Priced Cruise Ship Rooms

If you can’t stand the thought of a windowless cabin, check out the next step up in price. These rooms may let in a little light, but often, they’re found in inconvenient locations on the ship, or are smaller than the lower level cabins. Depending on the cruise ship, there might be multiple rooms within the “moderate” range. Some ships have 15 to 20 different price points on rooms, most falling in this level. So how can you be sure that you’re getting the best cabin for the price?

Before booking a room, consider at two important factors: location and size. You want to be close enough to the activities and amenities you enjoy, but if your room is right beside the bar, it might be hard to sleep at night. And keep in mind that a smaller room that’s closer to prime activity hubs may be the same price as a larger room that’s in a less convenient location. Take the time to consider what’s important to you on your vacation.

Cruise Ship Veranda Cabins

Rooms with balconies are called veranda cabins. These cabins are a popular choice for couples, and allow guests to have some private outdoor space. The balcony may look out over the ocean or over the deck. Some veranda cabins will fall into the moderate price range, while others will start to get a bit expensive for most people on a budget. Once again, size and location are the two main factors.

Cruise Ship Suites

Like hotels, most cruises have suites on all decks for guests who want a more luxurious vacation. Suites are at least two rooms, but may have as many as five or six. As you’d expect, they’re typically fancier than most other rooms, and include better televisions and bigger beds. Certain suites even feature personal hot tubs. Depending on the cruise ship, some suites include access to a private VIP deck, pool and lounge areas, which are typically quieter and less crowded. Sometimes, cruise ships even have exclusive restaurants and other facilities for those in VIP suites.

Other Types of Cruise Ship Rooms

Cruise ships try to cater to the tastes and needs of their guests. Most ships have rooms for smokers (though some are completely smoke free). You can also find cruise ships that have handicapped accessible rooms, which are located on main decks that are close to activities. Many ships also offer cabins that are linked together, which is perfect for larger families, or travelers with teens who still need some supervision.

Whichever cabin you decide is right for you, be sure to book it early. Even if there are still tickets left, there is no guarantee that the room you want will be available. Some cruises only have a few suites, for example, and others have very few rooms available at the lowest price point. Book your cruise early and make sure you request the specific room you want. Cruise lines sometimes fill up fast, so be prepared with backup options on the ship, or on another cruise if you don’t get your first choice.

Ryan Anderson is a freelance writer who writes about vacationing, often discussing a specific kind trip such as discount cruises.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/differences-in-cruise-ship-cabin-options-1377620.html

Researching Your Cruise Ship Options

There are a large number of cruise lines that operate numerous cruise ships.  In fact, there are so many cruise ships available that many individuals, maybe even yourself included, do not know where to start.

The first step in planning a cruise ship vacation is making the decision to take one.  Traveling aboard a cruise ship can be a fun and exciting experience, but it is not for everyone.  Cruises ships often require residing in close corridors for an extend period of time.  If you have a difficult time dealing with crowds or you are looking for an overnight vacation, you may want to reexamine your decision to schedule a cruise ship vacation.  

If you have already decided that a cruise ship vacation is what you want, you will need to find a cruise ship that interests you. This is where many individuals develop a problem.  As previously mentioned, there are a number of different cruise lines. Each of these cruises lines operates a number of different cruise ships.  Each cruise ship is likely to travel to different destinations and offer different activities, services, and facilities.  

When searching for the perfect cruise ship, you have numerous options.  Many travelers automatically start searching for the cruise ship of their dreams. Searching for a cruise ship is, in a way, different than searching for a cruise line.  If you do not have a preference as to which cruise ship line youd like to travel with, it may be easier to search for cruises based on themes, destinations, or onboard activities.  A standard internet search is a great way to educate yourself on the cruise ships available.  

If you prefer to travel with a specific cruise line, you will want to research that particular cruise line.  You can visit the cruise lines online website to further educate yourself or else you can perform a standard internet search.  If you are unaware of the cruise line selection you have, you can easily familiarize yourself.  There are a number of travel websites that offer information and links to the websites of popular cruise lines.  Performing an internet search with the keywords cruise lines, is likely to produce a large number of results.  

In your search, it is likely that you will come up with popular cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruse Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, and much more.  Once you are able to view the online website of each cruise line, you can begin to search for cruise ships with reservations still available.  When browsing through each cruise ship, you will likely be presented with standard information. This information may outline the activities available onboard, destinations, travel stops, and the cost of reserving a cabin.  

The Disney Cruise Line is one of the most well-known and sought after cruise lines for individuals vacationing with a family.  If you are interested in scheduling a Disney cruise, you will see that the two cruise ships used are named Disney Wonder and Disney Magic.  Each ship has onboard Disney characters and beautiful dcor.  The main differences between the two ships are the character statues found onboard.

Carnival Cruise Lines is well-known among frequent travelers.  They offer a wide range of cruises; however, their main focus seems to be on fun cruises.  When researching Carnival Cruise Lines, you will see that they have over 20 fun ships.  These ships target cruise goers who are interested in socializing, partying, and having an adventure over the water.  Popular cruise ships include, but are not limited to Fantasy, Ecstasy, Celebration Fascination, and Sensation.  

Royal Caribbean is another one of the many well-known cruise lines in the world. They are famous for their international cruises.  Just a few of their many cruise ships include Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas.  With twenty-one cruise ships, you are sure to find what you are looking for with Royal Caribbean

Researching each cruise line and cruise ships, individually, may take time.  If you are pressed for time you can seek the assistance of a travel agent.  Whichever method of research you select, research is important. It is the best way to find the perfect cruise ship for you and your family.